Hot Docs Podcast Festival
October 12–15
We’re excited to bring Hot Docs Podcast Festival back for its second year! See your favourite podcast hosts bring your latest audio obsession to life, on stage.
New guests announced on September 26! Explore the lineup below.
Members save on passes and tickets. Become a member today!
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
9:30 AM
PANEL: Beyond the Blood: Turning True Crime Stories into Artful Podcasts
Join a discussion with three talented podcasters who have taken the super-popular true crime genre beyond schlocky thrills, exploring unforgettable characters and important social issues. Networking session to follow.
11:30 AM
PANEL: Finding Your Voice: The Art and Craft of Hosting a Podcast
Four popular podcast hosts have a candid chat about their craft. How did they cultivate their talents as storytellers, and what sort of relationship do they hope to build with their audiences? Networking session to follow.
6:30 PM
Missing Richard Simmons
The show that launched a thousand think pieces and ruled the iTunes charts returns for a one-of-a-kind live event. Host Dan Taberski will present a moment from the show’s finale that has never been made public before.
9:30 PM
Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids
Following a sold-out show at last year’s festival, this Canadian favourite is back by popular demand. Podcast personalities Brittany Luse and Ryan McMahon join a roster of hilarious speakers.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
9:00 AM
PANEL: Podcasting Essentials: The Tools You Need to Make Your Show
Co-Presented by Camp Tech
Podcasting experts relay the practical nitty-gritty on recording, editing and distributing your show. Get the facts on creation, monetization and promotion. Networking session to follow.
11:00 AM
PANEL: Ready for Takeoff: What it Takes to Launch a Successful New Podcast
Three veteran podcasters discuss their experiences launching acclaimed podcasts. What creative and editorial adjustments had to be made as they developed their hit shows? Networking session to follow.
1:00 PM
PANEL: The Decision Makers: Podcast Executives in Conversation
Podcast executives from Radiotopia, Gimlet Media and CBC discuss how they build their roster of shows, and what trends are shaping their decisions. Networking session to follow.
6:30 PM
Intercepted
Award-winning writers and activists Naomi Klein and Desmond Cole and artist/MC Yassin Alsalman (Narcy) join host Jeremy Scahill for a fearless and provocative discussion on this podcast from The Intercept.
9:30 PM
The Nod
Expect fun, games and razor-sharp insights as hosts Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings (the duo formerly behind For Colored Nerds) chat with local writers Sarah Hagi and Vicky Mochama.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
12:30 PM
The Fridge Light
Top Chef Canada: All Stars finalist and 416 Snack Bar and Peoples Eatery chef Dustin Gallagher and professors Neda Maghbouleh and Janis Thiessen join former Globe and Mail food writer Chris Nuttall-Smith to reveal the hidden story of snacks.
4:30 PM
Ear Hustle
Co-host Nigel Poor is currently recording inmate responses for questions from the Toronto audience. Discover daily life behind the bars of San Quentin State Prison with the world’s first podcast made by inmates.
6:30 PM - Black Rock Coffee at 677 Bloor St West
Meet and Greet with Radiotopia
Join Nigel Poor of Ear Hustle, Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace, Radiotopia’s executive producer Julie Shapiro and other audio producers for this free and informal event.
9:15 PM
Another Round
Buzzfeed culture writer and author of One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter Scaachi Koul and pop artist and author of Trust No Aunty Maria Qamar (Hatecopy) join Tracy Clayton and Heben Nigatu for canny, irreverent and laugh-out-loud cultural commentary.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
12:30 PM
Modern Love: The Podcast
Two-time Tony Award nominee Andrew Rannells, best known for roles in Girls and The Book of Mormon, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee of Kim’s Convenience and Hélène Joy of Murdoch Mysteries present stories of love, loss and redemption from the beloved New York Times column.
4:30 PM
The Memory Palace
This Peabody Award finalist recounts short, surprising stories from the American past. Host Nate Dimeo promises a dazzling staging of new visual stories that have never been seen in Toronto before.
8:00 PM
CANADALAND
Renegade podcaster Jesse Brown is joined by Toronto Star Washington correspondent Daniel Dale for a crucial assessment of what, if anything, facts mean in today’s political climate.
