Six Live Podcast Stories with Toni Will: Connecting Community and Empowering Women
#54

Six Live Podcast Stories with Toni Will: Connecting Community and Empowering Women

Welcome New Listeners!
If you’re tuning in for the first time, you’re in the right place. Poduty and the News is the only live news podcast about podcasting—straight from the stage! Hosted by Jeff Revilla, this show explores all things podcasting: from the latest industry trends and insider stories, to the practical realities of taking your show live and connecting with your audience. Each episode features new voices, inspiring stories, and actionable tips for both seasoned podcasters and curious listeners.

What’s Poduty and the News all about?
Poduty and the News is where podcasting meets community, creativity, and real-time storytelling. Whether it’s live event stories, interviews with industry leaders, behind-the-scenes tips, or a spotlight on niche shows that are making waves, it’s all about exploring how podcasting is evolving and how creators are engaging audiences in innovative ways. The show brings podcast news to life—literally—by focusing on live activations, conference performances, and the human moments that make podcasting special.

Meet Our Guest: Toni Will
https://www.toniwill.com/
This episode features Toni Will, joining us from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Toni is the general manager and governor of the Kalamazoo Wings (a men’s AA professional hockey team), a podcast creator, a TEDx speaker, and the driving force behind the Women In... podcast and the EmpowHer Conference. She’s passionate about lifting women up in male-dominated industries, creating spaces for authentic stories, and leading by example.

Toni’s podcast, Women In..., is all about highlighting women’s experiences—not just in hockey, but across industries—inviting both women and men to share how the women in their lives influence success, leadership, and personal growth. With nearly 365 episodes, she’s become a go-to voice for empowerment and change.

Her EmpowHer conference (find out more at toniwill.com) is coming up soon, combining professional and personal development with a unique twist: ending the conference with the Kalamazoo Wings’ annual Green Ice hockey game, a tradition Toni helped grow into a signature community event.

Why this episode is a must-listen:
You’ll hear about the power of live podcasting—from sports events and university auditoriums to niche cultural podcasts and viral moments in unexpected places. Toni shares her experience with live podcast activations, leadership, and her personal journey of redefining success (including a sneak peek of her new book, Rebellious Success).

Whether you’re a creator, an aspiring podcaster, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, Poduty and the News brings you inspiring stories, practical takeaways, and a welcoming community to help you grow.

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Chapters:
  • (00:00) - Podcast News for March 7, 2026
  • (00:17) - What Time Is It? Theme Song
  • (01:10) - Meet Special Guest Toni Will
  • (04:35) - Grand Slam Meets Live Mic
  • (09:18) - Campus Crown Goes Live
  • (11:56) - True Crime Takes the Stage
  • (16:07) - 540 Episodes and Still Rolling
  • (21:28) - Punk Rock Meets the Podcast Stage
  • (24:14) - Podcast Interview…From the Side of the Highway
  • (26:47) - Connect with Toni Will
  • (28:29) - What Time Was It? Podcast Theme Song

Stories on This Episode:
Grand Slam Meets Live Mic
Souce: WTA Tennis
https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4458791/the-players-box-podcast-will-air-live-at-miami-open
At the Miami Open, tennis stars Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Desirae Krawczyk, and Jennifer Brady will record a live episode of their podcast The Player’s Box on March 15 at Hard Rock Stadium. The show will take place on the Fountain Plaza Stage during the tournament’s free opening day, giving fans a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from life on the WTA Tour. By combining a major sporting event with a live podcast performance, the event highlights how sports organizations are using podcasting to deepen fan engagement.

Campus Crown Goes Live
Source: The Daily Orange
https://dailyorange.com/2026/03/uu-to-present-a-royal-evening-with-brittany-broski-on-march-18/
Creator and podcast host Brittany Broski will appear at Syracuse University for “A Royal Evening with Brittany Broski,” hosted by University Union in Goldstein Auditorium. Known for her podcast The Broski Report and her massive online following, Broski will bring her digital personality to a live student audience in a free, first-come event. The appearance reflects a growing trend where universities invite creators and podcasters to connect with audiences in person.

True Crime Takes the Stage
Source: A Journal of Musical Things
https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/announcing-my-live-podcast-performance-of-uncharted-crime-and-mayhem-in-the-music-industry-at-the-departure-music-conference/#google_vignette
At the Departure Music Conference in Toronto, Alan Cross will present a live version of his podcast Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry at the Jane Mallet Theatre. The performance blends true-crime storytelling with music industry history in a stage format as part of the conference’s lineup of showcases and events. The ticketed show demonstrates how narrative podcasts can evolve into theatrical experiences within large industry gatherings.

540 Episodes and Still Rolling
Source: Cleveland “ClevelandMoto” Moto
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOe5gZ0dJzc
The ClevelandMoto Podcast continues its long-running run with episode #540, featuring hosts Dan Krokkey, Steve Sleepy, Johnny Mack, Speedy Pete, and Tom Pennington. The episode includes motorcycle stories, travel discussions, and a guest appearance from Jeff Corsaro, also known as “Robot,” who shares experiences riding in Mexico and creating motorcycle content online. The show’s longevity highlights how niche podcasts can thrive for years by serving a passionate community.

Punk Rock Meets the Podcast Stage
Source: Men in Blazers Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB0vxWDNvBI
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong joined the Men in Blazers live podcast event in San Francisco, discussing his East Bay roots, English football fandom, and the cultural connection between music and sports communities. Armstrong shared stories about clubs he follows in England and his support for community-driven teams like Oakland Roots SC. The live discussion demonstrates how podcasts increasingly host celebrity conversations in front of live audiences instead of traditional media interviews.

Podcast Interview…From the Side of the Highway
Source: beefvegan and rock102.1kfma on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVO4KHiEv9T
AEW wrestler Darby Allin experienced a chaotic moment while doing a live podcast interview with Tucson’s KFMA 102.1 while riding in an Uber. The driver became frustrated that Allin was speaking on speakerphone during the interview and ultimately pulled over and ordered him out of the vehicle. After being dropped off on the side of the road, Allin calmly finished the interview, creating a strange but memorable example of how unpredictable live podcast moments can become.

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