One year ago today, on September 8, 2025, we lost Todd Cochrane. Todd was my longtime co-host on the New Media Show, a podcast builder from the medium’s earliest days, and one of its strongest advocates for independent creators, open RSS, ownership, and direct connection with audiences. Looking back on these conversations, what stands out most is how consistently Todd fought for what he believed mattered. He never forgot why podcasting was different in the first place: it removed barriers, gave creators more control, and made it possible to build real communities without asking gatekeepers for permission. He also understood that none of it came easy. Todd often talked about “sweat equity,” doing the work, building something from the ground up, and earning an audience’s trust over time. That was who he was. What makes this video especially difficult to watch is the ending. In what became his final New Media Show appearance, Todd signed off the way he always did, expecting there would be another episode: “We’ll see you next time.” I wish there had been a next time. Todd’s voice, his ideas, and the impact he had on podcasting are still very much part of the conversation. Remembering my friend and New Media Show co-host Todd Cochrane today. June 4, 1964 – September 8, 2025 More remembrances of Todd Cochrane: New Media Show: Remembering Todd Cochrane, Podcast Hall of Famer and Blubrry CEO A special New Media Show episode with Adam Curry, Mike Dell, Rob Walch, and me remembering Todd’s life, personality, career, advocacy for independent podcasting, and his impact on the medium. New Media Show remembrance https://newmediashow.com/2025/09/ Podnews: Obituary: Todd Cochrane James Cridland and I worked together on this obituary covering Todd’s life, Navy career, Geek News Central, Blubrry, open RSS advocacy, the Podcast Awards, New Media Show, and his wider impact on podcasting. Read the Podnews obituary:  https://podnews.net/article/todd-cochrane-obituary Blubrry Podcasting: Blubrry Founder Todd Cochrane: In Memoriam The company Todd founded remembered him as the heart of the Blubrry community and said it is committed to continuing his mission of supporting podcasters and independent creators. Read Blubrry’s remembrance https://blubrry.com/podcast-insider/2025/09/09/blubrry-founder-todd-cochrane-in-memoriam/ Geek News Central: Geek News Central Mourns the Loss of Todd Cochrane Todd’s longtime show and publication remembered its founder, host, and driving force, as well as his impact on technology, podcasting, and the people around him. Read the Geek News Central remembrance