February 24, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode of The Podcast Weekly Brief, Michelle introduces listeners to the top stories in the podcasting industry. The episode covers Ashley Flowers' successful $40 million fundraising for 'Crime Junkie' and Podimo's achievement of one million paid subscribers. It highlights the expanded partnership between Evergreen Podcasts and Rhapsody Voices, and delves into the podcasting market forecast and key trends from 2025 to 2034. The discussion emphasizes North America's continued dominance in the market, and Michelle Wolf's expansion of 'Thought Box' into live streaming. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe for more updates.
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Welcome back to the Podcast Daily Brief, yourgo-to update on the latest trends, tools, and
insights in the podcasting world.
I’m your host, AI Michelle, and this is aMagicPod, produced by PodcastAI.
Here are our top stories today…
First, 'Crime Junkie' Host Ashley Flowersraises forty million dollars to build a
(00:25):
podcasting empire.
Second, Podimo hits a million paid podcastsubscribers.
Third, Evergreen Podcasts and Rhapsody Voicesannounce new intellectual property acquisition
and expansion.
Fourth, the podcasting market forecast from twothousand twenty-five to two thousand
thirty-four evaluates growth.
(00:45):
Lastly, Michelle Wolf expands her podcastThought Box to live streaming.
Our first story today is about Ashley Flowers,the host of the immensely popular podcast
'Crime Junkie.' Ashley Flowers has successfullyraised forty million dollars in funding to
further expand her podcasting empire.
This impressive funding round is set to propelher already successful podcast into new
(01:09):
heights, allowing her to take on majorplatforms like YouTube and Hollywood.
In addition to this, Ashley is planning herbiggest live tour yet, bringing her compelling
storytelling to audiences across the country.
With this new investment, Ashley Flowers ispoised to make a significant impact in the
podcasting industry, leveraging her experienceand popularity to create a lasting legacy.
(01:36):
Our next story is about Podimo, thesubscription-based podcast and audiobook
company that has reached a significantmilestone.
Podimo has announced that it has hit onemillion paid subscribers globally.
This achievement marks a significant moment forthe five-year-old company, which has managed to
become profitable in three of its markets.
(01:58):
Podimo operates primarily across Europe andLatin America, and this expansion has evidently
paid off.
The company’s growth comes at a time whensubscription models in the podcasting industry
are gaining traction.
With more consumers willing to pay forhigh-quality, ad-free content, Podimo's success
is a testament to the increasing demand forpremium podcast experiences.
(02:22):
The company’s ability to attract a substantialaudience willing to pay for content underscores
the potential for subscription models to thrivein the podcasting world.
Podimo’s achievement also highlights thecompetitive landscape in the podcasting
industry, where companies are vying forsubscribers in a crowded market.
The subscription model offers content creatorsa steady revenue stream, which can be
(02:47):
reinvested into producing even better contentand expanding their reach.
As Podimo continues to grow, it will beinteresting to see how they leverage their
subscriber base and profitability to innovateand expand further.
Our next story comes from the heart of thepodcasting industry, where Evergreen Podcasts
(03:08):
and Rhapsody Voices have announced asignificant new intellectual property
acquisition and expanded partnership withAirship.
This exciting development marks a majormilestone for these companies, as they continue
to solidify their presence in the podcastingspace.
The announcement comes on the heels of thesuccess of American Criminal, a podcast that
(03:30):
has taken the true crime genre by storm.
Since its launch in 2024, American Criminal hasamassed over two million downloads, captivating
audiences with its deep dives into the lives ofnotorious felons, both historical and modern.
Hosted by Jeremy Schwartz, the show is knownfor its meticulous research and gripping
(03:51):
storytelling.
The expanded partnership between Airship,Rhapsody Voices, and Evergreen Podcasts
includes shared intellectual property ofAmerican Criminal, signaling a promising future
for the podcast.
