The Podcast Academy (TPA) announced today that submissions for the 2027 Ambies® will open today, Monday, August 17.

The 7th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio, the Ambies celebrate outstanding achievement in podcasting, recognizing the creators, talent, and industry professionals whose work continues to shape and advance the medium. For 2027, the Ambies are expanding to recognize even more of the creativity and collaboration driving the podcast industry forward with a total of 35 unique categories.

The 2027 Ambies introduce Listener's Choice winners in two existing categories: Best Podcast Host (or Hosts) and Podcast of the Year. As in previous years, nominees in both categories will be selected by the Ambies Jury. Following the announcement of the nominees, public audiences will vote to determine the Listener's Choice winners, while members of The Podcast Academy will continue to vote for the Ambie winners.

Two new categories for the 2027 Ambies will be added under Show Recognition, recognizing excellence in music-focused podcasting and individual episodes.

Best Music Podcast honors podcasts that explore music, the artists who make it, and the culture that surrounds it. Whether through artist-driven conversations, journalism, or storytelling, eligible podcasts must feature music, artists, the music industry, or music culture as a primary focus and demonstrate elevated craft, impact, and originality.

Episode of the Year recognizes an exceptional individual podcast episode that represents outstanding achievement in journalism, storytelling, production, and creative execution. The award celebrates a single episode that stands apart through its impact, compelling narrative, originality, craft, and ability to engage and resonate with listeners.

"We're excited to expand The Ambies this year with new categories and fan involvement, " said Christy Mirabal, Chair of The Podcast Academy. "Listener's Choice hands fans a ballot of their own to crown their favorite shows and hosts. By adding Best Music Podcast, we’re recognizing a corner of podcasting that's become an exciting world of its own, and Episode of the Year, because sometimes one episode is the whole reason someone falls in love with this medium.

" For the first time, the Ambies will group advertising honors into their own recognition tier - Advertising Recognition - joining Show Recognition and Talent Recognition. The grouping brings together Best Ad Read and Best Branded Podcast alongside Podcast Advertiser of the Year, formerly the Podcast Advertiser Innovator Award.

Submission Details

Submissions will be accepted across three periods, with early bird pricing available through Friday, September 4: $160 for TPA members and $210 for non-members. Submissions for the 2027 Ambies are now open. Additional information about dates, eligibility, categories, submission requirements, and deadlines will be available at Ambies.com.

TPA Members get a discount on submissions. Join today! Members also vote on the 2027 winners once Nominees are announced in January, join TPA by January 15, 2027 to participate.

AdLarge today announced the appointment of Nicole Pezzola Leyden as Vice President, Brand Partnerships. In this role, Leyden will focus on developing strategic sponsorship opportunities and integrated marketing programs for advertisers across AdLarge and the fwd. network, with a concentration on the automotive, financial services, and emerging advertising categories.

As advertisers increasingly seek customized, cross-platform programs that go beyond traditional media buys, AdLarge continues to expand its integrated sponsorship offerings across podcasts, streaming audio, video, social, live experiences, newsletters, and creator-led content. Leyden's appointment further strengthens the company's position as a trusted partner for brands looking to connect with premium content and highly engaged audiences through strategic, results-driven partnerships.

Leyden brings more than two decades of experience developing strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth for some of the world's most respected media and entertainment brands, including TED, Scripps Networks, Discovery, and the NHL. Throughout her career, Leyden has specialized in developing high-value sponsorships and integrated marketing programs that connect brands with consumers across digital media, live events, premium content, and multi-platform experiences.

During her tenure at TED, Leyden secured new partnerships with brands including Verizon, Facebook/Meta, Bose, Toyota, Ford, Honda/Acura, Intuit, JPMorgan, and Charles Schwab. Her custom podcast partnership with Morgan Stanley earned industry recognition in back-to-back years. She developed integrated marketing programs spanning TED Conferences, experiential activations, digital media, OTT, podcasts, social campaigns, and custom content.

Previously, Leyden held leadership roles at Scripps Networks Interactive, where she led revenue growth and monetization across the company's digital portfolio, including owned-and-operated properties, mobile, premium video, VOD, and TV Everywhere platforms. During her tenure, she led award-winning sales teams, and pioneered General Motors' first large-scale lifestyle branded content initiative, which earned an Emmy Award.

"AdLarge and the fwd. network have built one of the strongest portfolios of premium content, creators, and advertising opportunities in the industry, creating an incredible foundation for brands looking to engage audiences in authentic ways," said David Cohn, Chief Revenue Officer of AdLarge and the fwd. network. "Nicole has an outstanding reputation for developing innovative sponsorships that deliver real value for advertisers. She knows how to connect brands with the right content, the right creators, and the right audiences, and we're thrilled to have someone with her experience and relationships joining our team."

"The most successful partnerships are the ones that create value for everyone involved; brands, creators, and audiences," said Leyden. "That's what AdLarge and the fwd. network do so well. I'm excited to join the team and help advertisers develop integrated sponsorships that bring those connections to life."

In addition to her work in media, Leyden is a Founding Member and Head of Impact Partnerships for Women Applying AI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women develop the skills and confidence to lead in an AI-driven world. She has played a key role in developing partnership strategies, expanding outreach initiatives, and securing funding to support the organization's continued growth.

Nicole can be reached at nicolel@adlarge.com

The latest data shows Alcohol advertising recorded the strongest quarter-on-quarter increase, with podcast advertising spend increasing 58% from Q1 to Q2 2026 and 44% year on year. Auto followed with growth of 36%, while Home Goods and Financial Services each increased 35% and Travel rose 25% when comparing to the previous quarter.

While major consumer and finance brands continued to dominate the top advertiser rankings, the fastest-growing categories point to a broader shift in podcast investment, with a wider range of industries increasing their use of the medium to reach highly engaged audiences.

Airbnb remained Australia’s top podcast advertiser in Q2 2026, followed by Wise, Shopify, Entain Group and CommBank. McDonald’s, Aussie Broadband, DoorDash, Booking.com and Harvey Norman rounded out the top 10.

News remained the genre with the highest advertiser ad load at 6.49%, followed by Arts at 6.25%, Business at 5.72%, Sports at 5.19% and True Crime at 4.97%.

Across campaign execution, 30-second ads remained the most common ad length, accounting for 39% of ads detected in Australia, while mid-roll placements represented 50% share of all ad positions.

ARN’s iHeart and Magellan AI quarterly report provides trend-based insights to support brands in effectively integrating podcasts into broader marketing strategies, including analysis across advertiser categories, genre performance and ad placement trends.

Corey Layton, ARN’s Head of Digital Audio, said: “What’s interesting about this quarter’s data is the breadth of categories increasing their investment in podcasting. While major travel, retail and finance brands continue to be strong performers, we’re also seeing categories like alcohol, auto and home goods accelerate their use of the medium. It showcases how podcasting is now a mainstream environment for brands looking to build attention, trust and connection with highly engaged audiences.”

For the full report, download the Magellan AI Australia Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report Q2 2026 here.

Gauging content for brand suitability at scale is a persistent challenge in podcast advertising. Spoken-word podcasts with jokes, stories, and discussions can span sensitive topics. Advertiser reliance on keyword-based blocking or show-level exclusions often causes overcorrection, shutting out brand-appropriate inventory and miss-identifying risks. As a result, advertisers have only had a binary choice between protecting their brand or maintaining reach. With Basis’ omnichannel tools, advertisers can activate podcast advertising with speed, scale and brand suitability through direct buys or open bidding – which can also be orchestrated alongside other digital channels.

“Digital audio advertising will grow faster as advertisers gain more confidence to scale podcast inventory without second-guessing every buy. Assurance has to be built in before the bid is ever placed, not reconciled after the fact,” said Mark McEachran, VP of Product – DSP, Basis. “With Barometer's episode-level classification available in Basis, advertisers can apply brand-suitability on every ad impression automatically -- all from within the same workflow they use to plan, buy, and optimize every other digital channel.”

Basis delivers audio advertising controls built for the realities of podcast content:

• Category-level risk controls: Advertisers set their own tolerance across categories such as violence, hate speech, gambling, and other sensitive or debated topics, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all exclusion lists or genre-blocking.
• Episode-level precision: Classification is applied at the individual episode level, not the show level, so brand-suitable episodes of an otherwise excluded show remain available, and unsuitable episodes of an otherwise approved show are kept out.
• Pre-bid enforcement: Advertiser preferences are applied in the bidding process. Suitability checks happen before a bid is placed, eliminating reliance on post-campaign reporting to identify problems after impressions are served.
• Single-workflow activation: Advertisers set podcast brand suitability standards inside Basis for ad-targeting alongside the rest of their omnichannel plan, without a separate vendor tool or manual export/import step.
• Reduced false positives: Contextual and tonal analysis, rather than keyword matching alone, expands the pool of eligible, brand-suitable inventory without increasing brand risk.

Barometer's AI engine evaluates full podcast transcripts and audio — not just keywords — pre-release across major platforms including Spotify, SiriusXM/AdsWizz, NPR, The New York Times, Acast, and more. Brand suitability risk level is based on an industry agreed upon framework covering categories such as adult content, violence, hate speech, illegal drugs, terrorism, and elections, and is tagged contextually with IAB Content Taxonomy 3.0. This technology is also enabled for brand-suitability measurement, which will be compatible for Basis users.

“Podcast advertising has been held back by a false choice between maintaining brand standards and reach -- Basis and Barometer deliver both,” said Dr. Tamara Zubatiy Nelson, CEO at Barometer. “Within Basis, advertisers can now plan, activate and measure podcast campaigns in the same platform they use for every other digital channel, with brand suitability built in from the start. This is what’s needed for podcast advertising to scale alongside the rest of a marketer's media mix.”

Basis is an integrated cross-channel media orchestration and connectivity platform that automates the most important phases of the entire campaign lifecycle. Its enterprise AI system empowers marketers through a suite of applications for strategy-creation, planning and operations across programmatic, publisher-direct, search, and social channels.

About Barometer

Barometer is the premier, third-party, AI-powered contextual engine with best-in-class brand suitability and contextual targeting solutions for premium and emerging media channels. They help the largest brands in the world responsibly activate at scale in impactful channels like podcasts, creator-led video, and generative AI. For more information, visit app.thebarometer.co.

About Basis

Basis is solving the advertising industry's biggest problems with a foundational software platform that connects every channel, every workflow, and every financial system into one governed operating system. With AI-driven media planning and management capabilities, Basis is a unified command center for agencies and brands. It creates capacity for media teams through integrated applications specialized in planning, operations, reporting, and financial reconciliation across programmatic, publisher-direct, search, and social channels. Basis empowers leaders with AI-powered efficiency and productivity -- driving financial success for their organizations. Renowned for its dedication to both employees and customers, Basis creates more seamless operations and fosters a happier, more engaged workforce. Learn more at https://basis.com.

Liberty Hill Foundation is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Season 5 of Conversations from the Frontlines, the foundation’s PRism Award-winning podcast hosted by President and CEO Shane Murphy Goldsmith.

Premiering this week on Wednesday, August 12, Season 5 will feature candid conversations that dive into topics such as who gets to define social progress, who has the resources and power to build the future, and what community members, donors, foundations and public institutions can do to support lasting change. For the first time, full episodes will also be available in video on Liberty Hill’s YouTube channel, produced by production partner Multitude Podcasts.

“For 50 years, Liberty Hill has stood alongside frontline communities who refuse to accept injustice as inevitable,” said President & CEO Shane Murphy Goldsmith. “This season will reflect on the movements, victories, and organizers that brought us to this moment, while looking ahead to the future we’re building together. These conversations will showcase that transformational change happens when people come together around a shared vision of what’s possible.”

The new season kicks off with two thought-provoking conversations that explore the relationship between power, narrative, and social change. In the season premiere (out now!), Glen Galaich, CEO of the Stupski Foundation, discusses how philanthropy can challenge entrenched norms by shifting from models of control to more equitable, trust-based partnerships grounded in shared power. In Episode 2, award-winning journalist and author Sonali Kolhatkar will examine progressive movement building, the narratives that shape public understanding of race and democracy, and the essential role of community power in creating a more just and inclusive future.

Across Los Angeles, everyday residents are organizing to expand opportunities, strengthen democracy, advance racial and economic justice, and build more equitable communities. Through candid conversations and stories of their leadership, resilience, and collective action, Season 5 of Conversations from the Frontlines will bring listeners closer to that work—highlighting the movement leaders, visionaries, advocates, and changemakers who are “building the good,” and planting the seeds of future progress.

About Liberty Hill Foundation

Liberty Hill Foundation is a laboratory for social change philanthropy. We leverage the power of community organizers, donor activists, and allies to advance social justice through strategic investment in grants, leadership training, and campaigns. We envision a society in which all people have a powerful voice, including those currently shut out of our democracy, people cut off from opportunities because of their skin color, gender or sexual orientation, where they live, or where they were born. We will not rest until society provides justice and equality for all.

Stories From The States, the weekly podcast produced by States Newsroom, is making its radio debut. In a new partnership with Heartland Signal, announced today, the 30-minute deep dive into current news issues will air on AM950 in Minnesota and on WCPT in Chicago, starting August 16. 

States Newsroom launched Stories From The States in November 2025 as an audio extension of its award-winning journalism that focuses on government and policy coverage from all 50 state capitals. Each episode explores, through personal stories, how people across the U.S. are responding to sweeping policy changes – all with the goal of figuring out what it means for listeners, their families and their communities. 

Hosted by broadcast news veteran and States Newsroom publisher Chris Fitzsimon and produced by Mallory Cheng, each show opens with a look at the week’s biggest news stories before focusing on a single issue. Fitzsimon introduces listeners to experts, community members and the news network’s state-focused journalists who can provide nuance to stories that are dominating the headlines. 

• AM950 Radio Twin Cities, Minnesota: Sundays, 11:30 a.m. CT (through August); Sundays, 11 a.m. CT (September and onward)
• WCPT Chicago: Sundays, 6 p.m. CT

Heartland Signal will also stream the program on the Heartland Signal website, TuneIn, and smart speakers. 

