The Audio Academy Podcast

Episodios

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  Audio Academy Festival - Episode 1, supported by Rayo 06.10.2026 26m

  ARIA award winner Mishal Husain, Bauer Media Audio UK’s Simon Myciunka and BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Presenter/ part-time tandem cyclist Greg James feature in the first of our three Audio Academy Festival 2026 podcasts, supported by Rayo. Tom Jackson, Ruth Cooper-Dickson, Sami Hussy and Alisa Mayers speak with panellists, hosts and delegates to give you a flavour of the 2026 event.The Audio Academy mentoring scheme is now open for applications and is aimed for those looking for mid- level career support. Applications need to be in by 1st November - to find out more and to apply go to our website audioacademy.org.uk Also, we'd like your thoughts on the key question we are asking the audio industry at the moment - What is the one, most important thing you’d like to see the Audio Academy do over the next 12 months?Contact us at [email protected] with your ideas and suggestions.
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  Dolby Stage with Festival 2026 with Rich Addis 29.09.2026 20m

  Rich Addis from the Music, Audiobook and Podcast Content Relations Team at Dolby in London chats about the Dolby Library Stage at the Audio Academy Festival 2026.The Dolby Library Stage offers an immersive audio experience, featuring cutting-edge content created using state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos technology. But how does Dolby Atmos differ from stereo and other audio systems? What makes high-quality sound so powerful when creating an audio project? And what are some of the highlights you can expect to hear at the Dolby Library Stage?Rich answers all these questions and gives us a preview of what to expect from this unique audio experience.And there’s still time to buy a ticket for the festival on 1st October 2026 for a full day of discussion, fantastic guest speakers, and inspiring sessions about the audio industry   - visit the website audioacademy.org.uk/festival to see the schedule and book your place. 
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  The Art of Voice Tracking with Jamie Cawdell 22.09.2026 17m

  Broadcaster Jamie Cawdell from On Air Content takes a closer look at the art of voice tracking — exploring both its benefits and the pitfalls to avoid.How long should it really take to voice-track a radio show? Why is voice tracking often seen as the poor relation to live broadcasting? And what’s the difference between simply filling a programme and properly preparing it?Jamie shares practical advice on making voice-tracked shows sound natural, engaging and genuinely live. Because when it’s done properly, even fellow radio professionals shouldn’t be able to tell the difference — let alone the listener.Who and what would you like to hear in future podcasts? Let me know - you can email [email protected] Please like and subscribe to the Audio Academy Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you. Audio Academy Festival tickets for 1st October are on sale at the Audio Academy Website
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  The Podcast World Cup? 15.09.2026 21m

  Was 2026 the Podcast World Cup? In the past, the media war has always been between the BBC and ITV, and who would get the biggest ratings for the matches, especially the England games. But this year, that all changed, with multiple podcasts either launching or putting out special World Cup editions. Marcus Speller from fan favourite The Football Ramble and TalkSport’s Head of Podcasts, Abi Paterson, chat about how they approached this year’s tournament, how successful their podcasts were, and what lessons they learned.Who and what would you like to hear in future podcasts? Let me know - you can email me at [email protected] Audio Academy Festival Tickets are on sale now at  audioacademy.org.uk
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  Technology of In-Car Audio with Joe D'Angelo from Xperi 08.09.2026 20m

  Joe D’Angelo, Senior Vice President of Broadcast Radio and Digital Audio at Xperi shares the Xperi story and explores how technology is transforming the in-car audio experience. We discuss the evolution of connected car audio, how listeners are engaging with radio and digital audio, and the valuable data that connected in-car consoles can provide to broadcasters and advertisers.Book your Audio Academy Festival tickets now at audioacademy.org.uk/festival/ for 1st October Who and what would you like to hear in future podcasts? Let me know - you can email [email protected] 
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  Meet the MD Aradhna Tayal Leach 01.09.2026 23m

