“PodcastOne is dedicated to our quest to bring to our network the best, most diversified and cross genre podcasts. With the additions of No Filter, Wellness Cafe, Michelle Collins and being able to welcome back Daddy Issues, we’ve aligned with podcasts that pair well with our existing shows while continuing to offer robust programming options for our audiences and for our advertisers,” said Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne.

No Filter is serving you the hottest reality TV, current events, and pop culture tea all week long! From the latest news on the Real Housewives, deep dives into celebrity legal scandals, and unfiltered conversations with your favorite stars - Zack Peter has you covered. And he always keeps receipts.

The Wellness Cafe from host Trinity Tondeleir is serving all things wellness, lifestyle, girl-talk and everything in between. Tondeleir, a Canadian fashion, wellness, and lifestyle influencer discusses mental health, personal growth, and navigating life, often sharing insights from her journey as a young adult and explores topics like negativity, depression, anxiety, building good habits, and living independently, connecting with a large audience interested in relatable, practical advice.

Daddy Issues with Violet Benson is your ultimate go-to for personal growth with a side of sass. This podcast covers it all, from dating bootcamps to mental health moments, because self-love is the foundation of everything in your life - from your friendships to your own mental well-being and everything in between. From host, Violet Benson, aka the Daddy Issues meme queen, comedian, and motivational speaker, Daddy Issues is YOUR Russian big sister, dishing out that tough love you might not want to hear, but best believe you're gonna need!

Comedian and one of the OG "pop culture experts" Michelle Collins of The View, Bravo, Random Aftershow and SiriusXM "fame" brings you the content you desire: Funny, fearless, off the cuff takes few are brave enough to admit. With a roster of comedians, celebrities and friends joining her to co-host, every episode unfolds with a certain excitement as you truly can never guess where it's headed next. You'll walk away with the news and pop culture information you need to know, as well as personal stories about our host and guest no one asked for but we promise you will cherish.

PodcastOne’s full roster of top ranked podcasts includes programming across top genres such as news, comedy, true crime, sports and society and culture and includes shows such as The Adam Carolla Show, The Jordan Harbinger Show, Karma and Chaos, Stassi with Tay, Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe, LadyGang, Court Junkie, Pop Apologists and Varnamtown. PodcastOne shows are available through PodcastOne, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeart, Amazon and wherever podcasts are heard.

“Mehdi Hasan represents the kind of fearless, high-integrity voice that builds loyal, deeply invested audiences,” said Stephen Perlstein, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Libsyn. “Both Mehdi Unfiltered and We’re Not Kidding Mehdi & Friends deliver thoughtful, time-invested listening and viewing environments that are incredibly valuable to advertisers looking to align with substance-driven content and culturally relevant conversations. We’re proud to partner with Mehdi and the Zeteo team to bring premium brands into these shows.”

Mehdi Hasan added, “At a time when independent journalism matters more than ever, I’m focused on building platforms that prioritize truth, accountability, and unfiltered conversation. Partnering with Libsyn allows us to grow sustainably while maintaining our editorial independence. We’re excited to work with brands that respect clear-eyed reporting grounded in facts, principle, and transparency.”

Launched in 2024, Mehdi Unfiltered attracts a civically engaged, internationally attuned audience seeking nonpartisan perspectives and hard-hitting conversations – making it a compelling platform for brands looking to reach informed, issue-aware listeners. Publishing three times a week, the show delivers unfiltered news, bold opinions, and challenging interviews you won’t find elsewhere – holding power to account while unpacking the stories shaping our world.

Introduced in 2024, We’re Not Kidding Mehdi & Friends appeals to culturally tuned-in audiences who value smart humor alongside serious discussion. Hosted by Mehdi Hasan and regularly featuring internationally acclaimed comedian Bassem Youssef, the weekly show brings together renowned guests for conversations that are sometimes lighthearted, sometimes vulnerable – but always candid. The blend of comedy and commentary creates a unique environment where audiences lean in, making it an engaging space for advertiser integration.

Mehdi Hasan is an award-winning British-American journalist, broadcaster, and author. He is the founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of the new independent media venture Zeteo. Mehdi is also a Guardian columnist, host of Head to Head on Al Jazeera English, and the best-selling author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking. He previously worked as an anchor at MSNBC and columnist for The Intercept, and is widely recognized for his incisive interviews and commitment to accountability journalism.

Libsyn Ads empowers brands to effectively target and reach a fast-growing and coveted podcast audience while helping creators monetize their audio and video content. The ad buying and management platform delivers end-to-end capabilities, streamlining the process for podcast advertisers to initiate and oversee highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while maximizing returns for creators. This partnership leverages Libsyn Ads’ advanced solutions, including Host-Read (available for episodic and simulcast formats), programmatic Automatic Podcast Ads, Dynamic Ad Insertion by episode or across the full catalog, and Integrated Brand Opportunities, allowing Mehdi Unfiltered and We’re Not Kidding Mehdi & Friends to seamlessly integrate premium brand messaging that complements the high-attention, intellectually rigorous audience experience.

For more information or to advertise on Mehdi Unfiltered and We’re Not Kidding Mehdi & Friends, please contact ad-sales@libsyn.com.

Both features were first previewed earlier this week during Q1 2026 Podscribe Performance Benchmark (PPB) Webinar, and represent the company’s continued investment in improving transparency, efficiency, and measurement accuracy across podcast and video advertising.

Introducing YouTube SmartModeling

As podcast creators increasingly distribute their content across both audio platforms and YouTube, advertisers have relied on modeling to estimate conversions generated from YouTube views. Historically, the industry standard has been to model YouTube conversions using the conversion rate from the same ad on the same podcast episode.

While this method ensures simulcast buys are not systematically undervalued, it lacks nuance and fails to account for key factors that influence performance.

Podscribe’s new YouTube SmartModeling introduces a more sophisticated, data-driven approach.

Instead of relying solely on audio conversion rates, SmartModeling dynamically predicts YouTube performance using a 6-point solution, including:

1. U.S. vs. International Audience Share – Channels with a larger U.S. subscriber base receive stronger conversion weighting.
2. Ad Placement – Ads appearing earlier in YouTube videos may receive greater modeled attribution, while identical placement with podcast ads slightly favors podcast performance.
3. Ad Length – Longer ads receive stronger modeled weighting, reflecting Podscribe Performance Benchmark findings that longer ads generally perform better.
4. Engagement Rate (Coming Soon) – Videos with higher engagement, measured by comment-to-view ratios, will receive stronger modeled weighting.
5. Read Type (Coming Soon) – Product demonstrations or visually integrated reads may receive higher modeled performance.
6. Vanity URL Tracking (Coming Soon) – Clicks from YouTube vanity URLs will be incorporated into modeling calculations.

Based on Podscribe’s Whitepaper with Oxford Road, advertisers should expect a 10–30% reduction in modeled YouTube conversions on average, reflecting findings that a YouTube view is typically less effective at driving conversions than a podcast download.

Beginning April 1, 2026, YouTube SmartModeling will become the default attribution method for all new simulcast campaigns in Podscribe. Historical reporting will remain unchanged, and users will still be able to toggle back to the previous modeling approach if desired.

Introducing Podscribe AI: Your New Podcast Performance Advisor

Podscribe also unveiled Podscribe AI, a conversational chatbot that connects directly to the platform’s extensive data layer to help advertisers, agencies, and publishers quickly turn podcast data into meaningful insights.

The chatbot analyzes multiple Podscribe datasets, including:

• Podcast transcripts
• Brand safety signals
• Podcast topics and content analysis
• Social audience data (with TransUnion audience data coming soon)
• Historical show sponsors
• Insights from all past Podscribe Performance Benchmark (PPB) reports

By combining these datasets, users can quickly ask questions and receive real-time insights about shows, audiences, advertisers, and campaign strategy.

Example ways users can interact with Podscribe AI

Understand a show’s audience and fit

• “What are the top audiences for Crime Junkie?”
• “Would my brand work well with NPR Up First?”

Learn performance insights from benchmark data

• “What is the best performing ad length based on past PPB findings?”

Quickly summarize podcast content

• “What are the top topics discussed in the latest episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty?”
• “What are the recurring topics discussed in The Ezra Klein Show?”

Generate creative inspiration

• “Craft an ad concept for a meditation app based on Joe Rogan’s transcripts.”

Research advertisers and sponsorship trends

• “Who are Crime Junkie’s past sponsors?”
• “What ad formats do they typically run?”

Explore the broader podcast advertising landscape

• “Which advertiser was the top spender in December 2025?”

Try asking the Podscribe chatbot a query now →

What’s Next

Podscribe plans to expand Podscribe AI’s capabilities in upcoming releases, including:

• Querying insights across multiple shows simultaneously
• Campaign performance analysis
• Taking actions directly within the dashboard
• Integrating additional datasets such as YouTube analytics, social media signals

Availability

Both features are now available within the Podscribe platform. To learn more, visit the Podscribe blog.**

Frequency and Flightpath today announced a strategic partnership that lays the foundation for an industry-wide solution to unsold podcast inventory. The integration allows individual networks to connect Flightpath’s predictive planning and inventory intelligence directly into Frequency’s Premium Publisher Network (PPN) marketplace - a curated marketplace designed to bring greater clarity, scale, and revenue opportunity to premium podcast inventory.

Together, they are moving the industry beyond fragmented tools and reactive selling toward a more modern operating model enabling Frequency to surface and optimize demand opportunities across multiple networks simultaneously, turning intelligence into coordinated, cross-network revenue execution.

The integration connects Frequency’s workflow tools and marketplace with Flightpath’s predictive analytics, forecasting, and inventory management solutions, giving publishers a complete, actionable view of sales opportunities across their podcast portfolios - not just static availability, but real-time opportunity.

Through the Premium Publisher Network, Frequency is creating a more centralized and transparent environment for high-quality podcast supply. With Flightpath serving as the intelligence layer, publishers gain enhanced forecasting, yield optimization, and delivery confidence, unlocking revenue across inventory that might otherwise remain underutilized, without adding operational burden or duplicating workflows across multiple systems.

“Flightpath was built to give publishers a forward-looking view of their inventory, identifying and surfacing opportunities in real time so they can be acted on before revenue is missed,” said Laurie Belleau, Chief Revenue Officer at Flightpath. “By integrating with Frequency, we’re turning insight into action, giving publishers the clarity and control they need to monetize smarter, faster, and with greater predictability.”

“For too long, podcast revenue has been constrained by disconnected systems,” said Pete Jimison, CEO of Frequency. “By connecting inventory intelligence with marketplace execution, we’re not just improving workflows, we’re building the infrastructure that enables smarter monetization across the industry.”

Together, Frequency and Flightpath are setting a new baseline for podcast advertising where understanding your inventory is no longer optional, workflows are streamlined, and monetization decisions are driven by real-time data and predictive intelligence.

Podcast Highlights:

• Crime Junkie, The Daily, and The Mel Robbins Podcast continue to hold the top three spots in audio reach, generating approximately 14.7M, 8M, and 7.1M respectively.
• Pod Save America climbs to #7 in audio reach, jumping from #10 and swapping positions with On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
• Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin emerges as February’s breakout show, surging approximately 70% in audio reach to claim the #8 spot.
• Kill Tony (3.1M) jumps from #5 to #3, skipping over Candace (3.1M) and Smosh Reads Reddit Stories (2.9M) in downloads and views per episode.
• The MeidasTouch Podcast remains #1 in monthly downloads and views, driving approximately 126.2M for the month.

See the full list

Publisher Highlights:

• Spotify leads the industry in both audio reach (~52.8M) and monthly downloads and views (~206.7M), maintaining its dominant position despite a slight dip in downloads.
• Acast climbs to #2 in audio reach with approximately 31.3M, overtaking SXM Media, which moves to #3 at 30.5M.
• Red Seat Ventures surges to #7 in monthly downloads and views (~100M), rising from #9 and swapping places with NPR (#9, 96.3M).
• Nearly all top ten publishers experienced declines in audio reach this month, with Spotify (#1) and Red Seat Ventures (#8 in reach) standing out as the only exceptions posting growth.

See the full list

Advertisers Highlights:

• BetterHelp continues to dominate the charts with $6.2M in estimated ad spend, reinforcing its position as podcasting’s most consistent top advertiser.
• Shopify climbs to #3 with $5.2M in estimated spend, overtaking Amazon and Mint Mobile.
• McDonald’s posts one of the largest increases this month, surging 121% to $3.5M and entering the rankings at #6, signaling a significant campaign ramp-up.
• Toyota re-enters the rankings at #8, investing $2.9M in estimated ad spend during February.

See the full list

Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable today announced additional headline talent and major programming updates for Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW, taking place March 13–15 at the Sky Box in downtown Austin. The expanded lineup reinforces the event’s position as the central gathering point for podcasting, creator-led media, and the future of audio during SXSW.

Penn Badgley, star of You and Gossip Girl, has been added to the slate of live performances with Companion, joining an already dynamic lineup of cultural and creative voices appearing throughout the weekend.

Award-winning actor Sean Astin, known for The Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things, Rudy, and The Goonies, will deliver the Sunday keynote. In addition to his decades-long acting career, Astin is a respected trade union leader and currently serves as the President of SAG-AFTRA, bringing a unique perspective on creators, labor, and the evolving media landscape.

Also newly confirmed, Apple Podcasts will spotlight its recent announcement introducing a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts. Powered by HLS, the new platform provides a best-in-class experience for creators and audiences in the app dedicated to podcasts. Creators have full control over their distribution and monetization, including industry-first creator controlled dynamic video advertising, in partnership with hosting providers and ad platforms delivering HLS.

These announcements build on previously revealed programming featuring Maya Hawke, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, appearing as a special guest for a live recording of Broken Record.

To showcase its launch, on Saturday, March 14, Companion takes over the Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW stage with Companion Presents: In Good Company, an evening of live performances and storytelling, headlined by an intimate acoustic set from multi‑platinum artist Andy Grammer. The event cuts through the SXSW chaos with space for curiosity, creativity, and connection, reflecting the same spirit found across the slate, from Rainn Wilson’s Soul Boom to Christiana Mbakwe‑Medina’s Pop Syllabus. The evening features a conversation with Penn Badgley, appearances from Science and the City, We Love You, and In The Hyphen, plus performances from Ayana Butterfly and JJ & The Mood.

The weekend will also feature previously announced talent including MrBallen (John Allen), host of The MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories; Emmy-nominated Kensington Tallman; Allison Dunbar; and Shaan Sharma.

Programming begins Friday with an address from Tom Fox, Founder of The Compliance Podcast Network and Founder of Podcast Movement Evolutions' honorarium program for community driven sessions.

Fox will be followed by a keynote from Steve McLendon, Product Lead for YouTube’s podcasting initiatives. During his tenure, YouTube has grown to over one billion monthly active podcast viewers, solidifying its position as a leading service for podcast consumption. In this role, McLendon oversees podcasting across the YouTube ecosystem, focusing on enhancing discovery, listener engagement, and creator tools.

“Podcasting is evolving faster than ever across audio, video, live experiences, and creator-led media,” said Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable and President at Podcast Movement. “Bringing together voices from media giants like Apple and YouTube alongside beloved entertainers like Sean Astin, Penn Badgley, and Maya Hawke, as well as the content creators like MrBallen shaping culture today reflects exactly where this industry is headed. Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is where the future of the medium comes into focus and where the people building it come together.”