“We have more than 200 journalists uncovering stories about how government policy affects people’s lives,” Fitzsimon said. “This show is a way to dig in on those issues and help listeners understand what’s going on. Broadcasting on Heartland Signal will be a great way to reach audiences who are craving fair, accurate reporting right now.”  

Among the 40 episodes to date, Stories From The States has featured discussions on such topics as data centers, school vouchers, SNAP work requirements, public land use and immigration enforcement. 

Heartland Signal, which reaches approximately 100,000 listeners in the Twin Cities and 120,000 listeners in the Chicago region, is a talk radio network and digital newsroom focused on state and local issues.

“Washington gets the headlines, but it’s actually the states making the decisions that shape our daily lives,” said Rodney Gibbs, Heartland Signal’s executive director. “Stories From The States shares that conviction, and we're delighted to give it a home on our stations.”

Stories From The States will continue to be produced entirely by States Newsroom and available online at Apple Podcasts, YouTube podcasts and Spotify. Episodes also are available at the Stories From The States website.

Podcast Movement, the flagship event for global podcast creators, today announced the full lineup of speakers and sessions for Podcast Movement 2026, taking place September 17–18 at Terminal 5 in New York City. Featuring speakers across five stages, the event will bring together creators, publishers, advertisers, executives, technologists and media companies for two days of education, networking and business development across every corner of the podcast industry.

The 2026 program reflects the rapid evolution of podcasting into a multi-platform media business. On stage sessions will span audience growth, video strategy, AI, monetization, brand partnerships, journalism, creator businesses, production, community building and the future of podcast discovery.

Among this year's featured speakers are leaders from some of the industry's most influential organizations, including:

• Greg Glenday (Acast) discussing new audience research in Own the Moment: Acast's Podcast Pulse 2026 Reveals How Audiences Really Tune In.
• Alex Goldmark (Planet Money, NPR) sharing how one of podcasting's most beloved shows makes economics accessible to millions.
• Tamara Zubatiy (Barometer) unpacking the latest updates in programmatic advertising.
• Dan Fierman (Higher Ground Productions) discussing how podcasts can create lasting cultural conversations.
• Ainsley Rossitto (beehiiv) on podcast communities and building audience trust.
• Steven Goldstein (Amplifi Media) leading a live look inside Gen Z's evolving media habits.
• James Cridland (Podnews) looking back at podcasting's history while examining where the industry is headed next.

The program also features sessions from leaders across CBC, WaitWhat, Lower Street, Signal Hill Insights, and dozens of independent creators who are redefining what success looks like in podcasting.

Additionally, the two days will feature keynote sessions, including new research unveiled from Sounds Profitable and presented by Partner Tom Webster. 

"New York has always been where the biggest ideas in media take shape, so it was the natural place to evolve Podcast Movement," said Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable and President of Podcast Movement. "Every change we've made this year was intentional. We've redesigned the event so creators, publishers, brands, agencies, and technology leaders are spending time with the people they actually need to meet. That same thinking shaped our speaker lineup. We put the program back into the hands of the industry through community voting and an independent selection committee, ensuring the conversations on stage reflect what podcasting wants and needs to be talking about right now."

With programming designed for creators launching their first show, established publishers scaling businesses, enterprise media companies, brands, agencies and technology providers, Podcast Movement remains the industry's premier destination to learn what is working now and what's next.

In addition to two days of programming, every Podcast Movement registration also includes access to the official IAB Podcast Upfront After Party on Wednesday, September 16 at Terminal 5. This year's celebration will feature a live performance of Hangin' with Dr. Z with guests including comedians Sam Morril and Dave Hill, with additional special guests to be announced.

Registration is now open. Visit https://2026.podcastmovement.com/ to view the growing agenda.

The Overlap has today announced a major new partnership with Disney+ in which the global streaming service will become the headline sponsor of The Overlap’s hugely popular Stick to Football show, and a brand new programme, “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney”.

The new “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney” format will be co-hosted weekly by Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney and renowned football content creator, Mark Goldbridge. It will analyse Manchester United’s latest results and performances, providing fans with expert insight, honest opinion and in-depth discussion on the biggest talking points surrounding the club.

Under the deal, during the upcoming Premier League season Disney+ subscribers will be able to watch 50 episodes of “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney”, as well as exclusive extra content for the new show, plus the new football season’s 40 episodes of “Stick to Football”, hosted by Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane.

Both shows will remain available to fans of The Overlap’s content on its existing YouTube platform in exactly the same way they enjoy it now, which attracts millions of viewers every week.

As part of the deal, Disney+ has also commissioned additional special episodes of “Stick to Football” that will be exclusively available on the streaming service for a limited period before being published on YouTube. Additionally, the 20 guest episodes of “Stick to Football' will be available exclusively to Disney+ subscribers for a limited time before being made available on YouTube.

The deal with Disney+ is the latest move by The Overlap as it seeks to build the world’s leading, non-live football media platform, and follows its acquisition in April of Mark Goldbridge’s highly successful YouTube channels, “The United Stand” and “That's Football”. The Disney+ deal demonstrates the scale of _The Overlap’_s ambitions following its acquisition in January this year by media and entertainment group Global. Global bought a majority stake in The Overlap as part of its growth strategy, incorporating The Overlap into Global Studios, a digital powerhouse that brings together podcast shows, next generation digital media businesses, best-in-class monetisation, seamless distribution and the marketing power of Global’s network of audio, video and outdoor brands. The news comes off the back of The Overlap’s 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage reaching record numbers, with “Stick to Football” generating over 250 million views across all platforms, including 46.9 million views on YouTube, 203.4 million views across social media, and 2.25 million audio streams.

Gary Neville, co-founder and co-Chair of The Overlap, said: “We’re immensely proud to be partnering with Disney+. It’s one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands, and for us this is a unique partnership that feels right for everyone involved. 

"What’s exciting is that we’re not changing who we are. Our community will continue to enjoy our content in exactly the way they always have through YouTube, while at the same time Disney+’s incredible global streaming audience will now be able to discover and enjoy it too.

"It’s a partnership that expands our reach without compromising our identity. Football fans around the world can continue to engage with our content wherever and however they choose, while together we’re creating an opportunity to introduce our shows to millions of new viewers globally. We believe that’s a genuinely exciting step forward for both The Overlap and Disney+.”

Simon Pitts, Group CEO of Global and Co-Chair of The Overlap said: “The Overlap is already one of the UK’s most successful sports entertainment brands and this exciting new partnership with Disney+ now gives it the worldwide platform it deserves. Gary and The Overlap have an ambitious growth plan which fits perfectly with our goal for Global Studios to be the home of the best audio and video brands on the planet.”

Sean Doyle, VP, Unscripted, Disney+ EMEA, said: “As we move into a new era of sports entertainment on Disney+, we're excited to be bringing one of the UK's most popular and distinctive sports shows to the platform. What Gary and the team at The Overlap have created with “Stick to Football” - and now “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney” with Wayne Rooney and Mark Goldbridge - is truly unique. Adding both shows broadens our local original content offering as we continue to expand into new sports formats, complementing our existing catalogue of drama, comedy, documentary, reality and ESPN on Disney+. I can't wait for fans to see the special episodes we have in the pipeline. Watch this space.”

Talking about the new show, “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney”, Wayne Rooney said: “Having worked with Gary, Roy, Jamie, Wrighty and Jill on both “Stick to Football” and The Overlap’s "Fan Debate” show it was a natural next step to co-host a new show from The Overlap that is totally dedicated to everything Manchester United. I am delighted to co-host “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney” with Mark Goldbridge, which will be available to watch on The United Stand in addition to Disney+, where “The Real Rooneys” featuring me, Coleen and our 4 boys will premiere soon."

Mark Goldbridge said: “I'm massively excited to be working with Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney on “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney” on The United Stand. This is a historic milestone for fan-led media and is exactly why our deal with The Overlap was so compelling. It's another huge step forward for The United Stand community to join forces with a undisputed legend of the club.”

Sounds Profitable, the trade association for the podcasting industry, today announced the first speakers and participating organizations for the inaugural Sounds Profitable Business Summit, taking place September 14-15, 2026, at Terminal 5 in New York City.

Created exclusively for Sounds Profitable Partners, the Business Summit brings together the podcast industry's leading publishers, platforms, brands, agencies, and advertisers. The two days will feature entertaining and research backed sessions that educate and inspire attendees, along with networking designed to accelerate business across the entire podcast ecosystem.

The first wave of confirmed participants includes Ira Glass, Don Lemon, Rich Roll along with representatives from YouTube, Amazon, and Scalable. Maggie Sellers Reum, host of the Hot Smart Rich podcast from FlightStory will also take the stage as well as Kimberly Adams of Marketplace’s Morning Report. Additional speakers and programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Summit will also feature exclusive industry announcements, including major news from Crooked Media that will be unveiled live from the Business Summit stage.

Unlike traditional industry conferences, no speaking opportunities at the Sounds Profitable Business Summit are sponsored or sold. Every session is independently curated to prioritize education, new research, and actionable insights for attendees.

"The Business Summit exists because more than 220 companies have invested in Sounds Profitable's mission to grow podcasting," said Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable and President of Podcast Movement. "We wanted to create an event worthy of that investment. That means content that's practical instead of hypothetical, speakers who are doing the work instead of talking about it, and conversations that attendees can take back to their businesses the very next day. It's not another conference built around familiar talking points, it's built around what actually moves the industry forward."

More than 125 brand, agency, and advertiser representatives have already registered to attend the Summit. Their roles span holding companies, independent agencies, and direct brands. Consistent with Sounds Profitable's mission to grow podcast advertising, qualified buyers attend at no cost, removing barriers between advertisers and the companies they want to meet.

The Business Summit's programming combines fast-paced presentations, original research from Sounds Profitable and industry partners, hands-on workshops, and extended networking sessions throughout the two-day event. Every programming block is followed by dedicated networking time designed to foster meaningful business conversations and partnerships.

The Business Summit also kicks off with a community Run Club in Central Park on the morning of September 14, hosted in partnership with Voicing Change Media and creator Zac Clark.

The Sounds Profitable Business Summit is part of a full week of podcast industry programming at Terminal 5. The rest of the week includes the official IAB Podcast Upfront After Party on September 16 and Podcast Movement September 17-18, bringing together creators, executives, advertisers, platforms, publishers, and industry leaders under one roof.

The Sounds Profitable Business Summit is available exclusively to Sounds Profitable Partners. Each partner organization is eligible to purchase up to two tickets, with additional ticket opportunities available based on capacity. Companies interested in attending can learn more about becoming a Sounds Profitable Partner by reaching out directly to Barletta at bryan@soundsprofitable.com.

Additional speakers, sessions, research announcements, and programming will be announced throughout the coming weeks.

For more information about the Sounds Profitable Business Summit or partnership opportunities, visit https://2026.podcastmovement.com/summit.

Hemlock Creek Productions, an audio post production studio editing audio for podcasts, film, and video games, has announced their new original podcast “Audio Fiction FM,” which showcases audio fiction and the people who make it.

Host Marisa Ewing-Moody, Hemlock Creek’s founder and lead audio engineer, created “Audio Fiction FM” after almost a decade editing audio fiction and the release of their own show, the horror audio drama “Liars & Leeches.” In each episode of “Audio Fiction FM,” Marisa presents news from the world of audio fiction, and then plays the first episode of a fictional audio podcast. They then interview the show’s creators, asking them about the production listeners just heard, as well as their experiences working on audio fiction. 

The first episode will be released on Hemlock Creek Productions’ YouTube on August 12th at 8:00pm central time, and while the episode itself is prerecorded, listeners will have access to a live chat room where they can talk with fellow listeners and creators. This premiere episode will feature audio drama creator and author Lauren Shippen of Atypical Artists. She will discuss her latest show “Two Thousand and Late,” a supernatural audio drama, as well as her experience acting in and creating audio dramas, including the smash hit sci-fi podcast “The Bright Sessions.” 

Marisa created “Audio Fiction FM” in response to the struggles creators face in marketing audio fiction. “I’m a huge fan of audio fiction, both as a creator and a listener,” they said. “However, audio fiction as a whole tends to struggle with discoverability. Many audio fiction shows are created by small independent teams, and some are solo productions with a single person acting as both show creator and the show’s entire marketing department. With most audio fiction listeners discovering shows either through word of mouth or social media, it can be difficult for creators to find the time to promote their shows to new fans, and fans may struggle with finding new shows if they don’t directly know the creators or follow them online. My hope with “Audio Fiction FM” is to bring fans and creators together to explore new shows across a wide spectrum of genres that they may not normally engage with, from horror to comedy to romance.”

“Audio Fiction FM” episodes will premiere on the second Wednesday of every month on Hemlock Creek Productions’ YouTube page. For listeners who miss the premieres, episodes will also be released in an audio only format wherever listeners get their podcasts.

Are you an audio fiction creator that would like to be featured on an episode of “Audio Fiction FM?” Hemlock Creek Productions would love to hear from you. You can submit your show through our submission form.

Audiencelift, the podcast and YouTube audience-growth technology created by Amaze Media Labs, has been named No. 616 on the 2026 Inc. 5000, Inc.’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The recognition marks the third company co-founders Robert Tuchman and Brett Sklar have built together to make the Inc. list during their 25-plus-year partnership. TSE Sports & Entertainment ranked No. 396 in 2005, followed by Goviva at No. 175 in 2015. AudienceLift now joins them at No. 616 in 2026.

“People ask us what the secret is, but there really isn’t one,” said Robert Tuchman, co-founder of Audiencelift and Amaze Media Labs. “It comes down to trust, complementary strengths and showing up for each other every day. Even on the difficult days when we disagree. Brett and I set the tone, but our colleagues make the growth possible. Every company we’ve built has had a lean team in which every person mattered.”

Audiencelift was created to address one of podcasting’s most persistent challenges: discoverability. Even as the volume and quality of podcast content has grown, many shows still struggle to reach listeners beyond their existing audiences.

The platform promotes podcasts within contextually relevant content across a network of premium digital publishers, connecting shows with people whose interests align with the subject matter. Interested users can listen immediately or choose their preferred podcast destination, helping creators turn discovery into measurable listening. AudienceLift’s technology tracks the listener journey from initial exposure through engagement and listening destination.

