Tampa Entrepreneur is a PODFEST EXPO Hall of Famer

Tampa Entrepreneur is a PODFEST EXPO Hall of Famer
By Jack Pagano
Jackp1957@yahoo.com

Renaissance Hotel Orlando, Fl.  Chris Krimitos Inductee at the Hall of Fame event. 17 January 2025 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Orlando FL- Podfest Expo 2025 is in the books. Another 4-day annual conference that proves America loves podcasting.  More than 2,000 attended the Orlando Podfest event seeking advice, connections, and the lofty dream of being a great podcaster. Each year tens of thousands hit the microphone, and video in search of telling stories and maybe winning financial windfall.  The podcast search is on for the next Joe Rogen, and Megyn Kelly- two podcasting mavericks making top dollar.

Helping podcasters get in the groove to make a difference and perhaps extra coin is Podfest festival founder Chris Krimitos.  He started the Podfest 11 years ago.  His unwavering work has landed him into the Podfest Hall of Fame. With a huge smile,e Krimitos said,  “I’m honored to be inducted in the Hall of Fame.  And I’m excited that podcasting has grown into a many billions of dollars industry.

Renaissance Hotel Orlando, Fl.  OWWLL, a network platforming network interviews Podfest Expo 2025 attendees. 17 January 2025 (photo by Jack Pagano)

The Tampa transplant started out small-working out of his home in Tampa.  Now he tours the USA and the world as the Podfest’s Community Engagement officer.   He is no longer the CEO handing the baton to Nick Pavlidis- COO/ Managing Partner of Podfest Expo 2025.  Krimitos says the future success of podcasting is with the young.  “We want more young people to get involved.  They are coming into the fold and that’s good for podcasting.”  He also wants dedicated podcasters to get engaged.  His advice: “Be professional, know your craft and earn the influence.  Many want to be famous for the sake of being famous.  That’s a tough road, a tough life.  Get into podcasting because you want to make a difference.”   Pavlidis agrees.  “If you’re interesting, entertaining, and consistent enough you can build an audience.  You don’t need an audience of millions to make a difference and make money.”

Renaissance Hotel Orlando, Fl.  Nick Pavlidis, COO/Managing Partner of Podfest Expo 2025 at the Hall of Fame event. 17 January 2025 (photo by Jack Pagano)

One question expressed loudly at the Podfest was all about the swift emergence of AI-Artificial Intelligence.  Some are worried about the dangers where information can be distorted or even false.  Pavlidis is not worried.  He says confidently, “The beauty of AI is that it helps close gaps.  That’s it.  AI is not going to have an emotional aspect.  You can’t visit AI at a convention or event, you can’t join a group. The nature of AI lacks the human touch, feeling, and ability to be seen and heard on a one-to-one level.”  Both Krmitios and Pavlidis are true believers in podcasting.  They walk and talk the talk…expressing,  “If you have a message in your heart or head you can help people.  You can change the world.”

Renaissance Hotel Orlando, Fl.  OWWLL, a network platforming network is “live” during Podfest Expo 2025. es. 17 January 2025 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.