Podcast Movement Evolutions has confirmed new on-stage programming during SXSW, with creators, live performances and short talks shaping its 2026 event.
The conference, produced by Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable, will take place from 13-15 March at Sky Box on 6th Street in downtown Austin.
The first announced featured creator is MrBallen, the on-air name of John Allen, who hosts The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories.
His appearance is part of a broader programme designed to mix headline talent with shorter sessions intended to surface new thinking from across the industry.
Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable, said: “From standout creators to short form talks and live performances, the content is designed to spark ideas, start conversations, and give attendees a real sense of where podcasting is headed.” He added that this initial announcement represents only the start of the programme rollout.
Live programming across the weekend will include a table reading of The G.Y.M, a script by Dani Hanks, an AFF and Webby Award winning writer and director, created for the Table Read podcast.
The reading will feature performances by Allison Dunbar, Emmy-nominated Kensington Tallman and Shaan Sharma, with further casting to be confirmed.
The schedule will also include a live edition of the Scalable podcast, hosted by Kaya Yurieff and Jasmine Enberg, focusing on business and the creator economy.
A morning keynote presentation by YouTube is also planned as part of the weekend programme.
For the first time, the event will introduce a Discovery Track built around 10-minute spotlight talks. These sessions will run ahead of 50-minute sponsored panels from Sounds Profitable partners, with each day following a different theme from the current power of audio, through creative development, to the future of attention.
Speakers across the three days include Ami Thakkar, Bridget Todd, Greg Glenday and Kate Navin on 13 March, followed by Cassie Jozefov, Blythe Terrell, Leital Molad and Jasmine Fluker on 14 March. The final day will feature Rae Votta, Krystle Waters, Ernest Owens and Mary Williams.
More speakers and programming details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