The event will close on Sunday evening with The Independent Creator Awards Show from Oxford Road. The awards will be hosted by podcaster and rapper Killer Mike and nominees include the likes of legacy creators such as Steven Bartlett (The Diary of a CEO), Theo Von (This Past Weekend) and Tim Ferriss (The Tim Ferriss Show), as well as breakout creators like Caleb Hearon (So True With Caleb Hearon), Kendall Rae (True Crime with Kendall Rae) and Hala Taha (Young and Profiting).

Podcast Movement Evolutions at SXSW is made possible with support from industry leaders including Acast, ADOPTER Media, AdsWizz, Airwave Media, Amazon Music, ART19, Audacy, Castbox, Colture, Companion Network, Display.io, ESPN, Hill Country Podcast Network, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, Mynt Agency, Nielsen, Nueva Network, Nomono, NPR, Oxford Road, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, SAG-AFTRA, Simplecast, Soundstack, Supporting Cast, and YouTube.

The full Podcast Movement Evolutions schedule and additional programming updates can be found on the Podcast Movement website.

Podcast Movement Evolutions is free to attend and interested parties can register here.

Audible, the leading provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced the launch of its new Standard membership plan in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany and France. This offering expands flexibility and access to the audio format, the fastest growing in publishing, featuring one audiobook per month from Audible's unmatched catalog plus unlimited listening from a curated library that includes a selection of Audible Originals and nearly 200 of the most popular titles previously available on Wondery+.

With Audible's global membership base larger than ever, the Standard plan is designed to welcome new audiences to audio storytelling, a media format that is increasingly shaping the cultural conversation. Priced at $8.99 USD in the US (with comparable pricing across other marketplaces), the plan offers an accessible entry point for listeners looking for the latest best-seller, or who are just beginning to explore audiobooks.

"The launch of our Standard plan reflects Audible's ongoing commitment to serving the diverse preferences and listening habits of story-lovers everywhere," said Cynthia Chu, Chief Financial & Growth Officer at Audible. "By expanding our membership options, we're maximizing access for lighter listeners while enabling publishers and creators to reach new audiences - a win-win that grows the entire audiobook category."

Early testing of the Standard plan in select marketplaces shows strong member acquisition and retention rates. Initial testing in the UK and Australia indicated that the plan was responsible for driving a strong double digit percentage increase in new member sign-ups compared with previous offerings. With its expansion across all new launching marketplaces, Standard is projected to bring millions of new consumers into the Audible audiobook experience over the next year.

With the Standard membership, subscribers can select one audiobook each month from Audible's full catalog, retaining access to that title for as long as membership remains active. Members also get unlimited ad-free listening access to a select catalog featuring premium Audible Originals like Reinvent Your Life with Mel Robbins, Kerry Washington's The Prophecy and The Big Lie, starring Jon Hamm, plus nearly 200 hit titles previously available on Wondery+ which are now Audible Originals - including acclaimed series such as Dr. Death, American Scandal, and Business Wars. While many of these titles will remain widely available, early access and ad-free listening previously enjoyed by Wondery+ subscribers will be available only for Audible members. Select titles such as Dying for Sex, The Shrink Next Door and Ghost Story will be exclusive to Audible members.

Audible continues to offer its Premium membership ($14.95 USD/mo in the US) for listeners seeking access to Audible’s full unlimited listening catalog, along with one monthly credit to purchase any audiobook to keep forever, regardless of membership status. Combined with the option to purchase titles à la carte, Audible provides a comprehensive range of options to match every listener's needs.

The Standard plan is available immediately in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France, with testing underway in additional marketplaces.

Evergreen Podcasts launches The Plotpoint, an author-interview podcast hosted by award-winning filmmaker and author Leslie Zemeckis and bestselling author Sara DiVello. Each episode delivers powerful conversations with internationally acclaimed authors, distilled into just 20 minutes of writing wisdom and creative inspiration.

The Plotpoint premieres March 4, 2026 with new episodes releasing monthly on the first Wednesday. The debut episode welcomes Patricia Cornwell, dubbed the “queen of crime fiction,” ahead of the release of Amazon Prime’s Scarpetta, the highly anticipated adaptation of her bestselling novel.

On The Plotpoint, Cornwell reveals her struggles — she received so many rejections she almost gave up on her dream of becoming an author. Her first signing was a bust. She had to give a free case of books to the only bookstore that would host her. Not a single person attended, and one woman even asked her to throw away her dirty tissue. She reflects on how it feels now on the other side of stratospheric success, having sold more than 100 million books, with a series set to stream on Amazon Prime starring Nicole Kidman alongside Jamie Lee Curtis — and she shares the secrets to her craft.

Upcoming guests include nationally acclaimed crime novelist Walter Mosley; bestselling author Wally Lamb, a three-time Oprah’s Book Club selection; the prolific Jeffrey Archer; and the clinically astute Abraham Verghese.

The Plotpoint is built for readers, writers, and anyone chasing success while navigating real life. To catch these fast-paced, insightful conversations, subscribe to The Plotpoint on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen. And remember, writing is the best revenge.

The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) scientists and policy leaders, working across Massachusetts on aquaculture, coastal resilience, renewable energy, climate-smart forestry, biodiversity, dam removal, river restoration, land conservation, and other nature-based solutions is part of a nine-part podcast series called Nature is the Solution, dropping every other week from Jan. 20 to May 2026.

“Sharing our work in the field to drive noticeable and impactful solutions to address climate change and nature is very exciting,” said The Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts State Director Kris Sarri. “WBUR’s CitySpace Productions gives us the chance to share with listeners the compelling stories of solutions that we’ve been working on in every corner of our state from the Berkshires to Boston. Our hope is that it will inspire more environmental optimists to know that nature itself is a balm and a solution to many climate issues.”

The first episode in the series will be about oyster reef restoration and aquaculture, hosted by TNC’s Coastal Program Director Steve Kirk. He will discuss how oyster reefs in the Northeast are like coral reefs in more tropical climates, cleaning the water and protecting shorelines and marine ecosystems. TNC spearheaded a unique program between oyster farmers and conservationists to rebuild reefs along the coast, which Kirk and partners will discuss.

In the next episode, Chris Maguire, TNC’s Ocean Program Director, will take listeners to Collins Cove in Salem to talk about living shorelines–a tool for building coastal resiliency by protecting against storms and sea level rise. He will explain how using natural materials and ecological design supports wildlife and how re-thinking our shores with nature-based solutions like these can protect homes and coastal ecosystems.

Other episodes will feature TNC’s Climate Adaptation Director Emma Gildesgame exploring coastal relocation; Marea Gabriel, TNC’s Freshwater Manager, on river restoration and connectivity; Barbara Charry, TNC’s Director of Rivers and Lands, on work to preserve wildlife linkages and biodiversity in the Appalachians; Karen Lombard, Director of Stewardship and Restoration, on land protection and stewardship efforts, including with Indigenous partners; Steve Long, Director of Policy and Partnerships, on essential state clean energy policies; Laura Marx, Climate Solutions Scientist, on climate-smart forestry for carbon absorption; and State Director Kris Sarri on nature’s role in supporting public health.

Episodes will drop every other week through May and will be available on all podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple.

Donwill uses his deep love and vast musicological and historical knowledge of hip-hop to make his podcast, The Almanac Of Rap, a must-listen for fans looking to learn more about their favorite genre, straight from the mouths of legends and unsung heroes. The Tanya Morgan emcee prepares to resume his quest for knowledge, announcing The Almanac Of Rap Season 4, which launched on February 26th.

Airing weekly on Thursdays, alternating between audio/video and audio-only episodes, the fourth season of the 2x Webby Award-winning, Okayplayer-presented podcast brings back the deep attention to detail and unexpected questions that have unearthed gems from a litany of hip-hop heavyweights. Host Donwill is a master of engaging conversation, using his experience as a rapper and lifelong love of music to dig into under-explored nooks and crannies, revealing a different side of his illustrious guests.

Season 4 promises a new lineup of influential figures, including Bun B, Raekwon, Havoc, 9th Wonder & Reuben Vincent, LaRussell, Cupid, Mr. DJ, and more. Donwill's list of guests extends beyond the realm of music: Season 4 also promises an interview with Moonlight and I'm A Virgo actor Jharrel Jerome. Donwill keeps things fresh each week with a grab bag of recurring segments, designed to keep the conversation light and reveal tidbits about the guests' lives and careers. Each episode starts with "The Ballistics," in which Donwill delivers a little-known fact or controversial opinion that sets the tone for the interview that follows.

"The Big Playback" is another regular segment, in which Don and his guest seek justice for an under-appreciated gem. Donwill occasionally breaks out other recurring segments, including "Type Beats," in which he plays a producer a "type beat" inspired by their style, and "The Do-Over," a segment that allows guests to re-do an acceptance speech with the benefit of hindsight. Season 4 brings the latest batch of episodes for the Okayplayer series, adding to a legacy that has already earned the program two Webby Awards. In 2023, AOR won the Webby for "Best Music Podcast," while in 2025, the show won an award for "Experimental Innovation." Past guests on the pod include Lupe Fiasco, A-Trak, MC Lyte, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Phonté, Lalah Hathaway, Wyatt Cenac, and many more.

The Almanac of Rap wouldn't exist but for the passion and curiosity of host Donwill. Born in Cincinnati before re-locating to Brooklyn, Donwill entered the music industry as one-third of hip-hop group Tanya Morgan, with his creative partners Von Pea and Ilyas. The group is best known for the 2009 album Brooklynati, now hailed as an underground classic, but performing music is only part of Donwill's story. He is a prolific DJ, holding court at many of Brooklyn's hottest nightlife establishments and touring as the DJ for comedian Michelle Buteau. His music production work has earned him credits on Emmy-winning programs like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and produced theme music for award-winning podcasts like Slow Burn (Slate), Another Round (Buzzfeed), and #Adulting (WNYC).

Donwill brings that unique experience, curiosity, and dedication to his craft to each episode of The Almanac Of Rap. Stay tuned for Season 4, which promises to be one of the most wide-ranging and entertaining seasons of the award-winning podcast to date.

Backyard Ventures has been named the exclusive brand partnerships representative for excellence, actually, the podcast from The Growth Equation. The Austin-based agency will oversee all premium sponsor integrations across the show's audio and digital platforms, marking the first time the podcast has opened its inventory to brand partners since launching nearly three years ago.

Hosted by performance coaches and bestselling authors Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, and Clay Skipper, excellence, actually draws on decades of combined experience advising elite athletes, C-suite executives, and leading medical professionals. Each episode breaks down the habits, mental frameworks, and evidence-based strategies behind sustainable high performance — giving listeners practical tools they can apply immediately to sharpen focus, boost productivity, and improve overall well-being.

“excellence, actually provides listeners with practical tools and strategies they can use to perform at their best,” said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures. “Steve, Brad, and Clay have built a trusted voice in the personal growth space, and we see a strong opportunity to expand the show’s impact through carefully curated brand partnerships.”

"We've been ad-free since launching nearly three years ago, and we didn't take this decision lightly," said Steve Magness, Brad Stulberg, and Clay Skipper, hosts of Excellence, Actually.

"Backyard Ventures stood out not just for their network of sponsors, but for the care and intentionality they bring to every partnership. That gave us the confidence to move forward knowing we'd find partners that genuinely complement our show and serve our audience."

As excellence, actually continues to grow, it represents a compelling opportunity for brands seeking authentic access to a highly engaged, goal-driven community. Brands interested in partnership opportunities are encouraged to reach out directly.

For inquiries, please reach out to excellence@wearebv.com.

Award-winning podcast/vodcast production house Deadset Studios has signed a 3-series deal with the Australian podcast Sportish, hosted by three-time Olympian Libby Trickett and community sports advocate Georgie Trickett.

Sportish is a weekly podcast that discusses sporting moments that cross into mainstream culture, with a strong focus on active living, participation, and female perspectives. Sportish connects with listeners through their podcast, social channels, and community outreach programs such as the weekly Sportish Swim Club.

Deadset Studios is led by strategist Kellie Riordan, who was previously the founder of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s dedicated podcast team. Deadset Studios has created award-winning shows for ABC, SBS, and ARN Media, and for clients including UNSW, The University of Sydney, Dementia Australia, Queensland Human Rights Commission, and the Australian Sports Commission.

Under a new deal announced in March 2026, the two companies will co-produce three seasons of Sportish, as well as producing associated content, live events, vodcasts, and community activations.

The first series of Sportish co-produced under this new deal is powered by the Australian Sports Commission. The new 8-episode series launches on 4 March 2026 with both a podcast and video episode with Wimbledon winner Ash Barty. Other guests in this series include:

• Hugh van Cuylenburg of The Imperfects podcast
• AFL great Adam Goodes
• Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole
• Mindset coach and author Ben Crowe

Libby Trickett said “We’re thrilled to work with Deadset Studios on the newest series of Sportish, unpacking the relationship many high-profiles Aussies have with sport. Already having their expertise has allowed us to expand to video episodes and we’re hoping to grow further.”

Georgie Trickett said “Brands understand that partnering with podcasts gives them access to opportunities in vodcast, social, and live events and we’re thrilled to expand Sportish along these lines with the support of Deadset Studios.”

Creative Director of Deadset Studios, Kellie Riordan, said “We’re increasingly working on shows where the opportunity beyond podcasts excites us. Sportish already has an engaged audience baseand we’re excited to work with Libby Trickett and Georgie Trickett on a range of projects across many content verticals.”

The digital audio market is growing, innovating and broadening its strategic role according to  IAB Australia’s Digital Audio State of the Nation Report, and the recently released IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report. However, the Digital Audio State of the Nation Report also found that the market’s future scale and investment will depend heavily on the industry’s ability to deliver improved measurement sophistication, provide clearer evidence of effectiveness, and responsibly adopt new technologies including AI.

Now in its 10th year, the Digital Audio State of the Nation Report tracks the evolution of Australia’s digital audio ecosystem, charting the diversification of ad formats and platforms, shifts in investment drivers, technological advancements and insights into advertiser investment plans across streaming audio, podcast and video advertising environments and platforms

The Digital Audio State of the Nation Report will be officially launched today at IAB Australia’s Audio Summit, where industry leaders will examine how digital audio integrates with broader digital advertising strategies, trading models and measurement approaches.

The Report found that ad buyers are signalling further increases in digital audio investment with 69% of audio ad buyers planning to increase their spend in original content podcast advertising, while 56% plan to increaseinvestment in streaming music advertising.  Video podcasts were also found to be emerging, with 25% of respondents having already included the format in a campaign and a further 50% having researched the opportunity.

Audience attention, brand building, brand integrations, custom executions and access to talent and content creators were identified in the Report as key drivers in audio advertising investment.

It also found that the industry is adopting a curious but cautious approach to integrating AI into audio planning, activation and ad production process, with the greatest opportunity seen as performance tracking, reporting and campaign optimisation. However, 53% of Australian ad buyers expressed concerns with the use of AI in audio content production for host reads or voice cloning, where concerns around authenticity remain high.

Gai Le Roy, CEO of IAB Australia commented “There is clear positive sentiment around digital audio, with buyers signalling continued growth across podcasts and streaming. What’s equally clear is that investment confidence increasingly depends on outcomes-based measurement and consistent standards that allow audio to sit comfortably alongside the broader digital mix.

“At the same time, the expansion of the creator economy and the rise of video podcasts are reshaping how brands show up in audio environments. As an industry, we need to innovate around measurement, trading models and creative integration to ensure growth is matched with clarity and credibility.”

