March 17, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode of The Podcast Weekly Brief, Michelle begins with a welcome and an overview of the top stories in the podcasting industry. The episode explores key industry moves, including Del Fordham's new role at Audible Asia-Pacific, and delves into the growth of the Australian podcast market. It examines the ongoing debate between subscription and ad-supported podcast models, with a focus on engaging younger audiences. The discussion also highlights podcasting trends in Saudi Arabia and the implications of AI voice cloning in the Modi-Fridman podcast. The episode introduces a new podcast, "Security You Should Know," and concludes with closing remarks and a subscription reminder.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(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…
(00:20):
First, Del Fordham departs 9Podcasts to steerAudible's future in the Asia-Pacific region.
Second, we explore the power of podcasts andaudio streaming in Saudi Arabia.
Third, we'll take a look at how artificialintelligence voice cloning is helping to break
language barriers in the Modi-Fridman podcast.
Lastly, a new podcast is connecting securitysolutions with security leaders.
(00:46):
Del Fordham is no stranger to audiostorytelling.
Having led 9Podcasts and previously served ashead of audio at News Corporation, he has spent
years refining strategies that drive engagementand revenue in the podcasting space.
Now, as he steps into his new role as associatedirector for Audible Asia-Pacific Originals, he
is set to help shape the platform’s premiumcontent strategy in a rapidly growing market.
(01:12):
"The exciting thing that Audible has been doingover recent years, is focusing on premium
content," Fordham told Mediaweek.
"If you look at the content that Marc Fennell,in particular, has created from a podcast
perspective, it’s award-winning stuff.
Audible is about that premium experience."
Australia’s podcast market is booming,according to the 2024 Australian Podcast Report
(01:36):
by Commercial Radio Australia.
Society and culture, true crime, and newscontinue to dominate the landscape.
True crime fans, in particular, are powerlisteners – fifty-seven percent are more likely
to clock in five-plus hours of content weekly.
The report also revealed the medium is on ameteoric rise across the country, with
(01:58):
listenership up thirty-seven percent in justtwo years and nearly six million tuning in
weekly.
The boom is fueled by a growing pool ofpublishers and platforms meeting the surging
demand for on-the-go, on-demand audio.
As the podcast industry evolves, so does thebattle between subscription-based premium
content and ad-supported free podcasts.
(02:21):
Two major players, Audible and Spotify, takedistinct approaches to how they deliver and
monetize content.
Spotify has built its podcast empire largely onad-supported content, offering millions of free
podcasts while still featuring exclusive andsubscriber-only content.
Meanwhile, Audible operates primarily on asubscription model, where most content sits
(02:43):
behind a paywall.
Fordham believes his experience at NewsCorporation, where he oversaw the success of
subscription-based investigative podcasts, canoffer key insights into the potential of paid
audio content.
Fordham also sees an opportunity to tap into ayounger demographic, particularly listeners
under forty, who remain under-served byworld-class production.
(03:07):
"I feel like the younger demographic,thirty-five and under, maybe forty and under,
isn’t being as well-serviced as they could befrom a world-class production perspective," he
notes.
Interestingly, Fordham highlights that youngeraudiences tend to be more loyal: "I have found
that a younger audience, particularly underthirty-five, is far more sticky when it comes
(03:28):
to staying on content.
Whether that’s a true crime series, a lifestylepodcast, finance, business, or health and
well-being content, they are pressing ‘follow’and sticking around longer."
As more companies shift towardsubscription-based revenue models, Fordham
believes that businesses must reward theirpaying subscribers with content that justifies
(03:48):
their investment.
"We live in a changing landscape wheresubscriptions – whether audio, video, books, or
even your favorite news masthead – are morecommon than ever," he explains.
"Businesses need to reward that.
They need to reward the person for downloadingyour app, taking out a subscription, or even
(04:10):
just trialing it."
In Saudi Arabia, the podcasting and audiostreaming landscape is experiencing a
significant transformation, marking a pivotalshift in how content is consumed across the
region.
According to BroadcastPro Middle East, thisburgeoning industry is reshaping the
entertainment and media sectors, offering newopportunities for creators, studios, and
(04:34):
producers to engage with audiences ininnovative ways.
The rise of podcasts in Saudi Arabia is notjust a trend but a reflection of a broader
cultural shift towards digital consumption andon-demand media.
With a young, tech-savvy population, the demandfor content that can be accessed anywhere,
anytime is at an all-time high.
(04:56):
This has led to a surge in the production andconsumption of podcasts, which are now seen as
a crucial component of the entertainmentecosystem in the region.
One of the key drivers behind this growth isthe increasing availability of high-quality
Arabic content.
Studios and producers are focusing on creatingoriginal content that resonates with local
(05:18):
audiences, tapping into the rich culturalnarratives of the region.
