Local Voices Lead: The Rise of Live Podcasting With Jacob Espinoza of Local Social Club

Welcome to Poduty and the News, the only live news podcast focused on the world of podcasting, community events, and how independent creators are shaping the future of local media. Hosted by Jeff Revilla, each episode dives into the stories, trends, and innovations happening at the intersection of podcasting and live events.

In this episode, Jeff Revilla is joined by Jacob Espinoza, founder of Local Social Club and the powerhouse behind “What's Happening Salem.” Together, they explore how podcasting is transforming communities, why local content is on the rise, and practical ways anyone can become the hub of their own city through events, social media, and audio storytelling.

Jacob Espinoza is an entrepreneur and community builder known for kickstarting the “What's Happening Salem” platform, which quickly became the go-to source for news, events, and positive stories in Salem, Oregon. With a growing audience across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and newsletters, Jacob Espinoza has demonstrated how local voices can drive connection and opportunity in their communities. Through his Local Social Club, he now mentors other content creators, helping them launch, grow, and monetize local platforms that bring people together and shine a spotlight on their cities.

Want to livestream and record podcasts like we do?  Check out these links and build your empire!

Transistor FM - for podcast hosting
https://transistor.fm/?via=poduty

Castmagic - to make written content from your audio podcast
https://get.castmagic.io/ugp958dba02x

Streamyard - for livestreaming and recording podcast episodes
https://streamyard.com/pal/c/6282618417446912

Chapters in This Episode:

• (00:00) - Podcast News for April 21, 2026
• (01:11) - Meet Jacob Espinoza
• (07:20) - From Village Square to Romanian Podcast Stage
• (11:18) - The Money You Can’t Measure with Jeremy Enns on PodBiz
• (16:31) - CBC Expands Local News in Hamilton with Local Podcasts
• (21:03) - San Francisco Public Library Hosts Live Sci-fi Podcast
• (24:41) - HumanX 2026 in San Francisco is a High-level AI Conference with a Schedule Podcast
• (29:20) - Jersey’s Best Podcast Celebrated its One-Year Anniversary with its First-ever Live Show
• (33:38) - Connect with Jacob Espinoza. Local Social Club

Our 6 Stories in This Episode:
From Village Square to Podcast Stage
Source: Romania Insider
https://www.romania-insider.com/festival-savarsin-royal-estate-april-2026
A Romanian cultural festival blends traditional crafts, music, and community experiences with a live podcast recording, showing how podcasts can naturally fit into events where audiences already exist.

The Money You Can’t Measure
Source:  Podbiz Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHGSUK_tO84
Jeremy Enns highlights how much of podcasting’s real revenue happens off the books, with small shows quietly driving major business results and proving that downloads are not the full picture.

Local News, Live Again
Source: Flamborough Today
https://www.flamboroughtoday.com/local-news/cbc-to-launch-live-audio-weekday-morning-show-weekly-podcast-in-hamilton-12055391
CBC expands in Hamilton with a live weekday morning show and a new local podcast, reinforcing the value of consistent, community-driven content that shows up daily.

Books, But Make It a Podcast
Source:  Fun Cheap San Francisco
https://sf.funcheap.com/scifi-authors-live-podcast-sf-main-library/
A free library event featuring sci-fi authors adds a live podcast recording to extend the experience beyond the room, turning a one-time event into lasting content.

Your Podcast Is Your Press Pass
Source: National Law Review
https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/toborlife-ai-ceo-david-schulhof-will-appear-distribution-now-live-podcast
A high-ticket AI conference uses live podcasting on-site, highlighting how creators can position their shows as media assets to gain access and create value without paying for entry.

The Shows You Didn’t Know Were Happening
Source: NJ.com
https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2026/03/the-first-ever-live-episode-of-jerseys-best-podcast-is-coming-heres-what-to-know.html
A local podcast celebrates its anniversary with a live event filled with interactive segments, merch, and community engagement, proving that real growth is happening at the grassroots level.

Host your podcast at Poduty:
Curious about taking your own podcast live in front of an audience? Learn more about staging your own event at Poduty.com—no contracts, no minimum ticket sales, just real podcasting energy!

Not ready for the stage but need help launching your Podcast? Try our fully done for you podcasting services.  From start to finish, Jeff will help you bring your show to life!

Check out our services and packages at:
https://poduty.com/done-for-you-podcasting-services/

Leave Us a Review On Your Podcast App!
If you enjoyed this episode of Poduty and the News, we’d love for you to leave us a review where ever you listen! 

Take a moment to share your thoughts—it helps others discover Poduty and makes our community even stronger. 

Thanks for listening and being part of the journey!