Fresh from The Podcast Show London, Alexandra Forsyth, host of the Take A Chance On You podcast gives a rundown of key topics and insights.
My last article discussed where the future of podcasting is heading, including live events and a shift towards experimental concepts.
This time, my focus turns towards storytelling, video and human connection.
If you’re new to podcasting or a seasoned professional, one keyword dominated conversations…video, echoed throughout the show by researchers, analysts and hosting platforms. How to monetise and protect your IP, human touch and what the future looks like in the age of AI also provided key takeaways.
What I truly believe The Podcast Show got right, is bringing a host of individuals together in one space, deliberating on ideas through shared understanding. Podcasting is global, but still relatively new as an industry, with many of us moving towards collaborative efforts to enhance brand strategy and strengthen partnerships.
Consumer Insights: AI, Video, and More
First up and a highlight for me, the UK Podcast Consumer Report 2026 presented by Ollie Chadwick (Regional Director, UK & Ireland AdsWizz) and Gabriel Soto (Senior Director of Research, Edison Research).
The report identified a considerable proportion of consumers listen to audio after watching video, meaning they effectively use it as a discovery tool to find new and exciting podcasts. 39% of listeners only listen to audio, however, video is on the rise, accounting for 27% of listeners.
Rise of the “causal” consumers was a fascinating addition, emphasising how podcasting is becoming adaptable, with listeners able to tune in depending on preferences for audio and/or video.
This led me to reflect on my own podcast mission. As a host, it is about making sure you bring the audience along on the journey. Whether they are driving the car, walking the dog, going for a casual stroll around the park or picking the children up from school; intentionality is key, we want our community to feel a part of the story, not just bystanders but active participants. Reflecting on my article in April, this is exactly where I see the future of podcasts heading; towards live events and community-driven experiences that bring people together to build human connection.
How To Tune in: PR & Cultural Moments
Shedding light on the magical world of podcasting, PR and media; I popped along to a fantastic panel discussing pitching the media dos and don’ts.
As an avid pitcher myself, I have been featured across media outlets for my work over the years including podcasting. I agree that it isn’t just about how good the podcast episode is but going a step further and aligning your story with the outlet you’re wanting to be featured with and making sure there is substance.
Cross-media is another angle where you can utilise your social channels, build a portfolio and share content on your website or blog format. This can’t be underestimated.
Making Money Through Monetisation and Protecting Your IP
In the world of podcasting, because of the content volume needing to be produced, monetisation and asset protection can come later in the journey, with it being difficult to juggle all aspects of business.
I was pleased to attend a talk discussing the value of podcasting in today’s market as a monetisation tool, whether that be through brand partnerships and sponsorships. There are very lucrative ways to grow your podcast, starting with traditional models of intro/outro, ad-spend and host reads. There is also another side; built from co-curation with brands and sponsors, opting for enhanced campaigns. The “ambassador” role, championing and capturing both podcast and brand as an extension of one another can truly elevate storytelling.
Protecting podcast IP is a fundamental for early adopters and even growing podcasts; working out who owns what (solo creators vs co-hosts). Copyright is applied automatically for assets in the UK, however, differs depending on jurisdiction (worth checking depending on where you’re located). Having clear guidance from the beginning can again help optimise later in your podcast journey.
Human Connection, Building from The Ground Up and Scaling Without Waiting for Permission
My first year of podcasting has been no easy ride. Sharing my journey at The Podcast Show was a dream come true this year! An intimate session with attendees, turned into a Q/A pass-the-mic conversation.
I delivered a keynote focused on human-centred storytelling, creator growth and building sustainable media platforms in increasingly AI-forward environments. Digital transformation is here to stay, but we don’t have to let it undermine our creative talent. While I use AI for certain tasking including market research, the core of podcasting (guest and host participation / editing) will always require human touch. We must feel the story in order to tell it. The same goes for podcasting, we need to see all parts of the journey to truly understand the industry and our own positioning.
Several discussions took place during my session:
- identifying barriers when trying to show-up online effectively,
- how to post both personal and podcast brand together,
- striking the balance between guest and host content,
- boosting confidence and identity,
- building sustainable platforms in modern media.
I would love to hear your pain points when it comes to podcasting and content creation. Together we can find ways forward and help each other, from solo journey to community.
Alexandra Forsyth is the host of Take A Chance On You and a recent speaker at The Podcast Show London. Her work focuses on experience-led podcasting, brand partnerships, and human-focused ROI across live and digital environments.
Website – https://www.alexandra-forsyth.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraforsyth
