Abbey Graves Productions

Podcasting has long been a solitary medium. Most of us record from home studios, upload to hosting platforms, and share our content without ever meeting our listeners face-to-face. But Jeff Revilla is changing that.

In a recent episode of Abbey the Podcast Lady, I sat down with Jeff to talk about how he’s taking podcasting from isolated spaces to live, local venues. He’s the founder of the Poduty Podcast Theater in Pennsylvania, where podcasters perform on stage in front of real audiences while still streaming their shows online.

The Power of Showing Up in Person

Jeff’s journey into live podcasting didn’t start with a grand vision. It began with a failed podcast in 2011 and a platform called Blab that combined livestreaming and community in a way that was ahead of its time. What stuck with him was the energy of being live, interacting with real people, and sharing a moment that couldn’t be recreated.

That idea evolved into what he’s built today, a podcast theater that’s part stage, part community hub, and part livestream studio. It’s not just about creating content. It’s about creating connection.

Rethinking What Success Looks Like

One of the most important takeaways from our conversation is the need to rethink podcasting success. Jeff pointed out that less than 10 percent of podcasters hit 1,000 downloads per episode. And yet, so many creators tie their goals to numbers that don’t reflect the value they bring.

Instead, Jeff looks at things differently. If you can sell just four tickets to a live show at $10 each, and split the revenue with your venue, you’ve already made more than you would with a typical host-read ad. And those four people? They’re not just numbers on a dashboard. They’re engaged, present, and ready to support you in real life.

Why Live Podcasting Matters Right Now

More than ever, people are craving real-world experiences. We’re spending more time online, but the payoff isn’t always meaningful. Screens don’t deliver the same feeling as sitting in a room full of people who care about the same ideas, stories, or topics.

That’s where live podcasting comes in. It brings back the human element. It gives your audience a chance to respond in real time. It gives you, the creator, direct insight into what resonates. And it builds community in a way that downloads simply can’t.

How to Get Started

Jeff issued a challenge to podcasters everywhere: do one live show in the next year. It doesn’t have to be at a theater. It could be your backyard, a local library, a coffee shop, or even a corner of a bar with a quiet hour to spare. Start small. Start scrappy. Just start.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s to learn what works, to stretch your comfort zone, and to connect with your audience in a whole new way.

Podcasting is evolving. It’s no longer just about sitting in front of a mic and hitting publish. There’s a movement happening toward real-world connection and community-driven content. Jeff is proof that with creativity, intention, and a little DIY spirit, you can turn your podcast into something more than a digital file.

Live podcasting isn’t out of reach. It’s within your community, your resources, and your audience if you’re willing to try.