This week, PAVE Studios is making waves with a fresh lineup of true crime podcasts featuring top creators like Morgan Absher and Kaelyn Moore. Meanwhile, The Fantasy Footballers have inked an exclusive deal with SiriusXM, expanding their reach. Former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan is bringing a new perspective to work culture with her weekly podcast, “Work.” Spotify also reports solid growth in their Q4 earnings, proving that audio entertainment is on an upward trajectory.

Here’s what’s shaping the industry this week.

—Casey Adams

Founder, Listener.com

PAVE Studios Unveils New Slate of Crime House Original Video Series Featuring Top Creators

PAVE Studios is taking a bold step into the world of true crime with the launch of a new slate of original video series under its Crime House brand. The media company has partnered with some of the most influential creators in the space, including Heidi Wong, Morgan Absher, Kaelyn Moore, Sarah Turney, Taylar Jane Fetzner, and Vanessa Richardson. This collaboration promises gripping true crime stories, with full video episodes available on YouTube and audio episodes across all podcast platforms.

What You Need to Know:

• Crime House Expands: PAVE Studios continues to grow its Crime House brand with a series of new, original video content focused on true crime.

• Creator Power: The series features some of the most popular names in true crime, such as Heidi Wong, Morgan Absher, and Kaelyn Moore.

• New Formats: Episodes will be available as both video and audio, giving fans the flexibility to consume content across multiple platforms.

Why It Matters:

• True Crime’s Dominance: With over 42 million Americans tuning into true crime podcasts monthly, the genre is continuing to dominate the space, drawing in deeply engaged audiences.

• Elevating Creators: PAVE Studios is not just producing content—they’re empowering creators by giving them the resources and support needed to grow their platforms and reach new audiences.

Stay tuned for more updates as PAVE Studios leads the way in bringing fresh, creator-driven content to the world of true crime.

The Fantasy Footballers and SiriusXM Ink Exclusive Podcast Deal

The Fantasy Footballers, one of the top-rated fantasy football podcasts, has signed an exclusive deal with SiriusXM. This partnership will see the show’s episodes available to SiriusXM subscribers, bringing their expert analysis and fun-filled commentary to an even broader audience. With millions of fans across the globe, this move marks a significant moment for the show as it continues to expand its reach.

What You Need to Know:

• Exclusive Partnership: The Fantasy Footballers and SiriusXM have entered into an exclusive podcast deal, making episodes available on SiriusXM’s platforms.

• A Trusted Source: The show, known for its insightful and humorous takes on fantasy football, is a favorite among listeners and now has the opportunity to engage with SiriusXM's broad subscriber base.

• A New Chapter: The deal also opens up new opportunities for the show to collaborate with SiriusXM on future content and special programming.

Why It Matters:

• Expanding Reach: This partnership is a major step in expanding The Fantasy Footballers’ presence in the podcasting space, bringing their expertise to millions of sports fans.

• The Power of Exclusive Content: SiriusXM’s exclusive content strategy continues to attract top shows, proving the growing value of premium, subscriber-only offerings

Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan Debuts ‘Work’ Weekly Podcast: ‘I Love to Work, and I Love to Think About Work’

Erika Ayers Badan, the former CEO of Barstool Sports, is taking her leadership experience to the podcasting world with the debut of Work, a weekly podcast that dives deep into the nuances of work culture. Passionate about all things work-related, Ayers Badan explores what makes the world of work so compelling, revealing the strategies, stories, and reflections that come with being at the top of a major media company.

What You Need to Know:

• Podcast Premiere: Former Barstool Sports CEO Erika Ayers Badan unveils Work, her new weekly podcast focused on the evolving landscape of careers, leadership, and productivity.

• Personal Perspective: Known for her leadership at Barstool, Ayers Badan brings a unique lens to work, blending personal passion with professional insight.

• Exploring Work Culture: Each episode will tackle the multi-faceted world of work, exploring how it impacts individuals and society, and offering advice on navigating your career.

Why It Matters:

• A New Thought Leader: With Work, Ayers Badan provides a fresh and engaging voice to the ongoing conversation around work culture, success, and how we can reshape our careers for the future.

• Inspiring Conversations: The podcast highlights the evolving perceptions of work, offering listeners valuable insights and reflections from a seasoned industry leader.

Keep an eye out for Work as Ayers Badan continues to inspire and challenge listeners to rethink what it means to thrive in the world of work.

Spotify Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings: Growth in Streaming and Podcasting

Spotify has released its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings report, showcasing a strong performance across key metrics, with continued growth in subscribers and impressive gains in podcast consumption. The streaming leader continues to make strides in its mission to dominate the audio entertainment space, reinforcing its commitment to evolving and expanding its platform.

What You Need to Know:

• Continued Subscriber Growth: Spotify continues to see an increase in both paid and free-tier users, bolstering its position as a global streaming powerhouse.

• Podcasting on the Rise: As podcast listening continues to surge, Spotify’s investments in the podcasting space are paying off, with more listeners and creators flocking to the platform.

• Innovative Strategies Ahead: The company’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings, from exclusive content to improved creator tools, reflect Spotify’s forward-thinking approach to shaping the future of audio entertainment.

Why It Matters:

• Future-Proofing Audio: Spotify’s strong financials highlight the company’s ability to adapt and lead in an ever-evolving market, particularly within the growing podcasting sector.

• Expanding Influence in Podcasting: As podcasting continues to gain momentum, Spotify’s strategic investments signal its ongoing dedication to providing innovative solutions for creators and listeners alike.

Spotify’s Q4 results underscore its position as a leader in the streaming industry, with more exciting developments on the horizon to keep the world of audio entertainment buzzing.

_{Spotify’s Push Into Video Faces a Major Roadblock}

Spotify has been betting big on video, but its latest expansion is missing a key ingredient—some of the world’s biggest podcasts. While the platform continues to push video integration, top creators are holding back, leaving a gap in what was expected to be a game-changing shift for the industry.

What You Need to Know:

• Big Names, No Buy-In: Despite Spotify’s push into video, major podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and Call Her Daddy remain largely absent from the transition.

• Creators Have the Power: Unlike music streaming, where rights deals drive content availability, podcasting remains creator-driven—meaning if top hosts don’t see the value in video, the shift won’t happen overnight.

• YouTube’s Stronghold: Video podcasting is booming, but YouTube continues to be the platform of choice for creators looking to maximize engagement and monetization.

Why It Matters:

Spotify’s video strategy was supposed to shake up the industry, but without buy-in from the biggest names in podcasting, it’s struggling to gain traction. As platforms compete for creator loyalty, the next few months will reveal whether Spotify can turn things around—or if YouTube’s dominance in video podcasting is here to stay.

Live Podcast Shows Take Center Stage at the Super Bowl

Heading to New Orleans for the Super Bowl? Don’t miss the Playmaker pod party, featuring live podcast recordings with Shaquille O’Neal, Marshawn Lynch, and guest appearances by Shane Gillis and more.

What You Need to Know:

• Star Power: Athletes, comedians, and podcasters will take the stage for live, interactive shows.

• A Unique Event: This blend of sports and podcasting offers a new way to experience the medium.

• Engaged Fans: Podcasting is evolving into live, community-driven events that deepen connections.

Why It Matters:

Live podcasting events like this showcase the medium’s ability to create immersive, unforgettable experiences for fans while bringing podcast stars into the limelight.

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:

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

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Until next week, keep listening.

—The Listener.com Team