Former Cumulus Podcast Network Exec Launches Own Firm

John Wordock helped build the Cumulus Podcast Network and WSJ Podcasts. Now he has set his sights on a new project - his own podcast consulting firm.

The former Executive Editor and SVP of Podcasting at Westwood One is launching John Wordock Media. Seeing a need to help content creators rebuild after jarring changes under Apple iOS17, Wordock is on a mission to help podcasters retool and rethink how they engage with their audiences, whether they are a chart-topper or newcomer.

“Apple iOS17 was a nasty 2 a.m. wake-up call for podcasters, especially legacy shows. Many were simply shocked by their download changes,” said Wordock, who started podcasting back in 2006 when The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch.com embraced the medium. “Now, with the rise of video as a valuable instrument for audience engagement, I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

“Podcasting hit a really bad patch in 2022 and 2023,” he added. “But we’re getting smarter as an industry, learning from our mistakes and making wiser investments in content and technology. So I remain very bullish on podcasting, both audio and video, over the next five years.”

Wordock is launching his consulting firm on International Podcast Day.

“What a way to celebrate,” he said. “September 30 is also my birthday so what better way to mark the day than bring a new podcast business into the world?”