Lindsay Graham, the CEO of Airship andExecutive Producer of American Criminal,
expressed enthusiasm about the partnership,emphasizing the potential to reach even more
(04:15):
listeners and expand the show's contentofferings.
Mike Jensen, CEO of Rhapsody Voices, echoedthis sentiment, highlighting the show's ability
to attract a growing and engaged audience thatsupports an increasing list of sponsors.
The collaboration aims to bring premium truecrime content with a historical twist to a
(04:36):
wider audience, ensuring that the storytellingremains both entertaining and informative.
Evergreen Podcasts, known for its commitment tohigh production values and artistic integrity,
continues to expand its influence in thepodcasting industry.
With a diverse roster of shows that span genresfrom true crime to pop culture and comedy,
(04:58):
Evergreen is positioning itself as a majorplayer in the independent podcast network
space.
As the partnership unfolds, listeners can lookforward to more captivating episodes of
American Criminal and potentially new contentideas that will keep them at the edge of their
seats.
This collaboration represents a significantstep forward in the evolution of podcasting, as
(05:19):
companies like Evergreen and Rhapsody continueto innovate and push the boundaries of the
medium.
Our next segment delves into the podcastingmarket forecast for 2025 to 2034, as reported
by The Business Research Company.
The podcasting industry is on an impressivegrowth trajectory, fueled by several
(05:41):
industry-specific factors.
One of the most significant contributors tothis growth is the expansion of internet
access.
This expansion has been driven by the increaseduse of mobile devices and smartphones, as well
as the emergence of novel internet-basedcommunication methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated thistrend, as more people turned to online
(06:05):
platforms for communication, entertainment, andeducation during lockdowns.
According to DataReportal's statistics,internet usage in the United States reached
approximately ninety-two percent in 2022,marking an increase of 2.8 percent, which
translates to an additional 8.4 millioninternet users between 2021 and 2022.
(06:30):
Similarly, the United Kingdom saw its internetusage rate rise to about ninety-eight percent
in 2022, with an increase of 0.4 percent,adding three hundred thousand internet users
within the same period.
This surge in internet access is expected tosignificantly drive the growth of the
podcasting industry as it becomes more integralto online education and leisure activities.
(06:56):
The podcast industry is projected to grow fromthirty-six point two eight billion dollars in
2024 to forty-seven point eight three billiondollars in 2025, reflecting a compound annual
growth rate of 31.8 percent.
This remarkable growth is attributed to therising demand for on-demand content, improved
internet accessibility, the growing appeal ofaudio-on-demand services, the increasing need
(07:21):
for personalized content, and thediversification of platforms.
Looking further ahead, the podcasting market isexpected to reach a value of one hundred
thirty-four point six eight billion dollars by2029, with a compound annual growth rate of
29.5 percent.
Several key trends are reshaping the podcastingmarket.
(07:44):
These include improvements in podcastingtechnology, a surge in the popularity of
serialized storytelling, advancements inpodcast analytics and metrics, the rise of live
podcast events, and the emergence of short-formpodcasts.
Additionally, the development of new products,such as podcast apps in Arabic, is meeting the
(08:06):
increasing demand for regional content andengaging Arabic-speaking audiences with
customized podcasts across various genres.
The market is segmented by genre, includingnews and politics, society and culture, comedy,
sports, and other genres.
Each of these segments is further divided intosubsegments such as daily news podcasts,
(08:30):
political commentary, stand-up comedy, athleteinterviews, and true crime, among others.
This segmentation allows for a structuredunderstanding of the podcasting market's scope
and growth potential.
North America currently holds the largest shareof the podcasting market, with key players
driving industry growth, including AmazonIncorporated, Apple Incorporated, and
(08:54):
iHeartMedia Incorporated, among others.
These companies, along with others likeMegaphone LLC, Resonate Recordings LLC, and
Lemonpie Incorporated, are at the forefront ofinnovation and expansion in the podcasting
space.
