The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) is launching New Voices AMPLIFY, a marketing accelerator program designed for independent podcast creators seeking to expand their audience and grow their shows in 2026.
New Voices AMPLIFY is a comprehensive eight-week program that equips independent audio makers with marketing and development skills to help their shows break through the noise in an increasingly crowded podcasting landscape. In collaboration with Apple Podcasts, AIR is offering a series of webinar sessions in Spring 2026 to provide high-level marketing insights and industry trends to its membership.
The program launches with two webinar sessions scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026. The first session, “Marketing Overview,” runs from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time and will be led by Faybeo’n Mickels. According to AIR, this webinar will “untangle the buzz words you hear and break down the basic concepts and terminology in marketing plans as seen in the podcast/audio space.” The second session, “Apple Podcasts for Creators Overview,” follows immediately at 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, featuring Patrick Cherry discussing new features and opportunities available on the Apple Podcasts platform for creators.
The program is led by Keisha “TK” Dutes, an independent audio producer, writer, and educator who serves as the New Voices AMPLIFY Captain. Dutes brings nearly two decades of experience across terrestrial radio, digital media, and podcasting. Her production credits include work on acclaimed shows such as BuzzFeed’s Thirst Aid Kit, Function with Anil Dash, and Good Words with Kirk Franklin. She has also contributed as a reporter and talent to NPR and Slate, and has taught podcasting through platforms including Spotify, PRX Podcast Garage, and BRIC Arts Media. Dutes founded Philo’s Future Media LLC and serves as a board member of AIR.
Lynn Casper, the New Voices Program Manager, oversees day-to-day operations and participant support. Casper holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has developed social media strategy for Working Films. They have presented on intentional podcasting at WNYC Studio’s Werk It conference and have been producing the long-running queer music podcast Homoground since 2011.
Selected participants in the cohort program will meet in small groups with mentors including Paulette Erato, Danielle Desir Corbett, Arielle Nissenblatt, and Amanda McLoughlin during eight-week cohort workshops. The program includes a roster of 2026 AMPLIFY creators representing diverse voices in independent audio.
The initial webinar sessions are free for all AIR members. Interested individuals can register through SoundPath, AIR’s digital platform. Those who are not currently AIR members are encouraged to join the organization to access the webinars and broader membership benefits.
New Voices AMPLIFY represents part of AIR’s broader mission to support independent audio creators. SoundPath, which hosts the program registration and course materials, is a project of AIR, a membership organization dedicated to supporting independent producers and programmers in audio media.
