Memphis’ premier celebration of podcasts is back for year three. The PodBox Memphis Festival lands the last weekend of September (timed to honor International Podcast Day on Sept. 30) with two days of free sessions, live pitches, and hands-on labs at the Cossitt Library downtown.
“We’re intentional about why we’re doing this,” says festival founder Ena Esco. “If they want this knowledge, they're gonna come and get it.”
Esco would know. A 25-year radio veteran (iHeart, Citadel, Cumulus) and host of the Verbally Effective podcast (300+ episodes), she now serves as program director at LeMoyne-Owen College and leads the Memphis Public Libraries’ Innovator-in-Residence program that powers PodBox.
“I started PodBox as quarterly meetups to connect and educate local podcasters. The library believed in that vision, and the festival grew from there.”
What to expect this year
1) Innovation labs you can use ASAP
This year leans hard into tools that make podcasting faster and more accessible.
- AI for podcasters: You can prompt your entire show and it will spit out an episode using a voice.
- Gear + software bar: Try budget-friendly mics, interfaces, and editing apps in the free studio at the Cossitt Library.
2) The next generation takes the mic
Kids are making shows, too.
Jordan & Louie (ages 9 & 10) host Mane Huddle, a sports pod Esco produced.
“These young men are very knowledgeable—not only pro sports, but college, across the gamut.”
3) Keynotes with receipts
Saturday: L0ren LoRosa
Senior news producer/talent on The Breakfast Club, HBCU grad, and host of The Latest with Loren. Expect a deep dive on journalism standards in modern pods. Learn more about Loren here.
Sunday: Dr. Jamal Bryant
Georgia pastor and podcaster, on faith, vulnerability, and balance. Learn more about Dr. Jamal here.
4) A pitch competition with real upside
Submit a 60-second video pitch; five finalists will pitch live before Memphis media judges.
“The winner gets coaching from me, their first season on Magic 807 Radio at LeMoyne-Owen, and iHeartRadio Memphis will elevate and promote the winner on the iHeart network,” Esco shares. (Yes, iHeart is officially on board.)
5) City-level support
A fireside chat with Mayor Paul Young and the Memphis Library Foundation underscores Memphis’ public investment in creator infrastructure: free studios, classes, and space to build.
Why Memphis, why now
“Podcasting empowers creators to elevate their voices,” Esco says. “Recently, Memphis has been in the limelight not for the best reasons. I’m hoping this festival gives podcasters the opportunity to talk about these things…when we’re seeing censorship across the board.”
Beyond healing and dialogue, PodBox is about career building. Former iHeart GM Karen McCrary will unpack analytics, monetizing, partnership structures, and what Spotify/iHeart look for.
After the festival: go farther
PodBox will launch a Q1 cohort for serious podcasters, an intensive with pitch training, celebrity judge feedback, and a production-style live event (think The Voice but for podcasts). The festival’s pitch winner auto-qualifies.
Quick deets
- What: PodBox Memphis Festival – FREE two-day podcast festival
- When: September 27 & 28
- Where: Cossitt Library, Downtown Memphis
- Cost: Free with RSVP
- Pitch Competition: Five live finalists (one-minute video pitch). Apply here!
