Friday Newsflow: Apple’s Top New Shows Reveal What Listeners Want
Apple just dropped its list of the Top New Shows in the U.S., and it’s a snapshot of what listeners are craving right now—deep dives into politics, cultural reckonings, and true crime.
Among the titles:
🧠 The Best People (Nicole Wallace) — navigating politics and power
📜 The Rest is History — already making waves on paid Apple Subscriptions
🔍 Trial by Jury: Diddy — timely and controversial
These are high-production shows, yes—but they’re also a reminder that audiences are still deeply drawn to voice-first storytelling. The kind of storytelling that says something.
Why It Matters
These charts are always a reflection of industry dollars, but they’re also a signal of what’s trending with everyday listeners. The shows dominating right now are rooted in timely narratives, identity, and deeper cultural meaning. Which means...
There’s room for more of us.
There’s room for creators with bold perspectives.
There’s still a huge gap when it comes to Black and brown indie voices being funded, recognized, and elevated at this level.
That’s where the work we’re doing in the WOC Podcasters Community comes in. Whether it’s our public podcast directory or our WOC Sisterhood Connect program, we’re actively creating the ecosystem that ensures shows like yours are seen and heard.
Your Move
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect moment” to pitch your podcast idea, start a new series, or submit to a curated playlist—this is it. Here’s what to try:
Write a one-paragraph pitch for a podcast you wish existed. Then ask yourself—can you make it real?
Check out Apple’s list for genre inspo, but give it your own cultural lens.
And if you want your podcast added to a directory designed specifically for Black and brown women podcasters? Submit here.
Bottom Line
Charts change. But the need for authentic, diverse stories? That’s constant.
If you’ve got a voice, a mic, and a story, don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Create anyway. Share anyway. Because one day, the top charts might just look like us.
💬 What podcast would you love to hear more of—and why hasn’t it been made yet?
Last Chance! WOC Podcasters Scholarship Applications Close today!
Because of our growing support here on Substack, we’re now able to offer a free one-year membership to one deserving woman of color. If podcasting has been calling your name—but cost has been holding you back—this is for you.
🗓️ Apply by June 13th
📩 Submit your application here
And if you’re already a member or not eligible—but still want to support? Every single paid subscription helps us offer more scholarships. Two more subscribers = two more creators funded.
Let’s make access part of the culture. Not the exception.
Help Us Grow WOC Voices in Podcasting
Thanks to our newest paid subscriber, we can now fully fund a one-year membership to WOC Podcasters for a Black or brown woman who may not be financially able to join.
This is the power of community support. And we’re just getting started. Right now, less than 3% of our Substack audience are paid subscribers. But even a small shift would mean a lot.
Here’s what just one subscription can do:
🟣 At 5%, we can consistently offer free memberships to women who need them
🟣 At 10%, we can fund monthly workshops, templates, and resources for indie creators
🟣 At 20%, we can offer microgrants, bring on paid contributors, and expand our public-facing tools—like the podcast directory
We’re building something creator-led and community-first. No corporate fluff. Just intentional space for growth, visibility, and care.
If you believe in that work, help us grow it.
$5/month or $50/year. Subscribe here.
Where’s the Episode Round-Up?
I’m in Florida this week for gymnastics camp (for my son folks…I haven’t been able to do a cartwheel in years). Browse the Atabey & Co. podcast network and share a favorite episode this week. Your shoutout could help someone else discover their new go-to show.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
*Podcast Offers: Turn Your Show Into a Lead Generator - June 25th at 4pm ET
Build offers that align with your podcast—and convert your listeners into buyers. Your podcast is more than just content—it’s a trust-building engine. This workshop is for service providers, creatives, coaches, or educators who want to build simple, intentional offers that turn their audience into clients or customers. You don’t need a complicated funnel to monetize—you need aligned messaging, clear CTAs, and a deep understanding of what your audience actually needs. {WOC Podcasters Members. Not a member? Join here.}
How to maximize your visibility on Apple Podcasts By Ausha - June 17 at 11:30am ET: Apple Podcasts remains the #1 listening app in the U.S. and in key markets worldwide, yet many shows struggle to break through. That’s where strategy, data, and the right tools make all the difference. At Ausha, we support more than 20,000 creators in launching and marketing high-performing shows. Join us for a free 30-minute session packed with proven strategies to boost your rankings, improve discoverability and grow faster in key section of Apple Podcasts. [Free]
Protect your Podcast with Easy, Affordable Legal Strategies! - June 19th at 10am PT: Exclusive workshop led by Gordon Firemark, The Podcast Lawyer™ shows easy, affordable ways to handle your podcast’s business & legal affairs the way the pros do. Without lawyers, without hassles, without uncertainty. [Free]
The Infinite Dial 2025 - June 19th at 9pm ET: Join CRA and Edison Research for an insight-packed 30-minute webinar unpacking how Australians are listening to live and on-demand audio - and what it means for brands. Featuring the latest 2025 data and insights from Edison’s Larry Rosin, Lauren Joyce from ARN, Margie Reid from Thinkerbell plus other industry experts, with Tim Burrowes from Unmade / Mumbrella hosting. [Free]
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 30-day free trial here.
Want to Submit Your Content to The Podcaster’s Digest?
We’re always looking for more content to share with our subscribers. Learn more about how to submit your content here.