5 things you can’t miss at this year’s Philadelphia Podcast Festival

Listening to your favorite podcast has become the new way to pass time on long commutes, during downtime at work, or while exercising at the gym. And while Philadelphians are podcasting fans like anyone else, certain members of the community have turned to creating their own audio masterpieces. Thankfully, there is a festival in town that celebrates these local personalities, inviting fans to meet them in person and possibly even get introduced to a new favorite.

The Philadelphia Podcast Festival will be held throughout the city from July 14-23. Over 60 podcasts will broadcast from an array of venues, with Kitchen Table Gallery, PhillyCAM, Tattooed Mom, PhilaMoCa, Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse, Bridgeset Sound, Ruba Club, the Philly Improv Theater and even the Trocadero hosting the programming. While most of the recordings are free to attend, some will charge admission prices, ranging anywhere from $5 to $35. Co-organizers Teagan and Nathan Kuruna are excited to see the evolution of the festival, which they started in 2013 with just 12 participating podcasts.

“We looked around the Philly podcasting scene and realized that our city has a lot of great content being produced here,” Teagan says. “This year, we have podcasts that focus on topics as broad-ranging as history, comedy, sexuality, race, sports, movies, comics and music. We have podcasts that are roundtable discussions, scripted fiction, interviews, monologues and more.”

Here are a few “can’t miss” events at this year’s festival.

“Party Of One”
Don’t let the name fool you! Join Jeff Stormer as he not only interviews a special guest, but also plays an intense yet fun tabletop roleplaying game with them. Fittingly, this geek-centric podcast will be held at Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse in Fishtown. (July 15, 12 p.m., Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse, 2578 Frankford Ave.,  Free)

“We Got This” with Mark and Hal
Actors Mark Gagliardi and Hal Lublin (who have also appeared on “Drunk History and Welcome to Nightvale) offer a hilarious podcast that “offers definitive answers to dumb debates,” such as whether or not ketchup belongs on hot dogs and whether chili should contain beans or not. (July 21, 8 p.m.,  Ruba Club, 416 Green St., $20 general admission, $35 VIP)

“Sex With Timaree”
Local sexologist Dr. Timaree Schmidt fearlessly discusses all things sex, including gender, relationships, LGBTQ issues and more. (July 21, 10 p.m., Ruba Club, 416 Green St., $10)

“After Party Mix and Mingle”
If you plan to purchase tickets for “We Got This” with Mark and Hal or “Sex with Timaree,” you may attend this post-show event for free. Local burlesque performer Honeytree EvilEye hosts this colorful social gathering. (July 21, 10:30 p.m., Ruba Club, 416 Green St., $5)

“Twisted Philly”
This podcast, created and hosted by Deana Marie, covers everything from true crime stories to ghost hauntings in both Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. Sit in on an episode during the Philly Podcast Festival.  (July 22, 7 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South St., Free)

“Full Belly Laughs”
Join local comedian, producer, and writer Brian Durkin as he chats with members of the Philly comedy community about all things comedy and food. (July 23, 1 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South St., Free)

If You Go:
Philly Podcast Festival
July 14-23
Various prices
phillypodfest.com