From Audience to Community: How Great Podcasts Win

At Utah Tech Week, Utah Business Executive Editor Catherine Bennett sat down with three of Utah’s most recognizable podcast hosts to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast that lasts.

Dave Cawley, host of the “Cold” podcast, Jimmy Rex, host of “The Jimmy Rex Show” and “Real Men, Real Conversations,” and Ali Vallarta, host of “City Cast Salt Lake,” share insights on storytelling, consistency, audience engagement and the realities of monetization. The conversation explores why some podcasts fade after a few episodes while others grow loyal communities, and how authenticity, preparation and passion translate to listeners.

The panel also discusses the loneliness epidemic, competing for attention in a crowded media landscape and how AI may reshape the future of audio.

Whether you’re launching a podcast or trying to take yours to the next level, this live Utah Tech Week discussion offers practical advice from hosts who have built sustained audiences.

For more conversations with founders and industry leaders, visit UtahBusiness.com and subscribe to our email newsletters and the magazine.

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The Utah Business podcast highlights the big ideas, remarkable innovations, and extraordinary people who drive the Beehive State’s nation-leading economic success. Each episode brings you in-depth conversations with Utah’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and business mavericks, uncovering the strategies and passion that fuel their achievements. Join us to discover how these pioneering individuals are shaping Utah’s business present — and future.