Today, podcasts are everywhere, and reach an audience of over 500 million people worldwide. From true crime stories to sports shows, it seems like there’s a podcast for everything. But have you ever wondered how it all started? Who created the very first podcast?

The story goes back to 2004, when former MTV video jockey (VJ) Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer teamed up to create something brand new. They both had a vision for a new kind of radio show—one that didn’t need a big network and could be available anytime, anywhere. By combining their unique skills, they created a way for people to easily download audio files to their devices. This new idea became the first “podcast,” though it wasn’t called that yet.

Their creation was named Daily Source Code, and it was Adam Curry’s own show. In each episode, he talked about music, technology, and his thoughts on the future of media. Daily Source Code wasn’t like the radio shows people were used to. Instead, it was designed for people to download and listen to whenever they wanted, making it different from anything else at the time.

This new way of sharing audio quickly caught on, and soon other creators wanted to start their own podcasts. By 2005, the word “podcast” (a mix of “iPod” and “broadcast”) had become the official term, and even Apple added a podcast section to iTunes, making it easier for people to find shows to listen to. The podcasting world was born.

Here are three lessons from the world’s first podcast:

1. Innovation isn’t always about creating something new

The first podcast didn’t require brand-new technology or concepts; it used two existing tools in a new way. Adam Curry and Dave Winer took the idea of on-demand radio and RSS feeds (originally used for blog updates) and combined them. The result was something that felt completely fresh. This shows that innovation doesn’t always come from inventing something new; it can come from connecting existing ideas in ways no one has tried before.

2. Being niche is a strength, not a limitation

Daily Source Code wasn’t designed to appeal to everyone. Instead, it focused on topics that Curry was passionate about, like tech and music. By narrowing in on this specific audience, Curry attracted a small but loyal following, which grew as people discovered the world of podcasting. This is a reminder that going “niche” isn’t something to fear—it can make you stand out and help you build a dedicated audience.

3. The simplest approach often has the biggest impact

Curry’s low-tech setup and conversational style made his show feel real and accessible, which listeners loved. Instead of a high-production format, Curry kept things simple, and that choice helped create a new kind of media that valued honesty over polish. His approach was revolutionary and is still relevant today. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more—it’s about finding the most direct way to connect with your audience.

Wrapping it up

Today, podcasting is one of the biggest media formats, with millions of shows available worldwide. But it all began with Daily Source Code and the vision of two creators who wanted to change the way we listen to audio. The world of podcasting has grown beyond what Curry and Winer likely imagined, but the spirit of creating real, accessible, and personal content is still what defines podcasting today.