🎙️This Week in Podcasting: NFL’s New Deal, AI Breakthroughs, and Katie Nolan’s Launch

As we kick off 2025, it’s clear that podcasting is entering a bold new chapter. From groundbreaking partnerships to fresh technology shaping how we listen, this week’s news sets the tone for an exciting year ahead.

At Listener.com, we’re committed to keeping you informed and inspired, and your feedback is key to making this newsletter better with every edition. Let us know what you think—we’re always listening.

Now, let’s dive into the top stories shaping the future of podcasting.

—Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

iHeartMedia and NFL Extend Multi-Year Podcast Network Partnerships

iHeartMedia and the National Football League are doubling down on their successful collaboration, announcing an extended partnership to bring fans even more NFL podcast content. The continuation solidifies iHeartMedia’s status as a powerhouse in the sports podcasting world.

What You Need to Know:

• Fan-Focused Content: The extended deal will deliver more exclusive NFL podcasts, featuring analysis, storytelling, and insider access.

• Proven Success: Building on years of strong listenership, this partnership cements podcasts as a key medium for sports engagement.

• Expanded Reach: The collaboration connects football fans through new shows and additional content across iHeart’s platforms.

Why It Matters:
This partnership reflects the growing demand for niche sports content, highlighting how podcasts serve as a vital channel for connecting leagues with their fan bases.

Katie Nolan Joins SiriusXM with New Podcast, Casuals

Katie Nolan, known for her comedic and approachable takes on sports, is making her podcasting debut with Casuals on SiriusXM. With her signature humor and charm, the show aims to bring sports storytelling to life in a way that’s both entertaining and relatable.

What You Need to Know:

• Fresh Perspective: Casuals offers a unique blend of comedy and sports commentary, appealing to both die-hard fans and casual listeners.

• Platform Power: Backed by SiriusXM, Nolan’s show is set to reach an expansive audience eager for new ways to engage with sports culture.

• Cultural Impact: By taking a lighthearted approach, Nolan is bridging the gap between sports and entertainment, making the game accessible to all.

Why It Matters:
Katie Nolan’s move into podcasting highlights how the medium is evolving to spotlight diverse voices and redefine sports storytelling. This is yet another example of podcasts becoming the go-to space for creators to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

2025 iHeartPodcast Awards Nominations Celebrate Podcasting’s Best

The iHeartPodcast Awards unveiled their 2025 nominees, spotlighting the creators and shows driving the podcasting industry forward. From true crime to sports to comedy, the awards celebrate the diversity and innovation in audio storytelling.

What You Need to Know:

• Top Talent: This year’s nominees include industry heavyweights and rising stars, showcasing the podcasting medium’s depth.

• New Categories: Several new awards have been added, reflecting podcasting’s evolution into a cultural powerhouse.

• Fan Involvement: Listeners will have a say in the Fan Favorite award, ensuring audience voices are part of the celebration.

Why It Matters:
As podcasts become an integral part of modern media, the iHeartPodcast Awards demonstrate the medium’s maturity and cultural significance.

YouTube’s Growing Influence in Podcast Trends for 2025

PRWeek’s latest report dives into YouTube’s dominance in the podcasting landscape, revealing how video podcasts are shaping the industry’s future. With platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts facing competition, YouTube’s unique format continues to pull creators and listeners alike.

What You Need to Know:

• Visual Power: The rise of video podcasts has made YouTube a major player in the podcasting ecosystem.

• Creator Migration: More podcasters are embracing video-first strategies, capitalizing on YouTube’s vast audience and monetization options.

• Cross-Platform Growth: YouTube’s reach is expanding podcast visibility beyond traditional platforms.

Why It Matters:
As podcasting continues to evolve, YouTube’s dominance shows how platforms must innovate to attract creators and listeners in an increasingly competitive market.

Billy Bush Teams Up with Pat McAfee for Hot Mics Podcast

Veteran broadcaster Billy Bush joins forces with Pat McAfee for a new podcast, Hot Mics. The show promises to dive into untold stories, candid commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights from the worlds of sports and entertainment.

What You Need to Know:

• Dynamic Duo: Bush and McAfee bring their unique perspectives, blending humor with hard-hitting takes.

• Unfiltered Conversations: The podcast is set to tackle controversial topics, giving listeners a raw and unfiltered experience.

• Broad Appeal: Covering sports, entertainment, and pop culture, Hot Mics aims to resonate with a wide audience.

Why It Matters:
Hot Mics highlights the podcast industry’s ability to pair big personalities for must-listen content that drives engagement and conversation.

Google Introduces Daily Listen, an AI-Generated Podcast Experience

Google has unveiled Daily Listen, a new AI-powered feature that transforms users’ Discover feed into a personalized podcast. This innovation combines news, entertainment, and personalized audio to deliver a uniquely tailored listening experience.

What You Need to Know:

• AI Innovation: Daily Listen uses advanced AI to curate podcast-like audio based on individual interests and habits.

• Personalized Audio: The feature highlights the growing trend of customized, on-demand content in podcasting.

• A New Frontier: By merging AI and podcasting, Google is setting the stage for the next wave of digital audio experiences.

Why It Matters:
Google’s Daily Listen underscores the role of AI in reshaping how listeners consume content, signaling a shift toward hyper-personalized audio experiences.

This week, we’re spotlighting the power of collaboration through our most engaging posts on the Listener.com Instagram page. Here are three standout moments that captured the attention of our community:

• iHeart x NFL Partnership News: Our post announcing the exciting extension of iHeartMedia’s partnership with the NFL resonated with fans, showcasing the enduring appeal of football-focused podcasts.

• SiriusXM x Katie Nolan’s New Show: The announcement of Katie Nolan’s fresh SiriusXM podcast, Casuals, brought a wave of excitement and engagement from fans eager for her unique take on sports storytelling.

• Ascension Press x Top New Show: Our collaboration post with Ascension Press highlighting their top new podcast showcased the growing influence of niche podcasting in building loyal communities.

Want more podcasting insights? Follow us on Instagram @listener for the latest news, trends, and collaborations shaping the industry.

Got news worth sharing? We’d love to hear from you! Reply to this email or drop us a note at [email protected] to get featured in an upcoming edition.

Until next week, keep listening.

—The Listener.com Team