Month: September 2024

2024 Black Podcasting Awards Announce Nominations

~ jen

Black Podcasting Awards (BPAwards) has unveiled their 2024 nominees, with 57 standout podcasts making the list. Topping the nominations are Second Sunday and What’s Ray Saying?, each snagging four nominations. Hot on their heels are five triple nominees — Ice Cold Case, Oprah’s Super Soul, TwentyOne 21, A Black AF Scripted Audio Comedy, Vaguely Nerdy, and Stitch Please.

As the largest awards program exclusively celebrating Black podcasters worldwide, BPAwards draws talent from across the globe. This year’s panel of judges includes Narratives of Purpose host Claire Murigande from Switzerland, Answers for Gen Z’s Osakpolor Aiguobasinmwin from Nigeria, and the voice behind Drea’s Point of View from California.

“People love our awards because we’re inclusive. We embrace a whole range — from the hobbyist recording in a small neighborhood studio to our 2021 winner recording in her clothes closet, all the way up to icons like Oprah,” says Co-Founder and Executive Director Demetrius Bagely.

The fifth annual awards ceremony, hosted by Medium Popcorn’s Justin Brown, will stream from the Gifted Sounds Network NYC studio. The event streams live on the Black Pod Awards’ YouTube Channel on Sunday, September 22, at 2 PM Eastern. The Show will feature performances by musical talents TIYI an Veana Marie. 

This year, VIP Vote categories will be decidedly previous BPAwards winners, judges, volunteer staff, nominees, Afros & Audio speakers + staff, and Black Podcasters Association members active as of August 31, 2024. Voters will choose between three nominees in four coveted categories: Best Hosting Duo, Best Solo Host, Best Sound Design, and Podcaster of the Year.

Winning podcasts receive physical awards as well as prizes from Afros & Audio, Black Podcasers Association, and other sponsors.

Follow the Black Podcasting Awards on social media @BlackPodAwards to stay updated.

FULL LIST OF 2024 BLACK PODCASTING AWARDS NOMINEES

30 award categories. 64 award nominations for 37 podcasts and 7 podcasters

LEGEND AWARD

Gary Coichy

Keisha ‘TK’ Duntes

Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown

Kevin Y. Brown

Krystal Hill

Lauren Ash

Twila Dang

Best Blurd Podcast

Mind the Force

Stitch Please

Vaguely Nerdy

Best Business Podcast

How I Crushed It

Impostrix Podcast

Best Culture Podcast

Oprah’s Super Soul

Second Sunday

What’s Ray Saying?

Best Editing

TwentyOne 21: A Black AF Scripted Audio Comedy

What’s Ray Saying?

Best Film And Television Podcast

Chat Sh!t: The Official Rap Sh!t Podcast

Fandom Hybrid Podcast

Vaguely Nerdy

Best Health and Wellness Podcast

Apocalyptic Education

The Black Woman Opt Out

Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech

Best Hosting Duo (VIP VOTE)

Apocalyptic Education

I’m not Yelling! I’m Dominican.

Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech

Best Hosting Team

Club 520

Fandom Hybrid Podcast

Best LGBTQ Podcast

Queer News

Second Sunday

TransLash Podcast with Imara Jones

Best Limited Series Podcast

Ice Cold Case

Oprah’s Super Soul — The Covenant of Water Companion Podcast

Best New Podcast

The Anime effect

Ice Cold Case

Vaguely Nerdy

Best News & Politics Podcast

A moment with Erik Fleming

Earnestly Speaking! With Ernest Owens

Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey

Best Religion and Spirituality Podcast

A Little Juju

Positively Joy

Second Sunday

Best Scripted Fiction Podcast

STONE (Presented by KIOME)

TwentyOne 21: A Black AF Scripted Audio Comedy

Best Solo Host (VIP VOTE)

The Draymond Green Show

Oprah’s Super Soul

What’s Ray Saying?

Best Sound Design (VIP VOTE)

Intersectionality Matters! With Kimberlé Crenshaw

TwentyOne 21: A Black AF Scripted Audio Comedy

What’s Ray Saying?

Best Sports Podcast

Nightcap

Numbers on the Board

Best Travel Podcast

About the Journey 

The Cosmopolite Collective

Travel N Sh!t

Best True Crime Podcast

Disappeared: The Bradley Sisters Ice Cold Case

No Tears For Black Girls

Registered Voters Trust Podcasts Above All Other Media

~ jen

New research shows U.S. registered voters prefer podcasts as a source of news and information and are highly likely to act as a result of podcast content.

According to Voxtopia’s new survey, The Podcast Influence: The Listening Habits of Registered Voters, 85% of registered voters surveyed trust podcasts more than any other news and information source, including newspapers (print or digital), TV (broadcast or cable), AM/FM radio, and social media.

