Podcast Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees: Eleven Legendary Creators to Be Honored at Podfest Expo
The world of podcasting is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual moments — the announcement of the 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame inductees. This year, the Hall celebrates eleven iconic creators, innovators, educators, and advocates who have significantly influenced the evolution of podcasting as a global medium.
The hall has long recognized audio pioneers who transformed storytelling, democratized digital media, and expanded the cultural and commercial footprint of podcasts. The 2026 lineup continues this tradition, honoring individuals whose work spans education, journalism, technology, entrepreneurship, and community building.
Chairperson Rob Greenlee described this year’s class as “a reflection of everything that makes podcasting powerful,” emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of the inductees.
“From independent educators, technologists, and community builders to legal advocates and business innovators, these inductees helped shape podcasting into a global medium, and they have made it easier for the next generation of creators to be heard,” Greenlee said in the official announcement.
This year’s group showcases the full spectrum of podcasting — from hardcore history enthusiasts to community-driven curators, from legal defenders of digital rights to leaders of podcasting networks and hosting platforms.
Meet the 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame Inductees
Below is an in-depth look at the distinguished creators joining the Hall of Fame.
1. Dan Carlin – Historian, Creator, and Podcasting Powerhouse
Few podcasters command as much respect as Dan Carlin, the mastermind behind the globally acclaimed shows:
Hardcore History
Common Sense with Dan Carlin
Carlin’s immersive storytelling, dramatic narration, and meticulous research have cemented his reputation as one of the most influential podcast hosts of all time. His episodes often run hours long, yet consistently top global chart rankings. Many credit Carlin with bringing long-form, intellectual content into mainstream podcasting.
2. Pat Flynn – Entrepreneurial Visionary Behind Smart Passive Income
Pat Flynn is synonymous with online entrepreneurship, digital learning, and transparent business leadership. As the founder of Smart Passive Income and long-time host of its flagship podcast, Flynn has helped millions understand business strategy, monetization, and creative independence.
His contributions include:
Free podcast education resources
Advocacy for ethical business practices
Hands-on training for aspiring creators
Flynn’s induction recognizes both his industry leadership and his commitment to empowering creators.
3. Paul Colligan – Technologist and Podcast Industry Architect
A long-standing advocate for digital media innovation, Paul Colligan has spent decades shaping podcast distribution, monetization, and strategy. As President of The Podcast Partnership, Colligan hosts shows including:
Thinking Out Loud
The Podcast Industry Report
His thought leadership continues to influence podcast business models, content delivery, and creator success frameworks.
4. Veronica Belmont – A Multi-Platform Pioneer in Tech & Fantasy Podcasting
Veronica Belmont has been a driving force in podcasting since its early days. Her achievements span numerous influential shows:
Sword & Laser – a beloved podcast for fantasy and sci-fi fans
IRL – Mozilla’s critical exploration of digital life
Buzz Out Loud – CNET Radio’s groundbreaking tech podcast
Tekzilla – a cornerstone of the Revision3 network
Belmont’s legacy blends technology, entertainment, and community building.
5. James Cridland – Editor of Podnews, Global Podcast Analyst
As the editor of Podnews, James Cridland has become one of podcasting’s most trusted voices. His newsletters, industry reports, and analysis have shaped how professionals understand trends, data, technology shifts, and future projections.
Cridland’s work supports:
Podcasters
Advertisers
Media executives
Tech developers
His induction recognizes his decades-long commitment to transparency and industry insight.
6. Julie Samuels – Legal Advocate and Champion of Digital Rights
A former senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Julie Samuels has been a fierce defender of online innovation and legal fairness. She made history as the EFF’s first Mark Cuban Chair to Eliminate Stupid Patents, leading major efforts to reform damaging patent practices that once threatened podcasting’s very existence.
Her legal advocacy helped protect podcasters and digital creators from predatory lawsuits.
7. Mark Asquith – Co-founder & CEO of Captivate
A leading entrepreneurial figure, Mark Asquith co-founded Captivate, a hosting and analytics platform known for its creator-first design and marketing tools. Asquith has been a vocal supporter of indie podcasters, helping them grow audiences, measure performance, and monetize effectively.
His efforts have reshaped the accessibility of podcast technology worldwide.
8. Kerri Hoffman – CEO of PRX and Champion of Public Media
As the CEO of PRX, Kerri Hoffman has played an instrumental role in elevating podcast networks, facilitating podcast funding, and guiding the development of major audio hits.
Her leadership has supported:
PRX
Radiotopia
Public media collaborations worldwide
Hoffman’s work has shaped the infrastructure supporting modern podcasting.
9. Arielle Nissenblatt – Community Builder and Curator of Podcast Culture
A passionate advocate for inclusivity and discovery, Arielle Nissenblatt founded the EarBuds Podcast Collective, a community that spotlights curated podcast recommendations. She also serves as:
Head of Community & Content at Pinwheel by Audily
Host of Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast
Host of Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You
Her contributions center on community growth, podcast education, and amplifying new creators.
10. Sarah Van Mosel – Veteran Industry Executive and Media Strategist
With a résumé spanning PRX, Radiotopia, Acast, Market Enginuity, iHeartMedia, and SiriusXM, Sarah Van Mosel brings decades of executive leadership to the Hall of Fame. Now Executive Director at PVBLIC Media, her work continues to support audio innovation and social impact.
11. Dan Miller – Bestselling Author & Longtime Host (In Memoriam)
The late Dan Miller, best known for his book 48 Days to the Work You Love and the long-running 48 Days podcast, will be honored posthumously. His friend and collaborator Dave Ramsey will present his induction on stage.
Miller’s work inspired millions seeking meaningful careers, and many podcasters credit his “teach, then market” model as foundational.
Dave Ramsey paid tribute:
“Dan Miller showed the world that a podcast and a microphone could change someone’s entire future. He helped people not just find work they love but build lives they could be proud of.”
A Moment of Remembrance: Todd Cochrane
The ceremony will also pay tribute to Todd Cochrane, a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder/CEO of Blubrry, who passed away in September. Cochrane was a pioneering figure in podcast hosting, statistics, and RSS technology — and remains one of the most impactful voices in the medium’s technical evolution.
Eligibility, Ceremony Details & What Happens Next
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Hall of Fame:
An individual must have at least five years of experience in podcasting.
Nominations are evaluated and selected by the Board of Governors.
2026 Induction Ceremony
Date: January 16, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Event: Podfest Expo
Host: John Lee Dumas, creator of Entrepreneurs on Fire
Following the event, the full ceremony will be available for public viewing on the Podcast Hall of Fame YouTube channel.
Why the 2026 Class Matters to Podcasting’s Future
The inductees reflect a vibrant, growing, and increasingly influential medium. Their work led to:
Industry-wide innovations
Greater accessibility for independent creators
Legal protections for podcasters
Expansion of educational and inspirational content
Community-based discovery models
Technical advancements in hosting, analytics, and distribution
As podcasting continues to evolve, the 2026 Hall of Fame class stands as a reminder of the voices that built the foundation — and the voices shaping the next era.
