From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and Connection
Join Julie Riga as she connects with Junaid Ahmed, Home Studio Architect and host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, for a powerful live conversation recorded at PodFest 2026. In this second annual PodFest interview, Julie and Junaid unpack what it really takes to grow a podcast with intention, build audience trust, and evolve your platform without losing authenticity.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how consistent presence, community investment, and year-over-year growth shape lasting impact in podcasting and leadership.
In This Episode:
🎙️ Why PodFest is more than a conference and how real growth happens in community
🎙️ Junaid’s compounding knowledge framework for podcast and business evolution
🎙️ How veteran podcasters inspire newcomers by modeling what is possible
🎙️ Julie’s shift from podcast monetization to intentional audience growth
🎙️ Why becoming the front person of your brand changes everything
🎙️ The reality of empire building and the true cost of support and collaboration
🎙️ How to invest in conferences, tools, and learning with purpose and ROI
Key Takeaways:
📌 Podcast growth compounds year over year when you build on what already works
📌 Conferences accelerate growth through connection, not just education
📌 A podcast should evolve from a networking tool into an audience-driven platform
📌 Sustainable success requires support, systems, and strategic investment
📌 Showing up consistently builds recognition, credibility, and trust
📌 AI and new tools should amplify your experience, not replace your voice
📌 Implementation is what turns learning into impact
Memorable Quotes:
“As podcasters, we are compounding knowledge every single year.” – Junaid Ahmed
“I used to see my podcast as a networking tool. Now I am focused on growing my audience.” – Julie Riga
“You cannot build an empire by yourself.” – Junaid Ahmed
“What you gain depends on how you implement what you learn.” – Julie Riga
Perfect for podcasters, content creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to grow their platform with intention, build real community, and create a legacy through consistent, purpose-driven work.
Connect with Junaid Ahmed:
🎧 Podcast: Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories
🎙️ Business: Home Studio Architect
💼 Podcast studio setup and creator support
📱 Available across major platforms
Connect with Julie Riga:
🌐 julieriga.com/lead
🎧 Stay On Course Podcast
📱 LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and purpose-driven podcasting.
💡 Share this episode with a creator who is ready to evolve their platform and build lasting impact.
#personalgrowth #leadershipmindset #purposedriven #authenticgrowth #stayoncoursepodcast