This proves significant, with 78% of respondents agreeing that podcasts influence them to learn more about issues or topics in the news, and 63% agreeing that podcasts change their opinions on issues or topics in the news.

This proves significant, with 78% of respondents agreeing that podcasts influence them to learn more about issues or topics in the news, and 63% agreeing that podcasts change their opinions on issues or topics in the news.

“Podcasting is a mainstream entertainment medium, but this survey indicates just how valuable these audiences can be to public affairs campaigns,” Voxtopica CEO Richard Fawal said. “Podcast listeners are engaged and, more importantly, persuadable.”

So, how many registered voters are listening to podcasts? Nearly half (49%) of survey respondents said they listen to at least one podcast per week and one-third saying they listen to 5 or more episodes each week.

“Podcast audiences naturally self-select for the shows and hosts that they trust, which makes those shows incredible vehicles to deliver the right message, at the right time, to exactly the right people,” said Tom Webster, partner at Sounds Profitable, the podcast research firm. “Voxtopica’s survey offers further evidence that podcasting delivers a valuable, receptive audience.”

Over 50% of registered voters surveyed said they listen to podcasts to add to their knowledge of a subject, and 60% responded they strongly prefer bipartisan or nonpartisan podcast content. In fact, 20% of respondents stated they dislike or hate highly political content from the left or the right.

Survey Methodology

In August 2024, Voxtopia fielded an online survey of 683 self-identified registered American voters ages 18 and older. The sample was weighted to the most recent census data to represent the U.S. populations age and gender. Respondents were asked whether they listen to podcasts, how often, why they listen, and what they like or don’t like in podcasts. Survey development and findings were independently reviewed by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable.

About Voxtopica

Voxtopica is the preferred podcasting agency for creatively ambitious, metric-driven organizations. We create compelling shows, outreach campaigns, and ad campaigns that deliver public affairs-focused content to precise target audiences. Learn more at Voxtopica.

Mediavision Growth In Sweden For Podcasts And Streaming

~ jen

We listen to 100 minutes of audio media on average, per day. This is concluded by Mediavision in its second-quarter analysis of the Swedish audio market. The analysis covers live radio, audiobooks, streamed music, and podcasts. The shift from live radio to various types of on-demand services continues, even though the overall listening time remains stable.

The second-quarter analysis of the Swedish audio market shows that daily listening time is stable compared to the same period last year. The total listening time amounts to 100 minutes on an average day, covering both radio and digital audio (audiobooks, music, and podcasts on demand). It is evident that our listening behavior is still changing, as the “on demand” share of audio services is increasing. 

Over time, our listening has shifted more towards streamed music and podcasts. In the second quarter, music services and podcasters together account for more than half of all listening.

Streamed music and podcasts continue to grow. It’s a development that look like what we see on TV, comments Fredrik Liljeqvist, senior analyst at Mediavision. Spotify has a very strong position in the Swedish market, but the past year has seen significant growth for other players. 

When it comes to podcasts, an increasing share of listening is concentrated on these global services, even though the content is mainly created by others, such as radio operators, or podcast companies. Spotify is the largest audio service in Sweden, both in terms of subscribers and listening, but competition has definitely increased.

While live radio maintains stable in daily reach, it is losing shares of total listening time to digital services, which continue to grow. In other words, the gradual shift towards digital and on-demand listening continues.

Compared to TV, however, live radio has managed to hold up better. For many, radio is a central media channel, reflected in more stable listening figures, Liljeqvist notes. There are several reasons for this, including radio’s easy accessibility and the fact that it is completely free of charge.

About Mediavision

Mediavision is a Nordic independent analysis and consultancy firm, focused on analysis and strategy within traditional and digital media. 6,700 respondents between the ages of 15 and 74 are surveyed biannually in the Nordics. The data from the survey consists of self-assessed values from a nationally representative sample.

Audacy Partners With Leading Storytelling Nonprofit The Moth

~ jen

Leading premium podcast network Audacy Podcast announced a strategic partnership with acclaimed storytelling nonprofit The Moth, to handle sales and distribution for the organization’s award-winning podcast, including video, social and sponsorships for live events.

To date, The Moth’s podcasts have been brought to listeners in partnership with PRX. PRX will continue to represent The Moth on public radio, which includes continued distribution of “The Moth Radio Hour” to more than 560 stations nationwide.

The Moth podcast feed will move to Audacy on January 1, 2025, and be accessible on the Audacy app and everywhere podcasts are available. The Moth will continue its release schedule with new and encore episodes of “The Moth Radio Hour” on Tuesdays and original episodes of “The Moth Podcast” on Fridays.

For over 27 years, The Moth has forged the modern storytelling movement, presenting over 60,000 true, personal stories to standing-room-only crowds at events and through storytelling workshops worldwide. Since 2008, these stories have reached tens of millions of listeners each year through “The Moth Radio Hour” and “The Moth Podcast.”

