Hey Chris! Thanks.
Conferences I've been very lucky and privileged to get invited. Part of it is living in London and having really helpful networking opportunities. My first talk happened because someone from the Google Developers team got in touch as we had crossed paths. Being part of the Google Developers Expert program helps in that area too.
Then at Shazam, again maybe luck, but they were always supportive about attending and speaking at conferences.
When you're in that 'conf bubble', you cross paths with organisers and get your name known, then the invites seems to follow.
I've never done a podcast, but once the "Web Platform Podcast" group sent an invite, it didn't work out at that time but maybe I should indeed get back in touch with them.