  This week, as we return to full-length episodes of the podcast, we’re looking ahead to the future of the Audio Academy. Where do we see our place in the industry, and how can we best support our members as they develop their careers?We’re also asking our members an important question: What is the one thing you’d most like to see the Audio Academy do over the next 12 months?Who better to explore these questions with than our Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the audio industry, working as a strategic consultant and leader across media, events and engagement.Join us as we look at where the Audio Academy is heading, what the industry needs, and how we can continue to support the people at the heart of audio.Festival tickets are on sale now for the Audio Academy Festival on 1st October - check out the amazing guest speakers we have announced already on the website audioacademy.org.uk/festival/  
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  Crossed Wires 2026 - Summer Shorts 25.08.2026 13m

  In the final episode of our Summer Shorts series this week, we hear some previously unheard audio from the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival in Sheffield. We hear thoughts and reflections from the BBC Sounds Garden, the Loose Lips local podcast stage, the Gangster Podcast, comedian, musician and podcaster David Eagle, and BBC Radio Sheffield. Festival tickets are on sale now for the Audio Academy Festival on 1st October - check out the amazing guest speakers we have announced already on the website audioacademy.org.uk/festival/  
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  Radio Days Riga - Summer Shorts 18.08.2026 12m

  We look back at Radio Days, held in Riga, Latvia, in March, with previously unheard audio from the conference. We hear from Mohit Bakaya, Controller of BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra; Dave Riley Jones of Aiir; Matt Deegan and Nikki Burch from the BBC, as they explore audiences’ connection with radio and the evolving role of public service broadcasting. Who and what would you like to hear in future podcasts? Let me know - you can email me at [email protected] This years 30 Under 30 scheme has been extended to 24th August so get your applications and nominations in now at audioacademy.org.uk/30-under-30/Audio Academy Festival tickets are available now - check out our website audioacademy.org.uk/ for details.
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  Meet the Fellows - Summer Shorts 11.08.2026 13m

  Fellowships of the Audio Academy are awarded each year at the festival and represent the highest honour the Academy can bestow on a member of our industry. In 2025, Bernard Achampong, Nick Pitts, Rachel Barton and Chris North were all made Fellows of the Academy. This week’s podcast brings together some highlights from the conversations they shared across their individual episodes giving advice for people wanting to get into audio and how to be different in the industry. Who and what would you like to hear in future podcasts? Let me know - you can email me at [email protected] This years 30 Under 30 scheme closes on 21st August so get your applications and nominations in now at audioacademy.org.uk/30-under-30/Audio Academy Festival tickets are available now - check out our website audioacademy.org.uk/ for details.
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  Stephanie Hirst - Summer Shorts 04.08.2026 11m

  Stephanie Hirst is a Fellow and former trustee of the Audio Academy. She's one of the UK's most recognisable and respected voices on the airwaves, from Spinnin' the Decades on Greatest Hits Radio to Belters on Hits Radio, which celebrates its fifth anniversary at the end of August. Stephanie has built a loyal audience with her passion for great music and infectious enthusiasm. In this previously unheard conversation, Stephanie joins us to share her lifelong love affair with vinyl, which inspired the vinyl request hour on Spinnin’ The Decades, and reflect on the phenomenal success of Belters. Apply for 30 Under 30 on our website  before 21st August Apply for a Audio Academy Festival Bursary on our website  before 9th August Buy Audio Academy Festival Tickets here 
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  Meet The Experts - Summer Shorts 28.07.2026 12m

  We’re looking back at our Meet the Experts podcast series, featuring industry leaders who took part in last year’s Festival 1-2-1 sessions. The 1-2-1s offer a unique opportunity to spend valuable time with station heads and commissioners, ask questions, and gain insight into the industry. In these conversations, our experts share their top tips on creating standout demos, writing compelling pitches, and developing the skills needed to succeed in the audio industry.Bournemouth Social is tonight 29th July 2026 and we have a Newcastle Social on 4th August 2026. There’s still time to book your tickets for both of these. It’s free for Audio Academy members and just £4 for non members - book your tickets at the Audio Academy Website
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  Lady Unchained - Summer Shorts 21.07.2026 10m

  It's the first episode of our Summer Shorts series, and we begin with previously unheard audio featuring Lady Unchained, recorded earlier this year. In 2024, Lady Unchained, from the Prison Radio Association, won a Gold ARIA Award for Best Specialist Music Show for FreeFlow. In this episode, she reflects on her personal journey from prison to joining the Prison Radio Association, and how that experience has shaped her work and passion for giving others a voice. You can buy Audio Academy Festival tickets here  and book your 1-2-1 session. 
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  Alice Nagendran Head of Business BBC Radio & Music Commissioning 14.07.2026 20m

