What Makes a Podcast Worth Listening To? Storytelling, Live Shows & the Future of Audio with Michael Osborne

On this episode of Poduty and the News, Jeff Revilla is joined by award-winning podcast producer, consultant, and creator Michael Osborne to break down six stories about the changing world of podcasting.

Michael has spent more than 15 years creating and launching spoken-word shows. His independent podcasts have gone on to partner with Smithsonian Magazine, PRX, and Wondery, and today he runs 14th Street Studios, producing shows for independent creators, businesses, nonprofits, and universities. His work centers on storytelling, deep listening, and understanding what makes audio compelling in the first place.

Learn more about Michael and 14th Street Studios: https://www.fourteenthstreetstudios.com/

Chapters of this episode:

Source: Spotify Newsroom
https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-08-26/mallory-rubin-house-of-r-interview/

Mallory Rubin discusses fandom, host chemistry, and the intimate relationship podcasting can create between hosts and listeners.

Criminal Turns Narrative Podcasting Into a 13-City Live Show
Source: Vox Media
https://www.voxmedia.com/2026/09/21/award-winning-true-crime-podcast-criminal-brings-all-new-live-show-dont-worry-to-13-cities-across-north-america/

The award-winning podcast Criminal is taking an original live production on the road, using new stories about host Phoebe Judge and her family rather than simply recording a standard episode onstage.

Source: Podcast News Daily
https://www.podcastnewsdaily.com/news/the-athletic-adds-live-programming-to-its-podcast-video-playbook/article_cc67d742-badf-41ec-ab0f-1cd449ae323c.html

The Athletic is expanding its podcast and video strategy with live programming built around major sporting events and its existing podcast personalities.

Source: Phandroid
https://phandroid.com/2026/09/23/apple-opens-its-own-600-seat-london-venue-with-built-in-studios/

Apple Music Hall combines live performance, recording, video, broadcast control, and podcast production inside one 600-seat venue at London’s Battersea Power Station.

Source: Sounds Profitable
https://soundsprofitable.com/press-release/ten-years-of-the-podcasting-festival-from-palermo-to-milan-podcasts-are-taking-italy-by-storm/

Italy’s Podcasting Festival marks its tenth anniversary with programming focused on AI, video, monetization, discoverability, live podcasts, networking, and opportunities for emerging creators.

Source: Techbuild Africa
https://techbuild.africa/podfest-naija-2026-creators-brands-storytellers/

PodFest Naija brought together more than 3,000 attendees and over 50 storytellers for live recordings, creator conversations, masterclasses, and discussions centered on the power of storytelling.

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