Steve Golding, Head of Audio Automation at NOVA and Chair of IAB Australia’s Audio Council commented: “The future for digital audio advertisers is increasingly compelling. As the channel scales within the media mix,advances in targeting, dynamic creative, and experimentation with content creators will make audio campaigns even more relevant, accountable, and effective allowing them to deepen connections with audiences and build trust at scale.”

The Digital Audio State of the Nation Report comes just days after the release of the IAB Australia Internet Advertising Revenue Report which found digital audio revenue grew 8.5% year on year to reach $338.7m for CY25.

Additional Findings

• Content Creators: This year access to talent and content creators as a driver for digital audio advertising usage has seen a significant year-on-year jump (+10 percentage points) to make this the second most important driver (to audience attention and engagement capabilities).
• The creator economy : 61% of respondents have used podcast creators and talent as part of their creator marketing strategy, with a further 17% considering the opportunity.
• Shift to performance:  Previous years have shown heavy reliance on digital audio for brand building objectives. This year, 37% of respondents plan to increase the share of spend on performance advertising compared to brand, with 27% of respondents expecting to increase the share of spend on brand.
• Buying formats : Audio programmatic buying remains stable on last year with 72% of respondents buying programmatically in 2025. Amongst those buying programmatically, 68% intend to buy streaming audio guaranteed deal in 2026 (up from 51% in 2025) and 62% plan to buy podcast advertising guaranteed deal (up from 43% in 2025). Capabilities in data and targeting have evolved over the last decade and it continues to dominate the reasons for buying programmatic audio.
•  Business outcomes : Standardised data is required for integration into existing planning and Market Mix Modelling tools (MMM) to allow comparable evaluation of digital audio with other channels. MMM, is now the leading tool for assessing sales impact and ROI of audio advertising, with 44% of respondents using it to assess the effectiveness of digital audio investment. However, evidence of effectiveness and measurement continue to be key industry challenges, compounded by fragmented formats and lack of standardisation in the audio space.

The Report was supported by industry body Commercial Radio & Audio, as well as 19 different media and tech companies, including Acast, ARN, Blis, Eardrum, Foxtel, Google, Magnite, News Corp Australia, Nine Radio, NOVA,Publicis Groupe, Earmax, SCA, Spotify, The Trade Desk, Triton, Yahoo, WPP Media and Zenith.

Fieldwork was conducted in November and December 2025, with 128 survey responses collected from decision makers or influencers on the allocation of marketing spend from advertising buy-side, including from media, creativeand digital advertising agencies, agency trading desks and brands/companies that buy audio advertising. 95% of respondents were from ad agencies, including holding groups and smaller independent agencies, and 5% of respondents were from brands or companies that buy advertising.

IAB Australia offers a range of free audio advertising related resources including the Foundations of Digital Audio Advertising course for marketers and newcomers, an Audio Buyers Guide, a beginners guide to Measuring Digital Audio in MMM and AI Unlocked, a resources and learning guide for the ad industry.

As of February 2026, ChatGPT is the most used platform with 36% of Americans reporting using it in the past week. Gemini from Google comes in second at 26% and Copilot from Microsoft in third with 14%. The survey indicates significant differences between usage in personal and business settings.

AI User Metrics leverages the probability-based SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus to deliver accurate AI usage data on a regular cadence, providing the most rigorous ongoing data on AI adoption by American consumers available on the market. AI User Metrics fielded its inaugural wave February 6-9, 2026, and a second wave fielded February 20-23, 2026.

"AI adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and our research is keeping up," said Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS. "With new models launching regularly and AI companies marketing mainstream audiences, the profile of the AI user is rapidly evolving. This service delivers real-time insights into these shifts as they unfold."

Introducing AI User Metrics

AI User Metrics is a new subscription research service that monitors awareness and usage of AI platforms across the entire U.S. adult population, updated twice a month. It tracks all major AI chatbot platforms including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Grok, and DeepSeek, measuring awareness rates, weekly usage, and purpose of use across personal and professional contexts.

The service uses the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus and integrates with the SSRS Opinion Panel's extensive profile data, enabling subscribers to analyze AI adoption across more than 100 demographic and psychographic variables. This cross-tabulation capability allows subscribers to answer strategic questions such as which populations are adopting AI fastest, how usage differs across income levels, and which platforms are gaining ground among specific demographic segments.

Subscribers gain access to an interactive dashboard with full cross-tabulation capability, customizable data views and exports, and trend analysis across waves, updated every two weeks. Custom cuts and strategic consultation are available for teams with deeper needs.

"Most AI usage data is either outdated by the time it's published or comes from opt-in panels that skew toward tech enthusiasts," said Lazovick. "AI User Metrics is built differently. It's nationally representative, probability-based, and updated often enough to actually inform decisions."

To learn more or subscribe, contact:

Megan Lazovick, Vice President, Edison Research at SSRS: mlazovick@ssrs.com or visit: https://ssrs.com/ssrs-solutions/ai-user-metrics/

Spotify has been announced as official partner of the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards - a major boost for Scotland’s fast growing podcasting community.

Thanks to Spotify’s support, entry to the Scottish Podcast Awards is now completely free for all creators, opening the doors to more voices across Scotland than ever before.

Spotify will also now serve as the official voting platform for the Listener’s Choice Award, making it easier than ever for audiences across the country to support the podcasts they love.

Alastair Ferrans, Head of International Podcasts at Spotify, said: “Every decision we make at Spotify is through the lens of adding value to creators.

“Supporting Scotland’s creator community is a natural extension of that work - and it’s fair to say there’s no shortage of strong voices and great stories to celebrate.”

The first ever Scottish Podcast Awards will take place at Glasgow’s iconic Old Fruitmarket on 25 June 2026, supported by local government. The awards ceremony will celebrate the excellence, creativity and innovation across Scotland’s rapidly expanding podcasting scene.

With 23.3% of adults in Scotland now listening to podcasts weekly, higher than any other UK nation, according to Ofcom, organisers say the time is ripe for an official Scottish awards.

Entries are now open across twenty two categories, spanning a broad range of genres including entertainment and pop culture, business to business, news and politics, comedy, Gaelic, sport and more, as well as Emerging Talent. The Listener’s Choice category will open in May.

Both audio and video first podcasts are eligible, provided they meet the entry criteria.

An additional international category welcomes entries from podcasters outside Scotland, ensuring global creators are judged alongside their peers while keeping the core awards focused on Scottish talent.

Scottish Podcast Awards Director and Founder Corrinne Gardiner said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Spotify as a major partner of the Awards. This partnership is a significant moment - not just for us, but for Scotland’s entire podcasting community.

Podcasting in Scotland is thriving, and these awards are about recognising the talent, originality and hard work that goes into creating brilliant shows. Whether you’re an established producer or a first-time podcaster, we want to hear from you.”

The Awards, which also have Go Radio as a media partner, are produced by Sixty Steps Productions, a company founded to deliver this landmark cultural event and further develop live opportunities for podcasts and content creators in Scotland.

Corrinne added: “Scotland’s podcasting community is bursting with talent, innovation and passion. These awards are about celebrating that community and giving it the national recognition it has long deserved.”

Podcasters can find full details on eligibility, categories and how to enter for free on the website.

Take On the Day, LLC, the radio production company co-owned by National Radio Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Crossover Media Group has announced the promotion of Dan Brady to Vice President / General Manager further elevating his role overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. Mr. Brady had previously served as Chief Call Producer, Director of Podcast Operations & Program Audio, and Vice President of Operations all while maintaining his role with the on-air team.

In making the announcement, Take On The Day CEO Ron Hartenbaum said, “Dan has been critical to the on-going success of the radio program, podcast, live events, and pushing the growth of the video product to new levels of engagement.” Mr. Hartenbaum said. “His ability to get things done is simply amazing.”

Prior to joining Take On the Day, LLC, Mr. Brady spent 25 years working in local, network radio, and digital media in the Los Angeles market, including positions as Streaming Manager & Project Coordinator for Premiere Networks. He also was long-time web producer for The Jim Rome Show, consulted the Steve Austin Show Podcast, Sports USA Media, served as Assistant Program Director for Salem Media Group’s KRLA-870 AM, and served other Los Angeles area radio stations in various capacities.

“I’m humbled to be recognized in this elevated role by the managing partners and more importantly Dr. Laura as we continue to propel her legendary brand,” Mr. Brady said. “Continuing to work with our partners at SiriusXM and their team in this new capacity is a true honor.”

Since 2005, Take On The Day, LLC has been the exclusive production and marketing company for Dr. Laura Schlessinger, her award-winning radio show as well as her podcasts, one-woman stage shows, website and social media. In 2011, The Dr. Laura Program moved to SiriusXM and can now be heard on Sirius XM’s Triumph channel (123) as well as on-demand. The Dr. Laura Podcast has over 2.5 million monthly downloads and consistently ranks in the top 10 in Apple Podcast’s Kids & Family and Parenting categories. Her social media following has a combined 2-million followers. In 2018, Dr. Laura was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Based in El Segundo, California, Take On The Day, LLC is owned by Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Crossover Media Group.

We are heartbroken to share that Lock It In Studio co-founder Matt Cutler passed away last week, following a brave battle with cancer.

All of us at Lock It In Studio are devastated. Over the past few years, Matt became not just a colleague but a dear friend. He was brilliantly funny, sharp, unpredictable in the best way, and he faced his diagnosis with extraordinary strength and dignity.

Matt was the mastermind behind our flagship comedy quiz format, Guestimators. The show not only brought us together, it brought joy and fun to everyone who played along each week, from our guests and quizzers to the listeners and the brilliant team behind the scenes.

He brought laughter, creativity and energy into every room and every project he touched. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and worked with him.

Our thoughts are with his wife Helena, his family and his many loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

Andy Bush and Will Nichols

Across Saturday and Sunday, the four emergency episodes generated more than 3 million views, streams and downloads - including over 1.72 million YouTube views and 1.3 million podcast streams and downloads. Each episode was turned around within hours and rapidly distributed across platforms, with audiences tuning in live at scale as events unfolded.

Each show brought a distinct perspective to the unfolding crisis. Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analysed the prospects for regime change in Iran, the likely contours of Tehran’s retaliation, and the wider implications for regional and global stability. Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci examined Donald Trump’s strategic objectives and the domestic political stakes in the United States, while Gordon Corera and David McCloskey offered an intelligence-led assessment of escalation risks and the internal dynamics within Iran’s leadership.

The response extended well beyond live streams and on-demand audio. A cross-network long-read newsletter was sent to subscribers, featuring original contributions from Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Corera and The Rest Is Money co-host Robert Peston, alongside on-the-ground reporting from The Rest Is Classified producer Becki Hills in Jordan and curated analysis from across the weekend’s programming. Additional historical context came via The Rest Is History’s recent series on the 1979 Iranian Revolution - ensuring audiences had access to immediate reaction, in-depth written insight and frontline perspective as events continued to unfold.

Tony Pastor, Co-Founder at Goalhanger, said: “The scale of the response shows where audiences turn in moments of uncertainty. As events escalate, people look for clarity and authority and they know they’ll find it with our hosts. Our teams mobilised within hours, going live across multiple programmes without compromising the editorial standards that underpin everything we do. That combination of speed, depth and rigour is a hallmark of the network. It also reflects the realities of modern distribution. We are able to produce high-quality analysis at scale and make it available almost instantly across platforms. The lines between live television, online video and podcasting are increasingly fluid and that structural flexibility gives us a genuine advantage. These results build on our position as the UK’s leading news podcast producer - ahead of the BBC, Global and Crooked Media - in last year’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Digital News Report. Together, they reinforce Goalhanger’s growing role as a primary destination for real-time current affairs and political analysis during major global events, in whatever format audiences choose to engage.”

According to TV Licensing, average audiences for traditional broadcast news in 2024 were: BBC News at Six (3.6 m), BBC News at One (3.2 m), BBC News at Ten (2.7 m), BBC Weekend News (2.4 m) and ITV Evening News (2.3 m).

Radiocentre has announced that commercial radio in the UK achieved its highest-ever advertising revenue in 2025, hitting £747 million and surpassing the previous record of £740 million set in 2022.

The record performance was driven largely by continued growth in digital audio revenues underpinned by strong broadcast and branded content revenues. Spend on digital ad formats increased by 14.9% year-on-year, up from £77.9 million to £89.5 million. This mirrors sustained increases in listening via connected devices, expanding reach and unlocking more opportunities for advertisers to reach listeners wherever they are.

Further analysis reveals that revenue against commercial broadcasters’ digital audio formats has almost doubled since 2018, up from £45.4 million to today’s £89.5 million, reflecting evolving listening behaviour – RAJAR MIDAS records 107% increase in total commercial audio connected listening hours and 56% increase in commercial audio connected adult reach across the same period.

This record revenue reflects the medium’s shift to a truly multiplatform proposition for advertisers. As highlighted in Radiocentre’s Speed of Sound report, the proven strengths of broadcast radio alongside the precision targeting opportunities presented by digital audio enables brands to deliver audio campaigns that combine both high reach and sophisticated contextual messaging, proven to deliver effective outcomes for advertisers

The latest analysis from Radiocentre and WPP Media further demonstrates how including multiplatform audio within the media mix amplifies overall campaign effectiveness. The findings in High Gain Audio reveal that audio is among the most-profitable media for advertisers, delivering notably higher profit-ROI than the all-media average, both short-term and full-term.

Radiocentre’s CEO Matt Payton said:

“Reaching record revenues underlines the strength of UK commercial radio and its evolving multiplatform offer. Advertisers are increasingly embracing the combined power of broadcast and digital audio, where scale, targeting and proven effectiveness drive results.

Audio’s reach, impact and strong ROI performance is providing brands with a compelling offer and continued confidence to invest in the medium in the future.”

Audacy today announced that Creator Lab – its free hosting platform where podcasters are paid for dynamic ads – now enables creators to directly distribute to their YouTube accounts.

The new feature allows creators to publish true, long-form video versions of their podcast episodes to YouTube. At the same time, creators continue to distribute and monetize their audio across major listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The workflow is seamless and does not disrupt existing revenue streams.

“Podcasting today is no longer audio or video - it’s both. With Creator Lab’s YouTube integration, creators can now seamlessly expand their reach wherever audiences watch or listen while continuing to monetize through our audio advertising network,” said Leah Reis-Dennis, Head of Podcasts, Audacy. “This evolution underscores Audacy’s broader commitment to empowering emerging creators with flexible distribution, streamlined workflows, and scalable revenue.”

"This is the first step in video distribution for Audacy Creator Lab, and we look forward to exploring a range of further monetization opportunities for our partners in the months ahead.”

For more information and guidance for Creator Lab partners on how to connect their YouTube accounts, visit: Creator Lab: Uploading Video Episodes to YouTube.

Edison Research, now a part of SSRS, announces that The Infinite Dial® 2026 with support from SiriusXM Media, will be presented in a webinar on Thursday, March 12 at 2pm ET.

The Infinite Dial is America’s longest-running survey of digital media consumer behavior, tracked annually since 1998. The study provides important benchmark measures for usage and behavior around streaming audio, podcasting, radio, smart audio, social media, and debuting this year, never-before-seen data on AI usage. Annual results and trending data from The Infinite Dial are relied upon by its audience of content producers, media companies, agencies, and the financial community.

The Infinite Dial 2026 will be unveiled by Megan Lazovick, Vice President of Edison Research at SSRS, alongside special guest, James Cridland, Editor of Podnews. With 35 years in the audio business, Cridland will offer unique analysis into the numbers and global context. Together, they will provide attendees with expert insights on the latest digital audio consumption trends and their implications for the industry.

