In recent years, podcasts have evolved from niche channels into influential media platforms that are connecting with millions in ways traditional outlets can’t. But it wasn’t until this election that their power really became apparent. The long-form, unfiltered format has allowed podcasts to dive deeper into political issues, engage diverse audiences, and offer a type of authenticity that mainstream media often struggles to replicate. As both a long-time advocate for podcasts and founder of Budapest.fm, I’ve seen firsthand how this medium connects with audiences in ways traditional media struggles to replicate.

A Different Kind of Conversation

One major reason podcasts resonate is their approach to conversation. Unlike mainstream media, which is often restricted by time and focused on bite-sized clips, podcasts allow for unfiltered, long-form discussions. Consider the recent interviews with political figures on platforms like The Joe Rogan Experience and Full Send—episodes that drew hundreds of millions of views. This isn’t just impressive; it’s unprecedented. People are craving deeper dialogue, and podcasts are providing a platform where thoughts can be explored fully, without the constraints of sound bites.

Reaching the Unreached

Podcasts have found an audience that often feels missed by mainstream media—especially young people who see traditional outlets as either biased, oversimplified, or out of touch. This demographic, often disillusioned by traditional sources, is looking for authenticity and substance. Podcasts, with their unscripted nature and open dialogue, meet this need by creating a space that feels honest and relatable.

Trust in a Time of Distrust

At a time when trust in media is at an all-time low, podcasts offer something rare: the feeling of hearing directly from the source. In a podcast, we hear the speaker’s own words, uninterrupted. This has a profound impact, particularly in an election year, as voters feel they are getting a more authentic version of each candidate. Traditional media may deliver the facts, but podcasts deliver a sense of who the person is—and for many, that’s what really matters.

Engagement on an Unprecedented Scale

The numbers speak for themselves. Top political podcast episodes are seeing hundreds of millions of listens and views, surpassing even televised debates. This shift isn’t just about audience size; it’s about the depth of engagement. When someone tunes into a podcast, they’re committing time, attention, and thought. For a medium that started as a niche platform, this level of impact is telling us something important: podcasts are no longer just for the casual listener; they’re shaping how people understand and engage with the world.

A New Media Landscape

In short, podcasts aren’t just media—they’re movements, bridging the gap between voices and listeners, creating a new space where the full spectrum of ideas can be explored without interruption. The recent election only highlights what many of us in the industry already know: that podcasting is a media revolution, poised to redefine how we consume content, build trust, and engage with our world.

For those who haven’t yet embraced the power of podcasts, now might be the time. This election has shown that podcasting isn’t just here to stay—it’s here to lead.