This focus on culturally relevant content ishelping to establish a strong connection with
listeners, fostering a loyal and engagedaudience base.
Furthermore, the impact of audio streaming goesbeyond just entertainment.
(05:38):
Podcasts are becoming an essential tool foreducation and professional development,
providing a platform for experts and thoughtleaders to share insights and knowledge.
This educational aspect is particularlyappealing in a region that values learning and
self-improvement.
The growth of podcasts and audio streaming inSaudi Arabia is also being fueled by
(06:00):
technological advancements and increasedinternet penetration.
With improved infrastructure and greater accessto digital devices, more people are tuning into
podcasts and audio content than ever before.
This technological evolution is paving the wayfor a more connected and informed society.
As the podcasting industry continues to expand,it is clear that Saudi Arabia is emerging as a
(06:24):
key player in the global audio landscape.
The region's commitment to embracing new mediaand digital transformation is setting the stage
for continued innovation and growth in theyears to come.
In an exciting development within thepodcasting world, popular podcaster and
artificial intelligence researcher Lex Fridmanrecently hosted an interview with Prime
(06:48):
Minister Narendra Modi.
This interview was not just notable for itscontent but for its groundbreaking use of
AI-powered voice cloning technology, developedby the United States-based startup ElevenLabs.
The technology allowed the conversation to bedubbed in Hindi, English, and Russian, while
maintaining the authenticity, intonations,emotions, and style of both Modi's and
(07:12):
Fridman's voices.
Prime Minister Modi, during the podcast,emphasized the immense potential of artificial
intelligence, stating, "Artificial intelligencecan create many things based on human
imagination." The use of AI in the podcastaimed to enhance accessibility and reach by
breaking down language barriers, which iscrucial in a multilingual world.
(07:37):
Currently, the podcast is available not only inthe original mix of Hindi and English but also
in dubbed versions that extend its reach tonon-native speakers.
Mati Staniszewski, the co-founder ofElevenLabs, expressed his pride in the
achievement, stating on X, "Inspired by LexFridman and Narendra Modi's conversation - so
(07:58):
proud of our team for making it accessible inboth English and Hindi.
ElevenLabs was founded on the back ofpoor-quality dubbing.
Seeing it evolve into an immersive experiencethat preserves emotion and intent is
incredible." This highlights the company'scommitment to improving the quality of dubbed
content through advanced AI technology.
(08:22):
The conversation between Fridman and Modi,which spanned three hours, delved into a
variety of topics including Modi's journey fromchildhood to becoming the Prime Minister of
India, leadership, diplomacy, democracy inIndia, poverty, United States President Donald
Trump, China, and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Modi also shared his views on artificialintelligence, emphasizing that genuine human
(08:46):
intelligence is essential for AI to thrivesustainably.
He underscored India's significant contributionto the development of AI, stating, "No matter
what the world does with AI, it will remainincomplete without India.
I'm making this statement very responsibly."
The technology behind this podcast, AI voicecloning, involves using generative AI to
(09:11):
translate spoken content into differentlanguages while replicating the unique
characteristics of the original speaker'svoice.
This ensures that the dubbed content retainsthe authenticity of the original speech.
ElevenLabs' innovative approach to AI dubbingrepresents a significant leap forward in making
content more accessible and engaging for aglobal audience.
(09:36):
In today's segment, we're turning our attentionto an exciting new podcast that bridges the gap
between security solutions and the leaders whoneed them most.
"Security You Should Know" is a fresh,fifteen-minute podcast dedicated to profiling
security solutions from various vendors.
Each episode is an insightful dive into theintricacies of a security product, featuring
(09:59):
two seasoned security professionals who poseessential questions about the problems these
solutions aim to solve.
The format of the show is designed to cut rightto the chase, starting with the vendor tackling
three pivotal questions (10:11):
"How can I explain this problem to my Chief Executive Officer?
What do you do and what don’t you do?
And, what is your pricing model?" From there,the discussion deepens as the professionals
explore the solution’s capabilities, itspotential integrations, and the practical
impact it can have on real-world securityoperations.
(10:33):
What makes "Security You Should Know"particularly valuable is its categorization and
archiving of episodes for long-term relevance.
This approach turns each episode into anevergreen resource for security professionals
who are researching solutions, providing atreasure trove of information that remains
accessible over time.
(10:54):
This series is presented by CISO Series, amedia network renowned for its dedication to
the cybersecurity community.
It's hosted by Rich Stroffolino, aCleveland-based podcaster with a decade of
experience in technology and cybersecuritymedia.
Since 2015, Rich has been instrumental inproducing and hosting industry-leading shows
(11:17):
that distill complex security and technologytopics into digestible content for business
leaders and security professionals alike.