AudienceLift has expanded from its original audio growth product into a broader suite of audience-development solutions. Podcasters can use the platform to generate listening through web players, reach specialized business audiences based on attributes such as industry and job function, grow YouTube views and channel subscribers through targeted campaigns, and even drive listeners to leading podcast apps and players.

Today, more than 1,000 podcasters, creators, companies and major networks have worked with AudienceLift to grow audiences across audio and video.

“There is an enormous amount of great podcast content that people never discover,” Sklar said. “We built Audiencelift to close that gap. Audience is the foundation of the creator economy, but different shows have different growth goals. Some need scale, some need a highly targeted business audience, some want listeners on specific podcast apps and others are focused on YouTube. Our goal is to give each of them a transparent and effective path to reach more of the people who will genuinely value their content.”

Across TSE Sports & Entertainment, Goviva and Audiencelift, Tuchman and Sklar credit their repeated growth to the same operating principles: build a true partnership, hire people smarter than you, stay lean, create a strong culture and assemble a team that cares deeply about the outcome.

“The companies and industries have changed, but the constants have not,” Tuchman added. “Brett and I continue to show up for one another, and we surround ourselves with extremely talented people who work incredibly hard and refuse to accept failure. That is the real reason we keep making this prestigious list.”

The 2026 Inc. 5000 ranks companies according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 through 2025.

The winners of the Women Who Podcast Magazine awards were announced.

The Hairy Chin Podcast, hosted and produced by female health advocate Spencer Moore, has won four Women Who Podcast Magazine Awards: Best in Show, first place in the Profound Nugget category, second place in the Bare Your Soul category, and Best Cover Art. The podcast won all four honors in the first podcast awards competition it entered.

“The deeper I go into this work, the more profound the feeling becomes that, while it started as a passion project, it has become my purpose,” said Spencer Moore, founder and host of The Hairy Chin Podcast. “Recognition like this pushes conversations around female health further into the mainstream. With every new listener, there is another opportunity to increase awareness, provide education, and help women become confident and active participants in their healthcare.”

Podcasts Detail

• Bare Your Soul: Black Girl, Brown Girl...Squirrel! A Podcast for Neurodivergent Women of Color
• Changing the World: Caregiver Breathing Room
• Service to Others: Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
• Impactful Story: Just Justice
• Stellar Interview: The Grown-Ass Woman's Guide
• Compelling Storytelling: Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor
• Profound Nugget: The Hairy Chin
• Thought Provoking Perspective: The Balance Dilemma
• Oh! The Horror & The Supernatural: Sheela-Na-Gig
• Laughter & Cheer: Limited Time Only
• LGBTQ+: Exhibitionistas – Notes on Art
• Diversity & Inclusion: The Bell Witch Podcast: Wholesome Spirituality for Magical Folks
• Best In Show: The Hairy Chin
• Best New Podcast: Black Girl, Brown Girl...Squirrel! A Podcast for Neurodivergent Women of Color
• Best Audio: Caregiver Breathing Room
• Best Cover Art: The Hairy Chin

Backyard Ventures is home to some of the most recognizable names in podcasting and beyond, including Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic, Piers Morgan’s Uncensored, A Little Bit Culty, SB Mowing on YouTube, and bestselling authors Cal Newport (Deep Questions) and Mark Manson (Solved). Across its roster, the network delivers 11.5 million monthly listens globally, along with 46 million simulcast views, and its creators’ audiences extend further still to 230 million monthly YouTube views and 35.5 million newsletter subscribers, giving Acast an even larger foothold in the premium US creator market.

The two businesses are highly complementary. The most valuable podcasters now build followings across audio, video, social, newsletters and beyond, and advertisers want to reach their highly engaged audiences across every surface. Acast brings enterprise-grade ad technology, scaled direct and programmatic advertiser demand, and the global infrastructure to run, measure and optimize campaigns across all of a creator’s channels; Backyard Ventures brings premium US inventory, video sponsorship expertise, deep direct response and brand direct relationships, and specialist channel-by-channel selling. Together, they will lead the market in true omnichannel creator monetization - bridging the gaps between channels and borders to give brands a single, frictionless point of entry.

“Backyard Ventures has curated one of the strongest creator rosters in the US, alongside specialist teams with deep expertise in selling audio, video, social and newsletters,” said Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast. “That’s the perfect complement to what we’ve spent years developing - the technology, demand, and global scale to run omnichannel campaigns for creators: it’s an incredibly powerful combination. This is the future of podcast monetization, and we’re building it now.”

“Acast is the ideal home for our business, sharing our people-centric, entrepreneurial culture and our belief that creators deserve a partner who can serve their entire audience, not just one channel,” said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures. “Joining Acast gives our creators and sellers the infrastructure and scale, both in the US and globally, that would have taken us years to build, while allowing us to keep doing what we do best. We have always been creator-first, and I’m excited to accelerate that success with our shared vision.”

Backyard Ventures’ team is staying with the business, and its Austin operation will become Acast’s base in the city. The Backyard Ventures brand will be retired as the company is integrated into Acast.

The acquisition is in line with Acast’s stated M&A strategy and does not alter the company’s overall risk profile. It is not expected to have a material impact on Acast's financial position or short-term financial results, but is anticipated to deliver significant strategic value over the longer term. At a moment when podcasting is rapidly becoming a visual medium as well as an audio one, Backyard Ventures' specialist teams - and their particular expertise in video sponsorships - give Acast a clear advantage in one of the fastest-growing parts of the market.

Transaction details

The transaction was effected pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement, under which Backyard Ventures has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acast. The total consideration is $20 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, comprising $16 million in cash payable at closing and $4 million in the form of Acast shares payable on a deferred schedule. The number of shares underlying this component was calculated at closing using the volume-weighted average price for the 30 trading days prior to closing, representing 1,005,671 shares, subject to a downward value protection mechanism in respect of the consideration shares. Acast may elect to satisfy this component through newly issued shares, shares acquired in the market, cash, or a combination thereof; to the extent settled in newly issued shares, this would represent a maximum dilution of approximately 0.6%, based on the number of shares outstanding at closing. 50% of this component is expected to be delivered on the second anniversary of closing and the remaining 50% is expected to be delivered on the third anniversary of closing. The cash consideration is funded from Acast's existing cash resources, without external financing. In addition, a customary retention arrangement has been agreed with Backyard Ventures' founder. Completion occurred concurrently with signing.

Advisors

Backyard Ventures was advised by DuBois Bryant & Campbell LLP, led by partner Shana McGirl as legal advisor, and by Yale Yee of Telos Advisors as M&A advisor.

Rise25 Co-founder Dr. Jeremy Weisz will remain with the combined company, stepping into the role of Director of Client Success, where he will lead sales and strategic partnerships. With over 15 years of podcasting experience, Dr. Weisz brings a wealth of knowledge, having hosted Inspired Insider since 2011 and featured founders and CEOs from brands like P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, and the Orlando Magic.

Rise25 Co-founder John Corcoran, a former White House writer and host of the Smart Business Revolution podcast, will be moving on to focus on his new venture, Smart Business Revolution AI.

"Rise25 has built an incredible system for helping B2B businesses generate ROI and forge deep relationships through podcasting," said Karl Hughes, CEO of The Podcast Consultant. "John and Jeremy are pioneers in the B2B podcasting space, and we're thrilled to bring Dr. Weisz's expertise and the talented Rise25 team into the business. This move allows us to offer even more robust strategy, production, and distribution services to a wider array of clients."

The acquisition strengthens The Podcast Consultant's ability to help B2B businesses connect with their ideal prospects, referral partners, and strategic partners. Rise25's proven approach to content marketing and relationship-building aligns perfectly with The Podcast Consultant's mission to produce high-quality audio and video podcasts for professionals who use the medium as a serious business development channel.

"John and I started Rise25 because we experienced firsthand how podcasting was the best thing we ever did for our businesses," said Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Co-founder of Rise25. "The Podcast Consultant shares our commitment to making podcasting an effortless and profitable endeavor for clients. I'm excited to continue this work and help even more business leaders leverage podcasting to grow their networks and their bottom line."

This acquisition follows The Podcast Consultant's recent acquisition of Sundial Media and reflects the company's broader strategy to partner with founder-led podcasting, audio, and video production companies. As demand for high-quality business media continues to grow, The Podcast Consultant is currently pursuing additional acquisitions with companies that have built strong client relationships, respected creative teams, and a track record of excellent production work.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About The Podcast Consultant

The Podcast Consultant is a full-service podcast production agency specializing in financial services, professional services, and higher education. Since 2015, the team has produced over 10,000 episodes for RIAs, wealth managers, asset managers, universities, and professional creators who use podcasting as a serious business development and audience-building channel.

Services cover the full production lifecycle: show launch, audio and video production, remote recording, podcast audits, marketing assets, and ongoing strategic guidance.

Learn more at https://thepodcastconsultant.com/.

About Rise25

Rise25 is a B2B podcast production company founded in 2015 by Dr. Jeremy Weisz and John Corcoran. The company specializes in helping businesses connect to their ideal prospects, referral partners, and strategic partners using a done-for-you podcast service. Rise25 handles the strategy, production, and distribution, allowing business leaders to focus on cultivating relationships and building thought leadership.

Price has spent 40 years making voices sell things. As founder of Oink Ink Radio, he has directed voice performances for Google, IBM, Ford, AT&T, NBC, and Staples, winning nearly a thousand industry awards along the way, including Cannes Lions, Clios, One Show Pencils, Radio Mercury Awards, and London International Awards.

Now he is turning that expertise loose on AI.

BionicVO is built for creative teams that need AI efficiency without sacrificing the quality of real voice talent. Where much of the field offers synthetic, computer-generated voices, BionicVO uses real, professional voice actors. Every voice on the platform was hand-picked by Price because it is distinct, human, and authentic. These are working pros from Madison Avenue and Hollywood who have chosen to license their voices on their own terms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4kIgH9twNY

What sets BionicVO apart is what happens before the user ever touches the platform. Price and his engineering team apply 40 years of audio direction and sound design to the source audio itself, the same production methodology behind Oink Ink's decades of award-winning campaigns. Users browse the actor roster, upload a script, generate a clone, and refine it in a built-in production studio.

"AI voices aren't bad because the technology is bad. They're bad because no one is directing the performance. We built BionicVO to master these tools, not just use them," said Dan Price, founder of Oink Ink Radio and managing member of BionicVO.

Every time a voice is used, the actor gets paid. BionicVO runs on a royalty model, not a synthetic voice bank. No fake voices. No stolen likenesses.

The global AI voice market is projected to reach $21.75 billion by 2030. BionicVO enters it with a combination the rest of the field cannot match: a hand-picked roster of authentic voices, plus four decades of knowing how to direct them.

BionicVO is available now at https://www.bionicvo.ai/ .

“Fans can’t get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. “These new video podcasts from iHeartMedia bring fans closer to their favorite worlds and the creators behind them, and we’re thrilled to make them available on Disney+ and Hulu as part of an even richer streaming experience.”

“Podcasting continues to evolve as audiences increasingly want to engage with the shows and personalities they love in more ways and across more platforms,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO for iHeartMedia. “Disney+ and Hulu have built powerful streaming destinations with incredibly passionate fan communities, making them ideal partners to expand the reach of these beloved iHeartPodcasts. From iconic rewatch series and fan-favorite conversations to original storytelling, this deal gives both existing listeners and new viewers an easy way to discover and connect with some of podcasting’s most engaging voices through video.”

Leading up to the premiere of Camp Rock 3 on Disney+, Hey Jonas! will simultaneously debut on Disney+ and Hulu on August 14 with a new episode highlighting Camp Rock, and will continue with additional episodes of Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas live at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that weekend. Desperately Devoted on Hulu will begin streaming with video for the first time on November 2, making for the perfect time to catch up on Desperate Housewives episodes before diving even deeper with award-winning actress Teri Hatcher, her on-screen daughter Andrea Bowen, and her real-life daughter Emerson Tenney. Fans of Scrubs can also revisit each episode of the hit series alongside co-stars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison with Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald, streaming on Hulu beginning later this year.

This expansion joins the existing lineup of podcasts on Disney+ and Hulu including licensed titles like Handsome and We’re Here to Help, in addition to rewatch podcasts like The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne, Prison Breaking With Sarah and Paul, and That Was Us. Companion podcasts are also available for Disney+ and Hulu's most popular series, such asParadise, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars, as well as FX’s The Shards and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The full list of podcasts currently streaming can be found in the ”Podcasts” Collection on Disney+ and the“Podcasts” Hub on Hulu.

Hey Jonas!

Streams August 14 on Disney+ and Hulu

The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

Pod Meets World

Streams August 24 on Disney+

After recapping all 7 seasons of Boy Meets World the sitcom they starred in as teenagers, and now with over 55 million audio downloads to their name, Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong are taking their 30-year friendship to the next level. This newest chapter of the podcast will dig deeper into their undeniable chemistry through more shared ‘90s memories, random tangents, new side quests and exciting guests. They’re back for a new era – so fans can join their three childhood best friends on Pod Meets World!

Desperately Devoted

Streams November 2 on Hulu 

Dear Neighbor, Welcome back to Wisteria Lane. Viewers are cordially invited to Desperately Devoted—a re-watch of the groundbreaking show Desperate Housewives. Viewers are welcome to wander with the hosts as they stroll past the picket fences, and straight into the homes and hearts of Wisteria Lane. Hosted by award-winning actress Teri Hatcher, her on-screen daughter Andrea Bowen, and her real-life daughter Emerson Tenney, this podcast brings together three women with distinct perspectives to reflect on the iconic storylines and characters that resonated across generations, turning the show into a global phenomenon. While rewatching the series, the hosts use its themes as a springboard for broader conversations on women’s issues, relationships, parenting, sex, identity, and more, with warmth and humor. Teri and Andrea share insider insight and firsthand memories, while Emerson brings a fresh, modern perspective as she watches the full series for the first time.

Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald

Streams later this year on Hulu

What's long, tedious and boring? Surgery. What isn't? This new podcast! Join Scrubs co-stars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison for a weekly comedy podcast where they relive the hit TV show, one episode at a time. Each week, these BFFs will discuss an episode of Scrubs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reminiscing on some of their favorite memories from filming. They’ll also connect with Scrubs super fans and feature beloved show cast members for exclusive interviews.

