Pod Digital Media Reveals New 360° Cultural Activations at IAB Podcast Upfront

Pod Digital Media (PDM), the first and largest cultural content hub, today announced an expansive slate of exclusive 360° cultural event activations, during its presentation at the 2025 IAB Podcast Upfront. “Talk of the Yard” HBCU tour and “The Boy is Mine Tour” activations, underscore PDM’s evolution beyond traditional podcast advertising into a full-service partner for brands seeking to authentically connect with high-growth audiences.

These new offerings demonstrate what PDM calls the “Network Effect,” a unique, omnichannel approach that starts with audio as the point of entry and transforms audio ad placements into immersive cultural moments. This strategy integrates social media amplification, influencer marketing and live experiential events to create deep cultural resonance for its partners, which include McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Nike and Walmart.

New activations announced include:

• Brandy & Monica “The Boy is Mine Tour” Activations: PDM will host live and digital experiences alongside the once-in-a-generation R&B tour, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage with a passionate audience celebrating two musical icons. The tour runs from October 16 to December 14, 2025.
• “Talk of the Yard” HBCU Tour Expansion: Building on successful partnerships with brands like Nike and Walmart, PDM is expanding its ultimate HBCU live podcast tour. The six-week series will run from October to November 2025, capturing the energy of Homecoming season with live activations across the South.
• Miami Art Week: This exceptional luxury week connects brands to the hottest conversations, as PDM returns with a series of bespoke live activations, custom content and immersive podcast sets. Opportunities available December 1 through December 7, 2025.

These additions join a rapidly growing network that includes recent podcast arrivals like “Money Talks with Terrence J,” “More to the Story with Rocsi Diaz,” “Melanin Money,” and “The Need to Know.”

“Culture is moving at an incredible speed, and smart brands aren’t just following it–they are investing in it to authentically join the conversation. Culture-focused podcasts are essential to getting there,” said Gary Coichy, chief executive officer, Pod Digital Media. “We’re excited to partner with our roster of incredible talent, to create unparalleled experiences for growth audiences. Our 360-degree campaigns are proof that the right partnerships can drive both community connection and commerce at scale.”

PDM’s evolution into a cultural content hub has fueled its significant expansion, with 232 percent growth over the past year. The network now represents over 400 podcasts, reaching more than 100 million listeners monthly through a combination of audio, social, and experiential channels. Studies show the power of this connection, with 78 percent of Black podcast listeners stating they would purchase from a brand advertised on a show with a Black host.

About Pod Digital Media

Pod Digital Media (PDM) is the first and largest cultural content hub connecting brands with growth audiences through podcasts, influencers, and live experiential activations. A certified minority-owned business, PDM represents over 400 shows and leverages its deep cultural fluency to develop and manage omnichannel partnerships that deliver results for blue-chip advertisers. By integrating custom content, influential voices, and in-real-life experiences, PDM forges authentic, long-lasting connections that operate at the speed of culture.