Officially launching today, March 17th,"Security You Should Know" is now available on
popular podcast platforms including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
This new series promises to be an invaluabletool for anyone in the field of cybersecurity,
(11:41):
providing clear, concise, and actionableinsights into the latest security solutions.
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.
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…
(00:20):
First, Del Fordham departs 9Podcasts to steerAudible's future in the Asia-Pacific region.
Second, we explore the power of podcasts andaudio streaming in Saudi Arabia.
Third, we'll take a look at how artificialintelligence voice cloning is helping to break
language barriers in the Modi-Fridman podcast.
Lastly, a new podcast is connecting securitysolutions with security leaders.
(00:46):
Del Fordham is no stranger to audiostorytelling.
Having led 9Podcasts and previously served ashead of audio at News Corporation, he has spent
years refining strategies that drive engagementand revenue in the podcasting space.
Now, as he steps into his new role as associatedirector for Audible Asia-Pacific Originals, he
is set to help shape the platform’s premiumcontent strategy in a rapidly growing market.
(01:12):
"The exciting thing that Audible has been doingover recent years, is focusing on premium
content," Fordham told Mediaweek.
"If you look at the content that Marc Fennell,in particular, has created from a podcast
perspective, it’s award-winning stuff.
Audible is about that premium experience."
Australia’s podcast market is booming,according to the 2024 Australian Podcast Report
(01:36):
by Commercial Radio Australia.
Society and culture, true crime, and newscontinue to dominate the landscape.
True crime fans, in particular, are powerlisteners – fifty-seven percent are more likely
to clock in five-plus hours of content weekly.
The report also revealed the medium is on ameteoric rise across the country, with
(01:58):
listenership up thirty-seven percent in justtwo years and nearly six million tuning in
weekly.
The boom is fueled by a growing pool ofpublishers and platforms meeting the surging
demand for on-the-go, on-demand audio.
As the podcast industry evolves, so does thebattle between subscription-based premium
content and ad-supported free podcasts.
(02:21):
Two major players, Audible and Spotify, takedistinct approaches to how they deliver and
monetize content.
Spotify has built its podcast empire largely onad-supported content, offering millions of free
podcasts while still featuring exclusive andsubscriber-only content.
Meanwhile, Audible operates primarily on asubscription model, where most content sits
(02:43):
behind a paywall.
Fordham believes his experience at NewsCorporation, where he oversaw the success of
subscription-based investigative podcasts, canoffer key insights into the potential of paid
audio content.
Fordham also sees an opportunity to tap into ayounger demographic, particularly listeners
under forty, who remain under-served byworld-class production.
(03:07):
"I feel like the younger demographic,thirty-five and under, maybe forty and under,
isn’t being as well-serviced as they could befrom a world-class production perspective," he
notes.
Interestingly, Fordham highlights that youngeraudiences tend to be more loyal: "I have found
that a younger audience, particularly underthirty-five, is far more sticky when it comes
(03:28):
to staying on content.
Whether that’s a true crime series, a lifestylepodcast, finance, business, or health and
well-being content, they are pressing ‘follow’and sticking around longer."
As more companies shift towardsubscription-based revenue models, Fordham
believes that businesses must reward theirpaying subscribers with content that justifies
(03:48):
their investment.
"We live in a changing landscape wheresubscriptions – whether audio, video, books, or
even your favorite news masthead – are morecommon than ever," he explains.
"Businesses need to reward that.
They need to reward the person for downloadingyour app, taking out a subscription, or even
(04:10):
just trialing it."
In Saudi Arabia, the podcasting and audiostreaming landscape is experiencing a
significant transformation, marking a pivotalshift in how content is consumed across the
region.
According to BroadcastPro Middle East, thisburgeoning industry is reshaping the
entertainment and media sectors, offering newopportunities for creators, studios, and
(04:34):
producers to engage with audiences ininnovative ways.
The rise of podcasts in Saudi Arabia is notjust a trend but a reflection of a broader
cultural shift towards digital consumption andon-demand media.
With a young, tech-savvy population, the demandfor content that can be accessed anywhere,
anytime is at an all-time high.
(04:56):
This has led to a surge in the production andconsumption of podcasts, which are now seen as
a crucial component of the entertainmentecosystem in the region.
One of the key drivers behind this growth isthe increasing availability of high-quality
Arabic content.
Studios and producers are focusing on creatingoriginal content that resonates with local
(05:18):
audiences, tapping into the rich culturalnarratives of the region.
This focus on culturally relevant content ishelping to establish a strong connection with
listeners, fostering a loyal and engagedaudience base.
Furthermore, the impact of audio streaming goesbeyond just entertainment.
(05:38):
Podcasts are becoming an essential tool foreducation and professional development,
providing a platform for experts and thoughtleaders to share insights and knowledge.
