Echo Podcast Summit

Nova Scotia Today, host Dan Ahlstrand chats with Rhys Waters of Podstarter about the rapid growth of podcasting and why Halifax is the perfect home for the Echo Podcast Summit on June 18. Rhys shares the origin of the summit, Halifax’s surprising role in Canadian podcast history, and this year’s theme: community.

They discuss how podcasters can stand out in an increasingly crowded space, the power of focusing on a clear niche, and why authentic, long-form audio is a powerful antidote to AI-driven content. Rhys also previews the summit’s lineup, including partners like Acast, YouTube, Amazon Music, CBC, and Canadaland, plus an Amazon Music after-party at the Podstarter studio.

What is Echo Podcast Summit?

In a media climate dominated by digital voices and one-sided relationships between creators and audiences, trust in podcasting has become one of the most urgent conversations of our time. On June 19, 2025, Halifax hosted Echo Podcast Summit, the largest podcast event Atlantic Canada has ever seen, bringing together global leaders, creators, and critical thinkers to explore the future of trust in media.

Brought to you by Halifax-based podcast strategy company Podstarter and global podcasting powerhouse Acast, the summit will be held at the iconic Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in downtown Halifax. It promises a day of sharp insight, bold questions, and boundary-pushing conversation about how trust is built, challenged, and reshaped in today’s fractured media landscape.

Proudly sponsored by Acast, the world’s leading independent podcast company, the event reflects a shared mission to foster integrity and openness across the podcasting space.