Tech

Rebel Audio Launches Invite-Only Podcast Summit Pod U With Mike Majlak, MDMotivator and Caleb Simpson

Published on October 8, 2026

Rebel Audio, an AI-powered podcasting platform, announced “Pod U,” an invite-only creator think tank set for October 16 at the Rebel Chateau in Franklin, Tennessee. The gathering is organized by Jared Gutstadt, founder and CEO of Rebel Audio.

The first announced participants include Zachery Dereniowski, known as “MDMotivator,” whose content reaches more than 60 million followers across platforms in partnership with Onefluent; Mike “Big Mike” Majlak, Rebel Audio’s Chief Creator in Residence; creator Caleb Simpson; Andrew Essex, formerly of Droga5; Chris Ruediger, founder of Fort Nash; and Ecomm Cowboy. Representatives from the NHL and NFL are also expected to attend.

“Pod U” departs from a standard conference format by pairing live conversations with recording sessions, interviews, and livestreams throughout the day. Jimmy Jellinek, a former Playboy and Maxim editor who now produces for public radio, will moderate and produce the sessions, which will be captured and clipped on Rebel Audio in real time.

Gutstadt framed the event as part of a broader effort to position Nashville as a hub for the Creator Economy. “AI tools are changing the game for creators, and podcasting sits atop the hierarchy of relevance,” he said. “‘Pod U’ is about forging our community and values, a think tank and curriculum built to give individuals the ability to build audiences, businesses and entire media companies around their voices and ideas.” He added that Rebel Audio built its campus in Nashville because “we believe the future of all creators will come from the center of America.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rebel Audio (@rebelaudioai)

The event will also launch the “Pod U Scholarship,” administered through Dereniowski’s nonprofit Kindness is Cool. Creators can apply through a submission portal by describing how their podcast would benefit their community for a chance to win a scholarship to attend. “My content has always been about finding the kindest people and reminding the world that there is still so much good in people,” Dereniowski said.

The day’s programming will open with a group morning recovery bike ride hosted by Mike’s Bikes and close with dinner before guests continue the evening in downtown Nashville.