Register here

Crossed Wires announces more headline acts for the world's biggest podcasting party on Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th July. The festival brought 25,000 people to Sheffield in 2025 to see the biggest names in podcasting, and 2026 promises more never-seen-before performances, special guests, DJ sets and fan events.

Now starting a day earlier on Thursday 2nd July, the festival will open with Greg James and Alice Levine (+ friends): A Night of Mistakes!, hosted by two of the driving forces behind Crossed Wires. Expect celebrity surprise guests, affectionate bickering, and the sort of chaotic energy that only comes from two friends planning a show 24 hours prior. We wouldn't put dry ice or rogue meat raffle past them (budget and refrigeration permitting).

Further silliness will ensue on Friday 3rd July with JaackMaate's Happy Hour, as YouTubers JaackMaate and Stevie White take it off screen and onto the stage for a hysterical evening of internet nonsense at City Hall.

On Saturday 4th July, much-loved comedians Elis James and John Robins have been announced for City Hall, returning to Crossed Wires following their blinding success in 2024.The best friends will be bringing their trademark wit and contagious laughter for a live show that feels like you're sat round with your pals. Later in the Ballroom, All My Friends is the official Crossed Wires after party hosted by Dave Masterman, the mastermind behind epic discos... and Elis and John for that matter.

On Sunday 5th July, true crime fans will be flocking toAudio Always' True Crime Takeover with British Murders, Murder Mile, The True Crime Enthusiast. One ticket, three shows — it's not for the faint-hearted! Audiences brave enough for dramatised fictional horror will be treated by The Magnus Archives, who will give City Hall's residential ghosts a run for their money as creators Jonathan Sims and Alexander J Newall bring the mysteries of their multi-award-winning podcast live on stage.

The new shows will join the previously announced lineup including Dig It with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball, How to Fail with Elizabeth Day, The Blindboy Podcast, Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Bookclub, Get A Grip with Vicky Pattison & Angela Scanlon, Bold Politics with Zack Polanski and If I Speak with Ash Sarkar & Moya Lothian McLean.

BBC Sounds Fringe will also be returning, even bigger and better with an additional BBC Radio 4 takeover stage. Acts will be announced next month.

Crossed Wires is also delighted to announce that Audible sponsors the main stage at City Hall, supporting the likes of How to Fail, The Elis & John Show, The Blindboy Podcast, JaackMaate's Happy Hour and The Magnus Archives.

Whether kicking back for a laugh with friends, spending a weekend away with the family, or on a cultural exploration— there's something for everyone across the four days.Keep ears pinned and eyes peeled on Crossed Wires as even more shows will be announced soon...

Tickets available via CrossedWires.Live

Backyard Ventures announced today that Softcore History, the comedic history podcast hosted by Rob Fox and Dan Regester, has been added to the company's growing portfolio of creator partners. Backyard Ventures will act as the exclusive representative for premium brand partnerships across the show's audio and digital platforms.

Rob and Dan are longtime collaborators with a shared background in irreverent comedy, Softcore History uncovers the strangest, funniest, and most surprising stories from the past, delivered with wit and sharp commentary. Each episode blends careful research with entertaining storytelling, making history both memorable and highly shareable.

Softcore History has grown a passionate following of history buffs and comedy fans across the country, connecting with audiences on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Brands in lifestyle, apparel, grooming, alcohol, and entertainment will find a receptive and highly engaged audience ready to hear from partners that match the show's personality.

"Rob and Dan have done something harder than it looks, they made history a fun end entertaining listen, " said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures.

"The show has real personality and a loyal audience to match. We are excited to bring the right brand partners into that world. "

"We have known Matt since our days working together at Total Frat Move, so this felt like a natural next step, " said Rob Fox and Dan Regester, hosts of Softcore History.

"Backyard Ventures gets what we are building, and that trust matters. We wanted a partner who would find brands that feel right for the show, not just any brand, and that is exactly what this partnership gives us. "

Matt and Mollie’s Novel Idea is a brand-new comedy-meets-crime podcast from best friends and BBC Radio 1 co-hosts Matt Edmondson and Mollie King. Each week, the pair take turns writing the next chapter of the same murder mystery with no planning, no spoilers, and no vetoes. Narrated by Steffan Powell (**Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC Radio 2, 5Live)**, the weekly series combines storytelling, improvisation and behind-the-scenes banter as their fictional detective “Ian Chalk” is dragged through the chaos.

In the opening chapter, Detective Ian Chalk is introduced - a flawed antihero loved by Matt and despised by Mollie. Chalk hints at a troubling event that took place inside a cave at Cheddar Gorge, before arriving at Willow Manor, to investigate the eccentric death of wealthy aristocrat Augustus Smythe. Smythe has been yanked to his demise after getting his tie caught in a paper shredder, causing a seemingly accidental strangulation. However, questions quickly arise about the true cause of his death. Was it murder?

Enter DI Brie Roquefort, Chalk’s sharp new colleague, who reveals Smythe’s will has also been shredded, but she has painstakingly stitched it back together. On only her second day, she undermines Chalk, setting up their literal “Chalk and Cheese” dynamic.

Roquefort declares her belief that Smythe was murdered by one of the manor’s six dinner guests, officially opening the crime scene investigation. But who did it? And what the hell happened in that cave?

In a tongue-in-cheek and playful parody of Margot Robbie’s famous bubble bath scene from The Big Short, Mollie has hopped in the tub to explain the unique format of Novel Idea. Just as Margot demystified finances, Mollie breaks down her and Matt’s new comedy murder-mystery podcast in a fun, accessible splash - on Mollie’s Instagram.

Matt Edmondson said: “The phrase “two heads are better than one” needs a rethink. Never before in the history of literature has an author written a whodunnit and not known whodidit. In my first chapter, Augustus Smythe, a wealthy businessman, gets tugged to his demise after his tie gets stuck in a paper shredder, but who is the murderer? Sadly, that’s up to Mollie.”

Mollie King said: “Have you ever considered writing a novel with your best friend? No, of course you haven’t, you’re not that foolish! I’ve cried with joy and pain throughout this experience so far! I never knew two human beings could have such opposing visions of how a crime/romance could be written! Matt’s gonna kill me for slipping in “romance” there.”

With episodes dropping every Wednesday, Matt and Mollie’s natural on-air chemistry and quick-fire humour translate effortlessly into podcasting, flipping the traditional true-crime format on its head. Expect unpredictable twists, outrageous turns and plenty of laughter as the duo attempt to outwrite each other week by week. The final chapter is still unwritten and listeners are invited to help by coming up with a title for their Novel Idea.

Ranga Bee today announces it is taking over production of Wolf & Owl, the hit podcast hosted by Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis, to expand and enhance its video offering, with Platform Media driving commercial growth.

Wolf & Owl has spent the past five years becoming a firm audio favourite. The podcast pairs comedians Tom Davis (The Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (The Owl) for an addictively entertaining, free flowing conversation. Forgoing a set format, listeners have come to expect banter that covers mundane life updates, inside jokes and unbelievable listener dilemmas.

Returning on Tuesday 3rd March, the show enters an ambitious new phase with a premium video offering and an interactive bonus episode designed to deepen engagement with its strong community.

The upcoming series moves fully into in-studio, in-person recordings, boosting the show’s signature chemistry and quick-fire banter with a video version fans have been calling for. Bringing the much-loved comedy duo together, with broadcast-quality production and a social-first growth plan, propels the show into its most exciting phase yet.

Alongside long-form video, viewers can expect a new schedule consisting of a 45-minute main show every Tuesday, followed by a brand-new 20-minute bonus episode every Friday dedicated entirely to answering listener questions.

The announcement follows the hugely successful partnership between Ranga Bee and Platform Media, which produced one of 2025’s biggest podcast launches, The Romesh Ranganathan Show. Featuring celebrity interviews (Take That, Ricky Gervais and Jameela Jamil) alongside popular episodes with Romesh’s mum, Shanthi, the show achieved #1 chart-topping position and over 15 million long-form watches in just five months.

Fueled by Platform Media’s commercial engine, The Romesh Ranganathan Show launched last year with headline sponsorship from Santander UK, delivering a successful campaign that generated strong positive listener sentiment alongside partnerships with Apple Inc, Sky UK, Tesco plc and Airbnb. Introducing a full premium video version of Wolf & Owl, offers commercial partners new opportunities to be integrated into the format, while maintaining Romesh and Tom’s freedom with the show’s loose, playful style.

Romesh Ranganathan, host and Ranga Bee Co-Founder said:

“There were rumours during the break that I’d tried to cut Tom off and end Wolf and Owl. I want to end the speculation by confirming that’s true. It didn’t work. We’re back. You’re welcome.”

Wolf & Owl host, Tom Davis added:

"Nothing makes me happier than spending time and chatting shit with Rom, now we get to do this in a sweet new studio with the world able to listen and watch our inane conversations… what a time to be alive”

Ben Green, Managing Director of Ranga Bee, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to bring Wolf & Owl fully under the Ranga Bee banner. It’s a brilliant show with an exceptionally loyal audience. Moving it into our premium, video-first model built to showcase the very best comic talent is the natural next step for our growing podcast slate.”

Jon Mounsor, Head of Podcasts at Ranga Bee, added:

“Romesh and Tom have worked incredibly hard to build Wolf & Owl into one of the UK’s most distinctive comedy podcasts. We’re excited to be partnering with them to take it to the next level.”

Josh Adley, CEO at Platform Media, said:

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Ranga Bee after the roaring success of The Romesh Ranganathan Show. It’s no surprise that Tom and Romesh will add huge value to the brands and agencies we work with."

The re-launch aims to unlock new commercial opportunities for the cult-favourite podcast while expanding its reach through premium daily social content, enhanced long-form episodes and Platform Media’s long-standing, strategic relationship with Spotify to further amplify distribution.

The new series of Wolf & Owl launches on Tuesday, 3rd March, and will be available to watch on Spotify and YouTube, and to listen wherever podcasts are streamed.

RESCUING lions from war-torn Ukraine, a dolphin pod protecting a father and daughter from a shark attack, and a woman racing against time to save a horse trapped in quicksand are just some of the remarkable stories shared in Wildest Moments, a brand-new podcast hosted by Ben Fogle to mark the 200th anniversary of the conservation charity ZSL.

Broadcaster, adventurer and self-confessed animal-lover Ben Fogle will take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride as he delves into deeply-personal stories of human-wildlife encounters, with a range of guests including wildlife TV presenter and co-host of BBC Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin, Big Cat Sanctuary Director and wildlife photographer Cam Whitnall and the awe-inspiring Nicole Graham, who spent three long and emotional hours keeping her horse calm when it became stuck in treacherous sand.

The 12-part series, which launches on Thursday 19 March, is produced by Peanut & Crumb for ZSL in partnership with Mountain Warehouse, for the conservation charity’s 200th anniversary. The charity, founded in 1826 with the aim of growing humanity’s understanding of wildlife, has spent two centuries creating and encouraging the wild moments that spark lasting connections between people and wildlife.

Available on all major streaming platforms, new episodes of Wildest Moments will drop on the third Thursday of each month, featuring tales from famous faces, wildlife experts and ‘ordinary’ people alike – including one half of the twin doctors behind Operation Ouch!, Chris van Tulleken and lifeguard Rob Howes, whose casual swim with his daughter in New Zealand turned into something far more dramatic when a great white shark appeared.

Ben Fogle said: “It has been an absolute joy to sit in the studio and hear these stories of people’s wildest moments for ZSL’s 200thanniversary podcast. Be it a tale of an encounter with a domestic dog or a wild grizzly bear, what came through in every conversation I had was people’s enduring awe and wonder at the natural world.”

With a career spent exploring remote landscapes and the remarkable people and animals that inhabit them, Ben Fogle brings a lifetime of curiosity to the series. Bringing his own experiences and stories to the podcast, Ben also shares his own, little-known, personal connection to ZSL, in a Wildest Moments episode featuring his own father, Dr. Bruce Fogle.

“Growing up, I was very aware of ZSL and London Zoo, and my family has always had a strong connection to the Zoo - thanks in no small part to my father working there in the veterinary hospital. But for so many families, ZSL’s London Zoo is a place where people make real connections with wildlife, something ZSL has been doing for 200 years.”

Alongside guests’ personal reflections, ZSL experts share their own stories, provide fascinating context and explore what these moments reveal about our relationship with the natural world.

“For two centuries, ZSL has been creating moments that connect people and wildlife, and this podcast celebrates the connections that have compelled people to care for wildlife.

“Joining this amazing group of guests for Wildest Moments, our experts, who work day in and out for wildlife, here in the UK and around the world, bring their unique perspectives to these incredible stories,” said Kathryn England, ZSL’s CEO. 

Kathryn continued, "The sense of wonder that comes through in every episode really reflects the vision of Sir Stamford Raffles, who established ZSL in 1826 after being amazed by his travels through the natural world. He believed that truly understanding wildlife was essential, laying the foundations for the scientific zoos and conservation we know today. Two centuries later, this new, emotive podcast carries that legacy by celebrating the encounters that spark curiosity, deepen understanding and motivate us to take action for the future of wildlife.”

Listeners can hear the first three episodes on 19 March on ZSL’s website (www.zsl.org/wildestmoments) and wherever they get their podcasts. New episodes will be released on the third Thursday of every month through to December 2026.

ZSL's Wildest Moments is created in partnership with Mountain Warehouse and produced by Peanut & Crumb to support ZSL’s anniversary celebrations and its mission to create a future where people and wildlife thrive. Watch the trailer and find out more at www.zsl.org/wildestmoments

The UK’s leading radio and audio industry charity, The Radio Academy, today officially becomes The Audio Academy, marking an exciting next chapter for the organisation as it deepens its focus across the rapidly expanding audio landscape.

The name change comes into effect following the announcement at the Academy’s AGM tonight that Nick Pitts, Content Director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical at Bauer Media Audio UK, has been appointed Chair of The Audio Academy. Philippa Aylott, Senior Commissioning Executive at BBC Music, has been appointed Deputy Chair, succeeding Nick in the role.

Established in 1983, the Academy has supported and championed excellence in UK audio for more than four decades. Nick Pitts steps into the role at a pivotal moment – as podcasting,streaming and creator-led audio continue to reshape the industry, the new name recognises the organisation’s role across radio, podcasts and on-demand audio and its commitment to representing the wider UK audio community.

Each year, the Academy brings the industry together through an extensive programme of events, networking and training initiatives, including the prestigious Audio & Radio IndustryAwards (ARIAS). The 2026 ARIAS programme will be revealed soon.

Under its new name, the Academy will continue to focus on professional development, industry insight, cross-platform collaboration and outreach work with schools and colleges to support the next generation of audio talent.

Nick Pitts said:

“I'm incredibly excited to be taking over as Chair of the Audio Academy, after four years of inspiring leadership from Helen Thomas, at this pivotal point in its illustrious history and important mission to drive excellence in UK radio and audio. Now is the time to reflect the broader audio universe with our new name, without forgetting how we got here and how our history continues to play a vital part today. ”

Philippa Aylott said:

“I am passionate about all forms of audio and thrilled to take on the role as the deputy chair of the Audio Academy. Having previously been a Trustee, I have seen the amazing impact the Audio Academy has within the industry and look forward to working alongside Nick and the rest of the board.”

Dixi Stewart, Managing Director of The Audio Academy, said:

“‘It’s a great pleasure to work with Nick and Philippa at this exciting moment in the history of the Academy. Under their leadership we will take forward Helen’s vision to grow and serve the people who work in every corner of our wonderful industry. It gladdens my radio heart to embrace audio in all its forms and to serve the talented creators whose content inspires and entertains us every hour of every day.”

