Personalized Audio News with Google's Daily Listen

Google's new tool, Daily Listen, uses your search data to create a personalized mini podcast. By opting into this feature in Search Labs, you are allowing Google to use your browsing history and interests to generate the audio recap. However, if it gets publicly launched like AI Overviews, it may become another default feature that might be difficult for users to opt out of.

iHeartMedia and NFL Extend Podcast Partnership

iHeartMedia and the National Football League (NFL) have extended their partnership that started the NFL Podcast Network in 2021. The deal includes new original podcasts and NFL Club shows debuting each year, with existing favorites still available on the network. Their first new show for 2025, "Lots To Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel," will discuss football, music, current events, personal lives along with celebrity guests.

Radio Dominates News and Sports Audio Consumption

The Edison Research's Share of Ear survey shows that most news and sports audio content is consumed via AM/FM radio, accounting for 70% and 61% respectively. However, AM/FM radio has a lower share in the talk/personalities and music categories. Podcasting dominates the talk category while there are various options for music consumption.

RadioActive Media Launches Campaign at LAX

RadioActive Media has launched a two-week campaign at Los Angeles International Airport to promote podcasting and audio marketing to top executives. The campaign uses QR codes and text messaging technology displayed on 163 electronic billboards across various terminals. The company believes the start of 2025 is an optimal time as many business travelers will be returning from vacation.

How Podcasts and Radio Influence Online Activity

A new study by Oxford Road reveals that audio formats like podcasts, streaming and radio significantly drive online activity, including branded searches. The research found that these audio ads can be responsible for up to 40% of branded search volume, contradicting the common belief that such traffic is primarily driven by paid search marketing. This suggests brands should invest more in audio advertising as a key driver for brand growth and consumer awareness.

Meet Todd Kuhns and Craig Higgins, the lively hosts of the "2 Guys and a Chainsaw" podcast. With their love for horror films and engaging discussions, they have been entertaining listeners since 2016. Together, they delve into one movie each week with detailed analysis, making even those who are not fans of scary movies appreciate the storytelling and trivia behind them. Known for their in-depth reviews sprinkled with humor, Todd and Craig make exploring the world of horror films an enjoyable experience.

How did you come up with the name of your podcast?

Of the handful of names we batted around, Todd really just wanted to have a chainsaw sound effect in the intro and outro, so this one worked. Only later did we realize that we'd get a significant amount of traffic from people searching for a notorious early internet viral video that you probably shouldn't look up at all...

What is the main focus or theme of your show?

From the very beginning, we settled on a critical review of one horror film each week, usually walking through the plot (for those too scared to watch) and discussing the plot, characters, and how it fits into horror history. We tell the story of the film production and have a lot of laughs along the way. Keeping it tightly focused and lighthearted seems to be what keeps our listeners coming back

Have there been any particularly memorable moments during the recording that stick out to you?

Once Todd had to pause his recording because the Chinese police knocked on his apartment door, following up on a neighbor's complaint that he was talking and laughing too loudly. Being that it was nearly midnight, it was certainly fair. And our Patrons (who have access to our unedited phone calls) got a taste of his crummy Mandarin-speaking ability.

Who has been one of your favorite guests so far, and why?

Having grown up on cheesy late-night 80's low-budget horror, it was the honor of a lifetime to be able to chat with the one-and-only Linnea Quigley!

What's next for your show – any exciting plans we should know about?

Thanks to the generosity of our Patrons, we've been experimenting with video podcasting, livestreaming, expanding our reach on social media in unique and creative ways. We've been approached to provide a commentary track for the BluRay remaster of a classic horror film, and we're looking into a 24/7 live channel and even some merchandising in the near future. Better late than never!

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• Brand Podcast Summit 2025

• Date: Jan 14-15, 2025

  Cost: Free

  Location: Online