Uni Pod, the Birmingham UK based podcast creator festival, returns for its fourth year with an programme tackling one of the UK media’s biggest shifts – the rise of video podcasting, while continuing its mission to diversify who gets heard at the top of the UK podcast industry.
Held at Birmingham City University’s Curzon Building, Uni Pod 2026 brings together award winning broadcasters, academics, content creators and platform specialists for a one day festival combining talks, demos, and networking. The event has quickly earned a reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent and honest industry conversation outside London.
What’s new for 2026
This year’s programme places video podcasts, YouTube discovery and social first growth strategies firmly in the spotlight, while reaffirming Uni Pod’s love of audio storytelling.
Sessions include:
• The Rise of Video Podcasting: Why Audio Isn’t Enough Anymore – examining YouTube’s growing dominance and what it means for podcasters, hosted by award winning broadcaster Marverine Cole and featuring panellists from the BBC and independent production companies.
• Podcasting for Academic Experts — translating intellectual depth into compelling podcast storytelling, hosted by Warwick University’s Nina Makrinnov whose podcast ‘The Fat Psychologist’ explores the politics of fatness and award-winning podcaster + academic Simon Barber whose songwriting podcast ‘Sodajerker’ has guested Sting, Laura Mvula and Paul McCartney!
• The Power and Influence of Sports Podcasting – how new voices are reshaping sports media, hosted by Dr Pete Olusoga of Eighty Percent Mental podcast.
• Podcast AI Demos – a hands on insight into how AI is reshaping podcast creation, led by pod tech specialists Lisa Hack and Ann Charles.
A major headline guest will be announced ahead of the event. Previous Uni Pod headliners have included Kelechi Okafor @kelechnekoff and George The Poet @georgethepoet.
The Uni Pod Award
The festival also hosts The Uni Pod Award, sponsored by BBC Sounds, recognising outstanding emerging podcasters. The winner receives development time with a BBC Assistant Commissioner.
Record your podcast in the Uni Pod Lounge
All ticket holders have an opportunity to book a free three camera video podcast recording session in the Steamhouse Podcast Studio on the day of Uni Pod with professional technical support also available.
Uni Pod’s festival director is Peabody award winning and Audio Academy trustee Nina Robinson. She also works with the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
“Podcasting is changing fast, but who gets access, confidence and visibility hasn’t changed enough. Uni Pod exists to open doors – whether that’s helping creators navigate video, AI or industry power structures and to prove that some of the most exciting voices in UK podcasting are coming from places outside London.”
Event details
Date: Friday 8 May 2026
Time: Registration from 9:45am
Venue: Curzon Building, Birmingham City University, 4 Cardigan Street, Birmingham B4 7BD
Tickets & full programme: www.unipodfest.co.uk