StraightioLab 

Streams in the Fall on Hulu

StraightioLab is an intellectual podcast where smart comedians George Civeris and Sam Taggart unpack the rich, multi-colored tapestry of straight culture. Each episode investigates a different "straight topic," from college fraternities and gender reveal parties to overhead lighting and themed restaurants. Over the last six years, George and Sam have welcomed countless superstar guests to the studio, toured the country, and been showered with accolades from once-prestigious magazines that have since made the switch to vertical video. Next stop? Winning the streaming wars once and for all.

Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim

Streams in the Fall on Hulu

Raised by a single mom, Ego Nwodim may have daddy issues, but she suspects she’s in good company. Ego has funny, heartfelt conversations with her guests about the good, the bad and the not-so-pretty that have shaped their trajectories and made them who they are.

HLS enables adaptive streaming for smooth playback, offline downloads and dynamic monetization on Apple Podcasts, including the ability to insert video ads, such as host-read spots, in real time. The capability is delivered through Speakeasy without requiring creators to change the workflow they already use to publish and manage their shows, and adds RSV to a growing group of hosting providers supporting HLS video on Apple Podcasts.

“The creator economy is entering its next phase. As audiences increasingly consume podcasts across both audio and video, creators need technology that lets them publish everywhere while maintaining ownership of their content, audience and monetization,” said Chris Balfe, CEO, Red Seat Ventures. “Speakeasy gives creator-led formats like Surrounded full control of their distribution strategy, so their audience and monetization grow together as one business, instead of being scattered across platforms.”

Surrounded sits one guest at the center of twenty-five people with differing perspectives, and brings them into direct debate and dialogue on the topics shaping culture today. The show has built a fast-growing Gen Z audience and its face-to-face format was built to be seen, not just heard.

“Half of what makes Surrounded work is watching the reactions in the room — the looks, the tension, the moment someone changes their mind,” said John Regalado, host of Surrounded. “Getting that onto Apple Podcasts, in a way where you can watch it or just listen on your commute and pick right back up later, is a huge win for the show and for our audience.”

Red Seat Ventures represents more than 40 premium creators spanning true crime, comedy, news, sports and entertainment, with a combined audience of tens of millions of monthly consumers across audio and video. The integration brings that audience into video on Apple Podcasts natively, alongside creators’ existing audio feeds, backed by the AI-powered analytics and content tools built into Speakeasy. It reflects RSV’s model of pairing creators with best-in-class distribution, monetization and technology to build lasting franchises at scale, an evolution from podcast network to full-scale media company most recently marked by the introduction of RSV’s premium creator portfolio to Amazon DSP, the launch of the Speakeasy hosting and monetization platform, and the acquisition of subscription platform Supercast.

Video on Apple Podcasts is rolling out to additional RSV shows in the coming months. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video.

Speakeasy remains available by invitation only. Creators interested in learning more can apply at https://SpeakeasyStudio.AI

WTOP News today announced a major expansion of its podcast offerings with a reimagined Top News Podcast, transforming the product into a dynamic, on-demand extension of WTOP's award-winning on-air news product.

The enhanced Top News Podcast will deliver 12-14 episodes each weekday, providing listeners with concise 20-minute news updates refreshed hourly from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. WTOP will also produce a video version of the podcast for digital platforms. This new format is designed to mirror how Washington-area audiences consume news today: quickly, frequently and on demand.

To support the launch, WTOP is looking to hire two full-time podcast host-producers who will lead daily production and serve as the editorial voices of the program.

"This new podcast represents a natural evolution of the WTOP brand," said Julie Ziegler, Head of News and Programming for WTOP News. “It meets news consumers where they are – on more platforms than ever before – allowing us to grow our audience and develop new revenue streams.”

The Top News Podcast has been part of WTOP's content portfolio for more than six years. It originally launched as an automated feed featuring the first 30 minutes of WTOP’s hourly newscasts. In 2024, WTOP transitioned the podcast to a manually produced format, with content producers creating and publishing two daily episodes.

This new business model combines the strengths of both approaches by leveraging WTOP's unparalleled newsroom resources and expertise in producing hourly newscasts while delivering a professionally hosted, highly produced experience for listeners. Each episode will feature WTOP's trusted reporting, anchored by original context and analysis from the podcast host.

The project will be developed and supported in collaboration with Gamut Podcast Network, Hubbard Media That Connects’ dedicated podcast division launched in 2025. Gamut is home to award-winning podcasts such as American Nightmares and Behind the Song.

The new podcast is expected to launch later this year. Interested candidates can apply on WTOP’s career page.

Backyard Ventures is excited to announce its newest partnership with Big Mad True Crime, the acclaimed independent true crime podcast hosted by Heather Ashley. Backyard Ventures will exclusively represent advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the show.

Known for its meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Big Mad True Crime explores major criminal cases, overlooked investigations, and everything in between. Heather has earned a loyal following by diving deep into court documents, forensic evidence, investigative files, and legal proceedings, delivering thoughtful, fact-driven coverage that keeps listeners coming back week after week.

With a storytelling style that balances empathy, accountability, and thorough reporting, Big Mad True Crime has become a trusted destination for true crime audiences seeking well-researched, engaging content. Heather's authentic voice and highly engaged community create a natural environment for brands looking to connect with listeners through trusted, host-read advertising.

In addition to the podcast, Heather Ashley extends her reach through an active social media presence, creating additional opportunities for integrated brand partnerships.

"Heather has built something truly special with Big Mad True Crime," said Matt Cisneros, Founder and CEO of Backyard Ventures. "Her commitment to telling every story with care, accuracy, and integrity has fostered an incredibly loyal community. We're excited to help her continue growing the show while connecting her with brands that complement the experience she's created."

Heather Ashley, Host of Big Mad True Crime, shared, “I love that Backyard focuses on what they’re great at while letting the talent focus on what they’re great at. There’s no sense of ego, just a group of good people all doing exactly what they’re great at in a way that benefits everyone at the table. I also love how much thought is put into making sure the system is built around what works for each individual. The customization can only aid in seamless output.”

For partnership inquiries, please contact bigmadtruecrime@wearebv.com.

RSS.com today launched Max, a plan that publishes video episodes to Apple Podcasts as HLS, Apple’s adaptive streaming format, which adjusts quality to each listener’s connection. Video ads run automatically, and creators receive 70% of the revenue after activating RSS.com’s PAID (Programmatic Ads Inserted Dynamically).

"Video podcasting has mostly meant more work for the same money. We wanted it to mean more money. On Max, ads run on video episodes from the first episode published. Creators keep 70% of the revenue, and there is no audience threshold to clear before any of it starts. Getting video onto Apple Podcasts is becoming common. Helping creators earn from it is not. For YouTube creators whose format already works as a podcast, that makes Apple Podcasts a new audience and a new revenue line at the same time", said Ben Richardson, co-founder of RSS.com.

One upload, more ways to experience an episode

Creators upload one video to RSS.com for HLS delivery to Apple Podcasts, where listeners can switch seamlessly between audio and video. The same upload publishes to YouTube, with no second file to send. Everywhere else, the episode keeps playing as audio in every listening app that does not yet support video, and existing followers and download history remain intact.

An easier way to earn from video

RSS.com’s PAID ads run automatically on Apple Podcasts video episodes from the first one published, and creators activate PAID in a few minutes to start receiving 70% of the revenue from that point forward. There is no download or follower threshold.

For comparison, a YouTube channel must reach 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in 90 days before it can share in ad revenue.

The Max plan includes unlimited video and audio podcasts and is available now alongside RSS.com’s Free, Plus and Pro plans. To compare plans and learn more, visit https://rss.com/pricing/.

Surfer Network, an industry leader in audio streaming, podcasting, and monetization solutions, today announced the appointment of Matt Kellogg as Senior Vice President of North American Sales Strategy. A respected leader across streaming audio, podcasting, and ad-tech, Kellogg joins Surfer Network as the company continues to build on its leadership in audio streaming, podcasting, and monetization, while expanding its premium audio advertising marketplace, connecting brands with highly engaged audiences through streaming radio, podcasts, and emerging audio channels.

In this role, Kellogg will lead strategic sales initiatives across the North American Territories, focusing on accelerating revenue growth, expanding partnerships, and strengthening Surfer Network's position as one of the industry's most comprehensive technology and monetization platforms for broadcasters, podcasters, publishers, and advertisers.

Kellogg brings more than two decades of experience driving revenue and business development across the digital audio ecosystem. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales & Business Development at SoundStack. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise across podcast CMS platforms, streaming CDN infrastructure, and advertising technology, successfully negotiating complex enterprise partnerships with some of the world's largest broadcasters and media organizations.

"Surfer Network has established itself as a leader in streaming, podcasting, and monetization, serving broadcasters, publishers, advertisers, and media partners across North America," said Justin Diller, COO of Surfer Network. "As we continue to innovate, expand our capabilities, and grow our premium advertising marketplace, Matt's proven ability to build strategic partnerships and scale commercial organizations makes him the ideal leader to help drive our next phase of growth and deepen our impact across the ecosystem."

Kellogg's career has been defined by helping media companies modernize their audio operations while creating sustainable revenue opportunities. His approach to business development and deep understanding of the rapidly evolving digital landscape align closely with Surfer Network's mission of empowering publishers with the technology and tools they need to grow audiences, streamline operations, maximize monetization, and connect advertisers with highly engaged listeners.

"Surfer Network has built an extraordinary business and I'm excited to join the company at such a pivotal moment," said Kellogg. "The team has created a powerful combination of streaming, podcasting, monetization, and AI-driven solutions that are solving real challenges across the digital ecosystem. I look forward to helping accelerate the company's growth, deepen partner relationships, and expand the impact of the platform across North America."

The appointment comes as Surfer Network continues to expand its technology offerings, AI-powered solutions, premium advertising marketplace, and monetization capabilities for broadcasters, podcasters, publishers, and advertisers. Serving partners across North America, the company remains focused on delivering the tools, infrastructure, and revenue opportunities needed to help publishers thrive while enabling brands to connect with highly engaged audiences across an increasingly connected digital landscape.

Bloomberg and iHeartPodcasts today announced the launch of Our Town, a new investigative podcast series about a small Tennessee town at the center of a fight over American identity. Hosted by award-winning journalist Meribah Knight and Bloomberg Senior Investigative Reporter Susan Berfield, the series debuts August 7.

When new neighbors move into Gainesboro, Tennessee, a small town at the foothills of Appalachia, locals are confused. They soon discover the new arrivals are connected to a network of far-right Christians who have ties to Washington and are backed by venture capital. As the outsiders' ambitions become clear, longtime Gainesboro residents push back — organizing, speaking out, and refusing to cede the town they've always known. “Our Town” captures that fight as it unfolds –  where acreage, heritage, and what it means to be an American are all up for grabs.

"This is a story about identity, heritage, and what happens when outside money and ideology land on small town soil,” said Susan Berfield, Bloomberg Senior Investigative Reporter. “Those forces are playing out across the country, and this is one place where they collided."

Through firsthand accounts and on-the-ground reporting, the series will document not just the arrival of an ideological movement, but the community response that ensued. 

“This is a story about a battle over identity—in one small town, and by proxy the country. Who gets to define a community? What does it mean to be an American? Those are some of the biggest questions of this moment,” said co-host Meribah Knight. “Our Town lets you hear that debate play out in the voices of the people living it.” 

New episodes of “Our Town” will be available on Fridays beginning August 7 in the Big Take feed and in its own feed on Mondays starting August 10th.

Bloomberg produces over 30 podcasts, offering smart analysis, timely insights, and compelling storytelling across business, finance, economics, politics, technology, healthcare, sports, and more. All Bloomberg podcasts are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast - the award-winning, chart-topping podcast from neurodivergent author and coach Kate Moryoussef - today announces it is joining Mercury, the network for the world’s best independent creators.

With millions of downloads to date, it is one of the world’s biggest podcasts about ADHD, and Kate - who herself was diagnosed with ADHD at 40 - has become a leading voice and a champion for neurodivergent women.

The podcast provides support, understanding, and practical insights, tackling everything from parenting with ADHD to holding down a job, and from money trauma to the challenges of women’s healthcare. 

Since launching in 2022, Kate has built a brand that helps millions of people around the world navigate their own neurodivergence with confidence.

It recently received a British Podcast Award nomination in the parenting category, following up its 2022 nomination. The show also won an Independent Podcast Award in 2025.

Mercury will manage distribution and monetisation on behalf of The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, supporting its next phase of growth into the world’s leading podcast about neurodivergence and mental health.

“It has taken me a long time to find a network that truly aligns with the values of the show, which I’ve grown organically and independently over the past four and a half years. I’ve self-funded the podcast from the very beginning, so I’m delighted to be working with Mercury,” says Kate Moryoussef.

“My work has never been about quick fixes, productivity hacks or chasing fast results. It’s about helping neurodivergent women find gentler, more sustainable and authentic ways to grow - ones that honour how they naturally want to live and show up in the world. I believe Mercury understands and supports that approach.

“I’m excited to partner with aligned, neuro-affirming and female-focused brands whose work can offer genuine value and meaningful support to my audience.”

“We launched Mercury to support the world’s best independent shows and creators, but we’re also a neurospicy team, so when Kate reached out to us we knew this was meant to be,” says Mercury’s founder Liam Heffernan.

“This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a global community of people who need this show. Kate and her team are building something really special, and we are so excited to support them.”

Since 2009, The Infinite Monkey Cage has brought together leading scientists, comedians and curious minds for its trademark witty, irreverent discussions on the world according to science. Now the Cage is expanding, with broadcaster, author and science journalist Adam Rutherford and award-winning comedian Jessica Fostekew stepping in as guest presenters for a new series.

With Professor Brian Cox away on tour, the next instalment will see Adam and Jessica explore everything from human hibernation to nothingness, leaves, The First Britons and beyond. They will be joined by a range of academics and comedians.

