Friday Newsflow: Podcasting Ain’t Dead—But It’s Being Sold for Parts
This week, another studio fell.
Pineapple Street Studios, once the darling of narrative podcasting, is officially shutting down. Audacy, who bought the studio in 2019 for $18 million, is laying off nearly 30 employees, and the brand itself will disappear into the digital graveyard. This comes just three months after they shuttered Cadence13 and barely a year after acquiring Moonbeam, which… is now a Ukrainian tech company? You can’t make this up.
What’s Happening
Audacy emerged from bankruptcy in January and has been rapidly offloading its podcast properties:
Cadence13 ($50M purchase) closed in March.
Podcorn ($22.5M purchase) was rebranded as “Audacy Creator Lab” in April.
Moonbeam? Vanished.
Now Pineapple Street joins the pile.
They will continue producing some shows, but it’s clear the strategy is no longer investing in creative houses. It’s cutting costs and salvaging ad revenue.
Why It Matters
Pineapple Street made gorgeous audio. They produced Missing Richard Simmons, Still Processing, The Clearing, Wind of Change, and Because of Anita. It was one of the rare spaces where producers, especially women and folks of color, were given runway to create bold, layered, longform work.
And now? Another reminder that big podcasting is not the future—independent podcasting is. But also: indie creators need support. The model is shifting, but we can’t sustain this ecosystem without community, resources, and actual pathways to stability.
Your Move
💡 If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start building something for you, this is it. Whether you’re rethinking how to run your show, diversify income, or even step into entrepreneurship, you’re not alone.
➡️ That’s why I just launched The Thrive Room —a values-driven business collective for women entrepreneurs. It's a new container (completely separate from WOC Podcasters and Atabey & Co) where we’re talking about what it really takes to build something sustainable, especially when you're the only one in the room with your lens, your story, and your mic.
Bottom Line
The podcasting “boom” may be over for the big players, but for us? It’s still Day One. The mic isn’t going anywhere. And neither are we.
💬 If studios and networks disappear, how can we—as a community—build the next version of this industry? What would you want it to look like?
Help Us Grow WOC Voices in Podcasting
Two amazing women were recently awarded a one-year membership to WOC Podcasters thanks to our Substack supporters!
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.
Catch up on our shows
On Grad School Femtoring, Yvette chats with Rhonda Kahn, a speaker, coach, and consultant specializing in amplifying the unique voices of leaders and teams. They address the importance of owning your story and how to communicate both intentionally and powerfully. Rhonda shares her journey from a speech-language pathologist to an actor and then a public speaking coach. She also offers practical strategies for managing nerves, connecting authentically in various settings, and using storytelling to enhance communication skills.
On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the amazing Michelle Campbell about financial literacy, mental health, and self-worth and common misconceptions people have about money management.
To celebrate Pride month on Wining About Herstory, Kelley tells the story of Lucy Diggs Slowe, the other half of the Mary Burrell power couple. Lucy spent her life trying to advance academics for women while having to hide her own identity from the world. Then, Emily recounts her recent visit to Congressional Cemetery's Gay Corner through the story of Cmdr. Alyce Victorine Grillet, a queer, poly sailor who proved that sexuality and service can coexist.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
*AI for Podcasters Who Have Better Things to Do - July 10th at 2pm ET
Join Mafe Salazar, podcast alchemist, to learn how to audit your podcast and level up your content without losing your voice or sounding like a robot. {WOC Podcasters Members. Not a member? Join here.}
Grow your podcast audience and expand your reach with vertical video - Radio Boot Camp - June 30 at 12pm ET: In today’s landscape producing an excellent podcast isn’t enough. If you are looking to grow your audience, engage more deeply with your existing community, and build your brand, you also need to show up on social media. While it may seem daunting, Brand Strategist Elosi Ikharo will show you how a simple social strategy driven by engaging vertical video can unlock your show’s growth and engagement potential. Elosi will show you how to begin building your own strategy powered by vertical video as well as practical tips to get started. As she’ll explain, you don’t need a whole team or expensive equipment to make it for yourself – all you need is your phone! [$75]
Unlock the Power of Podcasting to Grow Your Business - July 1st at 11am CT: Unlock the power of podcasting to grow your business! Our comprehensive 90-Minute Workshop for Coaches, Creators & Service Based Entrepreneurs
Ready to Turn Your Voice Into a Lead-Generating Machine? Discover the 3-part method to attract aligned clients even if you’re just getting started. [$47]
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.
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