PodGround Announces Winners of Its Third and Final Creator Micro-Grant of 2026

PodGround is proud to announce the recipients of its third and final Creator Micro-Grant of 2026, a program designed to support independent podcasters who are creating meaningful content and making a positive impact in their communities.

This round, two creators will each receive $500 to invest in the growth and sustainability of their podcasts, alongside one year of free podcast hosting from RSS.com. 

The final grant cycle of 2026 is made possible through the support of VOLT Productions.

Through direct funding, community resources, and industry support, PodGround continues its mission to help independent creators overcome the challenges of podcasting and build shows that can grow sustainably.

Dan Swift, host of Time We Discuss: Career Discovery and Exploration Podcast

Swift is the host of Time We Discuss, a podcast helping people discover career opportunities and make informed decisions about their professional futures.

The show was inspired by his wife’s experience navigating a career change and struggling to find helpful resources to explore different professions. Recognizing that many people face similar challenges, Dan created a platform where professionals share their career journeys, everyday responsibilities, and insights into their industries.

Through these conversations, the podcast helps listeners explore unfamiliar career paths, understand transferable skills, and discover opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations.

Dan plans to use the $500 grant to strengthen his podcast’s marketing and sponsorship outreach. By investing in physical promotional materials, including postcards and mailers, he hopes to connect with potential sponsors, increase the show’s visibility, and move closer to financial sustainability.

“Aside from the financial benefits of the grant, being the grant recipient also adds a star to the podcast, giving it more credibility, and more clout,” Dan shared.

Cecile Liconnet, host of Living the Dream: Women Reinventing Their Careers Abroad

Cecile is the host of Living the Dream, a podcast sharing the stories of women who have relocated to the south of France and reinvented themselves professionally.

The show explores the realities of starting over in a new country, from rebuilding professional networks and navigating unfamiliar environments to finding the confidence to pursue new opportunities. Through personal conversations, Cecile highlights the resilience, courage, and determination behind women’s journeys of reinvention.

Since launching the podcast in November 2025, Cecile has managed nearly every aspect of production independently, including recording, editing, research, promotion, and website management.

She plans to use the $500 grant to improve her home recording setup, invest in better audio equipment, and create a more practical workspace that will help her produce high-quality episodes and build a sustainable podcast.

“This is the first dollar my podcast has ever earned,” Cecile shared. “It is not just equipment. It is a vote of confidence that makes the next step feel possible.”

Uplifting the Community

The judging panel for this final grant cycle included Marc Ronick (Empowered Podcasting Conference), Gab Burke (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)  and Simona Costantini (VOLT Productions).

With the completion of this round, PodGround has awarded six micro-grants to independent podcasters throughout 2026, supporting creators who are educating, inspiring, and connecting audiences through meaningful conversations.

Beyond financial support, PodGround remains committed to helping creators navigate the challenges of podcasting through community, education, collaboration, and accountability. 

This cycle Jenn Trepeck (Podcast Professionals Association) and Leah Bryant (Podcasting Problem Solver) will be leading strategy sessions with the winners to audit and improve their shows.

“Every grant cycle reminds us just how many incredible creators are building meaningful shows with limited resources,” said Remi Roy Osi, founder of PodGround. “The funding helps, but so does knowing that someone believes in what you’re building. That’s what this grant is really about.”

Although this marks the final Creator Micro-Grant of 2026, PodGround will continue supporting independent podcasters through 2027 and beyond. 

Learn more about PodGround and future Creator Micro-Grant opportunities at podground.io.