Adam Rutherford says: “Physicists have had their throttle hold on Radio 4 for too long now. It’s time for some proper science. Is physics even a real science? I plan to run a tight ship, more monkeys, less monkeying. Infinitely.”

Jessica Fostekew says: “What an honour to be joining the hosting team of The Infinite Monkey Cage. I’m a huge nerd so being at the helm of a show as brainy and prestigious as this a dream come true to be honest. What a privilege to get to be the curious clown and chaos bringer in the company of such extremely clever people. Let’s go!”

Professor Brian Cox says: “I’m sure that Monkey Cage is in safe hands with Jessica Fostekew and Ernest Rutherford.”

The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most successful and enduring flagship science programmes. Celebrated for making complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging and funny, the programme continues to bring experts and audiences together to share the joy of curiosity and discovery.

The new series of The Infinite Monkey Cage will launch on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds in the Autumn.

SiriusXM today announced that Jenny Tartikoff has been named Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, effective August 10, 2026. Tartikoff will report to President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein and lead SiriusXM’s overall communications and public relations strategy and execution. She will be responsible for promoting the company’s content and business narrative while serving as a senior advisor to the company’s leadership team on major business developments and high-profile moments.

“Jenny is an accomplished communications leader with the judgment, range and industry experience to help SiriusXM tell a clear and compelling story, anchored around making SiriusXM the definitive home for audio content and fandom,” said Greenstein. “Jenny’s experience across entertainment, streaming, podcasting and advertising makes her the right leader to guide our communications into the next phase of SiriusXM’s strategy across our portfolio of audio businesses, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

Tartikoff brings more than 20 years of communications experience across media, entertainment and technology. She most recently served as Executive Vice President, Global Communications at Paramount Pictures, where she led internal and external corporate communications, corporate social responsibility and awards strategy for the studio’s live-action and animation properties. During her tenure, Tartikoff guided the company's communications through the industry’s post-pandemic recovery and the evolution of Paramount’s multi-platform release strategy. 

“SiriusXM brings together an extraordinary mix of brands, platforms, talent and technology, with a unique ability to connect fans with the music, voices, stories and cultural moments they care about,” said Tartikoff. “As a longtime listener, I've experienced firsthand the thoughtful curation and authentic experiences SiriusXM creates, which makes joining the company especially meaningful. I'm excited to partner with the leadership team and communications organization to help shape and amplify the company's story with purpose and impact.”

Before joining Paramount Pictures, Tartikoff was Head of Content and Advertising Communications at Spotify. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Global Communications at Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, where she led corporate communications across executive communications, talent relations, transition management and high-profile business matters. 

Earlier, she was a Senior Vice President at Rubenstein, advising clients including Paramount Pictures, HBO, Sony, News Corporation and the New York Post on strategic communications, complex issues and high-profile announcements. She began her career in broadcast journalism communications, holding roles at NBC News, where she supported “Meet the Press”, “Dateline”, “Tom Brokaw Reports” and Peacock Productions, and at CBS News' “The Early Show.”

Liverpool production and virtual events company Virtuopo is expanding into sports content after teaming up with football legend John Barnes to create Defend & Attack: The John Barnes Podcast. Just two episodes into the series, clips from the podcast have already generated more than one million views on social media. 

The project is Virtuopo’s first original sports podcast and forms part of the company’s wider strategy to grow its content creation services, building on years of expertise in virtual events, livestreaming and broadcast production. 

The podcast features former Liverpool FC and England star John Barnes and TV personality Simon O’Brien discussing some of the biggest issues in football, with fan interaction and guest interviews planned for future episodes. The collaboration grew out of a conversation at a client event, where John Barnes appeared as a keynote speaker. Following the event, Virtuopo’s managing director Chris Holmes suggested launching a football podcast together. 

Chris Holmes said: “John and I hit it off straight away and we quickly realised there was an opportunity to work together. He’s always had a unique perspective on football and isn’t afraid to say what he thinks, so I came up with the idea of launching a podcast.  

“Virtuopo is best known for virtual and hybrid events, but we also have a purpose-built podcast studio and an experienced production team. Podcast production is a growing part of our business, and this project marks an important step as we continue to extend our podcast portfolio, working with personalities, brands and corporates.” 

John Barnes said: “The response from football fans has been fantastic. Simon and I have some great conversations about what’s happening in football, and we don’t always follow popular opinion. That’s what makes it interesting. Chris and the team have created the right environment for those conversations. Hopefully people enjoy listening and joining the discussion as the podcast grows.” 

The podcast is recorded at Virtuopo’s studio in Brunswick Business Park, which features green screen facilities and remote production technology. The broadcast studio is used to produce podcasts, livestreams, virtual events and corporate conferences for clients across the UK.

Founded in Liverpool in 2020, Virtuopo is an independent production company and virtual events specialist that has delivered projects for brands and organisations such as Liverpool FC, Knauf Insulation, Brabners, Weightmans and the British Council. Virtuopo also livestreams pay-per-view coverage of events including Europe’s Strongest Man and Britain’s Strongest Woman for Giants Live.

The partnership kicks off with a major milestone for the National Geographic Kids’ hit podcast Greeking Out: for the first time ever, the show will be available to select family-friendly advertisers. Millions of families who continuously engage with the podcast monthly will now enjoy always-on programming, with new episodes launching every two weeks.

Realm and Pinna will also be distributing titles including Disney’s Frozen: Forces of Nature, and Marvel’s acclaimed scripted audio library, including Wolverine: The Long Night, the Wastelanders saga, Marvels, and Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show!.

Greeking Out is one of the most popular family podcasts of all time and holds the #1 slot in Kids & Family on Apple Podcasts despite having been on an extended hiatus. The show offers a timely way for listeners to dive into the myths, heroes, and adventures that have captivated audiences for generations. Hosted by creator Kenny Curtis and co-written alongside his daughter, professional writer Jillian Hughes, Greeking Out is a true standout in family entertainment. Since launch, the series has generated more than 80 million lifetime downloads and millions of downloads every month.

"Bringing Greeking Out back to podcast listeners with Realm is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with kids and families who love audio entertainment,” said Curtis. “Mythology and storytelling are perfect as a listening experience; it's a natural fit for kids and families to engage with us (and our stories) in podcast format."

“Greeking Out has been part of so many families’ listening routines in the car and the kitchen, and we’re excited to work with Disney to bring new episodes to fans everywhere,” said Molly Barton, CEO and co-founder of Realm. “Realm’s launch of new episodes everywhere podcasts are available is supported by wonderful brand partners, while families who’d prefer an ad-free experience can listen on Pinna.”

Spreaker is Triton Digital's podcast hosting, creation and monetization platform, giving independent creators, broadcasters and multi-show networks the tools to publish, distribute and grow their podcasts, and offering advertisers access to dynamic ad insertion and premium demand across its publisher base.

"WABC is one of the most recognized names in American broadcasting, and their decision to join Prime reinforces what we're building the program to give established media brands the infrastructure and revenue tools to succeed in podcasting," said Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer, Triton Digital. "Advertisers continue to gravitate to premium audio content, and Spreaker provides the tools and products for podcasters to focus on producing the best shows possible. Our goal is to continue to deliver exceptional tools to help the best in audio monetize their content and serve their listeners."

Membership in Prime gives WABC and the Red Apple Podcast Network access to programmatic advertising, premium demand and dedicated publisher support designed to help established broadcasters maximize revenue from their podcast strategy.

"WABC has built its reputation on trust and reach across generations of New York listeners, and we want the Red Apple Podcast Network to reflect that same standard. Joining Spreaker Prime gives us the monetization tools and dedicated support to grow our audio audience while maintaining the quality our listeners expect," said Chad Lopez, President, Red Apple Media and WABC Radio.

To learn more about Spreaker Prime, visit www.spreaker.com.

The plans were set out originally in the BBC Charter Review Green Paper, which outlined several options for future funding, and are still understood to be under consideration by Ministers. This is despite the negative consequences for audiences and commercial media business that rely on advertising.

In a letter to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the 18 signatories, including small businesses as well as some of the UK’s foremost media brands, highlight the disproportionate impact this would have on the UK’s growing and dynamic independent audio sector.

The coalition describes the plan to allow advertising on third-party platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify as a “high-risk, low-reward proposition”. New analysis from economists Compass Lexecon estimates that the BBC could generate around £10 million a year from audio advertising. While this would have a material impact on existing audio businesses it represents only around 0.25% of the current £3.8bn in licence fee income.

The proposal is also opposed by audiences, with the letter highlighting that “polling from More in Common suggests there is a real risk of audience loss: almost two-thirds of the public oppose advertising around BBC content on top of the licence fee.”

A large media coalition previously joined together to oppose similar proposals from the BBC in 2024, which were eventually ruled out in 2025.

Matt Payton, Radiocentre CEO, said: “BBC podcasts should remain ad-free in the UK, however they’re produced or distributed. Pressing ahead with this ill-conceived proposal in face of the evidence would only succeed in damaging home-grown audio businesses, while raising limited additional funds for the BBC. We urge the government to now rule out this proposal which would be deeply unpopular with audiences.”

Signatories include:

• Advertising Association
• Audio UK
• Audioboom
• Bauer
• dmg media
• Global
• Goalhanger
• Guardian Media Group
• Iconic Media Group
• Newsquest
• News Media Association
• News UK
• Observer
• Podmasters
• Professional Publishers Association
• Radiocentre
• Reach
• Telegraph

Red Seat Ventures (RSV), a Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) creator-led media company, today announced an exclusive partnership with Charlie Sheen to launch Mostly Sheenius, a new weekly interview podcast featuring candid conversations with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, music and popular culture.

On Mostly Sheenius, Sheen sits down with legendary icons for honest, humorous and often unexpected conversations that go beyond the headlines to explore the defining moments, challenges and triumphs that shaped their lives and careers. Drawing from his own extraordinary journey at the center of Hollywood, Sheen brings a perspective few hosts can match, creating authentic conversations that reveal the humanity behind the fame while sharing his own stories and insights along the way.

“Having occupied the other chair as the ‘guest’ for the entirety of my career, I’m quite confident the endless research I’ve banked will play a hand in most of the choices I make," said Charlie Sheen. “That said, this is obviously not an arena where one size fits all (but I’ll keep my tailor close by—and he’s a whiz when it comes to the perfect hem). Welcome to Mostly Sheenius (I was pushing for Pure Sheenius but got shot down for egregious false advertising).”

"Charlie is one of the rare personalities whose life and career have captivated audiences for decades," said Chris Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures. "What makes this show so compelling isn't just the guests, it's Charlie's ability to connect with people through humor, honesty and shared experience. We're excited to help bring his voice to podcast audiences around the world."

Red Seat Ventures represents more than 40 premium creators spanning true crime, comedy, news, sports and entertainment, reaching a combined audience of tens of millions of monthly consumers across audio and video. The launch of Mostly Sheenius marks another milestone in Red Seat Ventures' continued expansion to developing original, personality-driven programming that resonates with broad audiences and creates lasting fan engagement.

Mostly Sheenius will be available on all major podcast platforms, with full video episodes and exclusive content available across select digital channels.

Charlie Sheen and Todd Christopher will serve as Executive Producers through STRAC Media. Eric Pearce, EVP of Creator Operations, will executive produce for RSV.

Charlie Sheen is represented by WME and attorney Chad Christopher at GGSSC.

Steven.com and Flight Story, the growth and marketing companies founded by entrepreneur, investor and Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett, recently opened their doors to their redesigned global headquarters in Shoreditch, London. Two years after moving in and beginning work on the dramatic development, Bartlett has now unveiled their new home. Designed by Sheila Bird Studios and Steven Bartlett himself, the workspace is anchored by a full-scale rocket installation and a private high-performance gym.

Conceived by Bartlett as an extension of the culture at his businesses, it is a reflection of the company's evolution into one of the UK's most-watched growth businesses. The visual centrepiece of the office is a full-scale rocket installation, positioned as the symbolic heart of the office. Visible on arrival and integrated into the working environment, the rocket is a manifestation of intent and motivation for employees; a permanent reminder of the company’s trajectory and their own personal success. The rocket was fabricated by Amron Architectural, specialists in bespoke architectural metalwork and large-scale installations.

Steven Bartlett said: "I believe that each company has to consider its unique mission and reverse-engineer the optimal working conditions to achieve it. With this office I hope we’ve built a space that does that.

He added: “We’re building a company that is unlike any other in the UK and this office is the clearest expression of that and the culture we’re building. To some the rocket might be absurd, but for me it’s the perfect reminder, every day, of where we're all going and the standard we hold ourselves to.”

The space was designed by Sheila Bird Studio, who has worked with Steven and Flight Story since the company’s early days in Manchester. The design process behind the office was unique as the design requirements and use of different spaces had to rapidly evolve with the accelerating growth of the business during the design and installation process.

 "Flight Story is unlike any client we've worked with. One of the most fascinating things about this project was how fast the business was moving in relation to what we were trying to do in the physical world. One moment a space was going to be the studios, then an incubator, and then as we started to build it ended up being the HQ for Steven.com. The other interesting aspect of the project was the juxtaposition of material palettes. Layering the existing exposed industrial Victorian features with biophilic and space age design references helps create a space that is grounded in heritage but looks to the future”

The second major feature of the space is a fully bespoke private gym, designed personally by Bartlett in collaboration with specialist trade partners. Embedded inside the headquarters rather than treated as a perk or amenity, it embodies the company’s belief in the importance of physical and mental performance for creative and commercial output.

Build and fit-out were delivered by Contact One, who provided both labour and materials for the gym construction, with equipment supplied by Skelcore, specialists in commercial-grade strength and conditioning equipment. The intention is not to present a polished showroom but a working environment with character in a building that reflects the personality of the company that occupies it, and that signals to clients, partners and prospective talent the standard at which Flight Story operates.

Of the millions of people working in podcasting worldwide, exactly one was invited inside the Obama Presidential Center before it opened to the public: Ana Xavier, founder of The Podcast Space.

Xavier traveled to Chicago on May 1, 2026, for an exclusive early visit to the Center, a 19.3-acre campus in Jackson Park that opened June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth) as the first fully digital presidential library in American history. She walked the full campus, recorded inside the Center's state-of-the-art Media Suite, and joined a small roundtable with President Barack Obama to discuss his hopes for how the space's recording studio, Museum's storytelling booth, and public library branch will be used by the surrounding community.

