Large podcast conferences are at a crossroads, with the podcasting community wondering how next year's conferences and beyond will be reshaped by the winds of change. Here are three possible futures.

#podcasting

https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/podcast-conferences-cancel-culture-human-dignity

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

But before you say, "Ugh, not another hot take about the kerfuffle at Podcast Movement 2022"—rest assured, I'm not adding another hot take on what happened.

Instead, I want to present three possible futures I believe are likely to play out for future podcast conferences—not just Podcast Movement.

One quick caveat: There's no way in hell I'm going to "both sides" this issue. I've zero patience for deplorable people. And if you're already bristling at my use of that word, you have been warned.

1. The Free-Dumb Future For Podcast Conferences

If the free-speech-at-all-cost torchbearers are not curtailed, expect protests. Activist attendees with clever slogans on t-shirts. Panelists and presenters naming names. Disruptions from the audience toward panelists or presenters who seek to undermine democracy.

2. The Status Quo Future For Podcast Conferences

Equally likely is a future where...nothing happens. I believe many event organizers and attendees are counting on this future. This keeps marginalized voices away, and conferences cater to the bigger, more monied side of podcasting.

3. The Responsibility-First Future Of Podcast Conferences

Or perhaps podcast organizers do make a stand and carefully vet every speaker, sponsor, and possibly even attendee. Or more conferences like She Podcasts Live and BLK Podcast Festival come into existence.

Will those conferences create echo chambers? They can, sure. Do they restrict "different opinions" from being presented and limit the inclusivity they claim to uphold? Oh, FFS. Give me a break. Anyone saying that is either being disingenuous or still has no idea what an asshole they sound like to the rest of us. If they want, they can—and probably will—form their own conference where they can collectively pine for a return to the world of segregation, don't ask don't tell, and a time when less than half the population had the right to vote.

Fuck 'em.

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Links

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• Podcast Movement 2022
• She Podcasts Live
• BLK Podcast Festival
• Mentioned (and then the standard links and credits will follow:

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