We’ve got exciting updates this week, including a fresh new look for our newsletter! As podcasting continues to drive major trends—whether it’s shaping political narratives, launching bold new ventures, or redefining audience engagement—we’re here to bring you the most impactful stories. Your feedback is invaluable, so we’d love to hear your thoughts on this redesign and the content we've been sharing.

Dive into the week’s biggest stories pushing the industry forward!

With gratitude,
Casey Adams
Founder & CEO, Listener.com

Oboe: Anchor Co-Founders Launch New AI Educational Startup

After selling Anchor to Spotify, co-founders Nir Zicherman and Michael Mignano are back with a new venture: Oboe, an AI-powered educational startup. With $4 million in seed funding, Oboe aims to democratize access to education just as Anchor simplified podcasting. The platform will offer a user-friendly interface to help users expand their knowledge through AI-driven audio and video experiences. “This idea has been in the works for a long time,” Zicherman said, highlighting the immense opportunity in the education space. Drawing inspiration from his work scaling Spotify’s audiobooks division, Zicherman is leading a small team reminiscent of Anchor’s early days, hoping to disrupt education the way Anchor did for podcasting.

Acast, the World’s Largest Independent Podcast Company, Releases Its Podcast Pulse Report

Acast's new Podcast Pulse report uncovers the effectiveness of podcast-first omnichannel campaigns, showing that 84% of listeners take action after hearing brand promotions. These campaigns, which blend podcasting with other platforms like social media, YouTube, and live events, also drive significant brand favorability, with nearly 60% of listeners thinking more positively about advertised brands, and 44% making purchases. Additionally, the study found that 80% of listeners prefer niche podcasts, with 94% of these listeners acting on ads heard during episodes. Chief Business Officer Greg Glenday noted, “Podcasts offer an intentional, sought-after content experience, creating a unique space for advertisers to engage an active, committed audience.” Conducted by Edison Research with over 1,000 U.S. podcast listeners, the report emphasizes the multiverse of podcasting, genuine influence, and the medium’s reach beyond audio.

The Rest Is Entertainment Celebrates Anniversary with Live Show

The Rest Is Entertainment, hosted by Marina Hyde and Richard Osman, is celebrating its one-year milestone with its first-ever live show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The event, set for December 4th, is a major move for the hit podcast, which has gained rapid popularity since its launch last year. The live show promises to bring the same sharp humor and cultural commentary that has defined the podcast. Fans can grab tickets when presales start on October 24th, with the event expected to sell out quickly. The live show not only marks a year of success but also signals Hyde and Osman's commitment to building an even broader community around their podcast.

Alex Cooper Headlines 2024 DealBook Summit with Global Leaders

Alex Cooper, the host of Call Her Daddy and founder of The Unwell Network, will join a star-studded lineup at the 2024 DealBook Summit on December 4th. Sharing the stage with influential figures like Jeff Bezos, Sam Altman, and Serena Williams, Cooper’s presence underscores podcasting’s growing influence on the global stage. Cooper’s journey from recording episodes in her bedroom to leading a media brand is a testament to the power of podcasting in shaping public conversations. Her panel will focus on the impact of podcasting as a media force, placing her alongside some of the most powerful figures in business, politics, and culture. It’s a major achievement that highlights how podcasting can propel creators to unprecedented platforms of influence.

JD Vance Set to Appear on Joe Rogan’s Podcast

Ohio Senator and Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance will soon join The Joe Rogan Experience as the latest political guest. Vance’s appearance, scheduled to be recorded this week in Rogan’s Austin studio, comes hot on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s recent episode, which amassed over 35 million views in just four days. The episode marks Vance’s first time on the podcast and adds to his extensive use of the podcast format to engage voters. With past appearances on shows like Theo Von’s and Tim Dillon’s, Vance has leaned into podcasts as a campaign tool. His conversation with Rogan is expected to delve into pressing political issues, offering voters an in-depth, unfiltered look at the candidate ahead of the election.

Acquired Unveils Epic 6-Hour Meta Deep Dive: The Untold Story of Zuckerberg’s Empire

Meta is one of the most recognized companies in the world, but despite its global presence, few truly understand its complexities. Acquired’s latest episode, a 6-hour marathon, aims to change that by exploring the history, strategy, and decisions that have shaped Meta into what it is today. The episode promises in-depth insights into how Mark Zuckerberg and his team have navigated challenges and made bold bets across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, AI initiatives, Oculus, and more. After months of research, Acquired delivers stories of triumph against overwhelming odds, peeling back the layers of one of the most significant corporate stories of our time: Meta, a Mark Zuckerberg Production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand the tech giant’s impact and evolution.

• Jacqlyn Burnett announces Happiness Habitat podcast on the Listener.com Podcast Network

• DeepCut Podcast features former President Barack Obama in a candid discussion on leadership and democracy

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Partner Spotlight

We are thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Acast, the world’s largest podcast company. Acast connects nearly 125,000 podcasts with audiences globally, offering a diverse catalog of high-quality content.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been creating the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, building the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans nearly 125,000 podcasts, 2,700 advertisers, and approximately 400 million monthly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized wherever they happen - across any podcasting app or other listening platform.

The company operates worldwide and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Acast is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (ACAST.ST).

For podcasters looking to grow and monetize their shows, we highly recommend checking out Acast. Their innovative technology and extensive reach make them an invaluable partner in the podcasting world. Learn more.

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