Charlie Kirk Audience Triples
Conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk’s murder led to a surge in listeners for “The Charlie Kirk Show,” which rose to sixth place in Podtrac’s podcast rankings for September. The show’s audience tripled, helped by special tribute episodes hosted by friends and guest hosts. Other podcasts like “The Tim Dillon Show” and “NPR News Now” also saw increased listenership, with many top podcasts experiencing growth. iHeartPodcasts remained the top publisher with 170 million downloads, followed by strong performances from NPR, Acast, and Libsyn. Podtrac data does not include major shows like The Joe Rogan Experience or podcasts from SiriusXM, Spotify, and Wondery.
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Global Studios Launches to Boost Podcasts and Expand Video Content
Global has launched Global Studios, a new space focused on creating bold, video-first original podcasts, hosting popular shows like The News Agents and My Therapist Ghosted Me. As part of this, Global has acquired The Fellas Studios, known for hit Gen Z podcasts such as The Fellas and Saving Grace. Global Studios will provide top video/audio facilities, wide distribution, and strong marketing for creators and advertisers.
Paddington Creators Sue Over Rude Bear Sketch
The rights holders of Paddington Bear are suing the creators of the Spitting Image YouTube series for depicting Paddington as a rude podcast host, claiming copyright and design right violations. The controversial sketch showed Paddington using bad language and joking about drugs, which upset the bear’s estate. Spitting Image, known for satirizing public figures, has gained millions of views for the episode online.
Jay Shetty to Give Keynote at 2026 ISPA Conference
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has announced that Jay Shetty, author, entrepreneur, and podcast host, will deliver a keynote speech at their 2026 conference in Las Vegas. Shetty, known for his books "Think Like a Monk" and "8 Rules of Love," will speak on the second day of the event, sharing messages about mindfulness and intentional living. The three-day conference will also feature other speakers, educational sessions, an expo, and networking opportunities.
James Smith Returns With New Podcast Series
James Smith, bestselling author and fitness influencer, is launching a new podcast series called “The Problem With…”, where he will discuss controversial issues with experts from different fields. After ending his previous podcast, which had over 15 million downloads but was not profitable, Smith is now investing over $250,000 in the new series to promote his businesses and upcoming book. Unlike before, he will partner with the UK production company Folding Pocket to help produce the show.
Podcast Tool
Podium is an AI-powered, all-in-one podcasting tool designed to streamline post-production by automatically generating accurate transcripts, detailed show notes, episode summaries, and shareable audiograms from your audio content. Ideal for solo creators and agencies alike, it simplifies workflows by turning raw recordings into polished, text-ready assets in seconds—saving time, reducing manual effort, and enhancing accessibility without sacrificing quality.
Podcast Of The Day
The Toast
The Toast, hosted by the sharp-witted sisters Claudia and Jackie Oshry, has expanded to video on Spotify, bringing its wildly popular daily mix of pop culture commentary, trending news, and sisterly banter to a visual format. Known for its loyal "Toaster" fanbase and consistent ranking among Spotify’s top Lifestyle & Entertainment podcasts, the show now offers weekly video episodes that let viewers feel part of the conversation while maintaining the same quick-paced humor and chemistry that defines the audio experience. This move underscores Spotify’s investment in video podcasting and gives audiences more ways to connect with the duo’s relatable, laugh-out-loud content.
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Visionary Voices Of Podcasting
Navigating Identity and Politics Through Writing and Audio
Jay Caspian Kang is an American writer, New Yorker staff writer, and podcast host known for his incisive commentary on Asian American identity, politics, and culture—forging a multifaceted career across The New York Times, Vice News, and ESPN Films while co-hosting the left-wing podcast Time to Say Goodbye. Through his memoir The Loneliest Americans and documentary work like American Son, he challenges conventional narratives with intellectual rigor and personal reflection. Yet in a recent interview, Kang observed that many on the left are unwilling to defend the principle of free speech, noting it’s become largely a conservative talking point.
Upcoming Podcast Events
Discover the latest trends and strategies in podcasting by attending these must-experience upcoming events—perfect for creators, brands, and industry professionals looking to elevate their audio game.
Podcast Tip Of The Day
While downloads and retention rates are essential, don’t overlook the power of reviews and social media engagement as authentic measures of your podcast’s success. Encourage listeners to leave platform reviews—they not only boost visibility but also offer honest feedback to refine your content. Simultaneously, actively monitor social conversations to gauge audience connection, identify trending topics, and build a loyal community that champions your show.
Feature listener reviews or social comments in your episodes to make your audience feel heard and deepen their connection to your show.
A Final Note
“Your podcast reviews are love letters from your listeners read them, learn from them, and let them guide your voice.”
