Tell us about yourself and your creative background
Hi, my name is Nelle, and I am currently an undergraduate at Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media, and Culture (JOMEC), studying Journalism and Communications. I have had the privilege of writing articles and features for Voice Magazine on various pop culture-based cultural think pieces and, during a summer internship, the opportunity to work with the podcast commissioning team at Audible UK. Both have afforded me the skillset to set up my own podcast, 'The NTM Podcast', with my two other co-hosts. Most recently, I was the assistant planning producer for PodCon Cymru 2024.
What is PodCon?
PodCon Cymru is Wales' only podcast conference, aimed at bringing together the UK’s most successful producers and creatives behind some of the most loved and listened to podcasts.
How did you get involved?
I am incredibly lucky that Cardiff University's Work Experience team, alongside JOMEC, gave the student cohort the opportunity to apply for the role of assistant planning producer at PodCon Cymru. I immediately applied since I had been an attendee at PodCon Cymru 2023 and appreciated the insights it gave me for my own podcast.
What was your PodCon highlight?
My PodCon highlight was the 'Why Wales is Brilliant' panel. As a born and bred Londoner who moved to Cardiff for university, my understanding of the audio landscape was incredibly London-centred. Not only was it insightful to learn more about the audio landscape from a Welsh point of view, but it was also comforting to know that as a young adult about to enter the workforce, there are thriving opportunities outside of London.
Why do you think it’s important to host PodCon in Cardiff?
Whilst huge changes are happening in the world of podcasting outside of London, there is still a significant focus on England and its contributions. To have a podcast conference which celebrates all forms of content, has panels and interviews in the Welsh language, and is situated in a blooming creative city allows for the high-quality work that comes out of Wales to be noticed and, most importantly, remembered.
Based on your experience at PodCon, what do you think makes a good podcast?
The ability to fulfil a need or want of your intended audience. It is a consistent pattern throughout all of the successful podcasts that were discussed at the event. Listeners, whether regular or new, have specific things that they would like out of listening to a 45-minute episode on the way to work, while cleaning, or at the gym. A podcast might help them fill time; a good podcast leaves them feeling like they have gained something.
What trends do you think we’ll see in podcasting this year?
I think in a media landscape that is saturated with an overwhelming amount of content that is thrown at you; podcasters may take a more grounded approach in the way that they interact with listeners. This may be through more live events, as well as an increase in forums for discussion that highlight a sense of community among listeners, ditching away any actions that may isolate listeners from the podcast itself.
