How do you turn casual listeners and TikTok scrollers into a real podcast community that shows up, shares, and even buys tickets to live events?

Recorded live at the Echo Podcast Summit in Halifax, this panel explores how podcast communities migrate across platforms with experts from Acast Canada:

• Rhys Waters – Host, Podstarter / Echo Podcast Summit
• Al Strasberg – Creator Network Development Manager, Acast Canada
• Heather Gordon – Managing Director, Acast Canada

You’ll learn:

• Why video isn’t mandatory (and why some top shows stay audio-only)
• The real signals of engagement beyond download numbers
• How creators like Morgan Book and Adam & Jax moved audiences from TikTok & social into podcast apps
• Why a massive following on one platform doesn’t automatically translate into podcast listeners
• Practical ways to package your show for sponsors and think in omnichannel terms (podcast + social + newsletters + live shows)
• Concrete tactics for building real community: DMs, Facebook groups, naming your fans, and unforgettable live events

If you’re trying to grow a podcast, monetize it, or turn your show into a multi-platform brand, this conversation is packed with actionable insight.

00:00 – Why podcast community matters now more than ever

00:09 – Echo Podcast Summit intro & theme of ‘community’

01:24 – Panel intro: Acast, Al Strasberg & Heather Gordon

03:24 – How podcasts have changed in the last few years

03:55 – The rise of video… and why some creators stay audio-only

05:35 – Younger audiences, video trends, and meeting listeners where they are

06:32 – What real engagement looks like beyond downloads

07:17 – Picking your platforms wisely: discovery vs deep engagement

08:55 – When clips go viral but full episodes don’t—does it matter?

09:41 – Case study: Morgan Book’s journey from BookTok to podcasting

10:49 – Lessons from moving audiences from social to RSS

11:16 – Why big social numbers don’t guarantee podcast listeners

12:27 – Don’t assume your short-form fans will stay for 45 minutes

13:10 – Case study: Adam & Jax building TikTok first, podcast second

14:11 – Launching a podcast as a “big reveal” after social growth

14:31 – Monetization shift: from audio-only to omnichannel selling

15:54 – Why podcasters can be more influential than traditional influencers

18:03 – How Acast packages shows for sponsors & handles monetization

19:49 – Practical tips to start building your community spaces

20:12 – Substack, TikTok, Instagram, and choosing what fits your show

20:30 – Montreal case study: thriving Facebook group to 1500-seat live shows

21:30 – Tony & Ryan: naming their community and replying to everyone

22:42 – Turning live shows into ‘you’re the only one in the room’ moments

23:34 – Listener ownership: “I approve this podcast” intros

24:02 – Closing: sponsors, thanks, and Echo Podcast Summit 2026

Recorded live at the Echo Podcast Summit (June 18, 2026) at the Halifax Convention Centre.

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