The Business Research Company's comprehensivereport provides valuable insights into the
(09:15):
podcasting market, highlighting growth factors,industry challenges, and opportunities for
expansion.
With a focus on market size forecasts,segmentation insights, and key player analysis,
the report offers a detailed exploration of thepodcasting industry's current landscape and
future potential.
(09:36):
Our final story today is about comedian andwriter Michelle Wolf, who is taking her
podcast, "Thought Box," to a whole new level byexpanding it into live streaming.
Set to officially launch on February 27th at 6PM, the live version of the podcast will debut
at La Laietana Cultural, welcoming a liveaudience for the first time and streaming
(09:57):
exclusively on the Punch Up platform.
Following the live event, viewers can watch thevideo on demand exclusively on Punch Up, and
the audio will be available for download on allmajor podcast services.
This expansion allows audiences to experiencethe energy and spontaneity of a live comedy
show from anywhere in the world.
(10:20):
Known for her quick wit and sharp humor,Michelle Wolf has always kept "Thought Box" as
close to stand-up comedy as possible.
By recording in front of a live audience, shedelivers both topical and non-topical jokes she
writes weekly.
With this live streaming addition, Michelle isoffering a fresh and unique experience in the
podcasting world.
(10:41):
In her own words, Michelle Wolf shared, "Mymain goal with this podcast is to bring
something fresh and unique to the table –there’s literally no one doing it this way.
We’re recording in front of a live audience andstreaming it, giving people the chance to watch
the show live or catch the stream after."
She further explained her initial hesitationabout starting a podcast, saying, "I was always
(11:06):
hesitant about doing a podcast because I justwanted to focus on stand-up, but I realized if
I was going to give it a go, I wanted to keepit as close to stand-up as possible."
Michelle Wolf is committed to making "ThoughtBox" feel like attending a brand-new stand-up
show every week, writing a plethora of jokes tokeep the content fresh and funny.
(11:27):
This innovative approach is sure to captivateaudiences and set a new standard in the
podcasting space.
That wraps up today’s update on Podcast DailyBrief.
If you enjoyed staying informed on the latesttrends and developments in the podcasting
world, be sure to subscribe or follow so younever miss an episode.
(11:48):
Stay connected with the world of podcasting!
Welcome back to the Podcast Daily Brief, yourgo-to update on the latest trends, tools, and
insights in the podcasting world.
I’m your host, AI Michelle, and this is aMagicPod, produced by PodcastAI.
Here are our top stories today…
First, 'Crime Junkie' Host Ashley Flowersraises forty million dollars to build a
(00:25):
podcasting empire.
Second, Podimo hits a million paid podcastsubscribers.
Third, Evergreen Podcasts and Rhapsody Voicesannounce new intellectual property acquisition
and expansion.
Fourth, the podcasting market forecast from twothousand twenty-five to two thousand
thirty-four evaluates growth.
(00:45):
Lastly, Michelle Wolf expands her podcastThought Box to live streaming.
Our first story today is about Ashley Flowers,the host of the immensely popular podcast
'Crime Junkie.' Ashley Flowers has successfullyraised forty million dollars in funding to
further expand her podcasting empire.
This impressive funding round is set to propelher already successful podcast into new
(01:09):
heights, allowing her to take on majorplatforms like YouTube and Hollywood.
In addition to this, Ashley is planning herbiggest live tour yet, bringing her compelling
storytelling to audiences across the country.
With this new investment, Ashley Flowers ispoised to make a significant impact in the
podcasting industry, leveraging her experienceand popularity to create a lasting legacy.
(01:36):
Our next story is about Podimo, thesubscription-based podcast and audiobook
company that has reached a significantmilestone.
Podimo has announced that it has hit onemillion paid subscribers globally.
This achievement marks a significant moment forthe five-year-old company, which has managed to
become profitable in three of its markets.
(01:58):
Podimo operates primarily across Europe andLatin America, and this expansion has evidently
paid off.
