End-of-Year Wrap-Up Newsletter
Happy Holidays
Wow, this year flew by. As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve experienced together, with our clients, our team, and the podcasting world at large.
As I sat down to write this, I realized that being a father for the second time has changed me. I’m reminded again how fast time flies and how quickly she’s growing up. The mirror every morning tells me that while my head thinks I’m twenty-five, my face clearly says sixty. It’s not such a bad face, just not a young one. I’m thankful for my family, friends, neighbors, teachers, clients, and sponsors. Mostly, I can’t believe how lucky I am.
Client Spotlights: Highlights from Association Wins in 2025
ASPC – The Heart of Prevention Podcast Launch
Launched its first season this year and quickly found traction. Host Dr. Keerthana Pakanati engages with leading experts, offering real-world strategies to prevent heart disease. The content resonated deeply with their membership and wider audience.
PCNA – Heart to Heart Nurses at the Annual Symposium
Twenty-seven episodes were successfully recorded live at the PCNA Symposium in Orlando — all in just three days! Host and internal producer Geralyn Warfield is the most prolific event podcaster I’ve ever met. She’s also a great friend. The resulting recordings have become a rich library of valuable conversations for their members and the nurses they support. Twenty-seven episodes is an amazing accomplishment.
NANETS – NetCast from the National Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
Teaming up with internal producer Michael Thompson at ADG Communications, NANETS continued to lead in podcasting by combining virtual recordings, live events, and on-location interviews. The year culminated in Austin, Texas, with multiple sessions recorded during their end-of-year symposium.
California Restaurant Association – Confidential Bulletin Podcast
President & CEO Jot Condie interviewed Guy Fieri in a standout episode blending industry insight with mainstream appeal. The episode was a hit with members and drew new attention to the association’s work. CRA also expanded its format by adding two monthly episode types — On the Fly and ASK CRA — alongside its flagship long-form episodes. CRA’s knack for sponsorships is inspiring to watch.
Team Updates: Mike, Joel, and Jeena
Mike
This year I continued to travel to help our clients share their stories in person — always one of the most rewarding parts of the work we do. I also made time for family and wellness. My wife and I both turned 60 this year and celebrated 26 years of marriage. She still looks like a supermodel, while I seem to be withering away!
Our daughter, Teagan, started third grade and impressed us with her daily after-school homework routine. She picked up basketball, kept fearlessly skateboarding and surfing, and earned the nickname “Thunderfoot” from her soccer coach — and I think it’s going to stick.
We took some memorable trips — a train ride to Denver, surfing in Hawaii, local beach days, snow adventures in Lake Tahoe, and time with friends in New Mexico and Coloma, California. On the health front, I made sauna and cold plunges a regular part of my routine, and it’s made a big difference.
We also said goodbye to our beloved cat, Squeakers, who passed away at 18. She was a fierce mouser and a world-class cuddler — a legend in our house and the neighborhood.
Joel
I’m especially thankful for my colleague and friend Joel Sharpton, whose steady leadership in podcast production has been invaluable this year. Whether supporting clients during live recordings or delivering high-quality editing week after week, Joel brings both expertise and heart to everything he touches. He’s been with us for years now, and both our team and clients truly enjoy working with him.
Outside of work, 2025 was full of milestones for Joel and his family, the Sharpton Six. Joel and his wife, Kelly, celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary at Epcot while producing the PCNA Conference in Orlando.
Their oldest son, Judah, got his driver’s license and Letterman jacket as the basketball team’s manager. His younger son, Remy, completed Driver’s Ed, and his twin daughters, Eutaw and Nola, each landed their first roles in local community theater. Eutaw also made the softball team but missed her first season due to a broken ankle.
Joel also hosted his first in-person fan event for The Articulate Coven podcast in New Orleans on Halloween — and is already planning for 2026 and 2027. Next up: a family trip to St. Louis and celebrating Judah’s high school graduation in May.
Jeena
Jeena Marie Fabic is our social media manager, LinkedIn and Canva guru, and the person who keeps so many pieces moving behind the scenes. From helping us connect with new audiences to organizing content, creating graphics, and keeping everything on track, she does it all with grace, speed, and a smile. She’s truly an integral part of the Podcasting4Associations team, and we’re so grateful to have her.
In 2025, Jeena and her family had a beautiful year. Her son started 4th grade and joined the Creative Arts Club after school — a perfect fit for his growing imagination. She and her husband celebrated nine years of marriage and marked a big milestone: Jeena earned her driver’s license after years of planning. The family also traveled to Bicol to visit the breathtaking Mayon Volcano — a memorable and well-deserved adventure.
Podcasting Trends to Watch in 2026
Member-Only Podcasts Are Growing
Private, members-only podcasts are becoming key tools for education, engagement, and retention. Associations are leading this charge with content like board updates, expert interviews, and exclusive insights.Community Is the New Metric
It’s not just about downloads. The most valuable podcasts build genuine communities. Associations are leaning into content that sparks dialogue, connection, and member pride.YouTube and Video Podcasts Are Expanding Reach
While audio remains core, many organizations are exploring video-first podcasting to meet audiences where they already spend time. We’re helping clients repurpose audio for YouTube and create shorts and reels to boost discoverability.Shorter Series, Greater Impact
Seasonal podcasts and shorter episodes are often more effective than open-ended formats — especially for associations that follow annual calendars and campaigns.Smarter Distribution and SEO Matter More Than Ever
AI-assisted tools, transcripts, show notes, and optimized metadata are helping associations grow their reach — even without large advertising budgets.
Looking Ahead to 2026
California Podcast Association Meetups
We’re partnering with Bare Bottle Brewery in San Francisco to host monthly podcast/creator meetings, culminating in a Bay Area conference at the end of the year.Launching the Podcasting4Associations Podcast
We’re firing up the mics to launch a new show focused on membership-based podcasting and lessons from industry leaders.Educational Initiatives
Joel launched his own podcasting school to help anyone start a podcast. If you know someone who’d benefit, here’s the link: joelsharpton.com/#mypodcast
Wrapping Up 2025 & Looking Ahead to 2026
As we close out the year, we’re filled with gratitude — for our clients, collaborators, and friends who make this work so meaningful. 2025 was a big year for Podcasting4Associations. We traveled, launched new shows, explored new formats, and saw our clients do incredible things with their voices. We also made time to learn, reflect, and grow as a team.
If this newsletter made you think of someone, a colleague, association leader, or marketing director who might be curious about launching or growing a podcast, we’d be honored if you shared it with them. Most of our clients come through referrals, and we’re so thankful every time you pass our name along.
We’re excited for what’s next: monthly meetups with the California Podcast Association, the launch of our very own Podcasting4Associations podcast, and new tools and training to help association teams do more with their audio.
Thank you for being here with us.
We wish you and your community a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.
We’ll see (and hear) you in 2026.
— Mike, Joel, and Jeena