On Air Fest 2026 Explores the Power of Storytelling in the Age of AI

Podcasters, musicians, and industry experts discuss the importance of authentic human connection in an AI-driven world

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The 2026 edition of the annual On Air Fest in Brooklyn, New York brought together a diverse array of podcasters, musicians, and industry experts to explore the evolving landscape of audio storytelling in the age of AI. Highlights included a candid discussion with Wyclef Jean on the importance of preserving the human soul in music, an interactive session showcasing the sound design behind the Abandoned podcast, and panels examining how audiences are discovering and consuming podcasts through new digital platforms. Speakers emphasized that while AI tools can enhance productivity, the true power lies in the authentic human connection forged between storytellers and their listeners.

Why it matters

As AI continues to disrupt various industries, including the media and entertainment space, On Air Fest 2026 provided a timely platform to examine the role of technology in shaping the future of audio storytelling. The event explored how podcasters, musicians, and other creatives can leverage AI responsibly while ensuring they maintain the unique human elements that resonate most with audiences.

The details

The festival featured a range of insightful sessions, including a live taping of the Broken Record podcast with musical icon Wyclef Jean, who emphasized the importance of preserving the human soul in the face of technological advancements. "Long before AI," he said, "I already had seven different versions of a song in my head....I think that our responsibility as humans is to never lose our soul, right? Because the only thing that the machine will not be able to duplicate is yourself." In another session, the team behind the Abandoned podcast took the audience behind the scenes of their sound design process, showcasing how they use audio cues to immerse listeners in the exploration of forgotten spaces. "There's like audio nerds scrutinizing my work, so please don't look too closely," said host Blake Pfeil, "there's a lot of mistakes in there." Additional panels examined the shifting ways audiences are discovering and consuming podcasts, with research showing that a growing number of listeners are encountering shows through social media and algorithmic recommendations rather than traditional podcast apps. "Do you care where people are consuming your show," asked audio research expert Tom Webster, "or just that they are consuming it?"

  • The 2026 edition of On Air Fest took place in Brooklyn, New York from March 9-15, 2026.

The players

Wyclef Jean

A Grammy-winning musician and former member of the hip-hop group The Fugees, known for his influential work in the music industry.

Blake Pfeil

The host of the Abandoned podcast, which explores forgotten and abandoned spaces.

Dylan Thuras

The co-founder of Atlas Obscura, a company that organizes explorations of unique and overlooked places.

Arielle Nissenblatt

A podcast enthusiast and creator of newsletters and audio content.

Lauren Passell

A podcast enthusiast and creator of newsletters and audio content, and Arielle Nissenblatt's best friend.

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What they’re saying

“Music starts with vibration. Lyrics are just what we put on top afterward.”

— Wyclef Jean, Musician (Broken Record* podcast)

“Long before AI, I already had seven different versions of a song in my head....I think that our responsibility as humans is to never lose our soul, right? Because the only thing that the machine will not be able to duplicate is yourself.”

— Wyclef Jean, Musician (Broken Record* podcast)

“There's like audio nerds scrutinizing my work, so please don't look too closely. There's a lot of mistakes in there.”

— Blake Pfeil, Host, *Abandoned* podcast (On Air Fest 2026)

“Do you care where people are consuming your show, or just that they are consuming it?”

— Tom Webster, Audio research expert (On Air Fest 2026)

“It is not our duty to actually keep up with everyone. Instead of chasing a "mobile strategy" or an "AI strategy," leaders must define their human goals first: Who are you trying to help? Whose lives are you trying to make better?”

— Baratunde Thurston, Activist, commentator, and comedian (The Signal podcast)

What’s next

The full episode of the Broken Record podcast featuring Wyclef Jean is expected to be released in the coming weeks, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the musician's creative process and reflections on the evolving role of technology in the music industry.

The takeaway

On Air Fest 2026 underscored the enduring power of authentic human storytelling in an era increasingly dominated by AI and digital technology. While tools like AI can enhance productivity and creativity, the festival's speakers emphasized that the true connection between storytellers and their audiences lies in the unique human elements that technology cannot replicate - the soul, the passion, and the personal narratives that inspire and captivate listeners.