The Biggest Names in Podcasting Flocked to Tennessee to Build “Silicon Country,” as the Growing Hub for Creators, Technology & Entertainment
Images HERE & Event Sizzle HERE
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rebel Audio brought together some of the biggest names in podcasting and entertainment to descend on Franklin, Tennessee for the company’s inaugural podcast summit, POD U. The invite-only event featured a room of top creators, media partners, sports agencies, and investors with a combined reach of 200M+. Panel conversations covered how the podcast industry views old media, building your personal brand, monetization and discovery, hypergrowth, the future of sport, and more.
Special guest speakers and attendees included Mike “Big Mike” Majlak (Rebel Audio Chief Creator in Residence), Zachery Dereniowski (MDMotivator), Caleb Simpson, Ling and Lamb, Madison Bontempo, JaDE Rain, Andrew Essex, Scotty McKnight (GOAT Farm), Clayton Johnson (The Bachelorette), Gayle Troberman (iHeartMedia/Bubbler Media), HardScope’s Matt Kalish, OneFluent, Chris Overholt (CCO of the Tampa Bay Lightning / former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee) and more. The event was moderated by Jimmy Jellinek, the former Playboy and Maxim editor turned public radio producer.
“Podcasting is changing how people build communities and businesses, and the next chapter of where the industry is heading is right here in Tennessee,” said Jared Gutstadt, Founder and CEO of Rebel Audio. “POD U is our invitation to bring the people shaping this revolution into one room for real conversation, collaboration, and community building to help build Silicon Country together.”
The event also launched the Pod U Scholarship contest, powered by Dereniowski’s nonprofit Kindness is Cool. Creators across the country submitted how their podcast can make a positive impact on their community with the selected winner, Chosen One Manny, receiving a one year scholarship to POD U, inclusive of a mentorship program, Rebel Audio subscription and access to Rebel Audio events.
POD U was followed by a true Nashville night out with a celebration at the city’s brand new Palm Tree Club with music by Ricky Retro. POD U was sponsored by Bentley Nashville, Carlock Motorcars, Cumulus Coffee, Rthms, Department of Hydration, Bee Charged, Cymbiotika, and Liquipel.
PRESS KIT AVAILABLE HERE.
ABOUT REBEL AUDIO:
Welcome to the new era of podcasting with Rebel Audio: podcasting reinvented by AI. Rebel Audio is the only tool you will ever need to start your podcast revolution. One prompt unlocks infinite connections bringing your voice and story to the world. For more information – visit www.rebelaudio.ai.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alana Battaglia / The Untold PR
rebelaudio@wearetheuntold.com
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SOURCE Rebel Audio
