Mission Based Media just announced Health Podcast Summit, taking place on October 1-2, 2025. It’s the first industry gathering dedicated to establishing evidence-based standards for health podcasting.
The Digital Health Opportunity Most Organizations Are Missing
While healthcare organizations invest millions in patient portals, apps, and digital therapeutics, many overlook the number of people listening to podcasts. Edison Research reported in March 2025 that 55% of Americans age 12+ consumed podcasts in the last month. Research published in previous years shows that listeners spend 8-9 hours per week listening to podcasts.
Compare that engagement to typical patient portal usage or health app retention rates. The numbers tell a compelling story about where audiences actually put their attention.
From Anecdotal Success to Evidence-Based Standards
The two-day virtual summit comes at a pivotal moment when trusted health voices are needed more than ever.
Research is beginning to provide that foundation. Lee et al. (2022) identified three critical quality indicators that both healthcare professionals and caregivers value in health podcasts:
- Accuracy of information
- Clear distinction between fact and opinion
- Qualified hosts
Meanwhile, educational outcomes are promising. One study found nursing students achieved an 11.54% improvement in knowledge after listening to a 60-minute podcast—results that rival many traditional educational interventions.
What Digital Health Leaders Need to Know
The summit addresses critical questions every digital health leader should be asking:
- How to build audio into your omnichannel strategy and drive measurable outcomes
- How to balance clinical accuracy with compelling storytelling
- How to navigate the real regulatory and operational challenges, straight from leaders who’ve done it
- How to grow audiences through service and value
Beyond the Microphone: A Systems Approach
Dan Kendall, founder of Mission Based Media and creator of Health Podcast Network, frames the opportunity clearly:
“There are some incredible health podcasts being created, and we see a tremendous need for even more access to evidence-based information shared by authentic voices. At Health Podcast Summit, we will hear from healthcare professionals and podcasting experts about the standards and best practices that maximize this proven educational tool’s impact.”
This isn’t about adding another channel to your marketing mix. It’s about recognizing podcasts as a powerful and effective communication tool that can reach hard-to-reach audiences.
Who’s Leading the Conversation
The summit brings together an intriguing mix of expertise:
- Podcast industry veterans like Bryan Barletta and Tom Webster (Sounds Profitable co-founders)
- Healthcare organizations successfully leveraging audio
- Digital health innovators integrating podcasts into care delivery
- Pharmaceutical and device companies navigating regulatory requirements
- Patient advocates amplifying authentic voices
The Business Case for Audio-First Healthcare Content
For digital health leaders, the summit offers critical insights into:
- Accessibility: Audio content removes literacy barriers and serves visually impaired populations
- Engagement: Passive consumption during commutes, exercise, or daily routines
- Scalability: One podcast can reach thousands without additional infrastructure
- Personalization: Targeted content for specific conditions or demographics
- Cost-effectiveness: Lower production costs compared to video or app development
How to Get involved
1. Register for the Summit (It’s Free)
Whether you’re exploring podcasts or optimizing existing programs, you’ll gain actionable strategies. Can’t attend live? All sessions will be recorded.
2. Consider Speaking
If your organization has pioneered health podcasting initiatives, share your learnings with the community.
3. Explore Sponsorship
Demonstrate thought leadership in this emerging space.
Learn more about sponsorship →
The Future of Health Communication
As we push toward value-based care and patient-centered models, we need every tool available to engage, educate, and empower health consumers. Podcasts aren’t just another content format—they’re a bridge capable of reaching people and populations that traditional digital health strategies and tools often miss.
Join us October 1-2 to be part of defining the answer.
Read the full Press Release here.
The Health Podcast Summit is a free virtual event taking place October 1-2, 2025, during Health Literacy Month. For more information, visit healthpodcastsummit.com.
The post Setting Standards in Health Podcasting: Announcing the Inaugural Health Podcast Summit appeared first on Digital Health Today.