Spotify Offers New Audiobooks+ Plans
Spotify has launched two new Audiobooks+ add-ons for Premium users in several countries. Premium Individual, Family, and Duo plan managers get 15 extra audiobook hours per month. Family and Duo plan members can now also access 15 monthly audiobook hours for the first time. Members request access from their plan manager, who can buy the add-on, and a one-time 10-hour top-up is available if they run out. Spotify hopes these options will attract more audiobook listeners and benefit publishers and authors.
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Nicolle Wallace’s Podcast Now Airs on MSNBC TV
Nicolle Wallace’s new MSNBC podcast, “The Best People,” was originally planned as a short audio series but has become popular enough to be shown on YouTube and TV. MSNBC is now airing selected episodes on cable during weekends and holidays and may continue the show longer than first expected. This move shows MSNBC’s willingness to offer content across different platforms based on audience interest.
iHeart Women’s Sports Marks One Year With Big Growth and New Shows
iHeartMedia is celebrating the one-year anniversary of iHeart Women’s Sports, the first audio network focused only on women’s sports, which has already helped boost coverage from less than 1% to over 34% and reaches 89 million monthly listeners. The network announced that NCAA champion Azzi Fudd will launch her own podcast, “Fudd Around And Find Out,” together with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media. A special event will be held during women’s basketball all-star weekend in Indianapolis to celebrate the network’s success, future plans, and growing impact on women’s sports media.
YouTube Hits Record High for TV Viewing and Podcast Audience
According to Nielsen, YouTube is now the top media company for TV viewing, capturing 12.5% of audience time in May—its highest share yet. The platform also has a billion active podcast viewers each month. Nielsen reports that streaming now takes up 46% of Americans’ TV watching time, while broadcast and cable TV are losing viewers.
Uncovering the Truth Behind Celebrity Headlines
Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is launching a new podcast series called Fame Under Fire, which will investigate trending celebrity scandals and stories, following the success of her previous podcast Diddy on Trial. Each week, Anoushka and expert guests will fact-check viral stories about musicians, actors, politicians, influencers, and royalty, helping listeners understand what’s true in a world full of misinformation. The podcast will be produced by the BBC’s Long Form Audio team in Salford and will be available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.
Podcast Tool
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Podcast Journey
ERIC LOPKIN’S PODCAST JOURNEY
Meet Eric Lopkin—a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach, and visionary leader with over 35 years of cross-industry expertise. As the founder of The Modern Observer Group, he champions Human Centered Achievement, a transformative approach that blends personal growth with professional excellence. Host of the Success Showcase podcast, Eric equips listeners with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to thrive in both work and life. Tune in to learn from a mentor who turns experience into empowerment.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I am an internationally best selling author, business performance coach and speaker working with individuals and companies to increase their success, eliminate stress, and increase their profitability by enhancing their productivity so they work at peak performance.
What inspired you to start a podcast?
I started as the co-host of a terrestrial radio show and discovered the increased freedom and reach of podcasting.
How did you come up with the name of your podcast?
The Success Showcase was originally a series of live events where coaches worked with the audience to enhance their skills and improve their mindset so they could reach higher levels of success. The podcast was ann outgrowth of the events.
What is the main focus or theme of your show?
Empowering individuals to get more out of their business, career and life.
Have there been any particularly memorable moments during the recording that stick out to you?
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Who has been one of your favorite guests so far, and why?
My favorite guest so far has been Bob Burg, author of The Go Giver series. His philosophy is perfectly aligned with what we are trying to do.
What's next for your show – any exciting plans we should know about?
We have recently completed 300 episodes and are looking to grow the show, as well as our other shows on the Exvadio Podcast Network.
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Visionary Voices Of Podcasting
How a Hollywood Icon Found Her Most Meaningful Role Yet
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an iconic American actor, comedian, and producer whose legendary career spans Seinfeld, Veep, and Marvel films, earning her 11 Emmys and a National Medal of Arts. From Elaine Benes’ razor-sharp wit to Selina Meyer’s chaotic ambition, she’s redefined comedy—but her 2023 podcast Wiser Than Me reveals a new chapter: interviewing trailblazing women like Jane Fonda and Carol Burnett on aging, resilience, and hard-won wisdom. How has hosting this show reshaped her own perspective on growing older, while forging unexpected friendships—like her Wordle rivalry with Burnett?
Upcoming Podcast Events
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July 23, 2025
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Podcast Tip Of The Day
Your audience clicked play for your promised topic—not small talk. Hook them fast:
🔹 First 60 Seconds Matter
State the episode’s value upfront ("Today, you’ll learn X")
Save personal anecdotes for after delivering core content
🔹 Banter With Purpose
If sharing off-topic stories, tie them to the theme ("This reminds me of when…")
Ask: Does this add context or just kill momentum?
A Final Note
“Your intro isn't an audition—it's a handshake; make it confident, purposeful, and worthy of your listener's time.”
