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At the heart of the podcasting world lies a vibrant community of creators who often come from unexpected places. Ti King, executive director of a nonprofit organization supporting podcasters, is championing voices from the overlooked “flyover states” through his innovative podcast festival, Arkast. This article dives into the mission behind Arkast, the unique opportunities it offers podcasters, and how it’s reshaping the podcast landscape beyond the coastal hubs.
Introducing Arkast: A Festival for the Flyover States
Arkast is an annual podcast festival that celebrates podcasting talent primarily from the central United States often referred to as the “flyover states.” These are the regions many overlook when flying coast to coast, yet they brim with creative minds producing compelling content. Ti King’s vision with Arkast is to bring recognition, resources, and community to podcasters in these areas, ensuring they have the same opportunities as those on the East and West coasts.
“With podcasting, you can be anywhere,” Ti explains, “but often the industry is coastal-centric. We want to celebrate the culture and creativity flourishing in these central states and provide opportunities for podcasters to grow.”
The Nonprofit Behind the Movement: Supporting Podcasters Nationwide
Ti King leads a nonprofit organization that acts like a chamber of commerce for podcasters. This membership-based group offers coaching, meetups, and support, helping podcasters launch and sustain their shows. While the organization was founded in Arkansas and retains its name, its reach extends across the United States.
Membership costs $100 per year and is tax-deductible, reinforcing the nonprofit’s commitment to reinvesting in the podcasting community. These funds enable free workshops and coaching sessions, especially for creators who lack access to technology or professional guidance.
What Membership Offers
- Access to coaching and educational resources
- Invitations to meetups and networking events
- Opportunities to participate in the Arkast podcast festival
- Grant opportunities to help launch podcasts with strong social causes
Inside the Arkast Festival: A Multi-City Celebration
Arkast is more than just a single-day event it’s a multi-venue, multi-city celebration spanning from September to November. The festival unfolds across different cities in Arkansas, with plans to expand beyond the state.
Here’s a glimpse of the festival’s lineup:
- Kickoff Day (September 14th, Little Rock): A day filled with vendors, speakers, and live events to launch the festival.
- Live Halloween Show (October 16th, Ron Robinson Theater, Little Rock): A unique live performance set in a haunted camping scene, complete with campfires, tents, and eerie creatures. Costumes are encouraged, and guests include independent horror directors and ghost tour experts.
- Spanish-Language Podcasting Event (October 19th): Focused on Spanish-speaking creators, this event brings specialized knowledge and community support to an important segment of podcasters.
- Final Three-Day Event (November 14th-16th, Fayetteville): Hosted at the Fayetteville Public Library, this event takes over a large ballroom and includes speakers, workshops, and a podcast pitch contest. Fayetteville is notable as the headquarters of major companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods, adding an interesting local flavor.
Podcast Pitch Contest: A Grand Finale
The festival culminates with a podcast pitch contest where the top three winners receive prizes from Dystopia, a podcast hosting platform. The grand prize winner earns lifetime hosting, along with other valuable perks such as merch sales and drop shipping capabilities through the platform.
Building Connections and Expanding Access
Ti King’s nonprofit doesn’t just host events they actively foster collaboration between podcasting and film communities, recognizing the natural overlap between these creative fields. Partnerships with local film festivals and organizations help broaden the reach and resources available to podcasters.
Ti emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, “We want to bring in the right people who know their stuff, especially for niche events like Spanish-language podcasting. It’s about creating real value for our members.”
How to Get Involved
Podcasters interested in joining the community or attending Arkast events can find information on the organization’s website, arkansaspodcasters.org. The nonprofit is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, providing updates and engagement opportunities.
Whether you’re an established podcaster or just starting out, Arkast and its supporting nonprofit offer a gateway to resources, community, and growth especially if you’re outside the traditional coastal podcast hubs.
Ti King and the Arkast podcast festival are proof that great content and innovation don’t have to be confined to major cities or entertainment capitals. By nurturing talent in the heartland and providing a platform for diverse voices, they’re reshaping the podcasting landscape for the better.
For podcasters looking to connect, learn, and grow, Arkast is a beacon of opportunity reminding us all that creativity truly knows no geographic bounds.
