The Podcast Academy was founded a couple years ago to advance the podcasting industry and the podcastERS like you and me.

The problem is that there hasn't been much representation of podcasters like you and me—especially the indies.

I hope to change that by joining the board of governors!

Here's the speech I presented in February.

I'm Daniel J. Lewis. I believe that anyone can share a message to change the world, and podcasting is the best way to do that. I've been listening to podcasts since 2005, making my own podcasts since 2007, and helping other podcasters since 2010. Podcasting saved and changed my life in many ways.

I host the first award-winning podcast about podcasting, The Audacity to Podcast, I cofounded International Podcast Day, I created the industry-leading My Podcast Reviews service, I curate data for Podcast Industry Insights, and I regularly contribute to the new Podcasting 2.0 standard. My work in the industry has earned me a great deal of trust and authority among tens of thousands of diverse, independent podcasters whom I serve through my podcasting tools, education, and advocacy.

I believe I'm uniquely qualified and respected to represent the majority of podcasters: the indies. And through my study and work in the podcasting industry, and—I hope—as a member of The Podcast Academy board of governors, I want to unite all podcasters: whether hobbyist or professional, independent or corporate, and amateur or skillful.

I want to make podcasts, podcasting, and podcastERS better! I've already been doing this through the multiple ways I've served the podcasting industry for nearly 12 years. And through The Podcast Academy, I hope to help celebrate the great podcasts—no matter the size of their audiences—I hope to push the industry forward with things like Podcasting 2.0, and I hope to support and represent all podcasters by helping them improve themselves, their shows, and their audiences so that, together, we can make the world better—even if only for one listener at a time.

I wish to inspire the AUDACITY to podcast!

I'm Daniel J. Lewis. Thank you!

How to vote

Voting will be open to members who join by the end of March 11.

Unfortunately, there is a cost to join The Podcast ​​​​Academy, but the following discounts might still be available:

• Apply for a scholarship from Spotify if you are “an independent podcast creator (working alone or on a small team)” (click the “Apply now!” button)
• Try discount code “VOLUME22” to save 50% when you register.

​(I earn no commission from referring members, and I think all governors will be unpaid volunteers.)

So, if you've wanted to join The Podcast Academy, or you'd like to vote for me to represent you on the board of governors, you must join before tomorrow night (March 11).

Then, members will be able to vote between March 14 and 28, and the new board will be announced in April.

Would you please support me as I seek to represent you and help further the podcasting industry?

Here is who I'm voting for, in case you want more ideas, as I believe these men and women would make the best additions and support the indies:

• Ami Thakkar
• Corey Nathan
• Daniel J. Lewis (of course 😃)
• Steve Wilson
• Valentina Kaledina

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