Fringe Benefits: South Australia’s only independent podcast dedicated entirely to the Adelaide Fringe is officially returning for its fourth season, with Fringe Benefits launching on Friday 13 February 2026. A trailer for the new season is available now.
Hosted by Adelaide-based communications professional and self-professed Fringe lover, Emma Dignon, Fringe Benefits has become a cult Fringe-season companion for audiences keen to peek behind the velvet curtain of the state’s biggest cultural festival. With fresh episodes released every Friday throughout the Fringe, the podcast delivers show reviews, artist interviews, round-ups, must-see recommendations, and behind-the-scenes insights — including festival context that everyday Fringe-goers might not otherwise hear.
Season 4 marks a clear level-up for the podcast, with Joel Daniell officially joining the team as Producer. A festival circuit technician with hands-on experience across Adelaide Fringe, Joel brings on-the-ground production knowledge and technical expertise to the independently produced show. His background includes working with well-known Fringe venues such as Tuxedo Cat, The Producers Bar and Raj House.
The upcoming season also sees Fringe Benefits receive official Adelaide Fringe Media Accreditation, strengthening its ability to build relationships with artists and venues and share their stories throughout the season.
“Fringe Benefits started as a passion project and a love letter to the festival,” said host Emma Dignon. “Season 4 feels like a real step forward. We’re accredited, more intentional than ever, and still proudly independent. The podcast is about shining a light on artists, shows and venues audiences might not otherwise discover, and helping people experience Fringe a little more deeply.”
Producer Joel Daniell said joining the podcast felt like a natural evolution. “The show already had a strong voice and genuine connection to the festival. Bringing a production lens to it allows us to expand what we do behind the scenes and better support the artists and venues that make Fringe what it is.”
Strictly a Fringe-season podcast, Fringe Benefits focuses on amplifying independent South Australian artists and venues while celebrating the creativity, scale and community that define the festival. The podcast was also recognised in listeners’ Spotify Wrapped Top Podcasts for 2025, reflecting a loyal and engaged audience.
Listeners are encouraged to follow Fringe Benefits on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to receive new episodes every Friday throughout the Adelaide Fringe season.
FRINGE BENEFITS LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fqE3TBaO9awlnvadj0NlE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fringe-benefits/id1497500491
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fringebenefitspodcast/
For updates, follow @fringebenefitspodcast and host @theiconicblonde on Instagram.
HOST AND PRODUCER BIOS:
Emma Dignon – Host and Creator, Fringe Benefits Podcast
Emma is a marketing, communications, PR and media professional, the creator of The Iconic Blonde and the Host of the Fringe Benefits Podcast. Actively embedded in Adelaide Fringe for over a decade, Emma has reviewed shows since 2017, both accredited and independently, and has delivered publicity for Fringe artists. Her deep, year-on-year festival knowledge underpins Fringe Benefits’ trusted recommendations.
Joel Daniell – Producer, Fringe Benefits Podcast
Joel Daniell is a festival circuit technician with experience at the Adelaide Fringe and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A Film and Television graduate from UniSA, he’s worked with iconic venues and in film, theatre, and events. Outside work, he champions Adelaide’s arts scene, live music, local bars, and vinyl culture.
