Jacksonville Podcasting Community Gathers for Networking Event
Jacksonville, FL – The local podcasting scene is thriving, and the Jax Podcasters Unite group invites enthusiasts and creators alike to its next meetup on Wednesday, December 11, at 6 PM. The event will be held at Ruby Beach Brewing, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and support of local culture.
Who is Behind the Meetup?
The founders of Jax Podcasters Unite, Badr Milligan and Blythe Milligan, are well-known figures in the Jacksonville podcasting community. They have been dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for podcasters since the group’s inception in April 2018. This meetup marks a significant occasion, as it is their first event as a married couple, having tied the knot on October 12.
What to Expect at the Event
Attendees can look forward to an evening of networking and sharing experiences with fellow podcasters. With over 500 members in their Facebook group and a directory that already lists more than 105 podcasts, the event promises to be a rich opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned creators. Participants often include a mix of those just starting their podcasting journeys to seasoned veterans.
Why is This Meetup Significant?
The JPU group serves as an important platform for collaboration and community building among local podcasters. “We like to think we provide the community of support to be their flashlight in the dark,” said Blythe. According to Badr, there are likely around 1,000 active podcasts in Northeast Florida, indicating a robust interest in the podcast format.
Local Scene and Future Aspirations
The podcast landscape in Jacksonville is diverse, with an array of topics and voices. However, the Milligans express a desire for more in-depth local news coverage through podcasts. Blythe remarked, “I wish we had more local news journalism happening,” underscoring the need for diverse content that goes beyond traditional reporting.
Jax Podcasters Unite has previously held meetups at various local establishments including the public library and different breweries. Notably, over 80 people attended their last major event, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm.
Encouraging New Voices
Jax Podcasters Unite aims to inspire individuals to launch their own podcasts. Blythe encourages potential podcasters by advising, “Just hit publish,” emphasizing the importance of overcoming the initial barriers that may prevent aspiring creators from sharing their voices.
The group promotes a culture of collaboration over competition, with members sharing strategies and insights into growing their podcasts. “Our motto now is ‘Why Not Jax?’ as we continuously ask ourselves how to build this community to be one that draws attention from outside our region,” Badr shared.
Conclusion
The upcoming meetup at Ruby Beach Brewing presents an excellent opportunity for both novices and experienced podcasters to connect, inspire each other, and continue fostering a thriving podcasting community in Jacksonville. As the local scene continues to expand, these gatherings serve as a testament to the city’s vibrant creative spirit.