The Obama Foundation selected Xavier specifically because of her work with women, people of color, bilingual creators, and under-represented communities — a focus the Foundation identified as directly aligned with its own mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

During the roundtable, President Obama described the philosophy behind the recording facilities: "The power of podcasting is the power of the human voice and the power of stories. The notion that you've got a story to tell, you get a microphone, and you record that story. And if it's a good enough story, you might have somebody in Bangladesh or Munich listening - a very specific story about a very local event that achieves some universal meaning to people and gets them to see something they didn't see before. That's not just the source of great art, it's the source of community, social trust, and ultimately democracy and social cohesion. So we wanted to make sure that we had facilities here where people could tell stories."

It's a mission Xavier has lived personally. Portuguese by birth, she began podcasting in Portugal in 2008, produced shows in the United Kingdom, and rebuilt her career again after relocating to the United States in 2016. In January 2020, she founded The Podcast Space, now a multilingual media brand serving podcasters in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.

"As a woman in a male-dominated industry, immigrant and non-English native, it was an honor to be granted this opportunity. I've spent my whole career leading the way for other women, bilinguals, and under-represented communities about the power of sharing your story - no matter the size of your platform - and to hear that from President Obama himself was extraordinary," said Xavier.

Full details of Xavier's visit, including her conversation with President Obama and more details on the newly opened Obama Presidential Center, are available in her article, "Hope Gets a Studio: Inside the Obama Presidential Center's Vision for Community Storytelling" published on The Podcast Space.

About Ana Xavier

Ana Xavier is a multilingual, award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist and the founder of The Podcast Space. Born and raised in Portugal, she studied Science of Communication: Journalism, PR and Multimedia at University of Porto, she has produced podcasts since 2008 across Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where she has lived since 2016. She specializes in generating strategic podcast content and marketing plans for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners, and has spoken at Podcast Movement, The Podcast Show (London), and Podcasting For Business Conference. Ana has partnered with world-renowned brands such as Riverside, Captivate, Ecamm and Ausha to create educational content. She hosts The Podcast Space. She is also Head of Strategic Growth and Global Audience Engagement for Podcasthon, the only nonprofit event in Podcasting.

Wave (Wave Sports & Entertainment), the leader in digital entertainment for next-generation audiences, today announced a partnership to oversee ad sales and distribution for the popular comedy podcast My Momma Told Me. Hosted by comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie, the series joins Wave's expanding comedy slate which includes "So True” with Caleb Hearon. As part of his growing partnership with the company, Hearon will serve as executive producer, and the show will live under his “So True” umbrella.

Each week on “My Momma Told Me,” Langston and David dive into the most entertaining, outrageous, and occasionally problematic Black conspiracy theories, joined by comedians and special guests who unpack everything from harmless family folklore to the wild stories passed down by that one uncle everyone knows. Equal parts hilarious, insightful, and unpredictable, the show blends sharp comedy with candid conversations about culture, history, and the myths that shape them. Previous guests include Will Ferrell, Bob the Drag Queen, Janelle James, Lamorne Morris, Zack Fox, KevOnStage, Rico Nasty, and more.

“We here at ‘My Momma Told Me’ could not be more excited to be joining forces with Caleb Hearon under his banner at Wave,” said Langston and David. “Is it a collaboration that makes perfect sense? It is not. But we’re eternally grateful to Caleb and Wave for choosing us all the same. And we look forward to becoming one of those unlikely animal friendships like when a dolphin becomes friends with two really messed up dogs.”

“David and Langston are two of the funniest guys doing it. I’m a massive fan of them both and it’s a privilege to be on their team despite the regressive and disturbing political views they hold in private,” said Caleb Hearon. “I hope we all become problematically rich from this otherwise it will have been a massive waste of time.”

"Langston and David have built a hilarious, distinctive show with a deeply engaged audience, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Wave as we continue expanding our comedy slate,” said Hannah Kyle Crichton, Executive Producer at Wave. “We’re also excited to deepen our partnership with Caleb, whose exceptional comedic instincts and creative vision make him the ideal partner to lead the show into its next chapter."

As part of the deal, Wave will oversee advertising sales and distribution across YouTube, podcast platforms, and social channels. Named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026, Wave is the creative force behind some of today’s most viral digital series. With over 6 billion impressions over the last year, 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. This partnership furthers Wave’s growth across the comedy space, helping talent to generate long-form, premium content and new business lines.

Red Seat Ventures (RSV), a Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) creator-led media company, today announced that Kill Tony+, the new ad-free subscription feed for Kill Tony, the world’s most popular live comedy podcast hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe and Brian Redban, launched on Supercast. The launch builds on RSV’s exclusive multi-year partnership with Kill Tony, announced in April, under which RSV serves as the show’s exclusive ad sales and distribution partner across FOX’s streaming platforms, YouTube and other third-party services.

Kill Tony+ marks the first time the show has offered a premium subscription to fans. Subscribers receive an ad-free version of the podcast, plus a growing slate of bonus content built specifically for Kill Tony’s super fans including a monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) where Hinchcliffe answers subscriber questions and a unique camera angle from the live show released every Monday designed to make subscribers feel like they’re in the room at The Comedy Mothership. Subscribers will also receive merchandise perks.

Supercast gives podcast creators a direct, owned relationship with their most engaged fans. The platform allows creators to offer ad-free versions of their shows, exclusive bonus audio and video and access to member-only communities, with fans able to get that content in the new Supercast mobile app or any podcast player.

“Kill Tony has built one of the most passionate fan bases in comedy and giving them a direct way to support the show only strengthens that relationship,” said Chris Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures. “This is exactly the kind of full-stack model we want for every creator we work with: advertising, distribution and now subscriptions, all working together so Tony and Brian can grow and own their business on their own terms.”

Part talent show, part roast battle, Kill Tony blends stand-up, improv and comedy talent discovery in one of the most influential and longest-running live podcasts in any genre. The show has amassed nearly 3 million subscribers on YouTube and nearly 3 million downloads per episode across Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it the #1 live podcast in the world. Hinchcliffe’s flagship show, now permanently nestled at The Comedy Mothership in downtown Austin, consistently sells out in minutes and draws a throng of budding comedians eager for their moment in the spotlight.

Red Seat Ventures represents more than 40 premium creators spanning true crime, comedy, news, sports and entertainment, reaching a combined audience of tens of millions of monthly consumers across audio and video. Kill Tony+ gives that audience a new way to directly support the shows they already listen to and watch, part of a broader shift among top creators to diversify monetization by pairing subscriptions with advertising and sponsorships rather than relying on a single revenue stream. The news reflects RSV's model of pairing creators with best-in-class distribution, monetization and technology to build lasting franchises at scale — an evolution from podcast network to full-scale media company, most recently marked by the launch of the Speakeasy hosting and monetization platform and the acquisition of Supercast.

Kill Tony+ is available now at https://killtony.supercast.com/.

Kill Tony is represented by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Video distribution to Spotify and YouTube is out of beta and now available to all Buzzsprout podcasters.

With this update, creators can upload once to Buzzsprout and publish HD video to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube while continuing to distribute audio everywhere else.

Previously, publishing video meant juggling multiple platforms. Now, 1080p video distribution is part of the same process creators already use with Buzzsprout.

By bringing video publishing into one place, Buzzsprout helps independent creators spend less time managing distribution and more time creating great episodes.

A brand-new podcast, Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip, delivers the ultimate cross-country adventure to mark 100 years of the legendary highway. Hosted by American-English journalist and broadcaster Sean Fletcher and launching today, Wednesday 5th August, this eight-part series travels through beloved roadside diners, breathtaking natural wonders and the timeless rock ’n’ roll spirit that defines the world’s most famous highway.

Commissioned in 1926 and stretching 2,400 miles across the US from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is a symbol of Americana and the open road – and the spirit of the Mother Road comes alive in this new podcast series. Filled with nostalgia, personal stories and travel inspiration, the podcast explores the historic highway, meeting well-known faces whose lives were shaped by the journey and the local characters who keep its spirit thriving today.

In each episode, you’ll see Route 66 through the eyes of fascinating guests. Pop legend Sinitta shares early musical memories on the road, film critic James King unpacks why Hollywood is obsessed with the highway, rock icon Suzi Quatro shares stories of six decades touring across the US and explorer Ray Mears inspires with stories of natural wonders that can be found along the way. Plus, TV chef Ainsley Harriott reveals the unique dishes, global flavours and passionate people behind the Mother Road’s famous food scene. 

Along the journey, Sean meets some of Route 66’s most passionate local characters. In Tulsa, Steve Jenkins opens the doors to the remarkable Bob Dylan Center, and in Springfield, Illinois, Josh Waldmire shares stories of his family’s long connection to one of Route 66’s most beloved roadside institutions: the Cozy Dog Drive In.

Designed both for daydreaming at home and true road-trip inspiration, each episode offers cherished moments, favourite stops and travel tips for anyone dreaming of taking the greatest road trip of them all.

Beyond a rich listening experience, Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip is filmed with guests in person, on a bespoke set designed to capture authentic Americana. Full video episodes will be available across Spotify and YouTube.

"Route 66 is a physical journey of American culture and history," says host Sean Fletcher. "Connecting with my own roots in the US while travelling through stories from Chicago to Santa Monica with such fantastic guests and local legends has been a delight."

"Every mile of Route 66 tells a story, taking travellers through eight states where iconic landscapes, welcoming communities, and unforgettable experiences capture the spirit of the United States. As we celebrate the route's centennial, these episodes invite listeners to set out on the Mother Road and create stories of their own.” said Fred Dixon, president & CEO of Brand USA.  

Brought to listeners by Visit The USA and produced by Telegraph Media Group in partnership with Platform Media. Route 66: America’s Greatest Road Trip launches on Wednesday 5th August - available to watch on Spotify or YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Joe Budden (“The Joe Budden Podcast”), Wolf Entertainment (producer of the award-winning “Law & Order” and “One Chicago” branded series), and Advance Local/Headline Studio today announced a new partnership to launch “Crime in America,” a weekly true crime video podcast placing Budden in the host seat. This marks Budden’s foray into true crime storytelling, with “Crime in America” being the first series from Prime Crime Productions, the new crime and news venture set up by Budden and longtime business partner Ian Schwartzman.

Launching Tuesday, August 11, the series brings together entertainment, journalism, and true crime storytelling in an innovative format built around stories unfolding in real time. As host, Budden will be joined by a rotating roster of local journalists who are covering these stories as they develop in their communities. The trailer is available now on all podcast platforms.

“Crime in America” pairs Budden’s personal interest in true crime stories with Wolf Entertainment’s long-standing credibility in crime storytelling and Advance Local/Headline Studio’s national network of deeply-sourced journalists. Each episode will spotlight a case that is developing or beginning to break nationally. The format allows the series to surface local cases early, follow developments week to week, and revisit stories as they evolve. Each week, Budden will be joined by Advance Local journalists closest to the facts to delve into what happened, who was affected, why it matters, and where the story may go next. The series will have a strong journalistic foundation rooted in credible reporting, clear attribution, and careful editorial review.

Said Budden: “Having built one of the most successful independent media businesses, Ian and I have helped redefine what modern media can look like. With ‘Crime in America,’ we made the deliberate decision to finance and build the series ourselves rather than take it to a traditional buyer or platform, and that is something we are incredibly proud of. Wolf Entertainment and Headline Studio were natural partners because they share our vision for finding innovative new ways to tell stories and reach audiences.”

Said Elliot Wolf, EVP of Digital, Wolf Entertainment: “Local journalists have always been the first to break the country’s most moving true crime stories, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with Joe and Headline to give them a national platform. With ‘Crime in America,’ we are creating a new approach to a weekly podcast that puts listeners on the front line of stories as they break.”

Said Richard Diamond, President, Headline Studio: "What makes this partnership unique is the combination of national reach and local reporting. Through Advance Local's network of news organizations and journalists embedded in communities across the country, 'Crime in America' can bring audiences closer to stories as they unfold, grounded in original reporting, trusted sourcing, and deep local knowledge. It's an opportunity to showcase the critical role journalism plays in helping people understand the issues affecting their communities."

Autio, the location-based audio storytelling platform, announced today that it is launching its embedded app directly into select Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the U.S. to help make road trips and everyday journeys even more enjoyable. This is the first time Autio will offer an embedded app experience directly into an automaker’s digital system.

Autio adds a new layer of discovery to the driving experience for Ford and Lincoln customers and their passengers as they drive, whether it is a weekend errand, a summer road trip or traveling for the holidays. It helps you learn about the world around you as you travel to your destination.

Before starting a trip, Ford and Lincoln customers and their passengers can easily launch the embedded app in the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience without logging in to the app or use their phone to access for a seamless experience. 1 Once in the app, based on the vehicle’s current location, a map with points of interest will appear on the in-vehicle display screen.

While parked, drivers can tap on the points of interest to play a story to learn more, or the story will play automatically as they drive through and near cities, towns, scenic routes, national parks and landmarks across the U.S. Similar to a podcast experience, drivers and passengers can also proactively search and choose from more than 12,000 stories featuring history and interesting discoveries from recognizable voices such as Kevin Costner to enjoy on their drive.

The Autio app will be available to customers who have vehicles with the Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience. This includes 2025 model year and newer Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Aviator and Lincoln Navigator models, plus 2024 model year and newer Lincoln Nautilus models.

To use the Autio app, eligible customers can simply download the Autio app directly from their vehicle via the Google Play Store. For customers to access and have the best possible experience, they will need to activate connectivity via Premium Connectivity or the Connectivity Package.

For more information please visit: https://autio.com/

Available Connectivity features and functionality vary by model/trim and compatible devices. Package pricing, features, included plans, and term lengths vary by model. Some features may only be available while vehicle is parked. Owners can log into the Ford app to see specific features available to them. Credit card required for plan activation and automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply.

Google, Google Maps, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

About Autio

Autio is a location-based audio storytelling platform that automatically plays stories about nearby places as people travel. The app features more than 25,000 stories globally, including more than 12,000 stories across the United States, with stories covering landmarks, cities, towns, national parks, cultural sites, scenic routes, and hidden histories. Autio has been recognized by Apple as App of the Day and won the Webby Award for Best Travel App.

