Forever Dog Productions Announces Three Strategic Hires Across Business, Operations, and Production

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Forever Dog Productions has made three key hires to accelerate its growth as a vertically-integrated new media studio. Kristen Myers, formerly a Director of Business Development at Stitcher (a SiriusXM company) and Senior Executive in the Audio Department at United Talent Agency, was appointed as Forever Dog’s Head of Business Development. 

Oscar Guido, previously the Head of Business Operations at Treefort Media, joins Strategic Operations Advisor; and Harry Nelson, formerly the Co-Executive Producer at HyperObject Industries, was hired as the Producer on How Was Your Week, the popular comedy podcast created and hosted by Julie Klausner.

Myers, Guido, and Nelson bring leadership experience across digital strategy, business development, financial operations, and creative production — and represent a major step forward as Forever Dog continues building up the infrastructure to scale premium IP across platforms.

“These are the kind of team members we want in the room. People who aren’t afraid of the industry changing, but who are excited to meed the moment and shape what comes next,” said Joseph Cilio, co-founder and CEO of Forever Dog Productions.

Alex Ramsey, co-founder and President of Forever Dog Productions, adds: “These hires represent a leap forward in our studio evolution – from a podcast network to a fully integrated media company capable of building, monetizing, and distributing IP at scale.”

Forever Dog tapped Kristen Myers (the former Head of Business Development at Stitcher, a SiriusXM company, as their new Head of Business Development to spearhead platform strategy, monetization, sales architecture, and partner development across the network. Drawing from her decade of senior experience in podcasting, talent, and digital media, Myers will focus on building out Forever Dog’s revenue ecosystem — from direct sales and brand partnerships to platform licensing and digital monetization strategy.

“I admire what Forever Dog has built,” said Myres. “I’m excited to play a key role in further shaping their position within the creator community and expanding opportunities for the company’s IP across formats.”

To reinforce its financial and operational foundation, Forever Dog has appointed Oscar Guido as Strategic Operations Advisor, where he will lead the development of backend systems and scalable infrastructure. With seasoned experience serving as the Head of Business Operations at Treefort Media, a premium audio studio known for there partnerships with Wondery and Audible, Guido will design the studio’s next-generation financial stack — providing clarity and scalability to show accounting, cost management, and performance tracking.

Along with Myers and Guido, Harry Nelson joins Forever Dog as the Producer of How Was Your Week, the long-standing podcast created and hosted by Julie Klausner. Nelson’s arrival marks the relaunch of the series (previously named one of the “Best Comedy Podcast” by Rolling Stone) and reflects Forever Dog’s commitment to revitalizing legacy podcast IP with fresh energy and smart development.

Recognizing that Nelson previously served as Co-Executive Producer at Hyper Object Industries, his background to reimagine How Was Your Week as a multi-format franchise while supporting a slate of legacy and evergreen titles within the network.

Founded in 2016, Forever Dog Productions has since produced over 100 comedy podcasts, received more than than 250 million downloads worldwide, and earned the respect of the entertainment industry by producing Webby Award-nominated shows with comedy legends, including Tim Heidecker, Bowen Yang, Ayo Edebiri, and Megan Stalter, among others. Forever Dog shows have also appeared on various “Best of” lists, including Time, Esquire, Vulture, and Cosmopolitan.

In 2019, Forever Dog joined world-renowned drag queen Alaska and Willian to start Moguls of Media (MOM), which creates popular queer digital entertainment with a team of drag royalty that includes Delta Work, Meatball, Jinkx Monsoon, and Naomi Smalls. 

Registration Now Open For The 2025 Women Who Podcast Awards

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Women Who Podcast Media is proud to announce the first ever Women Who Podcasts Awards. Registration is now officially open as of May 1, 2025. Women Who Podcast Awards honors and celebrates independent, women-identified podcasters worldwide. Submissions will be accepted through June 30, 2025.

Founded to spotlight the creative power, influence, and innovation of women in podcasting, the Women Who Podcast Awards champions inclusivity, originality, and excellence in podcasting around the world.

“This event is more than an awards program,” said Kathy Barron, Founder of Women Who Podcast Media and Editor-in-Chief of Women who Podcast magazine. “It’s a celebration of voices that are often underrepresented in the podcast community. We aim to amplify the incredible work being done by women in podcasting and build a supportive space for recognition and growth.”

Who Can Apply:

The awards are open to all independent, women-identified podcasters worldwide. Podcasters can register and submit entries at https://www.womenwhopodcastmag.com/

Key Dates:

Registration Open: May 1, 2025

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025

About Women Who Podcast Media:

Women Who Podcast Media publishes Women Who Podcast magazine, which was founded in 2021 and has published 17 issues. We celebrate women-identified independent podcasters from all over the world who are committed to their podcasts for the long term. It’s a place where their efforts are seen, their stories are heard, and their hard work is acknowledged.

