From Audio Blogging to Mainstream Media

Ever wonder how podcasts actually started? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t in 2004!

Join Trent on a time-traveling journey through over 40 years of podcasting history that will completely change how you think about this medium. Discover the surprising 1980s origins of “audio blogging” when Radio Computing Services was already delivering digital content to radio stations—two decades before anyone said the word “podcast.”

In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why “podcast” has “iPod” in the name (even though you never needed one to listen!) - The game-changing moment in 2003 when Dave Weiner and Christopher Lydon created the first audio RSS feed - How Adam Curry and Dave Weiner launched iPodder—the very first podcast hosting platform - The 2014 breakthrough that changed everything: Serial hits 5 million downloads and doubles podcast listenership in just 5 years - Why the 2020 pandemic became podcasting’s rocket fuel moment - The jaw-dropping stat: Americans now listen to 773 million hours of podcasts EVERY WEEK

Here’s the best news: If you’ve ever thought you’re “too late” to start a podcast, this episode will prove you wrong. With over 55% of Americans 12+ listening to podcasts monthly, 2024 is officially the year podcasts hit mainstream—which means we’re just getting started.

From audio blogging to video podcasting and beyond, this is the origin story every podcaster (and podcast fan) needs to hear. Welcome to the playground! 🎙️

Produced & Edited by: Olivia Blomberg
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/