Nova Scotia Today, host Dan Ahlstrand chats with Rhys Waters of Podstarter about the rapid growth of podcasting and why Halifax is the perfect home for the Echo Podcast Summit on June 18. Rhys shares the origin of the summit, Halifax’s surprising role in Canadian podcast history, and this year’s theme: community.

They discuss how podcasters can stand out in an increasingly crowded space, the power of focusing on a clear niche, and why authentic, long-form audio is a powerful antidote to AI-driven content. Rhys also previews the summit’s lineup, including partners like Acast, YouTube, Amazon Music, CBC, and Canadaland, plus an Amazon Music after-party at the Podstarter studio.

How personal should journalists go with their audio storytelling? CBC Atlantic Voice host/producer Lindsay Bird joins Luke Quinton, writer/audio producer and host of the CBC Podcast Come By Chance, to discuss first-person pieces, the role of journalists as a guide, and the rules they’re guided by.

​Lindsay Bird is the producer and host of Atlantic Voice, the home of documentaries and storytelling about the East Coast on CBC Radio and CBC Listen. Luke Quinton is a writer and audio producer in St. John's, who returned to N.L. after a decade in Austin, Tex. His documentaries have appeared on the podcasts 99% Invisible and Snap Judgement, and on radio for the BBC, CBC and NPR.

https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

Examining and discussing the unique power and responsibility podcasters hold as modern storytellers. We’ll explore how digital myths emerge and transform into cultural narratives via podcasts and can ultimately shape listeners perception of reality. A short presentation from a digital anthropologist perspective and ample time to discuss an increasingly influential medium where gatekeepers are often absent.

This presentation was given by Giles Crouch, Digital Anthropologist.

He helps organizations navigate these new territories using time-tested anthropological methods combined with cutting-edge digital insights and 20+ years as a leader in marketing communications.

He’s been featured in WIRED, Forbes, National Geographic, BBC News, CBC News, Arab News and CTV News among others. He brings deep insights from 150+ netnographic research projects and 20+ successful technology product launches to help clients decode the intersection of technology, marketing and culture.

https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/