# Podcast Stars Shine at San Diego Comic-Con Popular podcasts and live shows draw massive crowds at Comic-Con. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fb6d2250-ea58-473e-ad6a-8d0b376f1bc7 ## The Rise of Podcasts At major events like San Diego Comic-Con, it's not just movie stars but podcast personalities who are stealing the spotlight. Popular podcasts from Spotify and Warner Bros. are drawing fans with panels and live shows, showcasing the industry's rapid growth. ## Comic-Con's Economic Impact What started as a small gathering in 1970 has grown into a 500,000-square-foot event, contributing $160 million to the local economy. Hall H, the convention's iconic venue, hosts major studio reveals from Marvel and DC, with fans lining up days in advance. ## Live Podcast Shows Live podcast shows have become a powerful tool for growing audiences. From small venues to arenas like Madison Square Garden, shows like Kill Tony are selling out, transforming from simple radio formats into full-blown visual spectacles. ## The Podfade Problem Podfade, the gradual decline and eventual halt of podcast production, is a common issue for indie creators. Events like Speke Fest aim to address this by motivating podcasters and raising awareness about the challenges they face. ## International Appeal Live podcast shows aren't limited to the U.S. In the UK, events like PastMaster attract superfans, while shows like Slate Political Gabfest celebrate milestones with sold-out tours across multiple cities. ## Spotify's Influence Spotify's podcast networks, like The Ringer, are making waves at events like Comic-Con. Shows such as The Midnight Boys and House of R offer deep dives into franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, captivating fans with expert analysis. ## The Impact of Podcast Stars Podcast hosts are no longer just voices. Figures like Van Lathan and Charles Holmes are becoming the new faces of podcasting, engaging fans in person and proving that podcasts are as much about visuals as they are about audio. ## The Future Trend Live podcast shows are poised for even greater growth. Fans want more than just content—they crave interaction with creators. Events like Comic-Con are leading the charge in this evolving trend. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/frankracioppi/2026/07/24/podcasters-are-also-the-stars-of-the-san-diego-comic-con/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._