Chester County podcasters are using their unique expertise to create engaging stories for a global audience, writes Gina Lizzo for Main Line Today.
Amid the thriving podcast industry, local podcast hosts and producers are crafting audio series with a significant impact. Podcasters hail from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, from traditional journalism to animal science.
West Chester podcaster Kate Coffin previously managed a dog collar business before pivoting to podcasting. She launched “The Kindred Podcast” alongside her sister to explore the interdependent relationships between humans, animals, and the natural world.
The show is now approaching its 10th season since its debut in 2021. About the specific value of this audio-only format, Coffin said, “We’re trying to reach people’s heart space. Podcasting is perfect for that.”
Coffin is far from the only podcaster making use of this trending form of media. Chester Springs residents Eric LaCasse and Stacey Grant formed their production company The Podcast Factory in 2021, and have since shifted to consulting.
Grant also hosts “Gurus and Game Changers” with Downingtown resident Mark Lubragge, where the duo interviews a new guest each week about their life story and success.
The upward trend comes as a lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2023 article from Harvard University calculated that over 1.1 million new podcasts debuted in 2020.
While there has since been a drop-off, the form remains popular for listeners and producers alike. Additional local shows include “The Preppy Podcast” hosted by Patricia Mae Olson in Kennett Square, and the tech-focused “Real Estate AI Flash” hosted by Devon resident Rajeev Sajja.
Read more about successful podcasters in Chester County and beyond in Main Line Today.
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