This educational aspect is particularlyappealing in a region that values learning and
self-improvement.
The growth of podcasts and audio streaming inSaudi Arabia is also being fueled by
(06:00):
technological advancements and increasedinternet penetration.
With improved infrastructure and greater accessto digital devices, more people are tuning into
podcasts and audio content than ever before.
This technological evolution is paving the wayfor a more connected and informed society.
As the podcasting industry continues to expand,it is clear that Saudi Arabia is emerging as a
(06:24):
key player in the global audio landscape.
The region's commitment to embracing new mediaand digital transformation is setting the stage
for continued innovation and growth in theyears to come.
In an exciting development within thepodcasting world, popular podcaster and
artificial intelligence researcher Lex Fridmanrecently hosted an interview with Prime
(06:48):
Minister Narendra Modi.
This interview was not just notable for itscontent but for its groundbreaking use of
AI-powered voice cloning technology, developedby the United States-based startup ElevenLabs.
The technology allowed the conversation to bedubbed in Hindi, English, and Russian, while
maintaining the authenticity, intonations,emotions, and style of both Modi's and
(07:12):
Fridman's voices.
Prime Minister Modi, during the podcast,emphasized the immense potential of artificial
intelligence, stating, "Artificial intelligencecan create many things based on human
imagination." The use of AI in the podcastaimed to enhance accessibility and reach by
breaking down language barriers, which iscrucial in a multilingual world.
(07:37):
Currently, the podcast is available not only inthe original mix of Hindi and English but also
in dubbed versions that extend its reach tonon-native speakers.
Mati Staniszewski, the co-founder ofElevenLabs, expressed his pride in the
achievement, stating on X, "Inspired by LexFridman and Narendra Modi's conversation - so
(07:58):
proud of our team for making it accessible inboth English and Hindi.
ElevenLabs was founded on the back ofpoor-quality dubbing.
Seeing it evolve into an immersive experiencethat preserves emotion and intent is
incredible." This highlights the company'scommitment to improving the quality of dubbed
content through advanced AI technology.
(08:22):
The conversation between Fridman and Modi,which spanned three hours, delved into a
variety of topics including Modi's journey fromchildhood to becoming the Prime Minister of
India, leadership, diplomacy, democracy inIndia, poverty, United States President Donald
Trump, China, and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Modi also shared his views on artificialintelligence, emphasizing that genuine human
(08:46):
intelligence is essential for AI to thrivesustainably.
He underscored India's significant contributionto the development of AI, stating, "No matter
what the world does with AI, it will remainincomplete without India.
I'm making this statement very responsibly."
The technology behind this podcast, AI voicecloning, involves using generative AI to
(09:11):
translate spoken content into differentlanguages while replicating the unique
characteristics of the original speaker'svoice.
This ensures that the dubbed content retainsthe authenticity of the original speech.
ElevenLabs' innovative approach to AI dubbingrepresents a significant leap forward in making
content more accessible and engaging for aglobal audience.
(09:36):
In today's segment, we're turning our attentionto an exciting new podcast that bridges the gap
between security solutions and the leaders whoneed them most.
"Security You Should Know" is a fresh,fifteen-minute podcast dedicated to profiling
security solutions from various vendors.
Each episode is an insightful dive into theintricacies of a security product, featuring
(09:59):
two seasoned security professionals who poseessential questions about the problems these
solutions aim to solve.
The format of the show is designed to cut rightto the chase, starting with the vendor tackling
three pivotal questions (10:11):
"How can I explain this problem to my Chief Executive Officer?
What do you do and what don’t you do?
And, what is your pricing model?" From there,the discussion deepens as the professionals
explore the solution’s capabilities, itspotential integrations, and the practical
impact it can have on real-world securityoperations.
(10:33):
What makes "Security You Should Know"particularly valuable is its categorization and
archiving of episodes for long-term relevance.
This approach turns each episode into anevergreen resource for security professionals
who are researching solutions, providing atreasure trove of information that remains
accessible over time.
(10:54):
This series is presented by CISO Series, amedia network renowned for its dedication to
the cybersecurity community.
It's hosted by Rich Stroffolino, aCleveland-based podcaster with a decade of
experience in technology and cybersecuritymedia.
Since 2015, Rich has been instrumental inproducing and hosting industry-leading shows
(11:17):
that distill complex security and technologytopics into digestible content for business
leaders and security professionals alike.
Officially launching today, March 17th,"Security You Should Know" is now available on
popular podcast platforms including ApplePodcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
This new series promises to be an invaluabletool for anyone in the field of cybersecurity,
(11:41):
providing clear, concise, and actionableinsights into the latest security solutions.
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.
Stay connected with the world of podcasting!
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