Echo Podcast Summit

Podstarter

In a media climate dominated by digital voices and one-sided relationships between creators and audiences, trust in podcasting has become one of the most urgent conversations of our time. On June 19, 2025, Halifax hosted Echo Podcast Summit, the largest podcast event Atlantic Canada has ever seen, bringing together global leaders, creators, and critical thinkers to explore the future of trust in media. Brought to you by Halifax-based podcast strategy company Podstarter and global podcasting powerhouse Acast, the summit will be held at the iconic Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in downtown Halifax. It promises a day of sharp insight, bold questions, and boundary-pushing conversation about how trust is built, challenged, and reshaped in today’s fractured media landscape. Proudly sponsored by Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, the event reflects a shared mission to foster integrity and openness across the podcasting space.

Episodes

  1. Outsiders vs. Legacy News

    EPISODE 1

    Outsiders vs. Legacy News

    Independent voices and digital disruptors are reshaping the way we consume news. In a conversation between veteran Journalist Pauline Dakin and Investigative Podcaster Jordan Bonaparte - We explore the clash between legacy media and outsider journalism. Who holds the power, who earns the public’s trust, and what the future of news looks like in an era of rapid change? Pauline  - "Pauline Dakin is the bestselling author of the award-winning memoir Run, Hide, Repeat: A Memoir of a Fugitive Childhood. She hosted and co-produced the CBC podcast series of the same name Run, Hide, Repeat based on the book. It topped international podcast charts, had more than a million downloads in Canada, and won a prestigious New York Festival award. Pauline is a professor of journalism at the University of King’s College in Halifax, specializing in audio and podcasting.  Jordan - "With a passion for true crime, unsolved mysteries, and the unexplained, Jordan has built a dedicated following by diving deep into the stories that captivate his listeners, from high-profile cases to lesser-known, local enigmas. Known for his investigative approach and thoughtful interviews, Jordan engages with experts, family members, and those directly involved in the stories he covers. Whether discussing unsolved crimes, paranormal events, or strange phenomena, Jordan’s storytelling brings a unique perspective that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

    1h 10m
  2. Branded Truths

    EPISODE 2

    Branded Truths

    Where does journalism end and branded content begin? In this provocative panel, former journalists pull back the curtain on their transition into the world of branded storytelling. With credibility on the line and truth wearing a new outfit, we explore the ethical grey zones, creative compromises, and surprising opportunities that come with producing content for brands—while still aiming to inform, engage, and resonate. Heather- Heather Gordon is the managing director of ACAST CANADA. a digital media sales veteran, rising through the ranks of CHUM interactive before taking the reins of the digital sales team responsible for the legendary Canadian music television brand—MuchMusic. From there Heather moved to the CBC, where she led digital sales. And now she leads the amazing ACAST CANADA Team. Tori - Tori Weldon is an award-winning producer and journalist with 15 years of experience creating audio, television and web content. Tori was a journalist with the CBC, covering local, regional, and national news. She has been making branded content for Pacific Content and JAR Audio, but before that Tori dug into stories ranging from municipal politics to food security, with the ability to step in as field producer, show director and technician as needed.  Lisa - Lisa Hrabluk is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur focusing on bringing national and global issues down to street-level. She’s worked for just about every newspaper chain in Canada, as a reporter, columnist, editor and freelancer. Her byline has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Time, Halifax Herald, New Brunswick Telegraph Journal, Mississauga News, and the Canadian Press. She is a frequent commentator on CBC, recently as the film and streaming columnist for CBC Radio’s Information Morning, Saint John, and on the CBC Listen app.  https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

    54 min
  3. The Anthropology of Trust in Podcasting

    EPISODE 3

    The Anthropology of Trust in Podcasting

    Examining and discussing the unique power and responsibility podcasters hold as modern storytellers. We’ll explore how digital myths emerge and transform into cultural narratives via podcasts and can ultimately shape listeners perception of reality. A short presentation from a digital anthropologist perspective and ample time to discuss an increasingly influential medium where gatekeepers are often absent. This presentation was given by Giles Crouch, Digital Anthropologist. He helps organizations navigate these new territories using time-tested anthropological methods combined with cutting-edge digital insights and 20+ years as a leader in marketing communications. He’s been featured in WIRED, Forbes, National Geographic, BBC News, CBC News, Arab News and CTV News among others. He brings deep insights from 150+ netnographic research projects and 20+ successful technology product launches to help clients decode the intersection of technology, marketing and culture.  https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

    40 min
  4. Me, Myself & TMI

    EPISODE 4

    Me, Myself & TMI

    How personal should journalists go with their audio storytelling? CBC Atlantic Voice host/producer Lindsay Bird joins Luke Quinton, writer/audio producer and host of the CBC Podcast Come By Chance, to discuss first-person pieces, the role of journalists as a guide, and the rules they’re guided by. ​Lindsay Bird is the producer and host of Atlantic Voice, the home of documentaries and storytelling about the East Coast on CBC Radio and CBC Listen. Luke Quinton is a writer and audio producer in St. John's, who returned to N.L. after a decade in Austin, Tex. His documentaries have appeared on the podcasts 99% Invisible and Snap Judgement, and on radio for the BBC, CBC and NPR. https://www.echopodcastsummit.com/

    43 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

In a media climate dominated by digital voices and one-sided relationships between creators and audiences, trust in podcasting has become one of the most urgent conversations of our time. On June 19, 2025, Halifax hosted Echo Podcast Summit, the largest podcast event Atlantic Canada has ever seen, bringing together global leaders, creators, and critical thinkers to explore the future of trust in media. Brought to you by Halifax-based podcast strategy company Podstarter and global podcasting powerhouse Acast, the summit will be held at the iconic Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in downtown Halifax. It promises a day of sharp insight, bold questions, and boundary-pushing conversation about how trust is built, challenged, and reshaped in today’s fractured media landscape. Proudly sponsored by Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, the event reflects a shared mission to foster integrity and openness across the podcasting space.

Information

  • Creator
    Podstarter
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Podstarter INC
  • Show Website
    Echo Podcast Summit