Friday Newsflow
A revamped newsflow for the new year.
Happy New Year, Podcaster’s Digest readers! I’m excited to start 2025 with a new and refreshed newsletter format. Last year, while Atabey & Co. found its way, this space was a place to help keep you informed about industry news, upcoming events, and the latest from our network members. I’ll admit - I got bored writing a weekly newsletter that was simply a rehash of information you could find through other sources. This year, I want to try something different. While we’re keeping the core elements you love, we’re evolving to bring you even more value.
Here’s what’s changing:
Deeper Insights: Instead of just recapping news, I’ll provide analysis and actionable takeaways to help you stay ahead in the podcasting world.
Focused Themes: Each issue will feature a central topic inspired by the latest industry trends.
Broader Context: We’ll connect the dots between news and what it means for your podcasting journey.
What’s staying the same:
Upcoming Events: Your go-to source for must-attend podcasting events.
Network Highlights: Updates and new episodes from our incredible network members.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of the new format. Let’s dive into our first issue of 2025!
Understanding Business Podcast Consumers
What’s Happening: A report from Sounds Profitable and American Public Media shines the light on some fascinating insights into business podcast listeners. The study reveals that this audience is twice as likely to engage with self-improvement and health & fitness podcasts compared to the average listener and reflects a holistic approach to personal and professional growth among this demographic.
As a frequent listener of business podcasts, this report proves that listeners of these shows are not just interested in professional success—they’re striving for well-rounded personal growth. The pendulum swing from hustle culture to self-care has shown us that there is a desire to integrate wellness into our busy lives. For us podcasters, this represents an opportunity to tap into an audience eager for content that supports both their careers and their well-being.
What This Means for Podcasters:
Expand Your Content Offering:
If you host a business-focused podcast, consider weaving in episodes that touch on self-improvement or wellness topics. For example, explore themes like “Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs” or “Mindfulness Practices to Boost Productivity.” This broader content approach could attract and retain listeners who value personal and professional development.
Tailor Your Advertising Strategy:
Advertisers targeting business podcast audiences should look beyond traditional business-related products. Incorporating wellness or self-improvement products into ad campaigns aligns with this demographic's interests and may lead to higher conversion rates.
Leverage Cross-Promotion Opportunities:
Collaborate with self-improvement or health-focused podcasts to cross-promote content. This can introduce your show to a broader audience already inclined to explore topics that complement your focus.
Catch up on our shows
In Afrocentric. host Morgan explores the profound historical and contemporary suppression of Black voices. The narrative traces a devastating journey from the brutal silencing tactics during slavery to modern systemic oppression. Morgan connects historical suppression to contemporary challenges, examining modern manifestations like voter suppression, algorithmic bias on social media, and the ongoing stigmatization of Black activism. The episode ultimately serves as a powerful exploration of voice, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for genuine freedom of expression.
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are prioritizing your well-being with their health-centered affirmations episode! Join them as they share empowering affirmations to inspire physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
When a local entrepreneur leaves for his morning walk but doesn't return home, family members and investigators set out to find him. Where is Tyler Weathersby? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime!
In Grad School Femtoring, Yvette welcomes guest and dear friend, Doris Difarnecio, a feminist, interdisciplinary artist, theater director, and performance activist, to share her remarkable journey through performance as activism. Together, they explore themes of identity, race, gender, and sexuality, and how these intersect with Doris’ artistic and activist efforts.
On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the fantastic Lauryn Axelrod. Lauryn is an ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual minister, chaplain, spiritual director, and teacher. A One Spirit Interfaith/Interspiritual Seminary graduate, she is also the founding Spiritual Director of Three Mountains Interspiritual Community.
Joined by friend Katee and silent watcher Drew, the ladies of Wining About Herstory are talking ghostly time travel, voting loopholes, and glass dildoes! First, Emily stays close to home, investigating a local school's namesake Harriet Bishop. Best known as 'St. Paul's First Teacher,' Harriet's life and legacy is much more messy and problematic than initially believed. Then, Kelley tells the story of Charlotte Edith Anderson Monture, a Mohawk woman who got an education (despite not being allowed to), became a nurse (despite not being allowed to), and served in WWI on the front lines saving lives.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
Featured Event: Grow Your Reach: Proven Strategies for Podcast Audience Growth - January 16th at 4pm EST:
Growing your audience doesn’t have to be complicated. Stephanie Andrews, VP of Product, and Quincy de Vries, Senior Producer at Quill and CoHost will share proven, efficient strategies for building a dedicated listener base. This workshop will cover actionable growth tactics that fit into any marketing plan, designed to help you reach more listeners and increase your podcast’s impact. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
TPA Presents: Trademarking Your Podcast = Safeguarding Your Brand - TODAY, January 10th at 12pm EST: As the podcasting landscape becomes more crowded, protecting your show’s identity is crucial. In this webinar, you’ll learn the essentials of trademarking your podcast from legal counsel Becky Lessard, including how to safeguard your show’s name and logo, how to navigate the dreaded “cease and desist,” and the costs associated with the trademark process. Whether you’re just starting or already established, understanding how trademarks work for podcasts will help you avoid legal pitfalls and protect your creation from costly mistakes or infringement. Will be followed by an audience Q&A. {This is a members-only event. Join The Podcast Academy here.}
Brand Podcast Summit 2025 - January 14 - 15th: A free, two-day virtual event designed to help brands revolutionize their marketing through successful brand podcast strategies. It is designed for marketers, founders, and business leaders who want to break away from the more traditional marketing approaches. For those who want to use podcasting to become thought leaders in their industry, gain leads and raise brand awareness [Free]
North Carolina Audio Meetup - January 18th at 4pm EST: Open to audio makers of all kinds in North Carolina and surrounding states. We meet online to share resources, build community, and offer feedback, along with hosting occasional guest speakers and in-person meet-ups.This event is organized by Elizabeth Friend of the NC Audio Group and Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) [Free]
YouTube, PSO, SEO... Discover the 5 levers to skyrocket your podcast - January 28th at 11:30am EST: Many podcasters waste time on channels that don’t deliver results. But with the right focus, your growth potential is limitless.
Join Ausha for an exclusive live session where we unveil the 5 must-have channels to effectively acquire new listeners and take your podcast to the next level. Odile Beniflah, Head of US at Ausha, will guide you through the key strategies for maximizing the impact of your promotional efforts. [Free]
Webinar: A new model for the podcast ecosystem - January 28th at 4pm EST: Lenny.fm is a new platform for listeners to support creators. It takes payments and allocates the money based on listener preference. And a few other things behind the scenes. We made it from our experience as independent podcasters, trying to make any money from podcasts any way we could. The podcast ecosystem is unique and deserves a solution to match. Join this discussion to see how a new normal for podcasts is immediately possible, one that benefits creators and listeners. This demo is free for anyone to attend the live session. The recording will be available for AIR members on SoundPath.
Podcasting for Social Change - January 28th at 5pm EST: In an era where media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal views, podcasters have a unique opportunity to influence public discourse and foster social change. Discover how to use podcasting as a dynamic tool for advocacy and impact, crafting content that not only informs but also inspires action and drives social change. {This event is an exclusive event for WOC Podcasters members. To join WOC Podcasters, sign up here.}
Evolutions 2025 - March 31 - April 1st in Chicago, IL (someone you know might be speaking there 😉): Evolutions is Podcast Movement’s spring conference where audio and video podcasters, and podcast professionals, come together to strengthen their networks, elevate their craft, stay ahead of industry trends. Where the Business & Art of Podcasting Evolves! Tickets available now.
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 7-day free trial here.
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