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**Arkansas Podcast Festival Announces Lineup for ARKAST 2023**
**Little Rock, Arkansas** – The anticipation is building as the Arkansas Podcast Collaborative unveils the impressive lineup of speakers and workshop leaders for **ARKAST 2023**, the state's premier podcast festival. The diverse lineup features prominent Arkansas podcasters and renowned national experts, making this event a must-attend for anyone passionate about the world of podcasting.
**ARKAST 2023** spans from **September 1 to September 7** in central Arkansas, followed by events on **September 20 & 21** in northwest Arkansas. The festival welcomes podcast enthusiasts of all kinds – whether you're an active podcaster, aspiring to start your own show, or simply a fan of the medium.
As the host of the event, the **Arkansas Podcast Collaborative**, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to enriching and diversifying the podcast landscape in the state.
Now in its second year, **ARKAST** has grown from a single-day event to an extensive eight-day experience filled with podcast education, networking opportunities, and engaging workshops. One of the festival's highlights is the **Podcast Pitch Contest**, slated for **September 1** at the renowned **Ron Robinson Theater** in Little Rock. This contest is open to the general public, inviting individuals with podcast ideas to compete for a chance to win a podcast launch package, complete with equipment and setup guidance. This contest is a unique opportunity for budding podcasters to showcase their potential and gain invaluable feedback. Entry details can be found at: [arkansaspodcasters.org](https://www.arkansaspodcasters.org/).
**ARKAST 2023** boasts a remarkable lineup of speakers, including distinguished national figures like **Dave Jackson** of the School of Podcasting, a highly acclaimed podcaster and instructor. The event will also feature **Mike Russo** of PRX, a global podcast distribution giant responsible for shows such as TED Talks Daily, This American Life, and Welcome to Night Vale. The podcast community will have the privilege of hearing insights from **Arielle Nissenblatt** of Squadcast and the Earbuds Podcast Collective.
**Additional Speakers Include:**
- Osyrus Bolly - *The Folding Chair*
- LaDonna Humphrey - *Deep Dark Secrets*
- Christina Muñoz - *Natural State Update*
- Aaron Wallis + Mia Hyman - *Tomorrow’s a New Day*
- Larry Roberts - *Branded*
- Sarah Heer - *Hey Arkansas!*
- Trey Reid - *Arkansas Wildlife*
- Claire Baxter Brown - *Power Women*
- Kinetra Washington - *Momtivity Lounge*
- Irvin Camacho - *District 3*
- Amy Hester and Emily Reid - *Conversations, Cocktails + Connections*
- George Jared - *Diamond State: Murder Board*
- Derek Champagne - *Business Leadership Series*
- Karen Tricot Steward - *Burden*
- Cliff Schaff - *Hip Hop Hello*
- Leo Cummings - *Pull Up a Chair*
- Mary Ellen Kubit - *Arts & Letters*
- Bo Counts - *The Drive-In Speakerbox*
- Joi McGowan - *Resilient Black Women*
- Lowell Taylor - *The R Word*
- Sandra McGrew - *Wonks at Work*
- Cody and Elaine Johnston - *Reckless Media*
- Tina Hunter + Cara Carlin - *Better Business Podcast*
- Dream 'n Stream
- Aysleth Zeledon - *Moving Mountains for You; Transcending La Familia*
**Podcast Pitch Contest Judges:**
- Arielle Nissenblatt - *Squadcast and Earbuds Podcast Collective*
- Jonathan Seaborn - *General Manager of KUAR 89.1, NPR affiliate in Little Rock*
- Michael Hibblen - *Senior Producer/Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS*
The **Arkansas Podcast Festival** is an extraordinary opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the thriving podcast community in the state. From established podcasters to those taking their first steps into the world of podcasting, **ARKAST 2023** promises an unforgettable experience. For more information and to stay updated, visit [arkansaspodcasters.org](https://www.arkansaspodcasters.org/).
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*For media inquiries, contact:*
Ti King
(501) 208-6801
tiking@arkansaspodcasters.org
Karen Steward
(501) 529-2357
karen@arkansaspodcasters.org
Brittany Rush
(501) 681-3466
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