Behind the Pod 2026

[behindthepod]

Welcome back to Behind the Pod, a platform for podfic meta discussions!

Behind the Pod is a podcast about the backstage processes of podfic, with audio essays, interviews, and other meta discussions. You can find all previous episodes on our AO3 page.

This will be our sixth year (!) and we've decided to run BtP as a fest this year, which is quite different to how we've done things previously. Take a look at the schedule and rules to see how things have changed.

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Schedule

Sun 12th July 2026 - Submission deadline
Mon 13th July 2026 - Reveals

Rules

Submit a new audio recording of podfic meta of any length to the AO3 collection before the submission deadline. The topic should be related to podfic or podfic fandom. Post your work to the AO3 collection here.

FAQ

Do I have to sign up?
No! You only have to post your audio meta to the AO3 collection before the deadline.

Is there a length requirement?
No! There is no minimum or maximum length.

Are there any technical requirements?
No! We wanted to make BtP sound less intimidating, so no volume checks, standardized intros, cover art templates or anything else.

Can I talk about [insert topic here]?
Yes, as long as what you're talking about is relevant to podfic or podfic fandom! In the past we've had behind-the-scenes chats about making a specific multivoice podfic, retrospective conversations about someone’s podficcing journey, roundtable interviews, talks about podfic technique... However, we would consider discussions of fandom-wide issues, oral not!fic, fandom- or ship primers, or discussions about pro audio fiction/narration to be outside the umbrella of podfic fandom.

Can I submit several works?
Yes!

Can I submit a bookmark?
Yes, as long as it's a bookmark of an audio meta about podfic or podfic fandom.

Someone wrote/I wrote a piece of podfic meta a while ago, can I submit an audio version of it?
Yes, as long as the text hasn't been posted to AO3 and you have permission. Otherwise, no.

I already posted my audio somewhere public, can I still submit it?
Yes, if it hasn't been posted to AO3. Otherwise, no (but you can submit it as a bookmark).

I created something that fits this fest for another challenge but haven't posted it yet, can I submit it?
Yes, as long as the other event allows it. This means that anything created for Voiceteam but not posted to AO3 yet is fair game!

Can I archive-lock my work?
Yes.

I have a question you haven't answered here, where do I ask?
In the comments of this post.

Comments

[peasina]

Woohoo! So glad BTP is back 🎉