From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and Connection

From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and Connection

Guest: Junaid Ahmed, Home Studio Architect and Host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this inspiring episode recorded live at PodFest 2026, host Julie Riga connects with Junaid Ahmed for their second annual PodFest conversation. Junaid, known as the Home Studio Architect and host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, shares powerful insights on podcast growth, audience building, and the evolution required to create a sustainable and purpose-driven platform.

This conversation captures the energy of one of podcasting’s premier conferences while delivering grounded wisdom for creators focused on legacy, impact, and long-term growth.

From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and Connection

About This Episode

Recorded live from PodFest 2026, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at why conferences are transformative for podcasters at every stage. Julie and Junaid reflect on year-over-year growth, share their biggest conference takeaways, and discuss the mindset shifts required to evolve without abandoning what already works.

They explore the transition from using a podcast primarily as a networking tool to building it as a true audience-driven platform. Julie also shares her perspective on stepping into the role of front person for the Stay On Course brand and strengthening social media presence to amplify reach and impact.

Guest Background

Junaid Ahmed, pronounced “like lemonade,” is the Home Studio Architect who helps podcasters and creators build professional home studios. With five years of PodFest attendance, Junaid is a recognized voice in the podcasting community.

He hosts Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, where he highlights how people turn passion into profit while maintaining authenticity and purpose.

Fun Fact: This is Junaid’s second consecutive year recording with Julie at the GObox studio at PodFest, creating an annual tradition of reflection and growth.

Key Topics Discussed

• Building genuine connections at PodFest through consistent presence and community

• Compounding knowledge year over year rather than starting over

• Learning from creators who evolve across platforms while staying aligned

• Shifting focus from monetization to audience growth

• Becoming the visible front person of your brand

• The reality of empire building and the cost of support and collaboration

• Investing time and money wisely and implementing what you learn

Memorable Quotes

“As podcasters, we are compounding knowledge every single year.”

“I used to see my podcast as a networking tool. Now I am focused on growing my audience.”

“You cannot build an empire by yourself.”

“What you gain depends on how you implement what you learn.”

Key Takeaways

Compound your growth instead of resetting each year

Evolve your platform without abandoning what works

Shift from networking to audience building

Invest in community, support, and long-term growth

Show up consistently and implement what you learn

Connect with Junaid Ahmed

Podcast: Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories

Business: Home Studio Architect

Services: Studio setup consultation and podcasting support

Social Media: Available across major platforms

Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.

#PodcastGrowth #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #AuthenticGrowth #StayOnCourse