More Newsmakers & Milestones from Around the Universe

This week, we continue our focus on the new roles, awards, products, and milestones featuring friends from our Livestream Universe community. Here are a few of the big developments happening in our "Universe."

Alex Sanfilippo and PodMatch to Launch New Podcasting Network

PodMatch founder Alex Sanfilippo is putting together a lineup of 20 shows for a new podcast network. The network will feature interview podcasts, which makes sense as PodMatch's service matches podcast guests and hosts.

"Over the last few months, we've developed a strategy to help podcasters in the network with growth and monetization in a unique, yet fruitful way," Sanfilippo wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "My search for the right podcasters officially begins... NOW! :)"

Sanfilippo also runs PodScore and PodLottery and hosts the "Podcasting Made Simple" podcast. He won the 2023 People's Choice Podcast Award for Podcasting Influencer of the Year.

Kevin Kolbe Inspires Older Creators to Make an Impact with Video

Known for his educational videos that help YouTubers learn to use popular video editing and production tools, Kevin Kolbe recently released the premiere video in a series aimed at encouraging people over 40 to start on YouTube.

Kolbe shares his personal story of launching his YouTube channel at age 57 after a long career in television. He seeks to make creating YouTube videos accessible to everyone. The first video in this format is "Over 40? You should start a YouTube channel and here’s why."

Last year, Kolbe wrote and published his first book, Live Streaming Made Easy. Prior to entering the world of online video, he led the award-winning creative team for a top FOX affiliate.

Jodi Krangle Nominated for a Women in Podcasting Award

Professional voiceover artist Jodi Krangle is competing in the marketing category for a Woman in Podcasting Award. She's nominated for the "Audio Branding—The Hidden Gem of Marketing" podcast. You can cast your vote for Krangle at the Award website. Voting ends on October 1, 2024.

"The Women in Podcasting Awards is a people’s choice style of awards event with visibility and community-building opportunities for everyone," the award website states. "Our mission is to elevate women’s voices globally and within the podcasting industry."

Krangle describes her podcast on the Women in Podcasting website. "Sound influences us in various ways throughout our lives. In this podcast, I’ll explore these effects through my observations and interviews with experts in advertising, marketing, music, and science."

As a Toronto-based voice actor, Krangle has been heard in thousands of commercials. She collaborates with major brands like Dell, Nespresso, and Lindt. She hosts "The Power of Sound" on Clubhouse.

Rob Greenlee Explores How AI Will Transform Podcasting

Hall of Fame podcaster Rob Greenlee discusses the impact of AI on podcasting on his "Podcasting Tips with Rob Greenlee" show. The broadcast is live tonight at 7pm ET on YouTube.

"In this solo episode, we'll tackle the transformative effects of AI on podcasting, examining both the incredible opportunities and the significant challenges it presents," Greenlee wrote on YouTube.

Greenlee also co-hosts the New Media Show with fellow Hall of Fame podcaster Todd Cochrane . He's served as a senior executive for several high-profile companies in the podcasting space, including Libsyn, Spreaker, and Microsoft, and consulted for StreamYard.

Greenlee co-authored the foreword to 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 with Claudia Santiago-Official and Rebecca Gunter ?? .

Campaign Underway for Rob Balasabas to Speak at SXSW

Rob Balasabas of Uscreen is in the running for a prestigious speaking opportunity at SXSW. His proposed talk is on video memberships. Voting is underway on the SXSW website.

"My talk will focus on creating and growing a video membership—a topic I'm truly passionate about and believe can help many creators out there," Balasabas wrote on LinkedIn.

Balasabas is the Head of Partnerships and Community at Uscreen, a platform that helps video creators monetize their content by setting up their own streaming service or membership community. He previously worked at TubeBuddy and Thinkific.

Congrats to Jen Hardy for Making Podcast Award Shortlist

Jen Hardy , host of the "Fabulous Over 50" podcast, made the shortlist for a People's Choice Award in Podcasting. Final voting ends on September 3, 2024. The Awards Ceremony will be held live at 8pm ET on September 30, 2024, in conjunction with International Podcast Day.

"What an amazing day!" Hardy wrote on LinkedIn after finding out the news yesterday. "Thank you to everyone who voted - I appreciate you!"

As CEO of Hardy House Media , she also hosts the "Voices of Justice" podcast and "The Jen Hardy Show" on YouTube. She won the 2024 Podcast of the Year Award given by the American Writing Awards. Hardy is active in the Podfest Multimedia Expo community, hosting online events and organizing volunteers for the annual conference.

Linked Must Reads

• Why Matt Gielen dislikes the term "creator economy" and feels it "infantilizes" what creators do.
• Katie Brinkley tells you where links should go on social media posts for the different major platforms.

What's happening in your universe? Let us know in the comments.