The podcast medium has exploded in popularity in recent years (we recently launched one of our own!) and, thankfully, is showing no signs of slowing down. This week, audio storytellers from around the world will step out from behind the microphone and take the stage at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival.

Kicking off Thursday, November 1st, the festival will feature over 10 chart-topping shows and a new Creators Forum of panels, masterclasses, roundtable discussions and more. The lineup includes fan favourites like the Criminal spinoff This is Love with Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer, the award-winning British podcast The Allusionist, and LeVar Burton (of Star Trek and Reading Rainbow fame).

Hot Docs Podcast Festival runs November 1-5 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St. W.). Single tickets to the live podcasts cost $19 to $34, while passes range from $89 to $189.