Pretoria, South Africa – Baird Media is proud to announce the winners of the Podmaster Masterclass 2025, an exclusive podcast development program designed to empower emerging voices and enhance the craft of podcasting. After a highly competitive selection process, four outstanding podcasters have been chosen to participate in this intensive masterclass, which will focus on storytelling, technical skills, audience growth, and monetization strategies.

The 2025 Winners and Their Podcasts:

1. Michael Johnston – Coffee Charged Conversations
   • A podcast featuring real conversations about personal growth, productivity, and motivation, fuelled by good coffee and good company.
   • Michael says: “As an introvert, podcasting challenges me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve grown so much since starting this journey, and I want to use this masterclass to improve my show, reach more people, and spread a positive message far and wide.”
2. Dean Horwitz – The Trail Chasers
   • A podcast exploring personal growth and resilience through adventure and endurance sports.
   • Dean shares: “I know my content and audience well, but I want to improve my technical skills and speaking abilities. I’m here to learn as much as I can about the industry and become a better storyteller.”
3. Sabelo Khuzwayo – Just Laugh About IT
   • A proudly South African comedy podcast that encourages listeners to find humour in everyday life while addressing mental health topics like anxiety and depression.
   • Sabelo explains: “My podcast is about putting smiles on people’s faces, helping them forget life’s challenges for a moment. I want to grow my audience and reach more people, especially those struggling with anxiety and depression.”
4. Barret Edelstein – Celeb Savant
   • A career-retrospective podcast featuring interviews with international and local celebrities, providing a glimpse into their lives and careers.
   • Barret states: “I’ve been fortunate to interview some of the world’s top celebrities, but I want to take my podcast to the next level. I’m here to learn how to improve my technical skills and expand my reach even further.”

An Innovative Masterclass Approach

The Podmaster Masterclass provides a unique learning experience through an online-only format, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all participants. The program covers:

• Content Strategy & Storytelling – Crafting compelling narratives and engaging listeners.
• Technical Mastery – Improving sound quality, editing workflows, and overall production value.
• Monetization & Growth – Developing sustainable revenue models and scaling podcast reach.

Guided by Industry Experts

The masterclass will be led by Ethan and Hendrik Baird, co-founders of Baird Media:

• Ethan Baird – An award-winning radio producer with expertise in audio production and storytelling.
• Hendrik Baird – An entertainment industry veteran, academic, and WGSA Muse Award-winning scriptwriter, known for his expertise in narrative development and podcast growth strategies.

“This masterclass isn’t just about learning from us, but also about learning from each other,” said Hendrik Baird. “We’re thrilled to work with such talented podcasters and help them refine their craft while building a supportive community of creators.”

Program Timeline and Key Dates

The program is fully online, allowing participants to engage from anywhere:

• 1st March (8 AM - 10 AM) – First Theory Session (Online)
• 8th March (8 AM - 10 AM) – Practical Session: Vocal Exercises (Online)
• 29th March (8 AM - 10 AM) – Practical Session: Editing Deep Dive (Online)
• April 2025 – Individual Coaching Sessions (Online)
• 3rd May (8 AM - 10 AM) – Closing Session (Online)

About Baird Media

Baird Media is a leading podcast consulting and production company dedicated to helping creators launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence, Baird Media empowers podcasters to reach new heights.

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

Hendrik Baird hendrik@baird.media +27-72-629-4990 https://baird.media