Kick off the Festival in style with the first of two special showcases featuring popular podcasts from across the country presented live by CBC Podcast Playlist. Hosted and produced by Matt Galloway and Lindsay Michael, this interactive, variety show-style event will feature the rich voices of storytellers from coast to coast, as well as timely and thought-provoking conversations with special guests. This is your chance to discover the extraordinary range and diversity of Canada’s podcast talent all under one roof. ​​​​​​

• First Day Back Podcast (Montreal) 

Meet comedian Jason Weems, who after literally dying on stage when his heart stopped for five minutes, was saved by an audience member. Now, he wants to find out if he can make jokes about his death. See him perform live, followed by a Q + A with host Tally Abecassis.

• Nobody Cares (Except for Me) (Toronto) 

Host Anne T. Donahue invites a surprise guest to talk about something they care about more than anyone else does. Good luck to us!

• Tai Asks Why (Toronto) 

11 year old Tai Poole asks the tough questions about life to expert adults.

• Personal Best (Toronto)

Watch the team at Personal Best try to create the “perfect podcast episode” before your eyes.

• Red Man Laughing (Winnipeg)

The Red Man Laughing Podcast features Anishinaabe comedian, Ryan McMahon, sitting down with some of the world's leading Indigenous ass-kickers, artists, thinkers & do'ers, exploring the good, the bad & the ugly between Indian Country & the mainstream.

 Hot Docs Podcast Festival brings your favourite audio storytellers from behind the microphone to the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema stage from November 1-5: https://bit.ly/2pBtlnT

Presented in partnership with CBC Podcasts