The International Women's Podcast Festival (IWPF) Held Last Week In London

 When an acquaintance (not a friend) asked me what I was writing on Ear Worthy now, I explained that I was just crafting a piece about The International Women's Podcast Festival (IWPF). His aggrieved response was, "Jeez, when is it going to be International Men's Day?"

I answered curtly: "International Men's Day has been every day for the last 10,000 years." He promptly went back to his seat at the bar, watching two men in an MMA fight do their best to damage each other's long-term cognitive abilities.

 For those who missed it, the International Women's Podcast Festival (IWPF) was held in London on March 5th. The festival was strategically timed in the lead-up to International Women's Day, which was Sunday, March 8th. 

For those who assume this is one of those "new-fangled holidays," I'll remind you that the holiday began in 1908, when women workers in the needle trades marched through New York City's Lower East Side to protest child labor and sweatshop conditions and demand women's suffrage. Beginning in 1910, March 8th was observed annually as International Women's Day.

The International Women's Podcast Festival (IWPF), presented by Content is Queen, is a premier annual event at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London (with virtual access) that champions women and non-binary people in the audio industry. It provides a supportive space for creators to network, learn, and discuss industry trends, featuring workshops, panels, and live shows, with the 2026 event just last weekend.  

The festival is geared toward existing podcasters, producers, industry professionals, and those looking to start their podcasting journey.
The festival covers topics such as podcast monetization, creative skills, production skills, marketing, and community building, often addressing the need for more female representation in the industry.

The festival included panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and live recordings, such as the 2026 highlights.  

Content Queen, the festival's sponsor, explains: "​Whether you're dreaming about starting your own show, looking to develop your career, or just love supporting brilliant women telling their stories, we want to meet you. ​Our event unites the global community of incredible voices shaping the future of audio to create an intersectional, inclusive, and inviting space. Find time to connect with our incredible line-up of speakers and attend workshops and classes tailored to help you make exceptional audio."

There was a prestigious schedule of speakers, two of whom have been reviewed and supported in Ear Worthy. They also won Ear Worthy Awards.

Aiwan Obinyan is one half of the award-winning Rigour & Flow podcast, along with Dr. Tamanda Walker. The couple also co-owns a successful production company in Leeds called AiAiStudios. 

Discussing Rigour & Flow, Aiwan said in a previous Ear Worthy article, "Rigour & Flow is about embracing the fullness of who we are - and holding onto our humanity in a world that so often tries to flatten it. It’s about making space for ourselves, and others, to be complex, contradictory, brilliant, messy, and whole."

 Katie Stokes is the creator/host of Floating Space, a multiple award-winning show. 

Katie's work explores mental health, social relationships, and identity. "Home, work, and a third place where you belong," Katie explains in the podcast. "That third place is where you exist." 

Katie told Ear Worthy in a Podcaster Profiles article: "I’ve met incredible, creative, and innovative people in the audio industry. Everyone has a deep understanding of story, and I love that a lot of the work I love most is about connection. Podcasting is a very free and open medium for that." 

Content Queen observes: "This is an event for podcasters of all experience levels. Whether you’re a new host of an indie show or an experienced producer from an established company, we make sure there is something for every creator to take from the day."

What I admire about the festival is its open-mindedness and non-judgmental perspective.

"Attendees from every background can join us at the festival – people of color, LGBTQIA+, those with disabilities, professionals, parents, young and elder creators – to be inspired and learn from women in podcasting. However you identify, you belong here, so come ready to connect, create, and collaborate with us at this exclusive event.  The IWPF is a place to platform and celebrate women in podcasting. Attendance is open to all people, regardless of identity, on the condition that you respect this as a safe space for women and abide by our code of conduct."

Make plans for The International Women's Podcast Festival (IWPF) in 2027. If you live in the U.S., given the state of air transportation, I'd book a ticket now and get on the TSA line ASAP. You could get to your gate by early March 2027.