Greetings PM Family,
Before we get rolling, we'd like to wish everyone a Happy Black History Month, and share with you this great piece from the History Channel.
In this week's edition, we are pleased to announce that the PM21 website is now live! We are also excited about your last opportunity to submit for the 25th Annual Webby Awards, plus some PM21 news, and updates from the community!
The PM21 Website is Live!
While PM21 in Nashville this August seems like a lifetime away, we're confident that we will not only make it to August but that we'll be able to put on the best Podcast Movement of all time!
We'd love to have you consider joining us in-person or virtually, and have launched the official PM21 website to give you all the info you need!
Mark your spot in history: The last chance to enter your podcast in the 25th Annual Webby Awards is February 12th
This anniversary season, The Webbys has introduced new categories to adapt to the changing nature of the Internet. New categories include Podcast honors for Individual Episodes and Diversity and Inclusion; new Social categories for Interview/Talk Show, Best Editing, Best Influencer and Performance and Dance; brand new Virtual & Remote categories, and more.
New judges reviewing podcasting work include Nikole Hannah-Jones, Creator of The 1619 Project; Shereen Marisol Meraji, Host of Code Switch; Luvvie Ajayi, Host of Jesus and Jollof. Plus judges including Bill Simmons, Host of The Bill Simmons Podcast and Alex Blumberg, Co-founder of Gimlet Media
Work is honored across Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Social; Podcasts; Games and new this year Apps and Software and Virtual & Remote.
LAST CHANCE to enter before the Extended Deadline on Friday, February 12th at webbyawards.com
PM21 Speaker Submissions Opening Soon
Podcast Movement has always had an open speaker submission process, and 2021 will be no different. It is the only event in podcasting that provides the opportunity for you to share the stage with the biggest podcasters, brands, and organizations in the industry.
We had over 700 submissions last year for the roughly 70 speaking spots, and expect that number to go up. That means it is very competitive, but also means that you have a great shot at having a chance to take part! The submissions are always diverse, full of creativity, and address important topics in the podcast industry and for podcasters worldwide.
We encourage you to consider what message you can bring to the PM21 stage in Nashville, and to those who attend virtually.
The submission portal will go live in 2 weeks, and then we'll be informing everyone who submits of the decisions in April. More information will be available in the next newsletter, but you can begin getting your ideas together now!
Community Updates
There are all kinds of things happening in the Facebook Group and University! Check out the latest community updates and events:
- Podcast Facebook Community New Member Welcome Event
Please join us on Thursday, February 4 at 4:00 pm ET if you are a new member of the community! We discuss the community overall, best practices, provide a brief tour of PM University, and “take the stage” new member introductions. - Upcoming Live Events in PM University
In just 2 weeks since launching, PMU is already turning into something really special. In addition to the on-demand courses and community inside, we've had some great live events and have a full schedule lined up for February.
Office Hours – Wednesday, Feb 3 at 4:00 pm ET
February Virtual Meetup – Wednesday, Feb 10 at 1:00 pm ET
AMA with Alban Brooke from Buzzsprout – Wednesday, Feb 17 at 4:00 pm ET
What Podcasters Need to Consider Regarding their Websites with Brendan Mulligan from Podpage – Tuesday, February 23 at 4:00 pm ET
February Game Night – Wednesday, Feb 24 at 9:00 pm ET
Heil Sound Presentation and Q&A – Thursday, Feb 25 at 4:00 pm ET
If you've not yet checked out PM University, why not? It's free to try out, so there's nothing to lose, and a whole lot to gain! Join for free now. - The January 28-Day Challenge is a wrap!
Congratulations to the students from the free 28-Day Launch Your Podcast Challenge! We had over 200 students this month, many of whom launched their first podcast in just 28 days. Here is a list of just a few of those new shows:
Life and Faith Chats with Joy Grimes Eke
Changing Your Dreams: Parenting a Child with Special Needs with Lara Kitts
Expats in Austin with Kurt Russell
The Voice Coach Podcast with Nicola Redman
If you are thinking of launching your first show or just want a refresher course, the 28-Day Challenge is free, and a great “back to basics” approach to going from zero to launch.
March's Challenge is now open for enrollment, so sign up here!
Thanks to everyone for being a great part of this community! We look forward to sharing the open speaker submissions for PM21 in the next newsletter!
Grateful,
Team PM
“You can have everything you want in life if you just help enough people get what they want in life.” – Zig Ziglar
Join the Movement