Backyard Ventures announced today an exclusive partnership with Jess A Couple Things, the pop culture comedy show hosted by media personality Jessie Woo. With over 1 million Instagram followers and a strong presence across social media, YouTube, and podcast platforms, Jessie brings a highly engaged, multi-platform audience to the series. Backyard Ventures will serve as the exclusive representative for premium brand partnerships across all channels.

Known for her bold humor and sharp commentary, Jessie Woo brings a weekly dose of comedy to the world of pop culture. Jess A Couple Things covers trending entertainment stories, reality TV highlights including Bravo programming, relationships, and viral social media conversations, all through Jessie’s witty and unfiltered lens.

“Jessie has a unique voice that combines humor, honesty, and cultural insight, ” said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures. “We’re excited to help her expand the show’s reach and create meaningful opportunities for brands to connect with this audience.

” “Joining the Backyard Ventures roster is an exciting milestone for Jess A Couple Things, ” said Jessie Woo, host of the show. “I can’t wait to see what we create together. They’re building something really special, and I’m excited to be part of it. ” As Jess A Couple Things continues its weekly Friday releases, the show’s episodes provide in-depth, engaging content for audiences, while highlights and clips across social platforms create multiple touchpoints for advertisers. Jessie’s humorous and relatable commentary, combined with a highly engaged, multi-platform fan base, presents unique opportunities for creative and highly targeted brand partnerships.

For inquiries, please reach out to jess@wearebv.com.

Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable today announced that the flagship annual conference, Podcast Movement, will take place in New York City for the first time, hosted at the iconic Terminal 5 from September 14–18, 2026. The move to NYC marks a major evolution for Podcast Movement, positioning the event at the center of media, advertising, and creator culture.

“Throughout each evolution of the media industry, one thing has remained constant: New York City has always been at the heart of it all. Bringing Podcast Movement to New York is a signal to the broader media landscape that podcasting is no longer an emerging medium. We’re a multi-billion dollar industry that’s not even close to its peak,” said Bryan Barletta, President of Podcast Movement and Partner at Sounds Profitable.

The 2026 flagship will be intentionally structured into distinct experiences designed to serve the full podcast ecosystem, from top-level industry decision makers to creators and publishers building sustainable businesses.

September 14–15, 2026 | The Sounds Profitable Business Summit

The Sounds Profitable Business Summit is a premium, executive-level experience built for podcast industry leaders, senior decision makers, and brand and agency media buyers.

Across two focused days, The Sounds Profitable Business Summit will feature:

• Carefully selected keynotes, panels, and speaking opportunities, with limited availability, to drive discussions on the business of podcasting
• Group sessions and workshops that promote strategic conversations shaping the future of audio and creator-led media
• Curated networking designed to drive real partnerships and deals
• Fully catered breakfast, lunches, and dinners with seating charts built to optimize networking connections

Sounds Profitable partners will receive early access to purchase tickets and will have the ability to buy two tickets that can be shared within their organization for a different executive to attend each day.

Those interested in attending who are not Sounds Profitable partners will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at a later date and will be reserved to one ticket per organization that cannot be shared between team members.

Brand and agency buyers will have free access to the event as a testament to Sounds Profitable’s mission to grow the media investments in the industry.

September 16, 2026 | IAB Upfronts After Party with Locked On Podcast Network and More

Podcast Movement will pause daytime programming to align with the IAB Upfronts, allowing attendees to fully engage in the broader advertising ecosystem.

That evening, Podcast Movement will host an industry party with Locked On Podcast Network and more sponsors at Terminal 5. The night will bring together executives, buyers, creators, and partners for one of the week’s marquee networking events.

September 17–18, 2026 | Podcast Movement

Podcast Movement is intended for a mix of attendees, ranging from hobbyists interested in growing the skills to creator entrepreneurs scaling their multi platform media brands. An audience of podcast networks, publishers, and creators will find relevant sessions and conversations throughout the event.

In contrast to the Sounds Profitable Business Summit’s media buyer audience, Podcast Movement will be centered on creators with relevant content and experiences. Session submissions will be voted on by the podcast industry for the opportunity to appear on stage, ensuring that all panels and speakers are relevant to the intended audience.

Over two days, Podcast Movement will deliver:

• Tactical panels with actionable insights
• Vendor showcases and hands-on opportunities
• Networking events built to support creators at every stage

Podcast Movement is about sharpening skills, building businesses, and connecting with the tools and partners that power modern podcasting.

A Defining Moment for Podcast Movement

Bringing the flagship event to New York City reflects Podcast Movement’s commitment to meeting the industry where it’s headed: at the intersection of media, advertising, technology, and culture.

“This isn’t a venue change. It’s a statement,” said Barletta. “Podcasting has gone from underestimated to unavoidable, and when the right crowd gets together, the energy is real. The conversations get bigger, the ideas move faster, and the whole industry levels up. It’s serious, but it’s also a lot of fun.”

Sponsorships & Tickets

Early stage sponsors for Podcast Movement include, ADOPTER Media, ART19, ESPN, Locked On Podcast Network, Magellan AI, Red Seat Ventures, Right Side Up, and SoundStack.

All sponsorship opportunities and tickets will go on sale soon and updates will be available at podcastmovement.com.

Sponsorship availability is limited and opportunities to own panel discussions and other conversations across the event will be reserved to content that grows the podcast industry.

Tonight, The Podcast Academy (TPA), the preeminent professional podcast organization, announced the winners of the 6th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio (The Ambies). The Ambies celebrate excellence in podcasting while elevating the awareness and status of podcasts as a powerful, personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression. The podcast industry’s biggest night took place at the Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York, as part of On Air Fest, and was hosted by Emmy and WGA Award–winning comedian, writer, and producer Wyatt Cenac, with Donwill serving as the evening’s official house DJ.

Christy Mirabal, Chair of The Podcast Academy, presented the Governors Award to Kara Swisher, recognizing her meaningful contributions to the growth of the podcasting industry.

“Kara Swisher has never just covered power. She’s confronted it. Don’t believe me? Google her interviews with Mark Zuckerberg and President Obama,” said Mirabal. She added, “Kara Swisher has proven you can hold power accountable, build a fiercely loyal audience, and talk about it all to the New York Times while wearing her iconic shades. She helped elevate podcasting from an emerging format to a central arena for cultural and political conversation.”

In her acceptance speech, Swisher shared some sage advice with the audience: “Be really useful to your listeners and have great respect for them. Whether it's figuring out something smart to say at work, or something with their spouse or partner or their kids. Be useful to them in life.” She went on to add, “Be unique that you can’t get it anywhere else.”

Angela Yee presented the late Reggie Ossé with the Impact Award for his significant and lasting effect on listeners. His wife, Akim Vann accepted the award on his behalf.

“Reggie didn’t just create a successful show—he shifted the culture of podcasting,” said Ye. “He helped define how hip-hop stories are told in audio, expanded space for Black creators, and built a legacy that continues to resonate across the industry.”

Touré announced the inaugural Vanguard Podcaster of the Year Award. He stated, “The Vanguard Podcaster of the Year is a new award that recognizes an individual who has made a remarkable and lasting impact on the podcasting industry within the past year. Pablo Torre was chosen by the first ever Vanguard Jury and we looked for people who were not just making successful podcasts, but expanding their influence way beyond audio, truly multidimensional talents whose achievements set new standards for what it means to be a podcaster.”

Additional presenters included B.A. Parker (co-host of Code Switch), Brittany Luse (It’s Been a Minute), Katy Hearne Church (Queen’s Podcast), Maria Hinojosa (founder of Futoro Media; In the Thick), Matt McGorry (How to Get Away with Murder), Maulik Pancholy (Murder at the Patel Motel) and Sky Scraper (New York City FC’s mascot).

Additional highlights from the evening:

• Host Wyatt Cenac opened the ceremony with a hilarious monologue saying, “Being a podcast host is an interesting kind of celebrity because a lot of people may not know your face, but they know your voice. I’ve often wondered if Ira Glass has to put on a fake British accent when he’s at a restaurant, so people aren’t like ‘oh shit, Ira Glass is at table seven. Let’s spit in his food.’”
• Christy Mirabal, Chair of The Podcast Academy stated: “When The Podcast Academy created The Ambies, it wasn’t just to hand out trophies, it was to honor the medium and the people who move it forward; The storytellers, journalists, comedians, documentarians, producers, and teams who are shaping culture through audio.” She went on to add, “The Podcast Academy exists to support and advocate for the podcast community year-round and to create a professional home for this industry; A place where excellence is judged by peers who understand the craft, where we invest in mentorship and access, and where we work every day to level the playing field.”

6th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio (The Ambies) Winners and Honorees:

Podcasts Detail

• Governors Award Honoree: Kara Swisher
• Impact Award Honoree: Reggie Ossé (posthumously), accepted by his wife, Akim Vann
• Vanguard Podcaster of the Year: Pablo Torre
• Podcast of The Year: Wisecrack, Tenderfoot TV, iHeartPodcasts
• Best Ad Read: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, SiriusXM
• Best Branded Podcast: Sesame Street: Cookie Monster Mysteries, Audible Studios, Sesame Workshop
• Best Business Podcast: The Indicator from Planet Money, NPR
• Best Comedy Podcast: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, SiriusXM, Team Coco
• Best DIY Podcast: Redacted History Dr. Andre White, Airwave
• Best Documentary Podcast: The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby, CBC, BBC World Service
• Best Emerging Podcast: How Is This Better?, COURIER Newsroom
• Best Entertainment Podcast: Twenty Thousand Hertz, Defacto Sound
• Best Fiction Podcast: Red for Revolution, Meta Mana Media
• Best History Podcast: Our Ancestors Were Messy, Coco Hill Productions
• Best Indie Podcast: Our Ancestors Were Messy, Coco Hill Productions
• Best Indie Podcast Host or Hosts: Jamie Feldman and Rachel Webster, Debt Heads, Captain and the Fox
• Best Interview Podcast: Death, Sex & Money, Slate
• Best Knowledge, Science or Tech Podcast: Radiolab, New York Public Radio
• Best News & Politics: Reveal, Reveal and PRX
• Best Original Score and Music Supervision: Marcus Bagala and Sam Ewing, DC High Volume: Batman, DC Comics, Realm
• Best Performance in Audio Fiction: Maulik Pancholy, Murray Bartlett, Poorna Jagannathan, Karan Soni, Anna Camp, Adam Pally, Margo Martindale, Richard Kind, Conrad Ricamora, Iqbal Theba, Julian Shapiro-Barnum, Padma Lakshmi, et al: Murder at the Patel Motel, Broadway Video, Audible
• Best Personal Growth / Spirituality Podcast: Wild Card with Rachel Martin, NPR
• Best Podcast for Kids: Terrestrials, WNYC Studios
• Best Podcast Host or Hosts: Rachel Martin, Wild Card with Rachel Martin, NPR
• Best Production and Sound Design: Alex Vespestad, Steven Perez, and Cooper Skinner: Wisecrack, Tenderfoot TV, iHeartPodcasts
• Best Reporting: Robyn Semien: Question Everything, Placement Theory
• Best Scriptwriting, Fiction: Jana Naomi Smith: Red for Revolution, Meta Mana Media
• Best Scriptwriting, Non-Fiction: Charles Forbes and Edd Hedges: Wisecrack, Tenderfoot TV, iHeartPodcasts
• Best Society and Culture Podcast: Wisecrack, Tenderfoot TV, iHeartPodcasts
• Best Spanish Language Narrative Podcast - Fiction or Nonfiction: No Me Provoquen, Sonoro
• Best Sports Podcast: Pablo Torre Finds Out, Meadowlark Media
• Best True Crime Podcast: Sea of Lies from Uncover, Produced by What’s the Story Sounds for CBC
• Best Use of Video in a Podcast: Tales Unrolled, Sonoro
• Best Wellness or Relationships Podcast: Embodied, WUNC
• Podcast Advertiser Innovator Award: Charlie's Place, Atlas Obscura, Rococo Punch, Visit Myrtle Beach, Pushkin

AudioUK, the body dedicated to advancing the podcast and audio industry announces the appointment of Chris Baughen as its new Chief Executive Officer. He will take up the role from 30th March 2026.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, as podcasting and audio continue to expand commercially and creatively across platforms including radio, video podcasts, audiobooks and immersive formats. With increasing engagement from advertisers, commissioners and policymakers, AudioUK’s leadership role in representing and advancing the industry has never been more important.

Chris brings deep industry expertise with more than 20 years’ experience in spanning radio, streaming, digital audio and podcasting. He has held senior leadership roles at Wondery, Spotify, Global and Deezer, building high-performing teams and delivering sustainable commercial growth across the UK and international markets.

His extensive experience provides a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing independent producers and the wider podcast and audio ecosystem and aligns with AudioUK’s mission to support, champion and connect the businesses and creators shaping the future of UK podcasting and audio.

Under Chris’s leadership, AudioUK will focus on:

• Strengthening advocacy and policy representation for podcasting and audio
• Expanding member support, training and commercial opportunities
• Building strategic partnerships across the creative industries
• Ensuring the sector has a clear and influential voice in national and international conversations

Bernard Achampong, Chair of AudioUK said:

“Chris’s extensive experience in commercial podcasting, combined with his focus on intellectual property within our ecosystem, will help AudioUK lead the next phase of growth in podcasting and audio for the global marketplace.”

Chris Baughen said:

“The UK podcasting and audio sector is creatively vibrant and commercially ambitious. As platforms evolve and competition intensifies, it’s essential that our industry is organised, influential and future-focused. AudioUK will continue the great work of advocating for smart policy, support sustainable business models and build strategic partnerships that help our members thrive and I’m excited to help lead that next phase.”

AudioUK is the industry body dedicated to advancing the podcast and audio industry - including radio and audiobooks - by fostering innovation, supporting creators and businesses, and driving commercial and creative growth.

Content is no longer designed for a single platform. Many video formats—interviews, talks, long-form conversations—are already audio-ready. Ausha enables YouTube creators to reach new audiences on every major podcast listening platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with zero extra production work.

Ausha, the leading all-in-one podcast marketing platform, announced today a new distribution capability that allows YouTube creators to instantly turn their entire video library into podcast-ready audio content, designed for multi-channel distribution—expanding the reach of creator voices beyond screen-based platforms.

Removing the Friction of Cross-Platform Distribution

While many YouTube shows are already audio-ready, the friction of manually converting video into audio often keeps creators tied to a single platform.

Ausha’s new integration replaces the work of extracting and re-uploading audio with a single, automated step. By linking their YouTube channel, creators can automatically distribute their content to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and every major listening app, reaching their audience wherever they are.

"We believe every voice deserves to be heard everywhere. After helping podcasters expand to YouTube, opening podcast distribution to YouTube creators was a natural way to welcome new voices into podcasting—and help the industry grow." says Jennifer Han, Chief Marketing Officer at Ausha.

Scaling Audience Growth with a Global Presence and Professional Marketing Tools

Unlike other tools that only import recent clips, Ausha can sync a creator’s entire video library at once.

This gives new life to evergreen content that often gets lost in video feeds. By turning their full video archive into podcast episodes, creators can instantly reach new audiences and unlock more revenue across 20+ audio platforms.

Beyond hosting and distribution, Ausha provides the advanced marketing and analytics tools necessary to grow a dedicated audio following. For brands and influencers who have already built a strong presence on YouTube, this integration provides a streamlined path to multi-platform authority, allowing them to manage their entire podcast distribution and growth strategy from a single, centralized dashboard.

