Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable Announce Merger to Lead the Next Era of Podcasting

Sounds Profitable, the trade association for the podcasting industry, today announced a merger with Podcast Movement, the world’s premier platform for podcast creators, industry leaders, and media innovators. The strategic partnership will bring together two of the most influential entities in podcasting, creating a powerhouse of research, events, and thought leadership.

Under the terms of the seven-figure deal, Podcast Movement will acquire Sounds Profitable, which will continue to operate as a leading trade association for the podcast industry, maintaining its commitment to cutting-edge industry research and insights. Sounds Profitable partners Bryan Barletta and Tom Webster will remain shareholders in the business and Barletta will assume the role of President of Podcast Movement and the continuing Sounds Profitable brand.

The merger will allow Podcast Movement to continue to deliver its world-class event expertise. The brand will also now deepen its involvement in major media industry events such as the Cannes Lions Festival, SXSW, The Podcast Show London, and Advertising Week, solidifying its position as a central force in podcasting’s ongoing growth.

“This merger unites two leading organizations that have, until now, independently been both champions and catalysts, supporting the growth of the entire podcasting industry. As we take these next steps together, we’ll be able to amplify our mission to connect creators, brands, and innovators while providing an unmatched event experience in the podcast industry," said Bryan Barletta, Founder of Sounds Profitable and newly named President of Podcast Movement.

Podcast Movement co-founder Dan Franks will continue as President of Event Movement, the independent production company that will be expanding to support Sounds Profitable’s branded events as well as future Podcast Movement events. This merger is expected to have a transformative impact on the global podcasting industry, with expanded opportunities for creators, advertisers, and media partners to connect and grow.

“Over the past decade, the podcast industry has evolved in ways few could have imagined when we launched Podcast Movement in 2014. Sounds Profitable’s forward-thinking vision, cutting-edge research, and commitment to moving the industry forward create an incredible opportunity for Podcast Movement to grow and adapt alongside that evolution,” said Dan Franks, Co-Founder of Podcast Movement and President of Event Movement. “In my role leading the amazing team at Event Movement, we will continue producing the flagship Podcast Movement experiences while bringing that same expertise to select Sounds Profitable events, ensuring our combined efforts reflect the future of podcasting.”

Podcast Movement’s flagship event will be held in New York City for the first time in September of 2026,while its Podcast Movement Evolutions event will combine with SXSW, offering attendees an even broader and more impactful conference experience.

Full details of the merger and its benefits to Sounds Profitable’s more than 200 partners will be unveiled in the keynote session at the Podcast Movement event in Dallas, Texas at 11:15am CT on August 19, 2025.