What does podcasting really mean in 2026, and who gets to define it?

In this episode of Into The Podverse, host Tony Doe sits down with Elsie Escobar, one of the most influential voices in podcasting and a former longtime leader at Libsyn. Drawing from nearly two decades inside the industry, Elsie breaks down the biggest shift most creators still misunderstand: the changing definition of what a podcast actually is.

This conversation dives deep into:

Why podcasting has become a cultural vocabulary problem

The difference between RSS-based audio podcasting and platform-led video shows

Common myths about podcast hosting and why many creators don't need to pay to start

What creators are really paying for when they choose a hosting platform:

• Why discoverability is a community problem, not an algorithm problem
• Visibility vs discoverability and why confusing the two hurts independent creators
• The future of podcasting in a multimodal, AI-driven world
• Ownership, IP, and the personal cost of building corporate podcasts
• Why the human voice still matters more than ever in the age of AI

Elsie also reflects on founding ShePodcasts, supporting women and BIPOC creators long before it was fashionable, and what she would do differently if she were building a community today.

This episode is essential listening for podcasters, media professionals, platforms, and anyone serious about building sustainable, human-centred audio ecosystems, beyond hype, algorithms, and trends.

In 2025, global podcast listenership topped 584 million, marking a maturing industry with slower but steady growth. From an African view, the year felt like "settling", no explosive hype, but intentional expansion driven by community, niche content, and real-life needs like faith and grounding amid economic pressures.

While North America dominates billions in ad revenue, Africa's podcast scene builds independently: Nigeria's charts ruled by sermons, South Africa's deep listening habits, and Kenya's urban youth vibe. Creators prioritise owning their space over chasing metrics, using podcasts for education, advocacy, and culture, claiming power at their own pace.

What happens when the friend everyone calls for advice suddenly reaches thousands? This episode of Into the Podverse profiles Richard "Richie" Coleman, host of Richie's TalkZone, a fast-rising youth podcast in Nigeria.

Richie walks through the phone call that turned private guidance into a public platform, why he tackles the tough issues young people face, and how his voice-over background shapes his signature sound. He also breaks down his growth strategy and explains why impact, not monetisation, drives his work.

A sharp, honest look at the mindset behind one of Nigeria's most relatable youth voices, and a useful guide for creators who want to build content that truly resonates.