YouTube creators can try Ausha for free and instantly turn their video content into podcast episodes, reaching new audiences on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Try it now!

Podlytic’s answer is what the founder and Emmy-winning filmmaker Cris Graves calls a “Data Vault”: a platform-agnostic analytics archive that accepts CSV exports from any podcast hosting platform and combines them with real-time listener data from OP3 (Open Podcast Prefix Project) into a single, persistent dashboard. The result is a complete picture of a podcast’s performance history that survives any platform migration, permanently.

“Every podcaster who has ever switched hosts knows this feeling,” said Cris. “You export your CSV files, you can’t make them out, so, you drop them in a folder, and never look at them again. Meanwhile, your growth story resets to zero on your new hosting platform. Podlytic turns those forgotten files into a living, breathing dashboard that gifts you with data sovereignty that no platform can ever gatekeep or take away from you.”

Cris built Podlytic out of firsthand frustration. While migrating her podcast, Blissful Spinster from Simplecast to Riverside, she hit the wall every podcaster dreads: “Existing analytics from your previous host are not automatically imported. The analytics you’ll see after migration will reflect activity from Riverside onward” (Riverside’s Step-by-Step Migration Walkthrough). She begrudgingly exported her CSV files, took one look at them, and had a horrible flashback to high school statistics class. Years of listener data, episode performance, and geographic insights locked in spreadsheets no dashboard could read. As an Emmy-winning filmmaker, Cris did what any self-respecting producer would do when the thing she needed didn’t exist: she built it.

The platform addresses what Cris calls “data jail”: or the hi-jacking of analytics that keeps podcasters tethered to hosting platforms they’ve outgrown. With no single platform replacing all of Chartable’s features, most former users now patch together multiple tools to replicate functionality that was once centralized. A typical setup involves a hosting platform for IAB-certified download stats, Spotify for Creators for audience segmentation, and a separate service for trackable links. The result is what the industry describes as “isolated data islands”: audience intelligence fragmented across dashboards, making it nearly impossible to show sponsors a continuous growth story.

Podlytic eliminates this fragmentation by design. The platform currently parses CSV exports from Simplecast, Transistor, Chartable, Megaphone, and is adding other major platforms, as new users join and upload their new to Podlytic CSV files. With support for batch uploads covering years of historical data along with multiple hosting platforms – users with podcasts that may have been around for decades and moved hosts multiple times in that period will have the satisfaction of seeing their podcasts history come to life before their eyes as charts and insights are populated. Paired with the users current analytics powered by an OP3 integration, and YouTube Analytics support Podlytic provides unified audio-and-video tracking for podcasters publishing across formats.

Key features include: CSV upload and parsing from any major podcast hosting platform; current listener analytics via OP3 integration; YouTube Analytics integration for video podcast tracking; interactive dashboards with geographic mapping, platform breakdowns, podcast specific insights, A.I. driven predictive analysis and episode rankings; team collaboration tools for networks and multi-show operations; and historical data preservation across unlimited platform migrations.

“The podcast industry has a data sovereignty problem,” Cris added. “Every time you switch hosts, your analytics history gets held hostage. Podlytic is built on the principle that your growth data belongs to you. Period. Your Data Vault is yours, regardless of where you host tomorrow.”

Unlike venture-backed analytics platforms, Podlytic is being built in public by a solo founder who treats every new user as a collaborator. Cris has chosen radical transparency over polish, inviting early adopters into what she calls “the group project” of shaping the platform alongside her.

“I’m not a tech company with a team of fifty engineers,” Cris said. “I’m one out-of-the-box-thinking rebel with a cause, learning as I go and building this thing from the ground up with my users. There will be growing pains. Features will ship live and get debugged in real time. All I ask for is a little patience, because once the dust settles, Podlytic will be the platform indie podcasters have been dreaming about and podcast marketing agencies have been searching for.”

Podlytic offers a free tier (Pod Vault) for individual podcasters with up to two podcasts, with Pod Vault Pro ($15/month) and Pod Vault Max ($25/month) tiers for expanded analytics and team features. A limited Founders Vault lifetime deal is available at $75 for early adopters (only 148 spots left).

Podlytic is available now at podlytic.io.

“Honestly, we need tools that help us separate signals from noise, and indicators from signs. Podlytic is helping me do both, early in my journey.” — Jonathan Jackson, Independent Podcaster –  The Due Dilly Podcast

In this role, Passy will lead the company’s growth initiatives, advising clients and internal teams on scalable podcast strategy, operational infrastructure, and long-term audience development.

Passy brings more than 15 years of experience in podcasting and digital audio. He launched his first podcast at a New Jersey radio station and later spent eight years as a podcast producer for The Wall Street Journal Radio Network. He founded and led ThePodcastConsultant.com for eight years before its acquisition and has served as a LibsynPro Customer Care Specialist at Libsyn. He is also the co-founder of Custom Podcast Solutions, which operates SuiteRecording studios in South Jersey and DownloadMyPodcast.com, and he hosts the podcast Podcasting Tech.

Throughout his career, Passy’s work has focused on helping organizations build sustainable podcast systems, improve technical execution, and align podcasting efforts with broader business strategy.

“Most podcast growth conversations stop at downloads and exposure,” said Traci DeForge, Founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast. “Mathew understands how podcasting fits into revenue models, operations, and long-term brand strategy, turning podcasts into platforms that drive sustained business value.”

In his new role, Passy will oversee initiatives centered on strategic consulting, workflow optimization, technical infrastructure, and cross-channel growth planning.

About Produce Your Podcast

Produce Your Podcast is a podcast production and growth agency that works with business owners and brands on podcast development, production, guest booking, and audience engagement. With more than a decade of industry experience, the company has been recognized as a Top 10 Podcasting Services Provider by Media & Entertainment Business Review.

For more information, visit www.ProduceYourPodcast.com.

Wave (Wave Sports & Entertainment), the leader in digital entertainment for next-generation audiences, has announced an exclusive partnership with Andrew Santino’s hit podcast Whiskey Ginger -- to oversee distribution, marketing and advertising sales for the series, across YouTube, social media and podcast platforms.

Each week on the show, Santino interviews friends in and out of the entertainment industry as they reflect on deviant stories of their past, all while sipping whiskey.

Previous guests include Bill Burr, Kenan Thompson, Jason Kelce, Bobby Lee, Heather McMahan, Bert Kreischer, Benny Blanco, among others.

Named one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies of 2025, Wave is the creative force behind some of today’s most viral digital series.

With over 8B lifetime impressions, the company has pioneered innovative ways for pop culture icons, creators, and sports stars to expand their brands and connect with mainstream audiences through original programming that resonates with next-gen viewers.

The company’s award-winning lineup includes “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce," "So True with Caleb Hearon,” “House of Maher” with Ilona Maher, “7PM in Brooklyn” with Carmelo Anthony,” Almost Athletes with Dude Perfect,” “Open Thoughts with Funny Marco,” among others.

Fans can watch and listen to new episodes of “Whiskey Ginger” on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram @whiskeygingerpodcast & follow Andrew on TikTok @cheetosantino.

Backyard Ventures announced today that The Road Trippin’ Show has entered into an exclusive partnership with the company, in collaboration with Rain Delay Media. Backyard Ventures will serve as the official representative for premium brand partnerships across the show’s podcast, YouTube, and social platforms, while Rain Delay Media will continue leading production, distribution, and digital strategy for the show.

Hosted by NBA champions Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Kendrick Perkins, and Emmy-winning broadcaster Allie Clifton, The Road Trippin’ Show is the longest-running athlete-led podcast in sports. Since launching in 2017, the show has become a trusted voice in basketball media, delivering unfiltered NBA stories and insider perspective.

Current brand partners include Fanatics Sportsbook, SeatGeek, Fabletics, and Huel, reflecting the show’s strong positioning within sports and culture.

“The Road Trippin’ Show has always been about authenticity - real conversations and real chemistry, ” said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures. “What Richard, Channing, Kendrick, and Allie have built over nearly a decade is rare. We see a tremendous opportunity to continue elevating the brand through thoughtfully integrated, premium partnerships that match the quality and credibility of the show.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Backyard Ventures and continue building on a record-breaking year with Rain Delay Media, ” said Jordan Harris, Chief Business Officer of The Road Trippin’ Show. “This collaboration allows us to stay focused on delivering authentic content while expanding our reach and impact with brand partners. It’s an exciting next chapter for the show.”

The timing of this exclusive partnership aligns with a major content expansion for the show. With a new Southern California studio and a move to a live, twice-weekly format, The Road Trippin’ Show is providing more touchpoints for fans and brand partners than ever before. The upcoming launch of solo series featuring Kendrick Perkins and Channing Frye further diversifies the show’s portfolio, offering unique, targeted opportunities for premium brand integrations.

“Backyard Ventures has been everything we were looking for in a sales partner for The Road Trippin’ Show, ” said Peter Moses, Co-Founder and CEO of Rain Delay Media. “Ambitious and practical, they’re not just out there beating the pavement on behalf of the show - Backyard shares in the vision, growth, and ambition of the longest-running athlete podcast. ”

For inquiries, please reach out to roadtrippin@wearebv.com.

In The Room launches this Friday, a weekly political podcast hosted by former Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Helen MacNamara, and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Boris Johnson, Cleo Watson. Every Friday Helen and Cleo will go behind the biggest headlines to explain the anatomy of politics and process, revealing the decisions behind the commotion and giving their expert insights on what should happen next. The podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios.

Unique even in the crowded field of political podcasting, Helen and Cleo’s dynamic is born of having actually been in the room together behind the scenes of government and the state. As civil servant vs political adviser, in theory they sat on opposite sides of the table - one the deputy for the most senior role in the Civil Service, the other a rising star in the fray of political strategy in Downing Street. In practice, in the last years of Theresa May’s Government and in Boris Johnson’s morning meetings, Helen and Cleo were mostly working together trying to solve the same problems. They were there during the significant moments from 2018-21 (although you wouldn’t always know that from the memoirs…).

Helen brings decades at the helm of Whitehall, from bidding for the London 2012 Olympics, overseeing the Cabinet Secretariat to setting up and dealing with the fall out of the Leveson Inquiry, complementing Cleo’s close-up perspective working on the Vote Leave campaign, 2017 and 2019 general elections, and Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

With the Labour government facing daily challenges ahead of the May elections and buffeted by turbulent relationships with key allies, In The Room will dispel some of the mystery of politics. How are huge decisions made? Why do they go wrong? And what would they be advising if they were in Downing Street today? 

Helen and Cleo were in the room not so long ago, and will draw on this experience to reconstruct the internal power struggles and late nights which never make the headlines. In The Room is straight-talking, insider analysis with a dose of humour, every Friday.

Helen MacNamara, co-host of In The Room, says: “I’m thrilled to be working with Cleo again and with the Independent. Government is a lot talked about but little understood. We hope to go some way to fixing that without boring everyone to tears. 

Cleo Watson, co-host of In The Room, adds: “I am beyond excited that Helen is making a podcast with me - and that the Independent are working with us. We’re hoping our experiences help explain what’s really going on. Although, you have been warned: ignorance, as they say, is bliss.”                                                                                                                                       Olivia Foster, Co-Executive Producer, Independent Studio, remarks: “In The Room is fresh, funny and insightful, steered by Helen and Cleo's dynamic chemistry and years of experience at the heart of politics and power. For Independent Studio, this podcast represents our commitment to championing true talent, brilliant story-telling, and our ability to offer a wry take on the world of Westminster unlike anything else in the political podcasting sphere.”

Carrie Rose, Co-Executive Producer, Next Chapter Studios, says: “We are thrilled to have helped bring this vision to life, sharing the brilliantly insightful words (and razor-sharp wit) of Cleo and Helen at a moment when we need them more than ever. Proud to be partnering with The Independent to realise Next Chapter Studio’s vision to makeimportant and entertaining content.”

Geordie Greig, Editor-in-Chief, The Independent, adds, “I am so delighted for The Independent to have two of the best disrupters in Westminster with their signature wit, bite and razor-sharp insight.  They have the most original minds in politics, fearless and of course they know where all the bodies are buried, having had a front row seat at the highest levels of decision-making.   Politicians, beware.“

Senior producers Carl Nellis and Nicki Stein, engineer Nick Dooley, and associate producer Gemma Castelli-Foley have launched a new podcast production cooperative under the name Good Egg Audio.

Over the past ten years, members of the Good Egg team have tallied a long list of major podcast successes, making contributions to some of the best-loved shows across a number of categories. Productions from Good Egg members have hit #1 in the Apple Podcast charts many times and bagged multiple Signal Awards and Webby honors—shows like SNAFU with Ed Helms from FilmNation Entertainment, Pacific Electric Picture Company, & iHeartPodcasts; Pack One Bag from Live Action Projects & Lemonada Media; and The Reason We’re All Still Here with Jeffrey Lewis, from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at Middlebury.

In past work across healthcare, journalism, entertainment, education and more, the Good Egg team has sharpened a full toolset for managing complex, multi-party media projects in both audio and video across podcast formats: from longform narrative series to always-on weekly formats to full network slates. Past collaborators have remarked on the warm presence, deep listening, innovative problem solving, and endless creative drive that Good Egg producers bring to media production. The team shifts effortlessly between directing A-list talent, producing live events, digging into reported tape to find the most impactful story, and bringing podcast concepts into print—hitting the New York Times Bestseller list in the process.

The focus of the new cooperative studio is to produce compelling, heartfelt, and human stories that live up to the best potential of audio—for teaching, learning, and shaping society and culture. Through collaborations with solo creators, major media networks, academic and healthcare institutions, nonprofits, global brands, and independent studios, Good Egg has amassed decades of experience producing thrilling audio stories.

At launch, the team at Good Egg Audio is proud to continue working with SNAFU Media (the partnership between FilmNation Entertainment and Pacific Electric Picture Company) through creative support and post-production for SNAFU with Ed Helms, and to collaborate with the team behind the award-winning podcast Public Health Is Dead, among other brand partnerships and creative projects.

“We were inspired to launch as a cooperative following others who have found success with this structure, ” says Carl Nellis, Good Egg’s Senior Producer and Head of Community. “We follow in the footsteps of fellow travellers (and shining lights) like Max Fun, Defector and Mumble Media. Operating as a cooperative gives us the chance to fit a business structure to our established workflows and our values. Over the years I’ve come to respect Nicki Stein’s finely tuned sense of what it takes to tell a good story in sound. Gemma Castelli-Foley’s skills across producing, script writing, talent booking, networking, vocal performance, and business operations make her a core piece of everything we do. Nick Dooley mixes audio with an artist’s ear, solves technical challenges from a thousand miles away, and runs tech for live events like he’s produced a hundred concerts in his sleep. (I think maybe he has.) We’re a creative engine and I’m excited to roar into a new gear. Sorry that last analogy isn’t an egg joke.”

“I am extremely proud to share what we’ve been cooking up these past many months,” says Senior Producer and Head of Story, Nicki Stein. “I am grateful that my incredible colleagues, Gemma, Nick, and Carl, decided to go all in with me on building a cooperative business that values creativity, humanity, and equity. We need to find more sustainable ways to make creative work that aligns with our values as makers and human beings. What’s become clear since we started Good Egg is that we’re so much stronger when we lean on one another.”

Alyssa Martino, SVP of Podcasts at FilmNation Entertainment, says, “The Good Egg folks are smart, organized, and highly dedicated to quality—and it shows in every second of tape.”

