Podcast Hall of Fame Announces New Board of Governor Members

The Podcast Hall of Fame, started in 2015, is excited to welcome eight distinguished podcasting and digital media leaders as its new board of governor members.

This new board of governor group includes Todd Cochrane, Dave Jackson, Luria Petrucci, Rob Greenlee, Glynn Washington, Danny Peña, Nick Pavlidis, and Gautam Raj Anand, each bringing a unique perspective and wealth of experience to the organization.

Their appointments signify a bold step forward for the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com) in partnership with PodfestExpo.com, which continues to honor excellence and creator success stories in podcasting. The Hall of Fame supports sharing valuable success experiences and inspiration with newer creators to fuel the industry’s future growth and expand its global reach.

Most board members are Podcast Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing their remarkable contributions to the medium. Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of Podcast Hall of Fame, PodcastHall.com, a 20-year video/podcast/radio creator and executive in the podcasting medium, leads the new board, guiding this accomplished team in fostering innovation, supporting creators, and building a solid foundation for the next generation of podcasters.

With an increased focus on international expansion and inclusion, the Hall of Fame is committed to recognizing podcasters worldwide, spotlighting diverse voices, and welcoming inductees who bring unique cultural perspectives to the medium.

The inclusion of global representatives such as Gautam Raj Anand, a leader in podcasting at Hubhopper.com across South Asia, emphasizes the Podcast Hall of Fame’s dedication to reaching new audiences and celebrating the global impact of podcasting.

Hall of Fame Eligibility and Induction Criteria

The Podcast Hall of Fame seeks to recognize individuals who have profoundly impacted the podcasting industry. The criteria for entry into the Hall of Fame combine 1) mainstream popularity and peer recognition as 2) excellent podcaster or industry contributor and 3) excellence in the medium, which is positively coupled with historical significance.

Candidates for inclusion should demonstrate contributions in all three categories or be outstanding in one or two categories in such a way that they merit inclusion.

To be eligible, a nominee must have completed at least five years since their first involvement in podcasting. While longevity is necessary, it is not a qualification in itself; candidates are celebrated for the depth of their influence and contributions to the industry, not merely for the time served.

The induction selection process involves an extensive list of nominations, and all board members and past inductees vote from a comprehensive list of nominees who meet the eligibility criteria. Nominees fall into two groups: 1) primarily podcasters and 2) those who contribute to building the podcasting medium as a podcaster or not.

Upcoming Induction Ceremony in 2025

The next Podcast Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2025, as part of the annual Podfest Expo in Orlando, Florida. This 2025 event will induct ten new members and bring together creators, industry professionals, and fans to celebrate the achievements of the latest inductees and highlight their impact on the podcasting world.

New HOF Board of Governor Members:

Todd Cochrane

Todd Cochrane, CEO of Blubrry Podcasting and host of the Geek News Central podcast, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. A long-time advocate for podcaster rights, Todd has been instrumental in developing industry standards. With a passion for building tools that empower creators, Todd brings invaluable insights to the board on the technical and community-driven aspects of podcasting.

Dave Jackson

Dave Jackson, Head of Podcasting at the School of Podcasting and PodPage, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2018. Known for his expertise in education and mentorship, Dave has guided countless aspiring creators and is a respected voice in podcast training. His deep understanding of audience engagement and content creation will be invaluable to the board.

Luria Petrucci

Luria Petrucci, co-founder of Live Streaming Pros, is a respected live streaming and video podcasting figure who was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022 for her time as host of GeekBrief.TV. With over a decade of experience, her expertise in audience building and engaging with communities in real-time brings an essential dimension to the board’s vision of expanding podcasting’s reach across multiple media.

Rob Greenlee

Rob Greenlee, Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame (PodcastHall.com), co-host of the New Media Show, Host of Podcast Tips Show, and 20-year veteran in radio/podcasting, has been a pioneering force in the podcasting space since its earliest days when he started podcasting in Sept 2004. Former Founding Chairperson/Board Member of The Podcast Academy (Ambies Awards). Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2017, Rob’s experience spans multiple facets of the industry, from content creation to distribution, audience growth, and monetization. His industry knowledge and thought leadership are assets to the Hall of Fame’s mission.

Glynn Washington

Glynn Washington, creator and host of the critically acclaimed Snap Judgment podcast, brings a fresh perspective to the board. Inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2022, he is known for his narrative storytelling and focus on diverse perspectives. Glynn’s creative vision and dedication to storytelling add an essential dimension to the Hall of Fame’s mission to amplify diverse voices in podcasting.

Danny Peña

Danny Peña, host of Gamertag Radio, was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. As a pioneer in gaming podcasts, Danny has built a large, engaged community and is known for his dedication to fostering positive podcasting experiences. His community-centric approach and understanding of audience dynamics make him a valuable addition to the board.

Nick Pavlidis

Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest, is known for his community-building and event management expertise. He has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment for podcasters through Podfest. His leadership has helped podcasters connect, learn, and grow, making him a valuable advocate for creators and a respected leader. His commitment to supporting the industry’s development and encouraging new voices will be invaluable to the board.

Gautam Raj Anand

Gautam Raj Anand, founder of Hubhopper, one of India’s leading podcasting platforms, represents the growing global impact of podcasting. As a pioneer in podcasting across South Asia, Gautam’s experience in reaching new audiences internationally will help the Hall of Fame champion podcasting as a global medium.

About the Podcast Hall of Fame

Founded to honor the individuals who have made lasting contributions to the market scale, business, art, and craft of podcasting, the Podcast Hall of Fame celebrates excellence and innovation in the podcasting industry. The organization is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of podcasters, companies, and technology leaders who have shaped the medium and supported a thriving podcasting ecosystem for future generations.

About Podfest Expo Conference

Podfest Expo is one of the world’s premier events for podcasters and digital creators, providing an inclusive environment for people worldwide to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Known for its wide variety of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, Podfest Expo brings together industry leaders, established creators, and aspiring podcasters in a community-centered event. Held annually in Orlando, Florida, this year from Jan 16-19, 2025, PodfestExpo.com fosters creativity and empowerment, making it an ideal setting for the Podcast Hall of Fame induction ceremony.