Audio Ads Break Through
A new Clutch survey finds only 2% of consumers use ad blockers, but 93% skip online ads, and just 3% never skip them. Audio advertising, especially in podcasts, is growing as a way to reach audiences since it blends seamlessly into content. Nearly a third of consumers now listen to ads through audio channels like podcasts or music streaming. Brands are encouraged to make ads less interruptive and more aligned with content to increase engagement. Despite better ad targeting, most people ignore ads because they don’t find them interesting, with only a small number paying for ad-free options.
More News…
New Heights Podcast Now Streaming on Amazon Prime
Travis and Jason Kelce’s popular podcast, New Heights, will now have select episodes available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. This move comes after a record-breaking episode with Taylor Swift and reflects the growing overlap between podcasts and TV, especially with the rise of video podcasts on platforms like YouTube. The shift is part of Amazon’s reorganization of its podcasting business, merging shows like New Heights into a new team called Creator Services to boost listenership and build long-term relationships.
Where You Live Changes How You Listen: Phones vs. Radios
A new study shows that Americans age 13 and over spend 38% of their audio listening time on mobile devices and 30% on AM/FM radio receivers. Mobile devices are most popular in urban areas, while radio receivers are used more in rural communities, where both devices are equally popular at 34%. Overall, mobile devices have been the top audio listening choice since late 2022, but device preference changes depending on where people live.
Hello Divorce Teams Up with iHeartMedia to Help More Americans
Hello Divorce, an online platform that simplifies the divorce process, has partnered with iHeartMedia to reach more Americans across the country. With this collaboration, Hello Divorce will use iHeartMedia’s radio, podcasts, and live events to share its message and help more people during divorce. This partnership aims to make divorce faster, more affordable, and less stressful with the help of technology and expert guidance.
Craig Eastwood Joins Audioboom to Lead Global Plans
Audioboom has named Craig Eastwood as Vice President, International, to help drive the company’s global growth. Eastwood previously worked at Adelicious, which Audioboom recently acquired to become the UK’s largest podcast network. In his new role, he will focus on expanding Audioboom’s international presence through partnerships, new markets, and potential mergers outside the US and UK.
Podcast Tool
PodAnalyst is a new analytics platform designed to unify podcast performance data across Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, giving creators a clear, advertiser-friendly dashboard that moves beyond basic download counts to highlight true engagement metrics. Founded by George Lejnine with guidance from industry veteran Jim Saraco, the tool focuses on unique listeners, consumption time, and audience retention—key signals that prove real listener value to sponsors. Best of all, it’s free forever for podcasts with under 1,000 listeners, making professional-grade analytics accessible to growing shows eager to monetize confidently.
Podcast Of The Day
Reply All
Reply All was a trailblazing and critically acclaimed podcast from Gimlet Media that explored the intricate, often bizarre relationships between humans and the internet through investigative storytelling, deep dives, and empathetic humor. Hosted originally by P.J. Vogt and Alex Goldman—and later joined by Emmanuel Dzotsi—the show became known for segments like “Super Tech Support” and “Yes-Yes-No,” blending curiosity with journalistic rigor while earning a dedicated following and multiple awards. Despite its success, the show faced internal controversy in 2021, leading to significant staff changes before concluding in June 2022, leaving behind a legacy as one of podcasting’s most inventive and influential voices.
Podcaster Essentials
Our Sponsors
Your All-in-One Creator Store
Monetize your podcast with your own landing page & products or services.
Secure Your Online Activity
You never know who is watching your online activity, trying to steal your identity or sensitive information, take action and make sure you’re protected with the best VPN on the planet.
Monetize Your Podcast
Effortless publishing for driven brands, you create, they distribute & you grow.
Visionary Voices Of Podcasting
Centering Whiteness to Expose Inequality
Chana Joffe-Walt is an award-winning radio journalist and producer known for her work with Planet Money and This American Life, where she honed a talent for weaving complex social issues into compelling narrative audio. Her 2020 podcast Nice White Parents, produced in collaboration with the New York Times, examines the systemic inequalities in public education through a critical yet nuanced lens, earning recognition for its bold storytelling and historical depth. How did Joffe-Walt intentionally center “nice white parents” in her podcast to expose how their choices perpetuate school segregation while navigating the risks of focusing on whiteness?
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
Start earning before you land big sponsors by leveraging affiliate marketing—a low-barrier way to monetize your podcast from day one. Promote products you genuinely use and believe in through trusted programs like Amazon, Skillshare, or Buzzsprout’s new Affiliate Marketplace, sharing unique links in your show notes or episodes. Focus on relevance over reach; even a small, engaged audience can drive conversions when the product aligns with their interests.
A Final Note
“Your podcast is your signature make it authentic make it yours and make it with heart.”