Women Who Podcast magazine is not only read by podcasters, it has a strong relationship of listeners and is a fantastic place to discover new podcasts and podcasters. We strive to be a forum for fans and hosts to reach out to one another for support, collaboration and inspiration.

These awards are an exciting expansion of Women Who Podcast’s work and we are looking forward to discovering and showcasing even more excellence in women’s podcasting though opportunity. We hope that together, we can fulfill the vision we have for our shared future, including scholarships, mentorships, annual conferences and an expanded learning community. These are exciting times for women who podcast worldwide!

Blanchard House Expands Team With Acclaimed Producers

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Independent, female-led documentary production company Blanchard House has announced the addition of two acclaimed producers, Alex Gatenby and Maddie Hickish, to its growing team. The hires mark a significant period of expansion for the company, which is set to release five new shows this year in partnership with major distribution platforms. 

Maddie Hickish brings over a decade of experience in crafting successful, narrative-driven podcasts for Audable, iHeart, the BBC, and others. Known for her sharp research and distinctive storytelling voice, Maddie blends investigative depth with creative innovation. Her Audable series Buying Time was praised as “compellingly well told” (The Sunday Times), while Radioman was described as “dazzling” (The Guardian), and Chasing Boaz Manor as “a captivating story” (The Independent).

Alex Gatenby is a seasoned journalist and producer with a background in hard-hitting television documentaries. Drawn to the intimacy and depth of longform audio storytelling, she quickly made her mark in podcasting. Her most recent podcast series, Sea of Lies, was a global chart-topper — reaching number one in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Alex has produced work for CBC, BBC, Channel 4, The Guardian, and The Telegraph, reporting on topics ranging from Russia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic to cold-case murders and high-stakes cons. Her passion lies in telling untold stories that give voice to the unheard and resonate long after the final episode.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alex and Maddie to the Blanchard House team.” Said Rosie Pye, Creative Director and Co-Founder. “With such an exciting and demanding year ahead, bringing on two exceptionally talented individuals is a huge boost. We’re looking forward to launching some incredible shows in collaboration with our amazing partners.”

A Note From NYPR’s President & CEO Regarding Federal Funding For CPB, NPR, and PBS

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Following yesterday’s Executive Order on Funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and today’s announcement of the White House’s budget request, NYPR President & CEO LaFontaine E. Oliver shared the below note with listeners. 

New York Public Radio includes WNYC, Gothamist, WQXR, New Jersey Public Radio, The Greene Space and WNYC Studios.

Late last night, the nation learned that President Trump signed an executive order among to eliminate federal funding for NPR and PBS. Today, the White House released its annual budget request, which proposes defunding public media.

If it holds, the executive order will restrict New York Public Radio from using CPB funding to purchase programing or services from NPR. CPB said in a statement that the White House had no legal authority over the company, and NPR called it “an affront to the First Amendment.”

Public radio and public television have enjoyed bipartisan support since 1967. The system has profound impact on Americans in all 50 states and in every type of community – urban, suburban, rural, and remote. This indispensable service costs that American taxpayer about $1.60 a year, and it is one that the majority of Americans want to maintain. Recent polling from the Pew Research Center shows that only 24 percent of Americans support cutting federal funding.

The budget request and executive order are only part of the administration’s ongoing effort to dismantle the American public broadcasting system as we know it. We expect even more to come.

If successful, the effort will exacerbate existing news deserts and create new ones, as public radio has become the main (or only) remaining source for fact-based local news, educational and cultural programming, and critical emergency broadcast services in many communities across the country. 

It would lead to even more misinformation and disinformation, and a further retreat into hyper-partisan platforms. It has been well proven that the erosion of local news increase corruption and decreases voter turnout, civic engagement, and government efficiency.

This is more than a policy debate about the role of the federal government. It’s an attack on the free press, and the very idea of an American public sphere: where information and ideas flow freely, everyone has access to the arts, and neighbors are connected – to one another and to those in power.

So what now? New York Public Radio is moving forward in lockstep with public media stations nationwide. But we can’t do it without you. As the people who drive our community-powered programming – the ones who put the public in public media – you are our most powerful resource.

We must not stand idle. Here’s what you can do right now:

Visit our Stand Together Page, where you can get the latest updates, connect with resources to contact your legislators, and find social media tools to spread the word.

