Birmingham’s Podcast Scene Takes Center Stage: A Night with David Shands, Donni Wiggins & DJ Strick
Birmingham continues to position itself at the intersection of culture, business, and media — and this time, the spotlight was on the rapidly growing world of podcasting.
Recently, DJ Strick, along with several sponsors, hosted an impactful event at Innovation Depot featuring media personalities and entrepreneurs David Shands and Donni Wiggins. The event drew a packed room of creatives, business owners, and aspiring podcasters from across the region. Curated by Birmingham’s own DJ Strick, the experience was more than just a conversation — it served as a blueprint for how content creation is evolving into a legitimate and lucrative industry.
The Rise of Social Proof
At the center of the conversation were David Shands and Donni Wiggins, the voices behind the widely successful The Social Proof Podcast.
The Social Proof Podcast has become one of the most influential platforms in the entrepreneurship and content creation space, known for breaking down real business strategies, wealth-building insights, and the mindset required to succeed in today’s digital economy. Through interviews with high-level entrepreneurs and transparent discussions about success and failure, the show has built a loyal following and a powerful brand.
Shands, an entrepreneur and speaker, is widely recognized for his ability to translate business concepts into actionable steps, while Wiggins brings a sharp marketing perspective and strategic thinking that resonates with creators looking to grow and monetize their platforms.
Together, they’ve turned a podcast into a movement — one that is helping redefine how individuals build income and influence outside of traditional systems.
Podcasting: From Passion to Power Industry
Events like this highlight a larger shift — podcasting is no longer just a hobby. It’s an industry.
Over the next three years, podcasting is expected to continue its rapid growth, driven by:
- Increased demand for on-demand, authentic content
- Expansion of video podcasting and streaming platforms
- Growth in advertising, sponsorships, and brand partnerships
- The rise of independent creators building their own media networks
Industry projections suggest that podcasting will generate billions in revenue annually nationwide, with creators tapping into multiple income streams including ads, live events, digital products, and memberships.
For cities like Birmingham, this represents real economic opportunity — from production and marketing to live event hosting and creative entrepreneurship.
DJ Strick: Building Birmingham’s Podcast Ecosystem
Hosting the event was Birmingham’s own DJ Strick, a former radio personality who has successfully transitioned into the podcasting and digital media space.
Strick is the founder of the Birmingham Podcasters Collective, an initiative designed to bring creators together, share resources, and elevate the city’s presence in the podcasting industry. He also hosts Strick City Live, a growing YouTube platform that highlights conversations around business, culture, and community.
DJ Strick’s work reflects a clear understanding of where media is headed — and more importantly, how Birmingham can be a part of it. He is focused on helping podcasters not only master the audio and video side of their content, but also elevate the overall production and professionalism of their platforms.
DJ Strick is no stranger to bringing cutting-edge media to the Birmingham market. Long before the rise of podcasting, he was already building a platform through his time on 95.7 Jamz with Gospel Jamz, a weekly radio show that blended music, faith, and community-focused conversation. More than just a radio program, it became a movement that connected listeners and showcased his ability to create meaningful, purpose-driven content. The show carved out a unique lane for DJ Strick, giving him direct access to young listeners who were immersed in hip-hop culture while still seeking to stay rooted in their faith. That same vision has carried into his current work, where he continues to push Birmingham’s media landscape forward by embracing digital platforms, elevating production quality, and creating spaces for authentic voices to be heard. As he noted during the event, many of those same listeners have now grown into professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners in their 30s — a generation that now sees podcasting as a powerful opportunity to share their voice and build their own platforms.
Why the Collective Model Matters
One of the most important takeaways from the event was the emphasis on working collectively.
In a space that can often feel competitive, the Birmingham Podcasters Collective is proving that collaboration can be the real advantage.
- Shared audiences
- Shared resources
- Shared knowledge
These are the things that accelerate growth.
As more creators enter the space, building a connected ecosystem will be key to ensuring Birmingham doesn’t just participate in the podcasting boom — but helps shape it.
What’s Next for Birmingham’s Podcast Scene
If this event is any indication, Birmingham’s podcasting community is just getting started.
With leaders like DJ Strick creating platforms and opportunities, and national voices like David Shands and Donni Wiggins pouring into the market, the city is positioning itself as a rising hub for content creation in the South.
Urbanham.com looks forward to covering future events, collaborations, and conversations that continue to push the culture — and the business of media — forward.
Connect with DJ Strick
For upcoming events, collaborations, or to tap into Birmingham’s growing podcast network:
