Into The Podverse, April 12, 2024
This Week In The Podverse...
The Young God and Haima Initiative hosted a blood donation podcast event, collecting over 30 pints. Egorp David praised 'The 4th Republic' podcast, while The Conversation launched a Mandela series. Afripods offered a monetization class, and Flight Studio aimed to redefine the industry. WYSO highlighted women's impact, and Colin Gray favoured audio-only formats for podcasts. Amazon planned TV adaptations of Audible podcasts, and Norway's CEO hosted 'In Good Company'. Neal Veglio exposed scams, and YouTube Music added new features. Riverside.fm introduced "Mobile Webcam" for recordings. Dig In!
The Young God partnered with the Haima Initiative to host a unique event combining blood donation with podcast listening. Despite falling short of their 50-pint target, the event gathered over 30 pints of blood. Attendees, including members of The Young God community and casual donors, left feeling fulfilled and connected to the cause. This innovative approach to community engagement accentuates the power of entertainment in driving social impact. See photos below:
The theme for this week's APVA AI Challenge is to create merchandise designs of any kind related to audio work e.g. podcasters, voice artists, spoken word artists or creativity in general. Have you joined the community yet?
Egorp David, a Digital Product Designer, Researcher, and Podcast Manager, lauds 'The 4th Republic' podcast by The Culture Custodian for its insightful coverage of Nigerian politics. In the latest episode, host OluwaMayowa Idowu interviews former Minister Prince Clem Agba. Listen Now!
Thirty years after Nelson Mandela's presidency marked the end of apartheid in South Africa, the country faces political and economic challenges. To mark this milestone, The Conversation is launching a special podcast series titled "What Happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa?" The series will explore the nation's journey through interviews with political experts, covering topics from the transition to the current state of affairs. Read More
Discovered on Threads, 'The Cool Christian Podcast' is aimed at those seeking a deeper connection with God. Originating from the Cool Christian Corner movement, the podcast has over 5000 global members. A recent episode, 'Before Saying I Do,' features insights from a renowned author and marriage coach. Check out The Trailer!
Carol Ofori shares expert insights for creating engaging podcasts. Drawing from her experience hosting 'The Carol Ofori Podcast,' Ofori emphasizes three key strategies: igniting curiosity with captivating introductions, fostering authentic conversations, and embracing diversity and variety in content. Read More
Afripods presents its first Virtual Pod Class on April 18th, focusing on innovative podcast monetization strategies. Led by Kevin Y. Brown, attendees will gain insights from industry experts on maximizing podcast reach. Register for freeÂ
Steven Bartlett has launched Flight Studio, a global podcast media and technology company. Flight Studio aims to redefine the podcast industry by focusing on development, growth, and monetization. Notable personalities such as Davina McCall and Dr Tara Swart have already joined the platform. Read More
WYSO debuts 'Women's Voices Women's Music in the WYSO Archives' podcast, highlighting women's impact on the station's history since 1958. Led by Music Director Juliet Fromholt and Director of Radio Preservation Jocelyn Robinson, the series explores pivotal moments and genres, aiming for gender parity in programming. Read More
Colin Gray challenges the prevailing notion that video is essential for podcast success. He argues that new podcasters should prioritize audio-only formats to hone their craft and grow their audience before considering video. Read More
Amazon is set to turn popular Audible podcasts into TV shows for Prime Video. Among the podcasts slated for adaptation are "The Prophecy," a supernatural thriller, and "Nut Jobs," a true-crime series. Read More
Norway's $1.6 trillion sovereign wealth fund CEO, Nicolai Tangen, doubles as a podcast host, inviting elite CEOs like Elon Musk and Ana BotÃn to share insights on his show "In Good Company." Tangen aims to offer transparency and engagement with companies the fund invests in, fostering candid conversations with industry leaders. Read More
Neal Veglio exposes a widespread scam in the industry. He warns against 'professional podcast promoters' who promise chart success through fake engagement tactics. Veglio advocates for genuine audience growth, emphasizing integrity in promotion. His LinkedIn post sheds light on the issue, sparking industry reflection.
YouTube Music adds new podcast features: sorting episodes, recommendations, and improved search. However, users want features like marking episodes as played and better cross-device playback. They also express frustration over the killing off of Google Podcasts and suggest improvements like auto-download and auto-delete options. Read More
Riverside.fm has introduced a new feature: "Mobile Webcam." Users can now utilize their smartphones as high-quality webcams during recordings. This update supports up to 4K video quality, works across iOS and Android devices, and seamlessly integrates with Riverside's platform. It's designed to benefit both hosts and guests, ensuring high-quality video contributions, even without a professional webcam. For early access, keep an eye on the waitlist.
Podverb Of The Week
"Listen closely, for within the waves of sound, lies the wisdom of the ages."
Tony, I mentioned your excellent newsletter in my Substack post today. It was my attempt to support my fellow Substack podcast writers.