The powerhouse of SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast are heading to Austin for SXSW and Podcast Movement Evolutions this March—ready to showcase how we’re fueling the creator economy from monetization, to innovation, to ROI-zation.
For advertisers, SiriusXM Media has completely redefined sponsored creator campaigns. Rooted in audio, work with us to build a custom, integrated program that spans podcasts, social, video, and beyond, with some of the world’s most popular voices.
For publishers, AdsWizz is your premium partner to optimize revenue and manage multiple demand sources, all while keeping the listener experience front and center. From dynamic ad insertion, to campaign management, and yield optimization, work with the global leader in podcast advertising solutions.
For podcasters, it’s time to cash in on your content. Simplecast remains the premier, modern end-to-end podcasting platform that makes it easy to get your content out to the world. Podcasting is hard enough—monetization shouldn’t be.
Join us for a look at top talent engaging today’s audiences with true crime storytelling in multiple formats, forums and platforms, hosted by entertainment behemoth Variety. We'll delve into a host of questions, like: How are creative leaders pushing the boundaries for how audiences can enjoy investigative entertainment? What are creative trends in this space? How do you decide what crimes to dive into—how might you be looking to expand your reach with audiences who are so passionate for this entertainment genre? Get inspired to engage followers in a new way at this session.
- John “MrBallen” Allen, Host, MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
- Kate Aurthur, Editor-at-Large, Variety
Podcast Evolutions attendees are in for a rare treat — a special live performance from master storyteller MrBallen (aka John Allen). Experience firsthand the suspense and atmosphere of one of his podcast’s signature “strange, dark, and mysterious” short stories, performed live in Austin. Join us for a captivating storytelling experience that will show you the true power of the MrBallen Podcast.
In today’s fragmented media landscape, earning consumer attention and trust has never been harder. Yet sports podcasts continue to break through, creating some of the deepest and most trusted connections between fans and brands.
This session opens with new research from Tom Webster, revealing why sports podcasts outperform other media channels—including social, television, and even other podcast genres—when it comes to attention, engagement, and trust. Driven by passion, habit, and host credibility, sports fans don’t just watch or listen: They buy in.
Join us to hear how brands activate sports podcasts within their marketing strategies, why the medium drives real impact, and how authentic integrations turn fandom into brand connection.
- Tom Webster, Partner, Sounds Profitable
- Kelli Hurley, VP, Global Head of Revenue Partnerships, SiriusXM Media
- Bryan Goldmark, Head of Sales & Brand Partnerships, Locked On
- Kia Brady, Brand Media Senior Lead, PMG Digital Agency
Austin Marriott Downtown, Waller Ballroom F (Creator Economy Track/Podcast Industry Stage) | 304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Join former Navy SEAL turned master storyteller John Allen (better known as MrBallen) fresh off his new deal with SiriusXM for a riveting conversation at SXSW about captivating storytelling, podcasts’ growing role in the creator economy, and connecting brands authentically to his passionate audience.
With over 10 million subscribers on YouTube alone and a loyal community of listeners who tune in weekly for his creative brand of “strange, dark, and mysterious” stories, MrBallen unveils how he’s redefining the true crime genre across audio, video, social, and live, and the opportunity for brands to tap into one of the most passionate fandoms in podcasting.
- John “MrBallen” Allen, Host, MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
- Kelli Hurley, VP, Global Head of Revenue Partnerships, SiriusXM Media
Creators are no longer just content engines, they are founders, operators, and brand builders in their own right. As platforms evolve and algorithms shift, sustainability depends on owning audience relationships and revenue streams. This session brings together creators and leaders to explore how they transform influence into infrastructure, brands into ecosystems, and ideas into scalable, sustainable growth.
Kelli Hurley, VP, Content & Podcast Sales, SiriusXM
Angel McCoughtry, Professional Athlete & Serial Entrepreneur, McCoughtry Entertainment
Krissy Cela, Co-founder & Creative Director, Oner Active, Evolve You
- Rachel DeMita, Creator and Podcast Host of Courtside Club with Rachel DeMita
