The podcasting industry is buzzing with exciting developments and significant milestones this week. From Amazon Music's innovative "Topics" feature to Wondery's new live podcast tours and Acast’s impressive earnings report, there’s a lot happening that's shaping the future of podcasting.

It's also a big week as Podcast Movement is happening in Washington D.C., always a great place to connect with everyone in the industry. If you're attending, it's an excellent opportunity to network, share ideas, and stay ahead of the latest trends.

If you’re new here, our goal with this newsletter is to keep you informed on the latest podcast industry updates and culturally relevant moments in the world of podcasting. Thank you for subscribing and staying connected with us!

With gratitude,

Casey Adams
Founder, Listener.com

🎧 Podcasting News & Highlights

Discover the Latest Trends, Exclusive Interviews, and Industry Updates

Amazon Music Introduces 'Topics' for Podcast Discovery

Amazon Music has rolled out a new AI-powered feature called "Topics" across all tiers for U.S. customers on iOS and Android. Leveraging Amazon Web Services (AWS) technology, "Topics" enables users to explore and discover podcasts based on specific subjects mentioned within episodes. This feature is designed to simplify podcast navigation by allowing listeners to tap on topic tags linked to a wide array of related episodes. The feature is now live across top podcasts, such as The Daily, SmartLess, and This American Life, providing a more intuitive and personalized listening experience. Learn more.

Acast Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings with 24% Global Sales Growth

Acast, a global leader in podcast hosting and monetization, has announced its latest quarterly earnings, showcasing a robust 24% increase in global net sales. This growth was particularly driven by strong performances in North America and Europe, where net sales surged by 26% and 25% respectively. The company reported 1.1 billion listens for the quarter, and a remarkable 45% increase in Average Revenue Per Listen (ARPL). With a gross margin of 39% and a significant improvement in EBITDA margin, Acast remains on track to achieve full-year profitability, further solidifying its position in the competitive podcasting industry. Read More.

Overlap Launches AI-Powered Podcast App to Curate Top Moments

Overlap, a new podcast app launched by Y Combinator S24 graduates Jonathan Baer, Casey Traina, and Eric “Buzz” Rubenstein, aims to revolutionize how listeners consume podcasts by using AI to curate the best moments. With 5 million hours of new podcast content being produced each week, it can be overwhelming for listeners to find the standout moments that make podcasts so engaging. Overlap addresses this challenge by leveraging AI to automatically identify and highlight the most compelling clips from episodes, helping users easily discover and enjoy the best parts of their favorite shows without sifting through hours of content. Read More.

Wondery Partners with Mills Entertainment for Live Podcast Tours

Wondery has entered a multi-year strategic partnership with Mills Entertainment, a leading producer of live events, to bring some of its most popular podcasts to life on stage. The collaboration will kick off this fall with live tours featuring Wondery’s true crime collection Exhibit C and the hit podcast Dr. Death, hosted by Laura Beil. This initiative is expected to extend the reach of Wondery’s content by creating immersive, in-person experiences for fans. The tours, presented by Audible, will offer audiences the chance to engage with their favorite stories and characters in a new, dynamic way, with details available on a dedicated Dr. Death Live website. Learn more.

Stephanie Wittels Wachs Turns Tragedy into Creative Triumph with Lemonada Media

Following the tragic loss of her brother, Stephanie Wittels Wachs channeled her grief into founding Lemonada Media, a podcast network that tackles life's toughest topics with honesty and humor. Wachs, who was inspired by her brother Harris Wittels’ legacy, created Lemonada Media with Jessica Cordova Kramer. Over the years, Lemonada has grown into a platform that produces critically acclaimed podcasts that address everything from personal tragedy to societal issues. Wachs’ journey from mourning to creating a thriving media company is a testament to resilience and the power of storytelling in transforming pain into purpose. Read more.

Sinclair Expands Podcasting Ventures with New Weekly Shows Featuring Sports Icons

Sinclair Broadcast Group is making a significant push into the podcasting space by launching two new weekly podcasts just in time for the football season. The first, titled "The Triple Option," will be co-hosted by Urban Meyer, Mark Ingram II, and Rob Stone, focusing on college and NFL football. The second podcast, "Throwbacks," will feature Matt Leinart and actor Jerry Ferrara, offering a mix of sports analysis and lifestyle discussions. This expansion marks Sinclair's commitment to diversifying its media offerings and tapping into the growing podcasting market with content that appeals to sports fans. Read more.

📰 Press-Worthy Moments

Stay informed with the latest highlights and news making waves in the podcasting world.

• Uzo Aduba and CBS Studios to Adapt Hit Podcast into TV Series

• Podcast Movement Conference Takes Center Stage in Washington D.C.

• Podcast Discovery Launches Virtual Studio to Elevate Remote Podcast Video Production

• Evergreen Expands Content Portfolio with Acquisition of Independent Podcast Network

Follow us on Instagram @listener to stay up to date with all things podcasting news. Have news to share? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected] to get featured!

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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With gratitude,

Casey Adams
Founder & CEO, Listener.com

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