The deal brings together a number of Persephonica titles, including Bad Chat with Greg James and Alice Levine, Miss Me? with Miquita Oliver and Jordan Stephens, Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball and Political Currency with Ed Balls and George Osborne.

Under the partnership, Acast will provide advertising sales, hosting and distribution services across the Persephonica portfolio, working in partnership with the company's in-house commercial team to support its continued growth. The agreement also extends into video, supporting Persephonica's strategy of building audiences across audio, YouTube, social and emerging podcast video platforms.

Josh Woodhouse, Acast's Managing Director for UK & Ireland said: "Persephonica don't just make great shows - they build narrative influence. That's the kind of content that shapes culture, earns audience trust, and gives advertisers something no algorithm can manufacture. At Acast, we exist to amplify that influence and allow advertisers to tap into it at scale. This partnership brings together the best in content creation and the best in podcasting infrastructure.”

Dino Sofos, Persephonica's Founder and CEO said: "We've never been more ambitious about the future of Persephonica. We're working with some of the most talented creators in the business and building shows with passionate communities around them.

Our partnership with Acast gives us the commercial and technical support to keep investing in those shows and expand our network, while retaining the creative independence that has been central to our success from day one.”

Utilising Acast Studios London and its state-of-the-art audio and video spaces, Persephonica will record Bad Chat and Political Currency there, while maintaining its main headquarters in Sheffield.

Eurowaves, the biweekly newsletter covering the European podcasting industry, today announced the Eurowaves Advisory Board: a group of international podcasting leaders committed to connecting the European podcasting industry to the world.

Founded in December 2024 by podcast professional Andreea Coscai, Eurowaves has published 43 issues and grown to more than 2,200 subscribers, with readers in countries across the continent. The newsletter has been featured in Forbes, Podnews, Podcast Review, Bingeworthy and Ear Worthy, and has expanded beyond the inbox into in-person meet-ups, most recently in Madrid and London.

The new advisory board formalizes the network that has grown up around the publication. The members span Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Australia, Romania, Madagascar, France and Colombia, and bring experience across public broadcasting, narrative documentary, podcast technology, journalism, podcast agency production and community organizing.

"The podcasting scene in Europe is very diverse, yet disconnected. Each country has its own approach, but the closer you look, the more surprising similarities you find," said Andreea Coscai, Founder of Eurowaves.

"There is plenty of room and need for growth, funding, support, and cross-border collaboration. This board is a group of professionals who have spent their careers building exactly that, in different corners of the world.

Having them in the same room makes Eurowaves even more useful to the industry."

More information on the advisory board will follow on the Eurowaves website.

For further media inquiries, contact andreea@pod.vision

The Eurowaves Advisory Board

Ana Xavier — Founder of The Podcast Space, an award-winning online consulting agency supporting impact-driven women, under-represented communities and multilingual businesses. Ana has over 15 years of hands-on experience across podcasting, terrestrial and online radio, and digital marketing in Portugal, the UK and the US, and holds a Bachelor's in Communications and Journalism from the University of Porto.

Ana Ribera — Audio editor and documentary narrative specialist with more than 25 years in Spanish audiovisual media. A founding team member of Castilla-La Mancha's regional television network, she later led content strategy for CMMPlay and, as Editor-in-Chief at PRISA Audio, executive-produced WePod, a cross-border European co-production with eight partner organizations. She writes the weekly column "Podcasts encadenados.

" Jullian Androkae — Podcast creative strategist and producer, and co-founder of PodVision, a strategy and production agency focused on strong show concepts and formats. With a design-first background in video and UI/UX, he has worked on branded shows for Coca-Cola, TurboTax and Olaplex, non-profit podcasts for YBCA San Francisco and ICA Miami, and independent shows including CRAFTED. and Podcast Marketing Trends Explained.

Frank Racioppi — Author and publisher of Ear Worthy, a daily podcast review and trends publication distributed across Substack, Medium and Blogger. Frank is a contributing writer to Forbes specializing in the podcasting industry, and the author of five non-fiction books, seven novels and two short-story collections.

James Cridland — Editor of Podnews, the daily podcast newsletter, and a radio futurologist working in audio since 1989. James was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in January 2026 and received the inaugural Ambies International Impact Award from The Podcast Academy in 2025. He is an Associate Member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Sam Sethi — CEO of TrueFans, a Podcasting 3.0 platform giving podcasters tools to build community and monetize their fandoms, and co-host of Podnews Weekly Review. A 30-year veteran of the IT industry, Sam has held senior roles at Microsoft, Netscape, Gateway Computers and MicroStrategy, founded and sold three startups, and helped start TechCrunch Europe.

Katz Laszlo — Narrative audio producer, reporter, host and sound designer whose documentaries have aired on Radiolab, NPR Rough Translation, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 6, NPR Outside/In and Dutch public radio's OVT. She co-ran The Europeans podcast and led its narrative series for seven years, and remains committed to improving working conditions and representation for producers across Europe. She works in English, Dutch, Spanish and French.

Lory Martinez — Colombian-American multicultural brand strategist and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder of the award-winning podcast company Studio Ochenta and, from her base in Paris, of Maraviya, a brand studio and community supporting immigrant entrepreneurs.

Most superhero podcasts want to know what a movie means for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). SUPER SORRY® wants to know who should have said, “I’m sorry.”

In an upcoming episode focused on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, hosts Amber and Todd offer a fresh perspective on Marvel's newest Spider-Man adventure, exploring the personal fallout, unresolved conflicts, and overlooked moments that linger after the action ends.

"Everybody talks about what happened during the battle," said co-host Todd. "We're more interested in what happens after."

"That's where people have to face the consequences of their choices," added co-host Amber. "The apologies that happen—and the ones we wish had happened—often have the most to teach us."

While other superhero movie podcasts debate Easter eggs and post-credit scenes, SUPER SORRY asks:

• Which apology mattered most?
• Which apology never happened but should have?
• What emotional and financial damage was left behind?

For SUPER SORRY, those questions are about more than superhero movies – they’re a way to explore how people respond to mistakes, navigate conflict, and deal with the impact of their actions. Through recurring segments like Apology Audit, Damage Diary, and Apologies That Could Have Been, SUPER SORRY examines the apologies that happened, the ones that didn't, and what those moments reveal about accountability, relationships, and consequences. 

Because whether you're a superhero or just having a bad day, one question always remains: What would have changed if someone had simply said, "I'm sorry"?

“I’m so excited about this slate because every show brings a real audience, a strong point of view, and a community that trusts them. From business and self-improvement to culture and comeback stories, this lineup gives brands so many powerful ways to connect, and Big Swings Only is Kwame stepping into an even bigger lane.” — Hala Taha, CEO & Founder, YAP Media Network

Podcasts Detail

• Mick Unplugged, hosted by Mick Hunt, is consistently ranked #1 in Self-Improvement on Apple Podcasts and has won a Signal Award and Webby Honoree recognition, with an engaged following of 127K YouTube subscribers and 685K Instagram followers.
• the bossbabe podcast, hosted by Natalie Ellis, connects brands with one of the world's largest communities of ambitious women entrepreneurs, reaching 90K YouTube subscribers, 3.3M+ Instagram followers, and 400K newsletter readers.
• Miracle Mentality, hosted by Tim Storey (known as the Original Comeback Coach to public figures including Oprah and Robert Downey Jr.) brings comeback coaching to personal development and leadership audiences.
• Big Swings Only, the rebrand of Negotiate Anything, is hosted by Kwame Christian, founder of the American Negotiation Institute and LinkedIn Top Voice. It expands its focus from negotiation into broader conversations on ambition and reinvention, and chasing the high-stakes goals that actually move your life forward.

Together, these additions strengthen YAP Media Network's position as a destination for creators, brands and, listeners across business, entrepreneurship, and self-improvement.

Advertising Inquiries: sales@yapmedia.com

This means all 11 categories remain open for submissions and creators can share up to 10 minutes of audio that best reflects the moments of their show, their mission, and their talent.

This year also includes a new category for “Moment of Artistry in Advertising” that recognizes podcast ads from paid sponsors and also cross promotions, like promo swaps and feed swaps.

“We get it…small teams are working under impossible deadlines (and production schedules, childcare, being a person/partner/friend…) and submitting to an award could end up last on the priority list, ” said Lauren Passell, Tink’s founder.

“If that sounds like you, here’s your message from the universe: it’s OK and we still want to hear your best stuff.”

The 2026 International Women’s Podcast Awards are being presented by a new team, with new branding, a new location, and all the same love of the art of podcasting. With Tink stepping in as this year’s host, the event will expand its reach and visibility while staying true to its founding purpose of championing international women creators in audio both behind the mic and behind the scenes, from podcast hosts and producers, to editors and writers.

The IWPAs have become a cornerstone event celebrating the creativity, innovation, and impact of women in podcasting across genres and geographies. Proudly queer and trans inclusive, the IWPAs showcase creative excellence across multiple categories, recognizing the best in the business from around the world, from those who are self-taught and producing shows solo, to those who form part of larger teams at established audio companies.

• All categories are open to shows from any genre or style (fiction, non-fiction, narrative, interview, panel discussion, investigative, etc.).
• Submissions can come from independently produced shows, solo podcasts, large-scale productions, and everything in between — every submission is treated equally.
• The IWPAs are queer and trans inclusive, allowing submissions from any creators who feel represented by the awards.
• With each entry you can submit up to 10 minutes of audio that you feel best fits that category and will impress our panel of judges.
• The audio you enter must have been released to the public between June 10th, 2025 and July 31st, 2026.
• Entries to the IWPAs are $50 each, inclusive of all platform and processing fees.

This year’s IWPAs are being supported by CBC, RSS.com, Lower Street, True Native Media, Podchaser, and Women in Media, who recognize the value of celebrating and platforming the work of underrepresented creatives in the podcast industry. With their support, the awards are able to offer initiatives like the IWPA Scholarship Program, a tradition started in years past.

The IWPA Scholarship Program helps underfunded, marginalized independent creators submit to the awards when they may have financial constraints that make applying a difficult decision to make. The IWPA Scholarship Program is available for covering entry fees to the awards, as well as tickets to attend the event in person in Toronto, for anyone worldwide who would not otherwise be able to participate. Scholarship codes will be given out on a rolling basis through the end of the awards submission period or until the scholarship cap has been reached. Those interested in applying for scholarship entry to the IWPAs can learn more and apply on the Tink website at tinkmedia.co/awards#scholarships.

You can submit your podcast to this year’s IWPAs on the IWPA website or write in to awards@tinkmedia.co for any queries.

Waco media producer and Rogue Media Network co-founder Mike Hamilton has released Make the Show: How to Start a Podcast, Build a Real Audience, and Make a Show Worth Coming Back To, a practical guide for people who have been thinking about starting a podcast, video series, livestream, or independent show but keep getting stuck between the idea and the first episode.

Available now on Amazon, Make the Show walks readers through the entire creative process—from defining what the show is and choosing a realistic format to recording, publishing, attracting an audience, working with sponsors, using artificial intelligence responsibly, and building a production system that can survive real life.

The book deliberately avoids expensive gear lists, overnight-success promises, and formulas built around chasing viral numbers. Instead, Hamilton focuses on helping readers build something clear, sustainable, and worth returning to.

“Most people do not need another person telling them to buy more equipment or chase a million downloads,” Hamilton said. “They need a clear next step, a show they can actually keep making, and permission to begin before everything is perfect. That is what this book is built to give them.”

Hamilton has helped build, launch, and produce more than 200 shows through Rogue Media Network since 2019. Those projects have included sports programming, horror, true crime, business, local storytelling, entertainment, audio fiction, livestreams, and independent television.

That experience showed Hamilton that many potential creators already have the stories, knowledge, or personality needed to make a compelling show. What stops them is often confusion, perfectionism, platform jargon, or the belief that they must become full-time influencers before they are allowed to create.

Although the book can be used by creators of any age, Hamilton wrote it especially for people who remember appointment television, recorded mixtapes, and watched MTV when it still played music videos. It is for people who understand what a show should feel like but may not feel completely at home in today’s creator economy.

“The technology changed, but the basic job did not,” Hamilton said. “You still have to make something useful, entertaining, honest, or interesting enough that people want to come back. You do not have to pretend you were born online. You just have to make the show.”

Free Make the Show Workbook and Field Guide

Readers can also download the companion _Make the Show Workbook & Field Guide_free at thatmikehamilton.com/workbook.

The 108-page companion resource includes 39 worksheets, 13 templates, and a Show Bible Starter. It gives creators practical tools for:

• Defining the show’s audience and central promise
• Testing whether an idea can support multiple episodes
• Choosing between audio, video, livestreaming, or a combined format
• Naming and branding the show
• Planning episodes and recurring segments
• Building recording, editing, and publishing workflows
• Preparing for launch
• Communicating with guests
• Approaching potential sponsors
• Tracking music, images, clips, and other licensed material
• Reviewing AI-assisted research and content
• Keeping production moving after the initial excitement wears off

The workbook also contains ready-to-use emails, scripts, announcement copy, production checklists, and sponsor materials.

“The workbook is not a teaser or a stack of pages designed to look impressive,” Hamilton said. “It is the working part of the process. Download it, print it, write all over it, skip what does not help, and come back to it when the show starts fighting you.”

Make the Show is available now on Amazon. The free workbook can be downloaded at thatmikehamilton.com/workbook.

For additional information about the book, the workbook, or Mike Hamilton’s work, visit thatmikehamilton.com.

JoneKiri, a strategic brand partnerships firm specializing in podcast and creator media, today announced an exclusive partnership with Startups Decoded, the podcast, community, and consulting platform hosted by Andy Walsh, to represent all brand partnership opportunities across the show's full media footprint.

Under the agreement, JoneKiri becomes the exclusive representative for brand and sponsorship opportunities spanning Startups Decoded's podcast, YouTube and video programming, social channels, custom content and integrations, and its Substack newsletter, giving brands a single point of entry to the entire Startups Decoded ecosystem.

