Using Music in Podcasts... Without Getting Sued

21 May 2026
Talking Podcasts 2 Stage
Music can add an extra dimension to your podcast and can often seem like a quick and easy fix to elevate your sound design. However, using music without the appropriate licensing or knowledge can land you in serious legal hot water. In this session, DJ and Producer, Emily Dust, interviews Cliff Fluet, Partner at Lewis Silkin Chair of Music Minds Matter, about what creators at any level need to know about using music in podcasts - without getting sued!

This session will cover the difference between royalty-free, licensed and copyrighted music, what 'fair use' really means and how to source tracks legally and inexpensively. Cliff & Emily will navigate you through using popular songs, intro and outro music and background tracks, explaining what is allowed and what is not. They will also advise what you should do if you are already using music on your podcast but haven't done your due diligence.

Whether you’re launching your first show or scaling an established podcast, this session will help you protect your work, respect artists, and sound great doing it.