"Heck yeah!” says Jayme Catsouphes, Worker-Owner at Mumble Media. “Mumble is so excited to have more audio cooperative friends! From what we've seen, they might actually be the goodest of eggs."

“I’m so excited about all the work that Good Egg is going to do,” says Sam Dingman, Reporter and Host at KJZZ Phoenix and creator of the Family Ghosts podcast.

“I wouldn’t give my younger self any advice other than: listen to this team. Do what they say!” David Modigliani, creator and host of Pack One Bag.

“ Hire this team, let them cook, and they will make magic,” says journalist, host, and producer Elise Hu.

Good Egg Audio looks forward to supporting more creators, teams, and storytellers whose serious public mission deserves a voice and a following in the podcast landscape. Good Egg’s service offerings include creative development, project management, research, reporting, talent identification and casting, scripting and storyediting, audio and video recording and production, performance direction, audio engineering, technical support, audio and video equipment management and kit shipping, manuscript development and ghostwriting, podcast publishing, and teambuilding for media production. Truly, Good Egg Audio is cooking with a full carton.

To connect with Good Egg Audio, reach us at: hello@goodegg.audio.

Award-winning journalist, TV presenter and clarity coach Marverine Cole, proudly unveils Midlife, Messy and Marvellous, an empowering podcast crafted to inspire women navigating the vibrant chaos of midlife and menopause. 

The six-part season invites listeners to step boldly into their “Queen Era,” celebrating the glorious messiness of this transformative phase of life.

“Midlife, Messy and Marvellous” is the home of motivational and relatable conversations with some of Marverine’s friends from diverse backgrounds, who are trying to stop midlife & menopause derail them. Their voices are very rarely heard in the midlife and menopause discussions. To say these remarkable women are thriving as they age - is an understatement. They’re all showing us that life for women over 40 is about honouring the struggle, but never losing sight of our inner marvellous.

Marverine is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter with more than 23 years of national and international TV news experience. The very definition of a woman in her 50s who juggles everything, Marverine is a breakfast TV newsreader, a beer sommelier (aka real ale expert), a senior lecturer in journalism, a certified life coach and Pet Shop Boys superfan!

Marverine said "Hitting perimenopause a few years ago blindsided me. It came on top of coming terms with hurtling towards 50, and reconciling the dreams and ambitions I hadn’t yet achieved with making new ones. And chatting to my Gen X girlfriends, I realised I wasn't alone. Many of us are facing the same struggles. I hope this podcast helps us all realise that even the most fabulous & fiercest women across a range of professions are not immune those feelings. And I hope that we can all draw inspiration from the practical and personal advice shared by my guests about how they navigate midlife and menopause with confidence and resilience.”

ITV Loose Women panellist and West End star of Paddington, Brenda Edwards opens the podcast season. She candidly shares her journey through early menopause after a stage three breast cancer diagnosis, and how she stays on an even keel through the grief of losing her son, Jamal Edwards MBE. 

Further episodes feature veteran broadcaster and journalist at Sky News, Gillian Joseph, Dr Ellie Cannon (NHS GP and author of ‘A Little Book of HRT’), former Apprentice star and organic skincare brand CEO, Saira Khan, actress and presenter of ITV’s Black History game show Sorry I Didn’t Know, Chizzy Akudolu and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and West End stage actress, Beverley Knight.

“Midlife, Messy and Marvellous” is the only podcast that prioritises inclusivity and authentically reflects the multifaceted lives of women over 40 in Britain today.

The series is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Do Good Crew launches with a simple mission: activate the good in people and turn it into a powerful community. Built as a media company rooted in positive storytelling, Do Good Crew shines a light on acts of kindness, generosity and courage, and celebrates the everyday people who inspire others to take action.

America is searching for connection, optimism, less chaos and more empathy. Numerous studies show that we are, as a nation, searching for something better.

• Only 12% of the U.S. general population say that reading or watching the news over the past few days tends to put them in a good mood, with more than 50% saying it puts them in a bad mood (YouGov, 2025).
• The Stress in America™ report by the American Psychological Association (2025) highlights the importance of social connections for mental and physical well-being and notes that many people are experiencing increased feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Because of that, Do Good Crew was started to create space for meaningful conversations and impactful events that lead to accessible pathways for people to do good.

David Begnaud, CEO & Founder of Do Good Crew says; "We are living in times that seem increasingly out of control and I realized I could do more than just report the news. When people stop me on the street to thank me for the good news stories I share, I always tell them the truth: I need it too. That is what inspired me to start this company and why I'm incredibly passionate about its mission. Do Good Crew is built to bring people together around what's good, what's needed and what truly matters."

Here's how Do Good Crew comes to life:

• The Person Who Believed In Me With David Begnaud: Deeply human conversations with extraordinary people about the person who believed in them before the world did.
• Do Good Crew Newsletter: A space for community stories, brought to life by David and turned into action.
• The GOOD Stage: Live events, in partnership with CBS Mornings which will air many of these stories, to celebrate everyday Americans making an extraordinary impact.
• Social-first storytelling: Do Good Crew curates and shares uplifting, impactful stories from everyday Americans.

*"*The Person Who Believed In Me With David Begnaud" debuts today with Oprah Winfrey sharing a deeply personal story about a person she has seldom spoken of publicly - and the defining childhood moments that changed her life.

"Do Good Crew positions purpose as the backbone of modern media, proving that doing good is good for business," says Olivier Delfosse, Co-Founder, President & COO of Do Good Crew. "As America navigates fatigue from negative news cycles and declining trust in institutions, stories of humanity are vital to help people feel inspired and connected. Delfosse continues; "David is the perfect person to lead this community as he is in the 93rd percentile for trustworthiness, according to E-Score, when compared to other peers and he has such a highly engaged social audience."

Do Good Crew newsletter is powered by beehiiv, the all-in-one publishing platform that helps creators, journalists and publishers build, grow and monetize their businesses around audiences they truly own.

"We built beehiiv to help creators and journalists turn credibility and audience relationships into real businesses," states Tyler Denk, Co-Founder & CEO of beehiiv, "Do Good Crew is a great example of a modern media company. People don't just watch David's reporting, they want to be part of it. We're proud to support David and his team as they grow the Do Good Crew community and the stories that power it."

Do Good Crew unites storytelling, content, community and action to power a movement that turns inspiration into impact.

“In recent years, the industry moved fast. Audio studios added cameras. Editors were told to cut short clips. Producers were handed Youtube and wished good luck,” says CEO Roger Nairn.

The result has been a giant compromise: a flood of barely competent video podcasts that fail on Youtube and fall flat as audio, delivering little meaningful audience growth.

JAR took a different path. While much of the market rushed to offer video, we took our time. The company invested in testing formats, studying platform behavior, and building real video capability before selling it. The expansion marks a public shift toward work JAR has already been doing behind the scenes.

Your Next Great Podcast Deserves to Be Seen

JAR’s producers and editors bring broadcast-level craft to branded video podcasts, applying the same storytelling and technical rigor that built the company’s reputation in audio.

While many providers treat video as an add-on, JAR treats it as a distinct strategic discipline, with dedicated expertise across:

• End-to-end video podcast production
• Platform-specific strategy and positioning
• Production design and on-camera direction
• Youtube-native channel and growth strategy

Distribution planning and performance analysis

The new video team has managed more than 1,500 virtual recordings, works with 30+ studios globally, and brings over two decades of experience across documentary, broadcast, and digital video formats.

But the headline here is Youtube.

YouTube Is Not an Output Format

Youtube is discovery, recommendation, packaging, retention, thumbnails, titles, pacing, and audience signals. It is not a storage locker for podcast files.

“Brands keep asking how to film their podcast,” said Mandy Elkoreh, Director of Delivery at JAR. “That’s the wrong starting point. Youtube needs its own strategy and its own specialists.”

JAR will always be medium-agnostic. Audio, video, shorts, and paid distribution each serve a different job. Youtube is treated as a primary discovery engine and long-term brand asset, not a secondary upload destination alongside Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

One Shoot. Multiple Wins.

Clients continue to receive JAR’s full editorial partnership, including concept shaping, brand alignment, and audience definition. That framework now expands to include:

• YouTube channel positioning
• Retention-first episode architecture
• Scroll-stopping packaging
• Platform-native cutdowns
• Performance-driven distribution
• Each recording becomes a connected ecosystem:
  • Full-length video for YouTube and Spotify
  • Audio tailored for podcast-first listening
  • Short-form clips for LinkedIn, TikT ok, Shorts, and Reels
  • Custom thumbnails and trailers
  • Content for internal communications

This approach prioritizes coherence over volume.

The Million-Jobs Problem

As video expectations have grown, the industry has quietly created a structural failure. One producer is often expected to write, direct, shoot, edit, design thumbnails, manage analytics, cut shorts, respond to comments and report results.

That model breaks under the real performance pressures that marketers are under today. JAR believes Youtube demands specialization: strategists focused on growth, designers who understand tone, editors trained in retention, producers skilled on camera, and analysts who understand platform behavior and the needs of reporting.

Audiences now expect choice, and they discover content differently across platforms. Media “convergence” should raise standards, not dilute them. At JAR, it does.

Built for Global Brands

JAR’s Youtube team has supported enterprise brands including Amazon, TELUS, Amex, LUSH, The Wharton School, RBC, D-Wave, and Cirque du Soleil. As branded podcasting enters its next phase, the advantage will go to teams built specifically for the platforms that actually drive discovery. JAR is ready.

To Show You, Let Us Audit Your YouTube Show

To celebrate the launch, we’re offering a free Youtube podcast audit.

We’ll review it through the lens of our custom framework, which has been developed through our Youtube team’s work with over 100 branded shows. You’ll then receive a custom scorecard that you can take action on right away.

Just reach out to us at https://jarpodcasts.com/youtube-podcast-audit/

Include your show link when you send us a message.

Pushkin Industries today announced that it will begin distributing Drilled, a non-fiction podcast series centered on climate change accountability. The show joins Pushkin’s thriving independent podcast network alongside the likes of Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History, The Happiness Lab from Dr. Laurie Santos, and Jonathan Goldstein’s Heavyweight. A new series of Drilled is set for an April 21 release.

Hosted by award-winning investigative climate journalists, the show exposes how corporate greed, political operatives, and PR firms built decades of climate denial and delay. Each season unravels new evidence of deception, disinformation, and the power structures keeping real climate solutions out of reach.

Drilled began in 2017 as an independent project by investigative journalist Amy Westervelt to explore the forces exacerbating the global climate crisis and grew into an ongoing investigative audio endeavor, later joined by a popular website and newsletter, and supported by even more investigative and climate reporters, editors, and producers. Over the course of 14 seasons, Drilled has also won numerous awards for storytelling and impact, including Best Radio Podcast Series at the Covering Climate Now Awards, Excellence in Audio Storytelling at the Online News Association’s awards, and Best Green Podcast in the iHeartMedia Podcast Awards.

“I’ve always appreciated Pushkin’s commitment to well-researched and well-told stories, and am thrilled to see Drilled in such great company,” said Westervelt of joining Pushkin.

“Drilled is one of the most fearless and impactful investigative podcasts produced, and we’re proud to welcome it into our network,” Gretta Cohn, Pushkin’s CEO, echoed.

Westervelt will collaborate with Pushkin to distribute Drilled on all podcast channels as well as to explore multi-format adaptations of her work.

After several successful years redefining sports entertainment in New Zealand, iconic sports media brand Sportscafe has officially launched in Australia, entering and disrupting the local podcast and digital landscape with a format built for modern audiences seeking authenticity, humour and long-form conversation.

Originally launched as a cult-favourite television show in New Zealand in 1996, Sportscafe became a defining voice in sports entertainment across nearly a decade on air, blending elite performance with irreverent humour and cultural relevance. In its modern digital form, the brand has successfully transitioned to a YouTube-first sports show available as a podcast, posting dozens of long-form episodes and building a highly engaged cross-platform audience across the Tasman. Its sustained popularity across YouTube and podcast platforms reflects the appetite for personality-driven sports storytelling that moves beyond 10-second highlight reels and hot takes.

Since launching in Australia, Sportscafe has already scaled and significantly built engagement, generating more than 2.5 million combined YouTube views and podcast downloads alongside 56 million social media impressions and over 120,000 new organic followers. Early Australian episodes are already averaging more than 50,000 views on YouTube, highlighting strong discovery and retention across platforms. 

The Australian launch has been incredibly well received. The debut episode featured Cricket Legend Mathew Hayden alongside Australia’s former World Tree Climbing Champion, setting the tone for a show that treats all sports, from global professional codes to unusual and culturally fascinating competitions, with equal respect. Subsequent guests have included Roosters halfback Sam Walker, a Bondi Rescue lifeguard who also competes as a big-wave surfer, Australia’s leading snake wrangler, and endurance athletes whose journeys defy convention. The result is a program where seriousness and absurdity sit comfortably side by side, reflecting the true texture of sport itself.

Founder and co-host Ric Salizzo says the move into Australia represents a natural evolution for the brand at a time when audiences are shifting toward longer-form, personality-led content. “Sportscafe has always been less about analysing sport and more about understanding the people who live inside it,” Salizzo says. “Audiences are craving authenticity, humour and conversations that go beyond the scoreboard. If you’ve trained hard, sacrificed something and performed under pressure, you’re welcome at the Sportscafe table.”

The on-screen panel has been intentionally constructed to reflect the full sporting ecosystem. Current NRL player Connor Watson offers insight into the realities of elite sport today, while Big Bash and global T20 cricket star Chris Lynn brings perspective from entertainment-driven competition. Cultural commentator Tayla Montoya represents the intelligent, curious audience member who enjoys sport without being consumed by it. Former All Black and NRL player Marc Ellis embodies the brand’s spirit, having achieved elite success at the highest level while embracing sport’s inherent absurdity. Salizzo, an Officer of the Order of New Zealand Merit for services to sports media, anchors the format with decades of journalistic and production experience, guiding conversations toward the human story rather than punditry.

Sportscafe is designed YouTube-first and audio-second, reflecting global consumption trends where sports audiences increasingly discover content visually before engaging via podcast platform with  72 % of podcast consumers prefering podcasts with video and *44 % of weekly podcast listeners who discovered a new show in the past six months said they found it through YouTub*e. That visual DNA traces back to the original television series, making YouTube a modern extension of the brand’s storytelling heritage rather than a departure from it.

“After decades producing television, I’ve chosen to work on YouTube first because it’s the most direct and accountable platform I’ve experienced,” Salizzo says. “It allows us to reach the right audiences organically, understand what resonates in real time, and engage people for exactly as long as we’ve earned their attention. For a producer, that clarity is incredibly powerful.”

At a time when much of sports media leans toward outrage cycles and polarising debate, Sportscafe positions itself differently. It celebrates the joy of sport alongside its intensity, balancing irreverence with genuine respect for the commitment required to compete. “Elite performance and cheeky banter are not opposites,” Salizzo says. “They often live side by side. Sportscafe exists in that space, where laughter and respect can co-exist.”

With weekly long-form episodes now rolling out in Australia and cross-platform distribution spanning YouTube and all major podcast platforms, Sportscafe enters the market as a confident, human and distinctly modern sports show poised to carve out a unique position in the Australian audio and digital landscape.

Audible, the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced Marshall Lewy as Head of Audible Content, North America. In this role, Lewy will oversee Audible's slate of distinctive original content reporting to Audible Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza.