The company’s growth comes at a time whensubscription models in the podcasting industry
are gaining traction.
With more consumers willing to pay forhigh-quality, ad-free content, Podimo's success
is a testament to the increasing demand forpremium podcast experiences.
(02:22):
The company’s ability to attract a substantialaudience willing to pay for content underscores
the potential for subscription models to thrivein the podcasting world.
Podimo’s achievement also highlights thecompetitive landscape in the podcasting
industry, where companies are vying forsubscribers in a crowded market.
The subscription model offers content creatorsa steady revenue stream, which can be
(02:47):
reinvested into producing even better contentand expanding their reach.
As Podimo continues to grow, it will beinteresting to see how they leverage their
subscriber base and profitability to innovateand expand further.
Our next story comes from the heart of thepodcasting industry, where Evergreen Podcasts
(03:08):
and Rhapsody Voices have announced asignificant new intellectual property
acquisition and expanded partnership withAirship.
This exciting development marks a majormilestone for these companies, as they continue
to solidify their presence in the podcastingspace.
The announcement comes on the heels of thesuccess of American Criminal, a podcast that
(03:30):
has taken the true crime genre by storm.
Since its launch in 2024, American Criminal hasamassed over two million downloads, captivating
audiences with its deep dives into the lives ofnotorious felons, both historical and modern.
Hosted by Jeremy Schwartz, the show is knownfor its meticulous research and gripping
(03:51):
storytelling.
The expanded partnership between Airship,Rhapsody Voices, and Evergreen Podcasts
includes shared intellectual property ofAmerican Criminal, signaling a promising future
for the podcast.
Lindsay Graham, the CEO of Airship andExecutive Producer of American Criminal,
expressed enthusiasm about the partnership,emphasizing the potential to reach even more
(04:15):
listeners and expand the show's contentofferings.
Mike Jensen, CEO of Rhapsody Voices, echoedthis sentiment, highlighting the show's ability
to attract a growing and engaged audience thatsupports an increasing list of sponsors.
The collaboration aims to bring premium truecrime content with a historical twist to a
(04:36):
wider audience, ensuring that the storytellingremains both entertaining and informative.
Evergreen Podcasts, known for its commitment tohigh production values and artistic integrity,
continues to expand its influence in thepodcasting industry.
With a diverse roster of shows that span genresfrom true crime to pop culture and comedy,
(04:58):
Evergreen is positioning itself as a majorplayer in the independent podcast network
space.
As the partnership unfolds, listeners can lookforward to more captivating episodes of
American Criminal and potentially new contentideas that will keep them at the edge of their
seats.
This collaboration represents a significantstep forward in the evolution of podcasting, as
(05:19):
companies like Evergreen and Rhapsody continueto innovate and push the boundaries of the
medium.
Our next segment delves into the podcastingmarket forecast for 2025 to 2034, as reported
by The Business Research Company.
The podcasting industry is on an impressivegrowth trajectory, fueled by several
(05:41):
industry-specific factors.
One of the most significant contributors tothis growth is the expansion of internet
access.
This expansion has been driven by the increaseduse of mobile devices and smartphones, as well
as the emergence of novel internet-basedcommunication methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated thistrend, as more people turned to online
(06:05):
platforms for communication, entertainment, andeducation during lockdowns.
According to DataReportal's statistics,internet usage in the United States reached
approximately ninety-two percent in 2022,marking an increase of 2.8 percent, which
translates to an additional 8.4 millioninternet users between 2021 and 2022.
(06:30):
Similarly, the United Kingdom saw its internetusage rate rise to about ninety-eight percent
in 2022, with an increase of 0.4 percent,adding three hundred thousand internet users
within the same period.
This surge in internet access is expected tosignificantly drive the growth of the
podcasting industry as it becomes more integralto online education and leisure activities.
