Poduty Live: Unlocking the Power of Live Podcasting for Revenue and Deeper Audience Connections

As the podcasting industry continues its exponential growth in 2025, emerging trends are reshaping how podcasts are created and consumed. One standout trend is live podcasting—a format that some have even dubbed the future of podcasting.

Live podcasting refers to the way podcasters perform their shows in front of a live audience, often integrating audience interaction and real-time engagement. This approach contrasts with traditional podcasting, where episodes are typically recorded in isolation—often in a quiet home studio—edited, and then uploaded for on-demand listening.

How Blab Revolutionized Live Podcasting

In a recent episode of Podcasting Tech, Jeff Revilla, founder of Poduty Live, a pioneering podcast theater based in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, that hosts in-person and virtual events and experiences, shared his journey into podcasting and how he discovered the power of live broadcasting through Blab. 

Blab, a live video chat platform that debuted in 2015, was a game-changer. It quickly amassed nearly four million users before its eventual shutdown, but not before leaving an indelible mark on creators like Jeff.

“I’m one of those crazy people you’ll hear rambling on about Blab. If you were around in 2015, you witnessed a golden era of internet history. It was one of the first platforms to offer ‘four-in-a-box’ live streaming, and it had this incredible social element. Within minutes, your live stream could be flooded with 30 to 50 people, interacting, giving props, and creating this chaotic but magical atmosphere,” Jeff said.

Inspired by podcasts like Marketing Over Coffee, Jeff launched his own show, Stuff I Never Knew Trivia Game Show, in 2015. This venture ignited his passion for live, interactive podcasting.

“Podcasting can be so much more than sitting in my home office and talking one-on-one. It can be an event, an extravaganza—a bunch of crazies just sitting together, making fun of each other. I fell in love with that sense of community and the intimacy it brought to podcasting,” Jeff explained to host Mathew Passy.

https://youtu.be/HAH6qBskxTw

Elements of Live Podcasting

• Real-Time Engagement: Direct interaction with the audience adds a dynamic layer to the experience.
• Live Performance: Hosts must perform flawlessly in one take, without the luxury of post-editing.
• Physical Presence: Live podcasting often involves hosting in venues like theaters or event spaces, adding to the spectacle.

Key Differences Between Live and Traditional Podcasting

1. Energy and Atmosphere: Live audiences provide instant feedback through laughter, applause, or reactions, creating an electrifying energy.
2. Structure and Preparation: Live shows demand meticulous planning to ensure smooth transitions and active audience engagement.
3. Production Values: Live podcasting has significantly higher technical demands, from video quality to audio control and stage setup.

Challenges of Live Podcasting

While live podcasting has its perks, it also comes with hurdles:

• Audience Attention: Live streams require undivided attention, a user’s complete attention.
• Audience Habits: Many podcast listeners enjoy tuning in while multitasking—driving, doing chores, or gardening—making them more drawn to the convenience of audio-only content, which live podcasting may struggle to match.
• Content Appeal: To capture a live audience’s attention, the content must be engaging enough to make viewers stop what they’re doing and tune in.

Is Live Podcasting the Future?

This is where Revilla comes in and emphasizes the potential of live podcasting to evolve into a significant segment of the industry. According to him, although Poduty Live is based in Tarentum, PA, the potential for this business model is expansive. He sees live podcasting as a stepping stone for podcasters moving from home setups to professional studios, and eventually to grander stages, like theaters and arenas. This evolution opens doors to new revenue streams and deeper audience connections.

By bringing live podcasting to unconventional venues, like house parties, he transforms podcasts into events that blend intimacy with spectacle.

“When people say, hey, I’m gonna be at the Poduty Podcast Theater, we’re doing our show live from the main stage. That instantly adds a level of credibility that they didn’t have a week ago,” noted Revilla.

While traditional podcasting will always have its place, live podcasting offers a unique opportunity to connect, engage, and create unforgettable experiences. As Jeff and Mathew suggest, live podcasting is poised to grow into a major segment of the podcasting industry. Independent podcasters seeking to elevate their brand and monetize their content without relying solely on traditional advertising stand to benefit the most.

To sum up: Live podcasting brings a fresh, interactive dimension to the medium. It may not replace traditional podcasting but could complement it, carving out a vibrant niche in the podcasting ecosystem.