Donate now or increase your current contribution. Help us build a financial firewall to defend against current attacks and secure our future. The most powerful way to support our work is by becoming a sustaining member with a recurring monthly gift.

This is an unprecedented time and there are many questions we don’t yet have the answers to. We will continue to share details with you as we have them. 

For now, know this: New York Public Radio will never retreat from its role as a beacon for news, culture, and civic connection. We will stand together with all of you and with public media stations nationwide — and we will get loud.

We’re radio people, so we know a thing or two about the power of the human voice. Right now, it’s time to stand up, stand together, and make some noise.

LaFontaine E. Oliver – President and CEO New York Public Radio

Acast Teams Up With Supercast To Help Podcasters Maximize Subscription Revenue

~ jen

Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company, announces a strategic partnership with Supercast, the leading subscription platform for podcasters. This partnership will provide Acast podcasters with seamless access to to Supercast’s suite of tools to create and grow their subscription programs, offering paying listener a combination of exclusive audio and video content, ad-free feeds, and the ability to engage with other fans.

Acast has selected Supercast as a preferred subscription partner to provide podcasters with a high-converting, flexible and user-friendly subscription experience. Through this partnership, podcasters who sign up for Supercast via Acast will receive priority onboarding, dedicated creator support and expert growth advice.

Supercast is the subscription partner of choice for leading podcasts including Pod Save America, My Favorite Murder, This American Life, Huberman Lab and Canadaland. Purpose-built to maximize creator revenue and subscriber engagement, Supercast offers flexible membership tiers, multi-show subscriptions for podcast networks, native video support alongside premium audio, and detailed analytics to scale recurring revenue.

“At Acast, we empower our creators to build sustainable businesses,” said Sophie Herdman, Global Partnerships Director at Acast. “This partnership with Supercast give them even greater flexibility to connect with their audience and earn revenue in the way that best aligns with their own unique advertising and makes us a pretty unbeatable home for dedicated podcasters.”

Jason Sew Hoy, CEO and Co-founder of Supercast added: “Supercast is the subscription platform of choice for the world’s most well-monetized podcasters. We’ve helped countless creators migrate from other subscription platforms and, in many cases, double or even triple their subscription revenue. Acast podcaster will have the tools, strategies, and hands-on expertise to accelerate subscription growth like never before.”

As part of this new initiative, Acasat will be sunsetting its own Acast+ membership program and working closely with existing Acast+ podcasters to help them seamlessly transition to Supercast, ensuring continuity and unlocking greater growth opportunities.

About Acast

Since 2014, Acast has been building the world’s most valuable podcast marketplace, creating the technology that connects podcast creators, advertisers, and listeners. Its marketplace spans more than 140,000 podcasts, 3,300 advertisers, and one billion quarterly listens. Crucially, those listens are monetized whenever they happen — across any podcast app or listening platform.

About Supercast

Supercast is the preferred podcast subscription platform for the most well-monetized podcasts in the world, allowing them to generate millions of revenue while retaining 100% ownership of their subscriber relationships. The platform delivers exclusive content to paid subscribers wherever they want it, with native video support and connecting seamlessly to any podcast player. Supercast’s top 10 podcasters gross more than $21 million per year from subscriptions alone. For more information, visit https://supercast.com

Audion Launches Sense – New AI Powered Tool Predicts Impact of Audio Ads Before Broadcast

~ jen

European digital audio specialist Audion launches Sense, an AI-powered evaluation tool that enables pre-campaign analysis of audio creatives. This advance audit enables ads to be optimized before they go live to improve their effectiveness and maximize campaign performance.

Creativity accounts for 50% of a campaign’s success. Brands deploying Audion’s Sense can assess an refine audio creatives before they are broadcast to ensure this core element of their campaign delivers value through strong specific messaging from day one. This is the first time AI has been used to deliver a results-driven approach to audio advertising.

Sense combines multiple key performance indicators (KPIs) into a single global impact score for any audio spot. Advertisers can also access in-depth analysis of individual KPI;s to understand responses such as how receptive the target audience is to the ad, and the emotional impact it delivers.

“Sense is the first time artificial intelligence, creativity, and outcome-driven thinking have been combined more than 3,000 audio campaigns to provide in-depth understanding of campaign success factors; this allows it to identify best practices and predict likely audience responses.

“Sense is the first time artificial intelligence, creativity, and outcome-driven thinking have been combined to help brands create more effective audio campaigns. As well as providing a creative audio, Sense demonstrates our commitment to empowering advertisers with tools tailored to the unique requirements of digital audio,” says Geoffrey Fossier, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Audion.

The launch of Sense sees Audion strengthen its position as a market leader in innovation and continue its stated remit to help brands adopt a data-driven, creative, and high performance approach to digital audio.