(06:56):
The podcast industry is projected to grow fromthirty-six point two eight billion dollars in
2024 to forty-seven point eight three billiondollars in 2025, reflecting a compound annual
growth rate of 31.8 percent.
This remarkable growth is attributed to therising demand for on-demand content, improved
internet accessibility, the growing appeal ofaudio-on-demand services, the increasing need
(07:21):
for personalized content, and thediversification of platforms.
Looking further ahead, the podcasting market isexpected to reach a value of one hundred
thirty-four point six eight billion dollars by2029, with a compound annual growth rate of
29.5 percent.
Several key trends are reshaping the podcastingmarket.
(07:44):
These include improvements in podcastingtechnology, a surge in the popularity of
serialized storytelling, advancements inpodcast analytics and metrics, the rise of live
podcast events, and the emergence of short-formpodcasts.
Additionally, the development of new products,such as podcast apps in Arabic, is meeting the
(08:06):
increasing demand for regional content andengaging Arabic-speaking audiences with
customized podcasts across various genres.
The market is segmented by genre, includingnews and politics, society and culture, comedy,
sports, and other genres.
Each of these segments is further divided intosubsegments such as daily news podcasts,
(08:30):
political commentary, stand-up comedy, athleteinterviews, and true crime, among others.
This segmentation allows for a structuredunderstanding of the podcasting market's scope
and growth potential.
North America currently holds the largest shareof the podcasting market, with key players
driving industry growth, including AmazonIncorporated, Apple Incorporated, and
(08:54):
iHeartMedia Incorporated, among others.
These companies, along with others likeMegaphone LLC, Resonate Recordings LLC, and
Lemonpie Incorporated, are at the forefront ofinnovation and expansion in the podcasting
space.
The Business Research Company's comprehensivereport provides valuable insights into the
(09:15):
podcasting market, highlighting growth factors,industry challenges, and opportunities for
expansion.
With a focus on market size forecasts,segmentation insights, and key player analysis,
the report offers a detailed exploration of thepodcasting industry's current landscape and
future potential.
(09:36):
Our final story today is about comedian andwriter Michelle Wolf, who is taking her
podcast, "Thought Box," to a whole new level byexpanding it into live streaming.
Set to officially launch on February 27th at 6PM, the live version of the podcast will debut
at La Laietana Cultural, welcoming a liveaudience for the first time and streaming
(09:57):
exclusively on the Punch Up platform.
Following the live event, viewers can watch thevideo on demand exclusively on Punch Up, and
the audio will be available for download on allmajor podcast services.
This expansion allows audiences to experiencethe energy and spontaneity of a live comedy
show from anywhere in the world.
(10:20):
Known for her quick wit and sharp humor,Michelle Wolf has always kept "Thought Box" as
close to stand-up comedy as possible.
By recording in front of a live audience, shedelivers both topical and non-topical jokes she
writes weekly.
With this live streaming addition, Michelle isoffering a fresh and unique experience in the
podcasting world.
(10:41):
In her own words, Michelle Wolf shared, "Mymain goal with this podcast is to bring
something fresh and unique to the table –there’s literally no one doing it this way.
We’re recording in front of a live audience andstreaming it, giving people the chance to watch
the show live or catch the stream after."
She further explained her initial hesitationabout starting a podcast, saying, "I was always
(11:06):
hesitant about doing a podcast because I justwanted to focus on stand-up, but I realized if
I was going to give it a go, I wanted to keepit as close to stand-up as possible."
Michelle Wolf is committed to making "ThoughtBox" feel like attending a brand-new stand-up
show every week, writing a plethora of jokes tokeep the content fresh and funny.
(11:27):
This innovative approach is sure to captivateaudiences and set a new standard in the
podcasting space.
That wraps up today’s update on Podcast DailyBrief.
If you enjoyed staying informed on the latesttrends and developments in the podcasting
world, be sure to subscribe or follow so younever miss an episode.
(11:48):
Stay connected with the world of podcasting!
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