On the first Saturday in March of 2024, more than 350 families experienced the first event of its kind in Pensacola or in the world: Podcastapalooza. The event was held at Booker T. Washington High School, where the gym was transformed into a tradeshow environment that featured over 40 exhibitors in 10 x 10 booths.

The purpose of Podcastapalooza was to raise the profile of Escambia County Public Schools’ podcast, increase podcast subscribers and listeners, and the knowledge and awareness of the free tutoring, after care, scholarships, programs and resources available to parents and students in the county.

Parents, grandparents, guardians and children with Podcastapalooza passports in hand, visited with exhibitor after exhibitor after exhibitor to listen, learn and get their passport stamped for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

Every booth was staffed by the guests behind our Voices United in Education podcast with Podcastapalooza branded signs listing their podcast number, organization and a QR code that linked directly to their podcast episode. Critters joined the guests from the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, Beulah Middle School FFA program and Animal Tales which created a crowd of bright-eyed onlookers. 

Of course, the three-hour event wouldn’t be complete without a live presentation by John Ham from Animal Tales and a heroic book reading by Jamal Sharp, local entrepreneur, owner of BAM! Snowballs and a product of Escambia County Public Schools.

Outside the gym, BAM! Snowballs and a couple of food trucks were curbside to help feed hungry minds and stomachs. 

If you missed the first Podcastapalooza and want to learn about all the resources available to you and your children, subscribe to Voices United in Education on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or where you listen to podcasts.