Sense is available today to all Audion partners.

Live 365 Expands To Mexico, Bringing In All-In-One Internet Radio To Millions More Broadcasters And Listeners

~ jen

Live365, the one-stop shop for internet radio stations, launched broadcasting and listening services in Mexico, rounding out its North American offering. The company announced the news at the 2025 NAB show in Las Vegas. Because the expansion includes comprehensive bundled licensing, broadcasters can now reach listeners in Mexico via the Live365 website, apps, Alexa Skill, TV apps, and more.

Live365 has secured licensing agreements with Mexican rights organization SOMEXFON and EMMAC/SACM (Editores Mexicanos de Música and Sociedad de Autores y Compistores de México), allowing broadcasters to legally stream into Mexico without having to secure those rights themselves. 

Live365 welcomes all existing and future Mexico broadcasters to the platform, which includes built-in licensing coverage and distribution, reliable stream hosting, station management tools and detailed analytics, world-class customer service, and more. This makes Live365 an ideal solution for terrestrial radio stations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and individual creators looking to effectively broadcast and monetize their content online. 

“Launching in Mexico is a milestone for Live365 – not just expanding broadcaster reach but also embracing the dynamic culture of Mexico on our platform,” said Jason Stoddard, President of Live365. “Thanks to strategic licensing partners with EMMAC/SACM and SOMEXFON, we’re providing streamlined, bundled licensing coverage that empowers radio stations and creators to innovate and connect like never before.”

To further support broadcasters in Mexico, Live365 has secured distribution via iHeartRadio Mexico through a strategic partnership with Grupo ACIR. This complements the iHeartRadio U.S. distribution also bundled in the Premium packages — broadening the audience base to millions more listeners across both territories.

IT Director for Grupo ACIR and iHeartRadio México Project Leader Manuel Pérez del Castillo added, “We’re excited to welcome Live365 to iHeartRadio in Mexico and confident that our listeners will enjoy the variety and quality of the new stations that will be available for all our users.”

In coordination with the launch, Live365 has also partnered with radio imaging and programming provider Radio Express to offer an exclusive discount on Live365 packages to existing and new Radio Express customers. This partnership opens new doors for traditional radio stations looking to expand their reach beyond terrestrial signals and into the digital space.

“Radio Express has been a trusted partner to Mexican radio for over 40 years, so we understand the challenges broadcasters face in staying competitive,” said Paul Hollins, CEO of Radio Express. “With digital listening growing worldwide, it’s more important than ever for stations to go beyond FM and AM and become truly multi-platform. This collaboration with Live365 makes that shift more accessible and cost-effective than ever, helping broadcasters reach new audiences without all the user complexity.”

Current Live365 broadcasters now have additional Mexico listening bundled in their existing Broadcast packages at no additional cost. Broadcasters in Mexico can now sign up at live365.com/broadcaster/es and start streaming on Live365. Listeners in Mexico can browse thousands of stations streaming live right now and tune in at live365.com/es/.

Earworm Secures £200,000 Pre-Seed Investment To Accelerate Ambitious Growth Plans

~ jen

Earworm, a Bristol-based podcast agency specializing in audio and video podcast content, has secured a £200,000 pre-seed investment from Stephen Fordham, co-founder of requirement firm Morgan Hunt. Earworm partners with businesses to create high-quality, ongoing podcast content that becomes a cornerstone of their marketing strategy, supported by guest booking and targeted advertising.

Since launching two years ago Earworm has built a strong reputation for storytelling and amplifying business messages through podcasts. This investment is the first step in an ambitious five-year plan to expand into the US market and grow the UK-based team. Stephen Fordham, co-founder of Morgan Hunt – a recruitment firm generating £48.5 million annually as of 2024 – joins Earworm as Chairman, offering valuable experience in business scaling and strategic growth.

Ben Farley, CEO of Earworm, commented: “This investment will enable us to accelerate growth in the US, explore strategic acquisitions, introduce advanced analytics services, and hire talented individuals to support our growth plans. It reflects the hard work and dedication our team has shown in bringing this exciting new marketing channel to businesses, helping them rethink how they connect with their customers.”

Alison Berryman, Partner and Lawyer at BizTech Lawyers, supported Earworm throughout the investment process. Alison commented: “It has been fantastic to support Ben and the Earworm team during this important growth stage. I’m excited to see the company build on this momentum and achieve further growth.”

With global podcast advertising spend projected to surpass £3 billion by 2026 (CAGR ~15%), Earworm’s specialized approach ensures businesses capitalize on this momentum, making podcasts a measurable, profitable part of their marketing strategies.  

