This Week In The Podverse, September 6, 2024
Joey Akan shared a wild behind-the-scenes story from "Afrobeats Intelligence". Let’s just say, big plans, unexpected twists, and a bottle of Orijin were involved. Sometimes the hustle throws curveballs, but the way he handled it? Classic Joey. Read more...
This week in Whatspodcasting: The Newsletter, 'Techpoint Africa Podcast' tackles Lagos' tax on remote workers and why MTN is blocking lines. Meanwhile, 'The Honest Bunch' reminisces about when garri was cheap and Tinubu wasn’t everywhere. For laughs, check out 'Engween' on JoJo Siwa’s fall from grace. Read more...
Kinshasa, June 2024. A handful of young journalists and civil society reps come together, all eyes on the future, ears tuned to the power of sound. They're here for one thing—learning to weave stories that don't just inform but inspire action. It's podcasting with a purpose, mixing voices that protect the planet with those that speak for its people. Radio Workshop’s got the right idea: empower the storytellers, and you just might change the world. Curious about what happens next? Read more…
James Cridland, editor of Podnews, was stuck in an airport lounge and couldn’t record his usual episode. So, he used Wondercraft AI to clone his voice. The AI did well, except for a small slip-up pronouncing “Spreaker.” Cridland could’ve fixed it, but he chose noodles instead. Some listeners thought the AI version sounded a bit bored, but it got the job done! Read more...
Spotify swoops into Latin America in 2019, pours money into podcasts, and boom! Suddenly, podcasting is the next big thing. Everyone's talking about it, creating shows, dreaming big. Fast forward a few years, and Spotify decides to pull back. Now, producers are left scratching their heads, wondering how to keep the lights on without the big green money machine. It’s like watching a balloon deflate after being blown up too fast. But maybe the industry didn’t need all that hot air in the first place. Read more…
From the heart of the Amazon to the streets of Lagos, voices once silenced by mainstream narratives are now reclaiming their place in history, one episode at a time. It’s a modern-day oral history movement. But with power comes responsibility—these stories must be told with respect, authenticity, and a commitment to preserving them for future generations. Read more…
The Only Murders in the Building trio is back, diving into more chaos, but have you noticed their podcast gear? Oliver’s trusty iPhone, Mabel’s switch to Audio-Technica headphones, and Charles’ $1,000 mic might just be more than quirky choices—they're actually doing the job. Makes you wonder if they're onto something. Read more…
Born out of the pandemic's chaos, Florence St Leger crafted ‘Sleepless Creatives’ to soothe performers struggling with sleep. The idea hit her during lockdown, turning personal struggle into a lifeline for others in the arts. With episodes featuring poems, plays, and monologues, it’s a niche podcast that’s grown from humble beginnings to a beacon of calm for artists. Read more…
In a dramatic twist, Maryland’s highest court has swung the gavel back on Adnan Syed’s case, reinstating his murder conviction after he was freed in 2022. For those who’ve been following the “Serial” podcast, Syed, who spent over 20 years behind bars, was initially released when the court found that he had been wrongfully convicted. But an appeals court stepped in, claiming procedural missteps in notifying the victim’s brother, Young Lee. So now, it’s back to the lower courts to figure out if Syed’s conviction should stick or not. Meanwhile, Syed walks free as the legal circus continues. Read more…
Chris and Rosie Ramsey are in the spotlight for their candid podcast 'Shagged Married Annoyed', where they humorously dish out the trials of parenting. Critics argue their jokes about their kids go too far, but Chris defends it as a way to build character and humour. Rosie sees it as a relief for other parents. Read more…
Chris Stone, Executive Producer at 'New Statesman', is set to launch a new Substack newsletter titled 'Podcast Strategy Weekly' on September 9th. Aimed at podcasters, the newsletter will offer actionable tips on audience growth, influence, and revenue generation. Drawing from over 12 years of experience, Stone will cover topics including podcast development, production, marketing, video podcasts, and the business side of podcasting. Read More…
Rich (@richrunstrack) is calling out podcast "best practices," saying forget the need for video, fancy launch strategies, or rushing into the content. Just record, publish, and figure things out as you go. If you love what you're creating, marketing won't even feel like work. Real talk. Read more…
Ever wonder what makes those chat podcasts so irresistible? It’s all about chemistry—the special spark between hosts that turns simple conversations into pure magic. Take “Critics at Large” from The New Yorker. The hosts don’t just chat; they create an atmosphere of genuine connection and playful banter that draws you in. Read more…
In the podcast '#1 Dad', comedian Gary Vider revisits his chaotic childhood with his conman father, Manny. From scamming free sports tickets to shady business practices, the series reveals a portrait of dysfunction and deceit. As Vider reconnects with his estranged father after 24 years, the podcast offers a gripping exploration of their troubled past and its impact on Vider’s life. Intrigued? Read more…
Haliey Welch, aka "Hawk Tuah Girl," is trading TikTok fame for the podcast mic with "Talk Tuah", backed by Jake Paul's media company. Her show, a mix of interviews, laughs, and relationship advice, is set to launch on September 10. Viral one day, podcast star the next—But will these influencers really bring anything new, or is it just more noise in the content jungle? Read more...
Video is now taking centre stage, with YouTube and Spotify outpacing Apple Podcasts. There's a growing belief that video is crucial for podcast growth in 2024, although some, like Robb Dunewood, argue that audio-only shows can still succeed. The conversation also highlights a push for Apple Podcasts to enhance its video capabilities. Read more…
Harry Morton is less than impressed with the "Diary of a CEO" setup featuring Andrew Huberman and Steve Bartlett. Morton criticises the glossy, reflective table and hard surfaces that turn the room into an echo chamber, compromising audio quality. He laments that the focus on visual appeal is overshadowing the essential audio experience of podcasting. Read more...
Liz Hames, a podcast strategist, calls for a "quiet room"—a space where creators can rediscover the joy of podcasting without the pressures of growth and metrics. She highlights ‘Sound Judgement’ by Elaine Appleton Grant and ‘Podcast the Newsletter’ by Lauren Passell as refreshing examples of this approach. In a landscape driven by success, Liz reminds us to find joy in the simple act of creating. Read more…
Sport Social, the Manchester-based podcast network, is teaming up with Stoke City, Wolves, and Aston Villa to launch new club podcasts. It’s more than just game talk—it’s about connecting fans with the stories behind their favourite players. With 10 million monthly downloads, they’re showing the power of podcasting. Makes you think, could African clubs do the same? Read more…
Headliner just rolled out AI-generated social captions for podcasters. Now, every audiogram comes with platform-specific captions, dynamic titles, and direct links to your full episode, making it easier to drive traffic. Curious? Read more…
Elissa from Headliner also hit me up—my suggestion for YouTube video captioning by URL is now live! You can use Make by Headliner for short clips or Eddy for full-length transcriptions. Feels good to see feedback in action!
“Persistence and passion turn every podcast challenge into an opportunity.” 🎙️