The Podcasting Gods Were Not Done With Us

Rob Walch and Elsie Escobar reunite to host together for the first time in 159 days! They look back at their own "episode 28" milestones from 2005 to 2014 and share stories from other creators who found their rhythm at the same point in their journey.

The conversation covers the launch of HLS video support in Apple Podcasts. Rob explains how this adaptive streaming works, why it matters for listeners who switch between audio and video, and why you might not need it yet if you are an audio-first creator.

You will also hear about Rob’s time at SXSW in Austin, including his experience with Tesla's robotaxis and the growing influence of the city on the podcast industry. Finally, Elsie tries to break down the engineering behind Marco Arment’s new transcription system for Overcast and why it is a win for listeners.

Guest contributors & insight in this episode: Danny Brown (Five Random Questions), Carolyn Kiel (Beyond Six Seconds), Stacey Sims (Diabetes Connections), Kristen Sundin Brandt (Cycling Together), and Steve Stewart (SteveStewart.me).

Links to interesting things from this episode

People & Shows

1. Danny Brown – Five Random Questions
2. Carolyn Kiel – Beyond Six Seconds
3. Stacey Sims – Diabetes Connections
4. Kristen Sundin Brandt – Cycling Together
5. Steve Stewart – SteveStewart.me
6. Victor Cajiao – Typical Mac User
7. Grant Baciocco – The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd
8. Jim Louderback – (Video/Media Expert mentioned at SXSW)
9. Valentina Kaledina at Castbox – (Mentioned for her SXSW summary)
10. Marco Arment – Creator of Overcast and host of ATP

Apps & Technology

1. Overcast – (Specifically for the new transcript feature)
2. Unwatched – (The YouTube queue app Elsie recommended)
3. Captivate Announced as Day One Launch Partner for Apple Podcasts’ New HLS Video Release – (The specific support/FAQs page)
4. Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts – (Specifically regarding the iOS 26.4 update)

Articles & Episodes

1. ATP (Accidental Tech Podcast) Episode 683 – (The story of building the transcript system)
2. Grit Daily News Article – (The piece about power players at SXSW where Rob was quoted)
3. Valentina’s SXSW Summary – (The industry perspective from Castbox)
4. Elsie's Yoga Class Episode 28

In & Around Podcasting is a podcast industry podcast started by Mark Asquith and Danny Brown and now hosted by Elsie Escobar and Rob Walch, continuing its mission as an industry show that belongs to the whole community.

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