Zara Cecilie Leite, a 23-year-old podcast host and social media expert from Norway, has captivated nearly half a million followers with her comedic storytelling and teen-focused content. Co-host of Baksnakk, NRK’s top podcast for teens, Zara connects with her audience through TikTok, live events, and relatable discussions that feel like a “best friend.”
By regularly interviewing teens, Zara and her team keep their content fresh and authentic, earning Baksnakk a nomination for an Innovation Award, while Zara herself is up for Talent of the Year.
Alexis is the Digital Audio Manager at Audiomax in Greece, the Country Manager for Radioplayer Greece, and the owner of Press Play, an in-store music service company operating across Southeast Europe.
With over 30 years of experience in the radio and audio industry, Alexis has had a significant impact in Athens, Thessaloniki, Serbia, and Cyprus. He has designed and launched five terrestrial radio stations and numerous online radio platforms. Alexis spent over a decade as Group Program Director at Antenna Group (Rythmos 94.9, Easy 97.2, and soundis.gr). Under his leadership, Rythmos 94.9 consistently led its format and ranked among the top three music stations. He was also the visionary behind Easy 97.2, launched in 2012, which shook the Athenian radio market, led the soft AC format, and established itself as the city’s go-to “Christmas” station.
Alexis has been a member of EIIRA (the Association of Athens Private Radio Broadcasters) and has served as a consultant for BCI.
Sam Bonham is a Senior News Editor at BBC News. Sam has launched and edited some of the BBC’s biggest podcasts, including Newscast, Americast, Ukrainecast, The Conflict, and Marianna in Conspiracyland. He is currently editing several BBC Radio 4 programmes, including More or Less, The Bottom Line and The Briefing Room. Previously Sam has worked at VICE, i-D Magazine, Dazed and Digital Radio UK.
Persephonica CEO, Dino Sofos, has created some of the UK’s most successful podcasts. Deadline Hollywood said he has had, “a mighty impact on the British broadcasting landscape”.
Dino’s hit shows include Miss Me?, Political Currency and The News Agents, which is the UK’s biggest daily podcast. Dino has brought some of the world’s most high-profile talent with him into the podcasting space, including Dua Lipa, Emily Maitlis and Lily Allen.
He began his career at the BBC, where he set up the prestigious BBC News Podcasts division. He pioneered original formats, including the BBC’s Brexitcast, Americast and the daily Newscast, that amassed 85 million downloads under his tenure.
Dino founded Persephonica in 2021. It has quickly become one of the UK’s leading independent production companies. He is also a co-founder of the UK’s biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires.
