The Podcasting World Without Todd Cochrane
The podcasting community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest pioneers: Todd Cochrane, founder of Blubrry Podcasting and a true visionary who shaped this medium from its earliest days. His passing leaves an undeniable void, not just for podcasters who relied on his platforms and insights, but for the entire digital media ecosystem.
I personally first discovered Todd’s influence in 2005, when I picked up his podcasting book. I still remember the shiny silver cover with bold green lettering, sitting on my desk like a beacon of possibility. That book was the first authoritative guide to podcasting I ever read. It gave podcasters like me the courage to experiment with a new medium that was just beginning to stir. Todd had the foresight to see what podcasting could become, long before anyone else was paying attention.
Key Takeaways
Todd Cochrane’s Legacy in Podcasting
When people talk about the history of podcasting, Todd Cochrane’s name belongs at the center. As the founder of Blubrry Podcasting, he built one of the first platforms that gave podcasters hosting, monetization, and distribution options. At a time when mainstream media dismissed podcasts as a fad, Todd was investing in infrastructure. He understood that podcasting was not just about technology, but about empowering independent voices.
His leadership extended beyond his company. Todd was an advocate for creators, frequently writing, speaking, and encouraging new podcasters to take risks. His influence was not about controlling the space— it was about giving it room to grow. Podcasting today, with its millions of active shows and billions of listeners worldwide, stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Todd.
A Personal Connection
My relationship with Todd’s work started in 2005, but it became deeply personal in 2025 when I finally had the privilege of meeting him at Podcast Movement in Grapevine, Texas. Standing face-to-face with someone whose book had guided me nearly two decades earlier was humbling. We talked about how far podcasting had come, how creators had gone from recording in basements to filling arenas, and how the next generation of podcasters would push the boundaries even further. Meeting Todd was not just an honor— it was a reminder of how much one person can shape an industry.
Meeting Todd at Podcast Movement 2025
That conference in Grapevine remains one of the highlights of my podcasting career. Todd’s presence commanded respect, but it was his humility and passion for the medium that left the greatest impression. He wasn’t interested in being seen as a celebrity of podcasting; he was interested in helping creators succeed. That’s the kind of leader he was.
The Podcasting Community in Mourning
News of Todd’s passing spread quickly across the podcasting world. Podcasters everywhere have been sharing memories, stories, and tributes. From independent hobbyists to top-ranked creators, everyone felt his impact. His absence is not just the loss of a man—it is the loss of a guiding voice. The silence left in his wake is louder than any episode outro.
At the World Podcast Network, we feel his influence every day. His push for innovation inspired us to create better tools and give creators the visibility they deserve. His belief in independent voices continues to drive our mission.
The Future Without Todd
While his passing marks a difficult moment, Todd’s legacy is far from gone. Every podcast that publishes today owes something to the foundations he laid. Every podcaster who earns their first sponsor or connects with their first listener is benefiting from the systems Todd helped establish.
As the industry grows into its next chapter—with AI-driven discovery, new monetization methods, and global expansion—Todd’s fingerprints will remain visible. He taught us to innovate, to adapt, and most importantly, to believe that podcasting is here to stay.
Rest in peace, Todd Cochrane. The podcasting world may never be the same without you, but it is infinitely better because of you.