Startups Decoded has built a fast-growing audience of first-time founders navigating the journey from idea to Series A. The platform has generated more than 850,000 podcast downloads, grown its Substack community past 2,000 subscribers, posted 335% growth on LinkedIn with 13,000 followers, and reached the Apple Podcasts Top 50 Entrepreneur charts, with a combined monthly reach of more than 100,000 founders across its channels.

Hosted by Andy Walsh, a four-time founder with two exits who bootstrapped a company to $10 million in annual recurring revenue, Startups Decoded pairs candid, experience-driven conversations with practical frameworks on fundraising, operations, finance, culture, and storytelling. The show has previously partnered with brands including Venable LLP, Deel, J.P. Morgan, and Goodword.

JoneKiri works with brands and ad agencies spanning every vertical and media channel, with a strategic focus on omni-channel execution, coordinating podcast, video, social, and newsletter placements into cohesive campaigns designed to maximize conversions rather than isolated, single-channel buys. The agency's creator roster is concentrated in the self-improvement category, anchored by two core sub-verticals: business, including finance and investing, entrepreneurship, and economics; and health & wellness, including fitness, nutrition, and personal development. Startups Decoded's founder-focused programming extends JoneKiri's presence squarely within that business sub-vertical.

“Startups Decoded has built one of the most trusted and fastest-growing platforms for early-stage founders, and Andy has earned that trust the hard way - by building and exiting companies himself,” said Ryan Rose, Founder and CEO at JoneKiri. “It's a natural fit within our business sub-vertical, and it's exactly the kind of partnership our omni-channel model is built for - giving brands and agencies a single, streamlined way to run cohesive campaigns across the podcast, video, social, and Substack rather than piecing together one-off buys. We're excited to help scale the opportunities in front of Andy.”

“I built Startups Decoded to be the resource I wish I'd had as a first-time founder, and that only works if the brands we bring in actually earn our audience's trust,” said Andy Walsh, founder and host of Startups Decoded. “Partnering with JoneKiri gives me a team that understands that balance and can manage partnerships across the whole platform - podcast, video, social, and Substack - so I can stay focused on the conversations and the content.”

Brands interested in partnership opportunities with Startups Decoded can now engage directly with JoneKiri to build integrated campaigns spanning host-read podcast placements, video integrations, social content, custom branded series, and Substack newsletter sponsorships.

The new plans are based on monthly publishing time instead of file storage limits.

Rather than estimating megabytes or worrying about file size, podcasters choosing a new plan can select one based on the number of hours of content they plan to publish.

The update also introduces Standard 1.5, a new $7-per-month plan that includes up to 1.5 hours of audio and video podcast publishing each month. The plan is designed for any podcaster whose publishing schedule fits within that monthly allowance, whether they are launching a new show or have been podcasting for years.

“Our goal is to make podcast hosting easier to understand and easier to choose,” said Barry Kantz, CEO. “Podcasters think about their shows in episodes, minutes, and hours — not megabytes. Moving to time-based plans helps creators select the plan that fits how they actually publish.”

Blubrry’s new time-based hosting plans include:

Standard 1.5 — $7/month For podcasters publishing up to 1.5 hours of audio and video content per month.

Standard 3 — $15/month Built for weekly podcasters publishing up to 3 hours of content per month.

Advanced 6 — $25/month Created for growing shows that need up to 6 hours of monthly publishing and advanced podcast statistics.

Advanced 12 — $50/month Designed for frequent publishers producing longer-form content or multiple episodes per week.

Advanced 25 — $90/month Built for high-volume creators publishing up to 25 hours of content each month.

Pro Unlimited — $100/month Designed for networks, businesses, organizations, and teams managing larger podcast operations, with unlimited publishing, multiple shows and users, dynamic advertising, podcast network tools, advanced AI tools, and enterprise-level flexibility.

Current Blubrry hosting customers do not need to make any changes as part of this update. Existing hosting plans will remain the same unless a customer chooses to change or upgrade their plan.

All new time-based hosting plans include audio and video podcast publishing, distribution to major audio platforms, video podcast support for Apple Podcasts, podcast statistics, a free managed WordPress website, and AI podcast tools. Creators can also share their content on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube using the formats they support.

The shift to time-based plans is designed to give podcasters a clearer, more flexible way to plan their publishing schedule. Whether a creator releases a short weekly show, longer monthly episodes, video podcasts, or multiple pieces of content each month, Blubrry now offers plan options built around how creators actually produce.

Podcasters can upgrade anytime if they need more publishing time, with prorated billing applied automatically.

To view the updated plans, visit Blubrry plans and pricing.

Today, Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, announced a new exclusive hosting and advertising partnership with Lemon Media Network, the independent media company founded by award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and former CNN anchor Don Lemon. Under the agreement, Libsyn will exclusively host and monetize The Don Lemon Show – the network's flagship audio and video podcast – aswell as its companion shows, Lemon Live at 5, Hot Topics, and Lemon Drop, connecting advertisers with a highly engaged audience of news consumers, culturally aware viewers, and civically engaged audiences seeking trusted perspectives on the issues shaping the world around them.

A trusted source of information across CNN and NBC for more than three decades, Lemon has emerged as one of the most recognizable voices in modern journalism. Through Lemon Media Network, he continues that work independently, producing content that spans politics, culture, current events, and social issues while fostering direct relationships with audiences across audio, video, and social platforms. Today, the network reaches more than 10 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Facebook, Twitch, Threads, and Bluesky, with audience growth exceeding 50% over the past year alone.

“We're witnessing a fundamental shift in media, where trusted journalists are building direct relationships with audiences and creating sustainable businesses on their own terms,” said Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn. “Our role is to provide the technology, distribution, and monetization infrastructure that helps creators like Don Lemon grow without compromising their voice. That's the future of podcasting, and we're proud to help power it.”

“Don has built an extraordinary career grounded in journalism, accountability, and meaningful dialogue,” said Stephen Perlstein, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Libsyn. “Through Lemon Media Network, he's creating content that audiences actively seek out to better understand the stories shaping society, culture, and democracy. It's the kind of conversation-driven programming that creates tremendous value for both audiences and advertisers.”

Don Lemon added, “I've spent my career helping people make sense of the world around them through honest, thoughtful reporting and not shying away from toughconversations. As The Don Lemon Show continues to grow, partnering with Libsyn lets us bring that work to even more people across streaming platforms, and on our terms. I’m excited about the reach and resources it unlocks, but most of all that it helps us keep delivering independent journalism without compromise.”

The Don Lemon Show attracts a politically engaged, culturally aware audience seeking informed perspectives on the stories driving national conversations, creating a compelling environment for brands looking to reach audiences invested in news, current events, and civic discourse. Drawing on three decades of award-winning journalism and storytelling, Lemon brings his signature style and outspoken truth-telling to the flagship show, welcoming a variety of guests and newsmakers to discuss everything from social issues and race to politics, culture, and the fight for democracy. Each episode combines insightful interviews with Don's signature commentary, helping audiences move beyond headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping their lives.

Hot Topics appeals to highly active audiences who want to stay ahead of the conversations dominating news feeds and social media, creating frequent opportunities for brands to connect with culturally engaged consumers. Streaming live every weekday at 10 a.m. ET, Don dives into what’s trending across the internet – from viral clips and political drama to the breaking headlines blowing up your feed – delivering pointed takes, real talk, and a whole lot of side-eye.

Lemon Live at 5 reaches audiences looking for a timely breakdown of the day's biggest developments, providing advertisers with a premium daily environment centered on reactions to the headlines. Airing live every weekday at 5 p.m. ET, Don delivers clear-eyed analysis, bold opinions, candid conversations with high-profile guests, and plenty of moments that pull no punches – bringing clarity, context, and a little attitude to the day's top stories.

Lemon Drop provides advertisers with consistent access to repeat-viewing audiences looking for quick, punchy observations of the day's most talked-about stories. Released daily, these short-form episodes zero in on a single headline or pop culture moment, with Don offering sharp insight, smart context, and his signature no-BS delivery in a format designed to inform, engage, and spark conversation.

Libsyn delivers podcast hosting for creators who are serious about growth, combining intuitive workflows with advanced analytics, audio and video publishing, andintegrated monetization and marketing tools. Designed to scale alongside creators, the platform makes it easy to expand reach, cultivate lasting brands, and maintain creative control while publishing seamlessly across the industry's leading audio and video platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Through this partnership, Lemon Media Network will leverage Libsyn Ads’ advanced solutions—including Host-Read (available for episodic and simulcast formats), programmatic Automatic Podcast Ads, and Integrated Brand Opportunities. For additional scale and flexibility, advertisers can also leverage Dynamic Ad Insertion and the Libsyn Audience Network, extending campaigns across premium, brand-safe inventory through audience-based targeting.

Don Lemon is represented by UTA, who brokered the deal.

For more information or to advertise across Lemon Media Network, please contact ad-sales@libsyn.com.

Bauer Media has today announced that MOTHERKIND, the hugely successful podcast hosted by Zoe Blaskey, is joining the Bauer Media network, further strengthening its expanding portfolio of podcasts.

MOTHERKIND is the podcast for modern mothers who know that motherhood changes everything — and who want to grow forward, not “bounce back”. Hosted by Zoe Blaskey, a sought-after speaker, Sunday Times bestselling author, founder of Motherkind—and one of the first voices in the UK to bring matrescence into the mainstream the show explores the profound personal, emotional and professional transformation that happens when a woman becomes a mother, offering honest conversations, expert insight and practical tools for women navigating one of life’s most identity-shifting seasons.

Each week, Zoe sits down with world-leading experts, thought leaders, psychologists, authors and well-known figures to unpack the real experiences of modern motherhood — from matrescence and identity loss to confidence, boundaries, work, relationships and self-worth. The result is a compelling mix of emotional honesty, evidence-based insight and practical advice that helps listeners move through motherhood with clarity and strength.

The podcast has built a deeply engaged community and has received more than 700 five-star reviews alongside 9 Million+ downloads, and from September, MOTHERKIND will also begin recording episodes in front of a live audience, giving listeners the opportunity to experience the podcast’s powerful conversations in person.

Zoe Blaskey, host of MOTHERKIND, said: “MOTHERKIND has always been about creating a space where mothers feel seen, supported and empowered to grow into who they are becoming. Joining Bauer Media is an incredibly exciting next step for MOTHERKIND, allowing us to reach even more women with the conversations, tools and insight they need during this transformative stage of life.”

Sophie Paluch Partnerships Manager at Bauer Media, said: “MOTHERKIND is a standout podcast with a clear voice, a highly engaged audience and a powerful mission. Zoe has created something truly distinctive for modern mothers — combining expert-led insight with emotional honesty and practical support. We’re delighted to welcome MOTHERKIND to the Bauer Media network as we continue to grow our podcast offering with shows that deeply connect with audiences.”

The addition of MOTHERKIND reflects Bauer Media’s continued investment in high-quality podcast content, bringing distinctive voices and trusted storytelling to audiences across the UK.

Australia's newest legal podcast, Law the Podcast, is officially here, giving listeners unprecedented insider access to the minds behind some of the country's most significant court cases, justice debates and legal headlines.

Hosted by two of Australia's most respected legal minds, former Supreme Court judge Lex Lasry AM and leading barrister Greg Barns SC, the pair draw on decades of experience at the highest levels of the legal profession to provide expert analysis, candid discussion and unique insights into the legal stories shaping Australia and the world.

Throughout their impressive respective careers, both Lex and Greg have cemented their reputations as leading voices on human rights and criminal justice. Lex is a longstanding advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and representing a number of Australians facing execution overseas, while Greg has been central to some of the nation's biggest legal, political and social debates, including acting as an advisor for Julian Assange and WikiLeaks.

New episodes are released every Wednesday, with the podcast’s debut launching today. In the first episode, Lex and Greg are joined by Gabriel Shipton who discusses his work with the Julian Assange campaign, with future episodes continuing to give listeners expert perspective on the cases that shaped the world’s past, the issues defining its present and the debates influencing the future of law and justice.

Speaking on launching Law the Podcast, Lex Lasry AM said, “As a judge for almost 20 years I have been constrained from participating in public debate concerning important and sometimes contentious broad legal issues. That constraint is gone and I relish the prospect.”

Greg Barns SC added “There is a big gap in the podcast space in Australia when it comes to talking about the law in a way that is accessible. This podcast is going to change that.”

Produced by the Bravecasting Podcast Network, creator of Australia's number one crime podcast Australian True Crime, Law The Podcast joins the iHeartPodcast Network, expanding its premium slate of news, current affairs and storytelling content.

Journalist and essayist Matt King (The Atlantic, The New Republic, MIT Technology Review) has launched Talking Trash, an independent interview podcast about industrial waste and pollution. The conversation around waste typically focuses on consumer behavior — what you buy, what you recycle, how guilty you should feel. But household waste accounts for just 3-5% of a country's total waste. The other 95% comes from industry — factories, mines, farms, and supply chains — and most of it is hidden by design.

Waste-related media has grown roughly tenfold over the past decade, driven by Netflix documentaries, TikTok creators, and zero-waste lifestyle content. Almost all of it targets the consumer. Talking Trash shifts this conversation upstream. Each episode features a conversation with a different author, filmmaker, scientist, or artist exposing the biggest messes industry has left behind — and how people are fighting back.

The first season includes stories from around the world, on topics ranging from the cleanup of America's largest industrial disaster and forever chemicals with million-year half-lives to the toxic legacy of Caribbean banana farming and poetry forged in a British plastics factory.

"After writing about waste for years, I've come to see it as one of the most revealing lenses we have for understanding power and inequality,” said King. "A lot of the consumer-led narratives we've been told about waste were manufactured by the industries creating the problem. But a growing field of journalists, artists, and discard studies scholars are challenging this false consensus — and the people doing that work deserve a bigger audience."

King's work has been recognized as "Notable" in the Best American Essays and Best American Science & Nature Writing series, and discussed in forums ranging from Hacker News to European policy journals. He developed the show through the Stony Brook University Podcast Incubator. The show's visual identity was created by art director Frances Miller of Alta Zera Design. Talking Trash is entirely independent, taking no sponsors or industry funding. New episodes air every other week.