Podpage Acquires School of Podcasting: Free Tier, New Courses & Major Platform Revamp
School of Podcasting, a long-standing educational hub founded by veteran podcaster Dave Jackson. The announcement marks a major milestone not only for both organizations but also for the broader creator economy, where demand for structured learning in podcasting continues to surge.
The deal, confirmed through a joint statement by Podpage founder Brenden Mulligan and Jackson, comes after a collaborative relationship that began in 2024, when Jackson joined Podpage as Head of Podcasting. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the implications of the acquisition are already generating buzz across the digital content landscape.
The acquisition is not a sudden move but rather the culmination of a strategic partnership that has matured over the past two years. When Dave Jackson stepped into his leadership role at Podpage in 2024, the collaboration was initially focused on strengthening the platform’s podcasting expertise.
However, as both teams worked closely, it became evident that the School of Podcasting represented far more than a side initiative.
Key Factors Behind the Acquisition
Deep alignment of vision: Both entities share a mission to empower podcast creators at every stage
Growing demand for education: Rising interest in podcasting as a profession created new opportunities
Underutilized potential: The School of Podcasting required more resources to scale effectively
Operational focus: Jackson’s responsibilities at Podpage limited his ability to fully develop the platform independently
According to Brenden Mulligan, bringing the School of Podcasting fully under Podpage was “the obvious next step,” benefiting not just the businesses involved but also the thriving community built over two decades.
What This Means for the School of Podcasting
The acquisition signals a transformative phase for the School of Podcasting, which has long operated as a premium, membership-based learning platform. With Podpage’s backing, the platform is now set to expand its reach and modernize its offerings.
Introduction of a Free Tier
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a free access tier, a move that significantly lowers the barrier to entry for aspiring podcasters.
Expected Benefits of the Free Tier:
Increased accessibility for beginners
Broader global reach
Opportunity to sample premium content before committing
Expansion of the creator community
This shift aligns with broader trends in the creator economy, where freemium models are increasingly used to attract and retain users.
A Complete Curriculum Overhaul
Beyond pricing changes, the School of Podcasting is undergoing a full-scale redesign of its educational framework.
What’s Changing?
Structured learning paths: Courses will now be organized into clearly defined tracks
Skill-based progression: Content will cater to beginners, intermediate creators, and advanced podcasters
Short-form lessons: Modules designed to be concise and actionable
Outcome-driven approach: Each course will focus on delivering measurable results
This redesign reflects a growing preference among online learners for bite-sized, practical content that can be immediately applied.
Expert-Led Learning: A New Era of Instruction
Another major upgrade is the introduction of guest instructors, bringing diverse expertise into the platform.
Highlights of the New Teaching Model
Industry experts leading specialized courses
Real-world insights across podcast production, marketing, and monetization
Expanded perspectives beyond a single instructor model
This move positions the School of Podcasting as a more comprehensive and collaborative learning hub, keeping pace with modern e-learning standards.
Exclusive Benefits for Podpage Users
The integration also brings direct advantages to existing Podpage users.
User Perks Include:
Discounted access to premium School of Podcasting memberships
Seamless integration between podcast hosting and learning tools
Enhanced support for launching and growing podcasts
This synergy strengthens Podpage’s value proposition, transforming it from a website builder into a more holistic platform for podcasters.
Dave Jackson’s Renewed Focus
For Dave Jackson, the acquisition represents an opportunity to refocus on his original passion—educating podcasters—while leveraging the resources of a larger organization.
After years of balancing multiple responsibilities, Jackson will now be able to dedicate full attention to scaling the School of Podcasting.
What This Means for the Community
More consistent content updates
Improved course quality
Greater engagement with learners
Stronger community-building initiatives
Jackson’s two decades of experience remain central to the platform’s identity, ensuring continuity even as it evolves.
Industry Impact: Why This Acquisition Matters
The podcasting industry has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, with millions of creators entering the space. However, many struggle with technical challenges, audience growth, and monetization strategies.
Key Industry Trends Driving This Move
Rising demand for creator education
Increased competition among podcasters
Need for professional-quality production
Growth of niche content markets
By combining infrastructure (Podpage) with education (School of Podcasting), the acquisition addresses a critical gap in the ecosystem.
Live Town Hall Announcement
To provide transparency and engage with the community, Podpage and the School of Podcasting are hosting a live virtual town hall.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 1 PM ET
Hosts: Dave Jackson and Brenden Mulligan
Agenda:
Overview of the acquisition
New platform features
Curriculum updates
Q&A session with attendees
This interactive session is expected to offer deeper insights into the roadmap ahead.
The Future of Podcast Education
The integration of the School of Podcasting into Podpage signals a broader shift in how digital creators access tools and knowledge.
What Lies Ahead?
More integrated creator ecosystems
Expansion of hybrid learning platforms
Increased personalization in education
Stronger community-driven growth models
As podcasting continues to mature as a medium, initiatives like this could redefine how creators learn, build, and scale their content.
Final Thoughts
The acquisition of the School of Podcasting by Podpage represents more than just a business transaction—it marks a strategic alignment aimed at empowering the next generation of podcast creators.
With a free tier, revamped curriculum, expert-led courses, and tighter platform integration, the move is poised to make podcast education more accessible, practical, and impactful than ever before.
For aspiring podcasters and seasoned creators alike, this could be a turning point in how they approach learning and growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