  In February, Alice Nagendran took on the newly created role of Head of Business, Radio & Music Commissioning at the BBC, bringing together commissioning for speech and music radio and podcasts for the first time. In this interview, Alice explains the thinking behind this new approach, outlines how the BBC is strengthening its engagement with independent audio producers, and shares practical advice on what to do—and what to avoid—when pitching ideas. Bok here for the London (16th July) and Newcastle (4th August) Summer Socials 
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  Crossed Wires Festival - Live Podcasts That Pack The Room 07.07.2026 29m

  Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield is now in its third year and has doubled in size, welcoming 50,000 people from around the world to 80 live podcast shows across 11 venues and stages. How does taking a successful podcast from the studio to a live audience change the dynamic of a show? We bring you highlights from across the weekend, including the festival Creative Director Greg James and conversations with Nicky Campbell, Marianna Spring from Top Comment, Dilly Carter from Sort Your Life Out: Unpacked, and Fun Kids' Dan Simpson.Apply or nominate for 30 Under 30 here Book tickets for the London summer social on 16th July here 
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  30 Under 30 How It Changed my Career 30.06.2026 19m

  As we launch this year’s Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30, 2019 alumnus Darby Dorras, Chief Content Officer at Platform Media, chats about what the accolade meant to him and how it can be your ‘calling card’ for the year you’re chosen. Leanne Alie, a 30 Under 30 in 2020 and now a freelance podcast producer, talks about the network of creatives 30 Under 30 can bring you and what she’s working on now.The Aiir Audio Academy 30 Under 30 for 2026 is open now - apply or nominate here Check out our social events in Birmingham, Crossed Wires in Sheffield and London here 
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  Valerie Geller 23.06.2026 23m

  Journalist, talent coach, and mentor Valerie Geller delivered one of our most popular sessions at last year's festival, and on the podcast this week she talks about making powerful radio and her latest book, Beyond Powerful Radio - a guide to the digital world. She shares her thoughts on how she approaches podcasting and video podcasting, and on how to connect, keep, and grow audiences.Audio Academy Members can view Valerie's Festival Session here and access the 30% discount code for Valerie's book Beyond Powerful Radio hereIf you are not a member then details of how to join the Audio Academy are here Tickets for the Birmingham Social on 1st July are available here
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  Meet the Fellows - Chris North 16.06.2026 22m

  This week, we meet the last of our new fellows, Chris North, founder of North Media Talent and the Audio Academy Executive Director of the festival and Foot in the Door. Last September, Chris was surprised by the honour and chats about the accolade, how he started in the industry and his long association with Demo Factor at the SRA Con.You can book Birmingham Social tickets for 1st July - here You can book London Summer Social tickets for 16th July - here Audio Academy Festival tickets for 1st October and details of the freelancer early bird rate are - here 
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  Foot in The Door - Liverpool 09.06.2026 21m

  We find out what happened at our Liverpool Foot in the Door day, with guest producer Ella Eastaway from Moore Student Radio. Ella chatted to Aria Gold winner BBC Radio Merseyside breakfast presenter Kevin Duala, Mike Wooller, Head of Strategy and Podcasts at DMG Media and Julie Cullen, Managing Editor, BBC 5 Live, along with other students and delegates from the day.  
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  ARIAS 2026 Part 2 02.06.2026 48m

  It’s part 2 of the ARIAS 2026, and we continue with the winners of the next 11 categories, including a Special Recognition Award for Trevor Nelson, the Radio Times Moment of the Year, the John Myers Local Station of the Year and UK Radio Station or Network of the Year. There are also backstage interviews with Gold Award winners and what happened at the after-party. 
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  ARIAS 2026 26.05.2026 44m

  It’s part 1 of the ARIAS 2026. We start with some Purple Carpet interviews before the ceremony, followed by the winners of the first 11 categories, including Best News, Best Speech Breakfast, Best Factual Series and Best Event Coverage, plus backstage interviews with Gold Award recipients. Early Bird Festival Tickets are available to buy on the Audio Academy Website