Sean Astin will serve as the keynote speaker at Podcast Movement Evolutions during SXSW, held from March 13 to 15 at the Sky Box in Austin. The event, featuring a diverse group of creators and industry leaders, highlights developments in podcasting, with Astin bringing his experience as an actor and President of SAG-AFTRA to the closing day.
Featured Talent and Programming Highlights
Actors Penn Badgley and Maya Hawke are among the notable additions to the weekend’s lineup, joining live performances and recordings. Badgley will participate in an event with Companion, while Hawke will appear in a live recording of Broken Record. The event will also showcase an acoustic set by Andy Grammer alongside other music performances and discussions hosted by Companion on March 14.
Additional speakers include Steve McLendon, YouTube’s Product Lead for podcasting, who will deliver a keynote about podcast discovery and creator tools. The weekend opens with remarks from Tom Fox, founder of The Compliance Podcast Network and the event’s community session honorarium program.
Apple Podcasts’ New Video Features Spotlighted
Apple will use the event to highlight its recently introduced video podcast experience within the Apple Podcasts app. Powered by HLS technology, this platform allows creators to control distribution and monetization, including dynamic video advertising supported through partnerships with hosting providers and ad platforms.
Community Engagement and Closing Ceremony
Podcast Movement Evolutions emphasizes collaboration among creators and industry professionals. Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable and President at Podcast Movement, explained,
“Podcasting is evolving faster than ever across audio, video, live experiences, and creator-led media,”
adding,
“Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is where the future of the medium comes into focus and where the people building it come together.”
The event will conclude with The Independent Creator Awards Show from Oxford Road, hosted by rapper and activist Killer Mike, celebrating achievements in independent content creation.
Looking Ahead for Podcast Creators and Fans
As podcasting continues to expand in format and reach, SXSW’s Podcast Movement Evolutions provides a vital platform for innovation and connection. With leaders like Sean Astin bridging creative and union perspectives, and companies like Apple advancing podcast video technology, the event signals ongoing transformation in how podcasts are produced and consumed.
Attendance to the event is free, encouraging participation from a broad community of creators and listeners eager to explore the next stage of podcasting’s growth.