Produce Your Podcast Launch The Expat Experience

~ jen

Produce Your Podcast is proud to announce the launch of The Expat Experience Podcast. Dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and a fresh start in paradise? Welcome to The Expat Experience: San Carlos, Mexico Edition, the podcast that takes you through every step of relocating, living, and thriving in Mexico’s coastal paradise, San Carlos.  

Whether you’re dreaming of starting a new chapter abroad or actively planning your move, this podcast is your essential guide to understanding expat life in one of Mexico’s most picturesque towns.

Hosted by Robert DeForge, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience in the real estate market, this podcast offers firsthand knowledge and practical insight. Robert’s journey from a real estate agent and construction expert to become a passionate San Carlos resident gives him a unique perspective on the process — and now, he’s here to share his experience with you.

“The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition” goes beyond a simple how-to guide. If you’re planning to retire, work remotely or invest in you dream vacation home, this podcast is packed with valuable insights tailored for anyone interested in making the move. You’ll learn how to navigate Mexico’s unique real estate landscape with tips on purchasing property, understanding legal requirements like fideicomisos (trusts), and working with local agents. 

Whether you’re looking at luxury beachfront homes or affordable homes or affordable neighborhoods, Robert walks you through every detail to ensure a smooth buying process.

We’ll also dive into the daily realities of expat life in San Carlos, exploring the cost of living, essential services, and the beauty of coastal living. Robert will guide you through the legal and financial essentials of moving to Mexico, covering topics like visas, residency permits, taxes, and navigating the Mexican legal system, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Moving to a new country comes with challenges, and this podcast is here to make the transition easier by providing practical solutions for overcoming obstacles such as cultural adaptation, homesickness, bureaucracy, and language barriers.

Building a community is essential for any expat, and Robert shares his tips on how to meet other expats, join local clubs, and get involved in San Carlos’ vibrant social scene. For families, we’ll over advice on educational options for children, family-friendly activities, and healthcare services. You’ll also learn how to balance work and family life abroad, especially if you’re working remotely.

Beyond the practicalities, we’ll explore the adventures San Carlos has to offer. Whether its boating, fishing, diving, hiking or enjoying local festival and cultural attractions, Rober provides insider tips to make the most of your new surroundings.

Every episode of “The Expat Experience: Mexico Edition” is packed with actionable insights, expert advice, and stories from people just like you who’ve taken the leap to start a new life in Mexico. Hosted by Robert DeForge, this show is your trusted guide to making the dream of living in San Carlos a reality. Tune in and let Robert help you every step of the way as you embark on this exciting new chapter in paradise.

Ilwira Marcizek Named EVP Revenue Operations For AdLarge & The fwd.network

~ jen

AdLarge and the fwd. network proudly announce the promotion of Ilwira Marciszek to Executive Vice President, Revenue Operations. In this expanded leadership role, Ilwira will continue to oversee all digital operations while spearheading strategic initiatives to strengthen partnerships and drive revenue growth.

With 18 years of media experience, Ilwira has been at the forefront of the technological evolution of podcast advertising, playing a pivotal role in scaling AdLarge and the fwd. network’s digital business. She has been instrumental in forging key partnerships, optimizing sales operations, and ensuring seamless execution of revenue strategies. Now in her 14th year with AdLarge, Ilwira’s expertise in sales operations, technology, and partner relationships has been a driving force behind the company’s sustained success.

“Ilwira has been an integral part of AdLarge’s growth and success,” said Cathy Csukas, CEO of AdLarge and the fwd. network. “Her strategic vision, deep industry expertise, and relentless commitment to innovation have propelled our digital revenue and operations forward. As we expand, her continued leadership will be invaluable in shaping the future of our digital business.”

“Stepping into this role to drive innovation and revenue growth is a tremendous opportunity,” said Ilwira. “Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our revenue strategies, partnerships, and operations. As the industry evolves, we remain focused on exceeding advertiser expectations while delivering the revenue and support our creators deserve. I’m committed to leading our talented teams in developing and executing strategic initiatives that will propel AdLarge, the fwd. network, and our clients forward.”

About AdLarge & the fwd. network

AdLarge Media dominates audio advertising as a premier sales powerhouse, connecting creators, brands, and audiences. With a portfolio reaching over 200 million listeners globally, AdLarge is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and amplifying women’s voices, content, and audiences through the fwd. Podcast network. Powered by an elite team of podcasting, radio, and streaming experts, AdLarge delivers unmatched results for a vast range of advertisers—from Fortune 500 heavyweights to bold, emerging DTC brands. AdLarge is your ultimate partner in conquering the audio and video world. Discover more at adlarge.com.