Lewy brings an exceptional track record of success in audio content leadership, having served as Chief Content Officer at Wondery. Lewy joined Audible following the recent integration of Wondery’s narrative audio team. In his role, Lewy will spearhead the creative development and production of a broad slate of Audible-produced content that includes immersive audio dramas, exclusive audiobooks, podcasts, and award-winning investigative series. Lewy will also oversee Audible’s efforts beyond audio, including Audible Theater and the company’s film and television development and production initiatives. Audible currently has dozens of audio-first projects in active development across networks, studios and streamers.

"Marshall's appointment represents a tremendous opportunity for Audible's North American content ambitions," said Audible Chief Content Officer Rachel Ghiazza. "His background as both a creator and executive, combined with his extensive network of industry contacts and proven track record of developing wildly popular shows, makes him uniquely positioned to lead our content strategy forward. Marshall is known throughout the industry as an outstanding leader who consistently delivers breakthrough entertainment that resonates with audiences on a massive scale."

During his tenure as Chief Content Officer at Wondery, Lewy oversaw the company's global slate, including award-winning hit shows such as Hysterical, Dr. Death, Business Wars, and Baby, This Is Keke Palmer. Under his leadership, more than 80 Wondery shows reached #1 on the Apple podcast charts, earning numerous accolades across podcasting and journalism, including 18 Ambie Awards. He has executive produced seven television series, including Dr. Death (Peacock), The Shrink Next Door (AppleTV), and WeCrashed (AppleTV), and was nominated for an Emmy for Dying for Sex (FX).

A Harvard and Columbia graduate, Lewy has written and directed two feature films, Blue State and California Solo, and was a partner at Adaptive Studios where he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for HBO's Project Greenlight and produced the Netflix film Coin Heist. His diverse background spans audio content, television, and film production, bringing a multifaceted perspective to content creation and audience engagement.

To mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, the Telegraph’s podcast Ukraine: The Latest starts broadcasting in video from this week.

The move to video, hosted on Youtube, marks a new chapter for one of the most popular foreign affairs podcasts in the world, which has built a loyal audience since launching in 2022.

Telegraph journalists and podcast co-hosts Dominic Nicholls and Francis Dearnley have reported on the ongoing effects of the war, every weekday since February 24, 2022, with the team regularly sending dispatches from Ukraine and across Europe to the studio in London.

Over the years, the team has interviewed many of the key players in the war – including President Zelensky and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Downloaded over 138 million times, over 70 per cent of its audience is abroad, with an especially large audience in the United States. Ukraine: The Latest has earned numerous accolades, including Podcast of the Year at the 2025 London Press Club Awards, and News Podcast of the Year at the 2025 Press Awards.

Francis Dearnley, co-host and executive editor of Ukraine: The Latest, said: “Elsewhere coverage of the war is waning, but we’re ramping it up.

“The opportunity to be able to supplement our reporting with maps, battlefield footage, and more on-the-ground reporting felt like the natural next step. We hope our listeners around the world will agree.

In tandem with this expansion, ParaPods is leveraging its strategic partnership with Daylight to oversee ad sales, distribution, and monetization for these titles. This collaboration ensures that the new additions will benefit from Daylight’s success-driven infrastructure, providing brands with high-impact integration opportunities across both audio and video platforms.

“We’re so excited to be expanding our slate of shows! Adding A Psychic Story, For Better and Worse and That’s Pretty Dark reflects our main goal – to create a safe and productive environment for all kinds of authentic, inspiring content to flourish. We are stronger (and spookier) together!” — Christine Schiefer & Em Schulz, Hosts, And That’s Why We Drink.

This expansion solidifies ParaPods Network’s position as a premier destination for independent creators who prioritize integrity and authenticity. As part of the network, these shows will gain access to specialized audience development tools, cross-promotional opportunities, and professionalized monetization support via Daylight.

—

ABOUT PARAPODS NETWORK Founded in partnership with the hit podcast And That’s Why We Drink and Daylight, ParaPods Network is dedicated to empowering unique voices in true crime, supernatural, and genre storytelling. Built on the belief that community and creativity should drive the industry forward, ParaPods connects like-minded creators with audiences who crave something different. The current slate includes And That’s Why We Drink, Ladies & Tangents, Creeps and Crimes, A Psychic’s Story, For Better and Worse, and That’s Pretty Dark.

ABOUT DAYLIGHT Daylight, a venture from the team at QCODE, is designed for creators to scale reach and monetization across audio, video and emerging platforms. Daylight provides creators with a full suite of services, including distribution, IP expansion, audience development and marketing, as well as technology and product solutions. Daylight services a wide range of genres, including some of the biggest emerging video podcasts and award-winning series such as Love and Radio, The Daily Beast, The Shawn Ryan Show, The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, The Chris Cuomo Project, And That’s Why We Drink, Jillian on Love, and You Should Know, among others.

Ozen.fm, a global platform dedicated to the curation and distribution of podcasts and digital audio, announces its arrival in Brazil and the appointment of Priscila Falcone as Commercial Director. She will lead the company’s commercial operations in the country, a move that is part of Ozen.fm’s international expansion strategy based on establishing local leadership to strengthen partnerships with agencies and advertisers.

Ozen.fm’s entry into the Brazilian market comes at a time of strong global consolidation in digital audio. In the United States, the format has been the fastest-growing for four consecutive years, according to IAB data, driven by the combination of qualified attention, contextual relevance, and advances in measurement tools. In Latin America—particularly in Brazil—the outlook is even more promising: digital audio consumption continues to expand across multiple platforms with large, highly engaged audiences, while advertising investment still shows significant room for growth.

With more than a decade of experience in the advertising industry, Priscila has built her career in digital and programmatic media, holding roles at Adsplay, Adsmovil, Entravision Cisneros, In Loco, and Hands. Throughout her career, she has worked on digital audio initiatives for advertisers across Brazil and Latin America, including Claro Empresas, Ubisoft, Ford, GM, Nissan, and Toyota, developing solutions that connect audience, data, and performance.

“The Brazilian digital audio market has matured rapidly in recent years. Brands already recognize the power of context and attention that audio generates. The next step is to evolve in scale, data, and measurement. Ozen’s arrival in Brazil expands this path by combining qualified inventory, technology, and close relationships with agencies and advertisers to transform audience into business results,” says Priscila Falcone.

For Rodrigo Tigre, President and Co-Founder of Ozen.fm, entering Brazil reflects the sector’s regional relevance. “Latin America brings together characteristics that accelerate the development of digital audio, both in audience behavior and in the close connection between creators, brands, and platforms,” he notes.

Ozen.fm operates internationally with a focus on curated audio content and podcast distribution across multiple languages and markets.

About Ozen.fm

Ozen.fm is a curated global audio monetization network connecting podcast and streaming radio inventory to programmatic and direct advertising demand. Designed to drive discovery, connection, and monetization for creators, publishers, advertisers, and audiences, Ozen.fm delivers premium audio experiences across web, mobile, smart speakers, voice assistants, and in-car environments. With a focus on multicultural and multilingual programming, Ozen.fm provides publishers with scalable access to premium advertising demand — and gives advertisers verified, brand-safe inventory reaching engaged, diverse audiences worldwide. Through advanced DAI technology and strategic integrations, Ozen.fm bridges the gap between undermonetized audio inventory and the global advertising ecosystem. Learn more at www.ozen.fm.

Podcast Expo 2026, one of Japan’s largest celebrations of podcast culture, will be held on May 9–10, 2026, at HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Tokyo.

The event combines a large-scale creator marketplace with a conference program, bringing together podcast creators, listeners, and industry professionals for a two-day celebration of podcasting.

The event expands upon the success of Podcast Weekend (above), a market-style gathering that has attracted more than 12,000 attendees to date.

Event Format

Podcast Expo 2026 consists of:

P7 – Podcast Summit 2026
A conference series featuring keynote sessions and panel discussions.

Podcast Weekend 2026
A large-scale creator marketplace event showcasing podcast creators and shows.

First Speakers Announced

The first group of 20 P7 speakers reflect the diversity of Japan’s podcast ecosystem, featuring figures active in podcasting across anthropology, philosophy, journalism, broadcasting, publishing, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

Featured speakers include:

• Anthropologist Maho Isono
• Novelist and playwright Yukiko Motoya
• Journalist and Asahi Shimbun Podcast host Daisuke Kanda
• Content creator Saeki Pointy
• Philosopher Yoshihiro Tanigawa
• Entrepreneur and investor Makoto Shiono
• Writer and literary critic Sukezane Watanabe

Podcast Expo 2026 is structured around dialogue-driven sessions, rather than show-specific fan events.

Approximately 20 sessions across two days are planned, focusing on practical insights and perspectives on the future of the medium.

75 Exhibitors Confirmed

A total of 75 podcast creators and programs have been confirmed as exhibitors for the market area.

The exhibitor expansion reflects the growing visibility of Japan’s podcast ecosystem, bringing creators, listeners, and industry professionals into direct interaction.

A Culture-Driven Gathering

Podcast Expo is designed not as a fan convention, but as a culture-driven gathering for podcast audiences and creators.

In the previous edition, more than 400 podcasters attended the event, highlighting strong creator-led amplification and community engagement.

The event welcomes:

• Independent podcasters and audiences
• Professional creators
• Media organizations
• Brand and industry stakeholders

Tickets and Attendance

Early-bird ticket entries for the summit have opened.

The marketplace event (Podcast Weekend 2026) will be free to attend.

Expected attendance for the overall event exceeds 5,000 visitors.

About Podcast Expo

Podcast Expo is designed to celebrate podcast culture while strengthening connections between creators, audiences, and industry stakeholders.

The event aims to provide a platform for discovery, collaboration, and the continued growth of podcasting in Japan.

Event Details

Podcast Expo 2026
May 9-10, 2026
HOME/WORK VILLAGE
Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Website: https://podcastexpo.jp/

Podcast Expo is organized by the Podcast Expo Committee, a joint initiative by ZATSUDAN inc. and Samposha inc.

Buzz Knight Media Productions announces a special episode of the Takin’ A Walk podcast featuring an intimate conversation with filmmaker Jake Sumner, director of the documentary “Ron Delsener Presents,” and legendary concert promoter Jules Belkin. The episode offers a rare deep dive into New York music history through the lens of one of the industry’s most influential yet under-recognized figures.

For over five decades, Ron Delsener shaped the concert landscape of New York City, promoting iconic shows featuring Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, and countless other legendary artists. Yet his story remained largely untold—until now. Director Jake Sumner’s documentary “Ron Delsener Presents” chronicles the remarkable career of the man who transformed how live music was experienced in the nation’s cultural capital.

In this compelling episode, Sumner discusses his early days meeting Ron Delsener and what inspired him to capture the promoter’s legacy on film. Legendary Ohio concert promoter Jules Belkin provides insider perspective on the golden age of the concert business and Delsener’s lasting impact on the industry.

“This is a story that digs deep into New York music history. Ron Delsener’s influence on live music is immeasurable, and hearing from both Jake and Jules gives us an incredible window into that world.” — Buzz Knight, Host, Takin’ A Walk

ABOUT TAKIN’ A WALK

Takin’ A Walk is the flagship podcast of Buzz Knight Media Productions, part of the iHeart Podcast Network. The Buzz Knight Media Productions network—which includes “Takin’ A Walk,” “Takin’ A Walk Nashville,” “Music Saved Me,” and “Comedy Saved Me”—collectively generates 1.8 million monthly downloads. The show’s signature walking conversation format has earned select episodes a permanent place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s archive collection. Host Buzz Knight brings decades of radio broadcasting experience—including WZLX Boston—to in-depth conversations with music legends and industry insiders.

Mit Kulturmarketing Insights startet die Initiative Kulturkommunikation ein neues Podcast-Format für die Kultur- und Eventbranche – und platziert sich bereits in der Startwoche (KW 7) laut Podwatch-Auswertung der Apple- und iTunes-Charts in den Top 10 der Marketing-Podcasts in Deutschland.

Host ist Martin Juhls, Gründer der Initiative Kulturkommunikation, einem spezialisierten Beratungsunternehmen für Kultur- und Eventmarketing. Gemeinsam mit wechselnden Gästen beleuchtet er Themen rund um strategische Kommunikation, digitales Marketing, Social-Media-Trends und aktuelle Entwicklungen im Kultur- und Veranstaltungssektor.

Der Podcast richtet sich an Leitungen von Kulturinstitutionen und Spielstätten, Festival- und Veranstaltungsmacher, Marketingverantwortliche von Theatern, Bühnen und Museen sowie Akteure der freien Szene.

Die ersten vier Folgen sind ab sofort auf Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer und weiteren Plattformen abrufbar.

Kulturmarketing im Umbruch: Warum die Branche neue Orientierung braucht

Die Anforderungen an Kommunikation und Marketing im Kultur- und Eventbereich haben sich in den letzten Jahren drastisch verändert. Klassische Medien wie Plakate und Flyer haben dabei deutlich an Relevanz verloren, während sich das Publikum vor allem in digitalen Kanälen über Kulturangebote informiert.

„Wir erleben einen fundamentalen Wandel in der Art und Weise, wie das Publikum heute auf neue Kulturangebote und Veranstaltungen aufmerksam wird“, sagt Martin Juhls. Für Kulturinstitutionen bedeute das, so Juhls, Kommunikation müsse deutlich strategischer, zielgerichteter und vor allem digitaler werden.

„Wer heute sein Publikum zielsicher erreichen will, braucht ein fundiertes Verständnis der digitalen Kanäle, ihrer Algorithmen und der Art und Weise, wie das Publikum diese neuen Kanäle nutzt.“ Vor diesem Hintergrund will der neue Podcast Orientierung bieten – mit fundierter Analyse, strategischer Einordnung und praxisnahen Impulsen für den Kulturbetrieb.

„Kultur tickt anders“ – Ein Marketing-Podcast speziell für die Kulturbranche

Marketing-Podcasts gibt es viele. Ein eigenständiges Format speziell für den Kulturbereich gab es bislang nicht. Dabei gelten im Kulturmarketing andere Regeln, Abläufe und Anforderungen als in der klassischen Produkt- und Markenwerbung.

„Viele Marketing-Inhalte sind stark von Buzzwords und Fachbegriffen aus der Agenturwelt geprägt. Für Akteurinnen und Akteure im Kulturbereich wirkt das oftmals befremdlich und unverständlich“, sagt Martin Juhls. „Kultur tickt anders. Sie hat eigene Entscheidungswege, eigene Abläufe und auch eine eigene Sprache. Unser Ziel ist es, die Brücke zu schlagen – zwischen digitalen Entwicklungen und der konkreten Praxis im Kulturbetrieb.“

Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei reale Fragestellungen aus Theater, Museum, Festival- und Musiklandschaft: von digitalem Marketing über Social-Media-Strategien bis hin zum Einsatz künstlicher Intelligenz.

Host mit über 25 Jahren Branchenerfahrung

Martin Juhls ist ein renommierter Experte für Kommunikation und Marketing im Kultur- und Eventsektor im deutschsprachigen Raum. Seit über 25 Jahren ist er selbst als Veranstalter und Kulturmanager tätig und gilt heute als gefragter Speaker, Mentor und Vordenker der Branche.

Als Gründer der Initiative Kulturkommunikation begleitet er Kulturinstitutionen, Festivals und Veranstalter bei der strategischen Weiterentwicklung ihrer Kommunikation. Seit 2020 veranstaltet er regelmäßig Webinare und Online-Events mit bislang über 20.000 Teilnehmenden. Als Speaker ist er zudem auf Fachkonferenzen wie Future of Festivals, Most Wanted: Music, dem INTHEGA-Kongress, der Maitagung sowie dem Hans-Diers-Marketing-Symposium vertreten.