Right here in the heart of Canada’s capital, there’s a world of stories just waiting to be heard. Whether you’ve called Ottawa home all your life or you’re still finding your way around, podcasts are one of the best ways to tap into the city’s culture, history, and community spirit. From compelling true crime stories to candid conversations with local artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, Ottawa’s podcast scene is as diverse as the people who live here. I’ve put this guide together to bring you some of the city’s best shows, voices that inform, entertain, and connect us to the place we call home. So, plug in, press play, and get ready to explore. There’s a whole world of Ottawa stories waiting for you.
The Rise of Podcasting in Ottawa
Podcasting has exploded in popularity in recent years, and Ottawa is right in the mix. More and more local creators are using the medium to share stories, ideas, and insights that reflect the city’s diverse character. Part of the appeal is how easy podcasts are to access—you can listen on your commute, at the gym, or while making dinner—and the range of topics means there’s something for everyone. From politics to pop culture, this growing podcast scene has become an important part of how Ottawa tells its stories and connects its communities.
Moreover, the rise of podcasting in Ottawa reflects a broader global trend where independent creators are taking center stage. Unlike traditional media, podcasting offers a relatively low barrier to entry, enabling enthusiasts and professionals alike to produce high-quality content with minimal resources. This democratization of media has empowered a new generation of storytellers and provided a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. As a result, Ottawa’s podcasting scene is vibrant and eclectic, mirroring the city’s own diversity and dynamism.
Long before podcasting became mainstream, Ottawa’s audio-enthusiast fringe was quietly building community. Mark Blevis started podcasting in the early 2000s, and he collaborated with Bob Goyetche on a weekly show called Canadian Podcast Buffet, which they co-founded in 2005 and helped launch Podcasters Across Borders, a conference which ran from about 2006 through 2012. In those pre-mainstream days, the “scene” was loosely defined — small group meetups in cafés or offices, tech talk over coffee, experimentation with RSS feeds and audio tools
Ottawa’s podcasting community thrives on collaboration, supported by a growing network of local organizations, studios, and events that help creators connect, learn, and produce professional-quality content. Spaces like Pop Up Podcasting, a downtown studio offering training, production support, and creative consulting, have become central hubs for both new and seasoned podcasters. The University of Ottawa’s Digital Skills Hub provides access to fully equipped podcast studios and staff expertise, fostering the next generation of storytellers within the city’s academic community. Meanwhile, local meetups such as the Ottawa Podcasters Facebook group bring creators together to share ideas, trade technical tips, and celebrate one another’s work. Even newer ventures like OnPod Ottawa, an automated video-podcasting space, reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to innovation in this medium. Together, these initiatives have turned podcasting in Ottawa into far more than a solitary pursuit. It’s a connected, creative ecosystem that continues to grow stronger with every conversation
Top Ottawa Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss
In Ottawa, podcasting is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From politics and community issues to arts, business, and hockey, local creators are using the medium to spark conversations and share the stories that shape life in Canada’s capital. Shows like Better Ottawa dive deep into municipal policy and civic life, while This Is Ottawa, from CBC Local, explores the questions and stories that connect people across the region. For something lighter, the long-running Mayfair Theatre Podcast keeps film lovers connected to the city’s cultural heartbeat. Even real estate has found its voice through The Ottawa Real Estate Podcast, which offers insights into one of the country’s most competitive markets.
Sports fans aren’t left out either—Coming In Hot, Sens Callups, and The Senstennial Podcast all tap into Ottawa’s deep love for the Senators, blending expert analysis with fan passion. Beyond news and sports, the local podcasting ecosystem also embraces creativity, self-expression, and community. As part of that movement, I host two shows of my own: 50 Women Over 50, which shares stories of transformation and reinvention from inspiring women in midlife and beyond, and Stark Raving Social, a show for marketing and communications professionals navigating a world that never stops changing. Together, they represent a slice of Ottawa’s growing influence in the broader Canadian podcast landscape—where authenticity, storytelling, and connection matter most.
Genres of Podcasts Popular in Ottawa
Ottawa’s podcast landscape spans every corner of interest—from hockey rants to mindfulness chats—and each genre offers a glimpse into the city’s evolving voice. Sports remain a cornerstone of local listening, with shows like Sens Nation Podcast giving fans their fix of analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and a healthy dose of banter about the Ottawa Senators. For listeners drawn to city life and civic engagement.
The city’s entrepreneurial spirit is also alive in audio form. Startup Canada spotlights local founders and changemakers, sharing lessons from the front lines of business growth. Ottawa’s love of storytelling continues through historical and narrative podcasts such as Capital Stories, which uncovers little-known moments from the city’s past. Together, these genres paint a portrait of a community that’s endlessly curious—one that listens to understand itself and its place in the wider world.
How to Find and Subscribe to Ottawa Podcasts
Discovering and subscribing to Ottawa podcasts has never been easier, thanks to the wide range of platforms and tools now available to listeners. One of the most popular ways to find podcasts is through dedicated podcasting apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. These platforms offer extensive libraries of shows and user-friendly interfaces that make it simple to search for and subscribe to your favourite Ottawa podcasts. By using keywords and browsing categories, you can quickly find shows that match your interests and preferences.
Social media is also a powerful way to discover new Ottawa podcasts. Many local podcasters actively promote their shows on X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok sharing updates, episode previews, and behind-the-scenes content. Following your favourite creators and joining relevant groups or communities can help you stay informed about new episodes and discover other shows that might catch your interest. Engaging with these communities also adds to the fun—creating opportunities for conversation and connection with fellow listeners.
The Impact of Local Creators on Community Engagement
One of the greatest strengths of Ottawa podcasts scene is their ability to amplify neighbourhood voices and build genuine community connection. Podcasts give residents a platform to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives—creating a rich mosaic of narratives that reflect our city’s diversity. By elevating these voices, podcasts help foster understanding and empathy among listeners, bringing people together and strengthening the sense of belonging that defines our city.
Podcasts also have real power to drive positive change. By raising awareness about important issues and sparking local action, they can make a measurable difference. Shows that focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, or public health, for example, help educate listeners and inspire them to get involved in community initiatives. Through thoughtful discussion and expert insight, these podcasts empower residents to make informed choices and take meaningful action on the issues that matter most.
The interactive nature of podcasting further deepens that connection. Many creators invite feedback and participation through social media, live events, and listener submissions, creating a genuine dialogue with their audience. This two-way communication enriches the content and strengthens the relationship between podcasters and their listeners. In the end, Ottawa podcasts aren’t just about entertainment or information; they are a living, breathing part of the community that helps make it more engaged, connected, and resilient.
Embrace the Ottawa Podcasting Scene
Podcasting in Ottawa is thriving—diverse, creative, and full of local voices worth hearing. From politics and true crime to arts, business, and personal stories, these shows capture the pulse of the city and the people who make it special. They inform, entertain, and connect us to one another in a way few other mediums can.
Podcasts give voice to perspectives that might otherwise go unheard and strengthen our sense of community. By listening, sharing, or creating your own, you’re helping build a more connected and inclusive Ottawa. There’s a whole world of Ottawa voices waiting for you—happy listening.
Want to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of digital marketing? Sign up for my newsletter to get insights like this straight to your inbox. Let’s navigate the evolving media landscape together and make smarter, more informed communication decisions for your brand.
Leave a Reply