MIK Studio and SXSW Sydney® reveal new Show Notes panels, spotlighting political voices and cultural leaders

Following the launch of Show Notes, MIK Studio and SXSW Sydney® announce a new wave of panels and conversations for the dedicated podcast stage at ICC Sydney, October 14–17.

One session brings together ABC MediaLand presenter Vivienne Kelly with award-winning journalists Antoinette Lattouf and Jan Fran, co-hosts of the independent podcast We Used to Be Journos, alongside cultural commentator Osman Faruqi, host of Lamestream.

Together, they will unpack how podcasting is fuelling a new wave of independent media in Australia, offering direct-to-audience access, greater creative freedom, and a platform for critical perspectives beyond traditional outlets.

Australia’s most popular podcast personalities, Ryan Jon (Toni and Ryan), Luisa Dal Din and Jack Archdale (We Mean Well) are also set to take the Show Notes stage. The panel will discuss what it takes to turn undeniable chemistry into Listener’s Choice-worthy content.

With international talent coach Craig Bruce moderating, the conversation will dive into the dynamics of trust, chemistry, and balancing friendship with business to keep audiences coming back.

Another panel shifts focus to the growing importance of visual identity in podcasting. MIK Studio Creative Director, Tom Cotton, will lead a discussion with Chris Ledlin (YouTube) and Connor Dewhurst (freelance designer) on how branding extends far beyond the cover square. From live events to vodcasts, they will explore what makes a podcast not just listenable but watchable, and how cohesive design can capture attention before a single word is heard.

Audiences will also hear from two iconic voices in Australian pop culture, Myf Warhurst (The Moment with Myf Warhurst) and Mitch Churi (The Mitch Churi Chat Show), on the evolution of the entertainment industry. Moderated by MIK Studio’s Head of Content, Amelia Chappelow, they will tackle the gatekeeper mentality of legacy media, discuss when to pivot or stay true to the DNA of a show, and how to continue engaging loyal fans while growing new audiences in today’s podcast-laden landscape.

“These new additions to the Show Notes program are a testament to the diversity and dynamism of the podcast ecosystem, ” says Dylan Adams, Partnerships Director at MIK Studio. “From driving political independence to creating space for entertainment and creativity, podcasts give rise to voices and perspectives in a way that traditional media simply can’t – and audiences are listening. ”

In addition to the official Show Notes program, the podcast industry will gather for networking events throughout the week. On Thursday October 16th attendees can head straight from the conference to Acast’s exclusive happy hour, 'The Acast Arms ' at The Old Clare Hotel, to continue the conversation with the industry’s most influential creators, brands, and media.

Show Notes will be decked out with lounge design thanks to Koala and content capture from Sony. Select panels will be supported by partners at Adobe, Ideally, The Hallway and Clubby Sports.

Passes are on sale now. For more information or to secure your passes, visit sxswsydney.com

Confirmed speakers are:

• Adam Ferrier, Founder, Black T Shirts Podcast, Thinkerbell
• Amelia Chappelow, Head Of Content, MIK Studio
• Antoinette Lattouf, Journalist & Podcaster, Ette Media and We Used to Be Journos
• Brent Smart, Black T Shirts Podcast, Chief Marketing Officer, Telstra
• Chris Colter, Managing Director, Media Strategy, Accenture Song A/NZ
• Chris Ledlin, Head of TV/Film, Podcasting & News, YouTube, Google AUNZ
• Clare Stephens, Author, Screenwriter, and Podcaster
• Connor Dewhurst, Director & Designer
• Craig Bruce, International Talent Coach and Podcaster
• Daniel Smith, Founder & Managing Director, Head On Agency
• Dylan Adams, Partnerships Director, MIK Studio
• Dylan Buckley, Founder & Co-Owner, Clubby Sports / Producey
• Gary Jubelin, Host, I Catch Killers
• Guy Scott-Wilson, Content Director, Acast ANZ
• Henrik Isaksson, Regional Managing Director, Acast ANZ
• Jack Archdale, Co-Host, We Mean Well
• Jake Craig, Co-Host, The Relatables
• Jan Fran, Journalist & Podcaster, Ette Media and We Used to Be Journos
• Jordan Michaelides, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Neuralle
• Jordyn Christensen, Creator Partner Manager, Spotify AUNZ
• Josh Lindgren, Head of Podcast Department, Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
• Kate Patterson, Senior Integrated Media Manager, BWS
• Kayla Jade, Host, Story Time with Kayla Jade
• Luisa Dal Din, Co-Host, We Mean Well
• Mitch Churi, Host, The Mitch Churi Chat Show
• Myf Warhurst, Radio Announcer, Podcaster and TV Personality
• Myles Taylor, Head of Sport and Entertainment Partnerships, WPP Media
• Natasha Cormier, National Head of Client Marketing, News Corp Australia
• Olivia Molly Rogers, Host, Tell Me More
• Osman Faruqi, Cultural Commentator & Podcaster, Lamestream
• Prithi Dey, Head of Podcasts, Spotify AUNZ
• Rachel Corbett, Network Director, Nova Podcasts
• Rosie Waterland, Host & Executive Producer, Just The Gist
• Ryan Jon, Co-Host, Toni and Ryan
• Sam Geer, Managing Director, Media, Accenture Song A/NZ
• Simon Gawn, Global Strategic Advisor, Ideally
• Sophie Woods, Producer
• Tom Cotton, Creative Director, MIK Studio
• Tom Fogden, Editor, B&T
• Vivienne Kelly, Journalist & ABC Presenter
• Zach Kangelaris, Partnerships Director & Co-Owner, Clubby Sports / Producey
• Zara Curtis, Chief Content Officer (CCO), Mamamia