“As a nonprofit organization, the opportunity to broaden our reach with Audacy perfectly aligns with our mission of building a more connected world through the art of true personal storytelling. We’re thrilled to partner with their talented team to ensure these vital stories are amplified and heard by more listeners— and help brands connect with our community meaningfully through our audio programming, 600+ live event yearly, 1.33MM+ social media follower, and our digital extensions,” said Sarah Haberman, Executive Director of The Moth.

“Early in my career, I was a producer at The Moth, so I know firsthand how special this storytelling giant is. The Moth is unparalleled in the innovative work they create, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the Audacy family,” said Jenna Weiss-Berman, EVP, Audacy Podcasts. “From the award-winning podcasts to live events and more, our partnership offers tremendous opportunities for advertisers to connect with deeply engaged listeners.”

With a deep archive of episodes, The Moth’s audio programing has garnered critical acclaim and cultural relevancy by featuring captivating, hysterical, gut-wrenching, unbelievably true stories from everyday people all over the world alongside notable names like Parma Lakshmi, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kathleen Turner, Malcom Gladwell, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, John Turturro, Molly Ringwald, Boots Riley, Krista Tippett, Damion Young, Mike Birbiglia, Rosanne Cash, Danyel Smith, Tig Notaro and more.

The Moth is represented by WME.

About Audacy

Audacy, Inc. is a leading scaled, multi-platform audio content and entertainment company that connects with 200 million consumers. Powered by its exclusive, premium audio content that includes unrivaled leadership positions in news and sports radio, Audacy operates one of the country’s two scaled radio broadcasting groups, a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer digital audio platform, multiple audio networks, a major event business and a leading, award-winning podcast studio and network. Learn more at www.audacyinc.com, Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Aconic Challenges Asian American Stereotypes

~ jen

The Aconic Podcast, a new series featuring iconic Asian and AAPI leaders in candid conversation about the challenges and triumphs experienced along their journeys to success, has premiered on all major podcast platforms and on YouTube at @aconicpodcast.

The debut episode features a frank and unfiltered discussion with San Francisco 49ers President Paraag Marathe, with following episodes to come every two weeks on Wednesday.

The Aconic Podcast is sponsored by Altos Ventures, the Founders of the Asian Alumni Chapter of Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), and Gold House and hosted by Soon You, an international speaker, award-winning and best-selling author, andForbes contributor who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and New York Times.

Each episode will delve into the guest’s “hero’s journey” to success including the roadblocks, misfires, frustrations, and failures they faced and their seminal moments of vulnerability, hope, perseverance and achievement. Through these stories, You explores the key lessons each guest learned how they’ve used them to create lasting impact in their fields.

“Through this series we we are going to dispel the common stereotype of Asian Americans as a ‘model minority’ by having real and authentic conversations with some of the most prominent leaders in business, politics, and culture,” said Soon You, Host of the Aconic Podcast. “Our conversations pull back the many layers of the Asian American experience to give audiences an inside look at what it really takes to rise above the obstacles that come along with the journey to success.”

“Our work at TAAF has shown that visibility is vital in shifting narratives surrounding our community,” said Norman Chen, CEO, The Asian American Foundation. “We’re excited to partner with Soon and his team to create a platform to showcase the complexity and variety of the Asian American experience and the triumphs achieved through adversity.”

“In a crowded landscape, it us up to us to invest in getting our stories out there to level the playing field when it comes to representation,” said Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold House. “We hope that Aconic will help Asian Pacific leaders reflect on their own journeys to success, and inspire the next generation of Asian Pacific creatives, business leaders and beyond to persevere as they pursue their dreams to become their best selves.”

“The powerful personal stories listeners will hear give moving examples of how some of today’s greatest leaders can stumble or face hardship, but learn and grow,” said Chris Loh, GSB Asian Alumni Chapter Co-President and Aconic Podcast Executive Producer. “The lessons learned are truly inspiring and we hope audiences develop new perspectives and helpful insights to use on their own journeys.”

About the Aconic Podcast

The Aconic Podcast series was developed to promote positive narratives that inspire and empower the AAPI community by featuring candid conversations with successful Asian and Asian American icons. 

The Aconic Podcast is sponsored by  Altos Ventures, the Founders of the Asian Alumni Chapter of Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), and Gold House and is hosted by Soon You, an international speaker, award-winning and best-selling author, and Forbes contributor who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, and New York Times.

Podeo Distributes Podcasts To Millions Of Taxi Passengers

~ jen

Podeo, the fastest-growing podcast platform in the MENA regain, unleashed its latest exclusive distribution channel with Binary Media, a passenger experience platform that reshapes commutes for millions of taxi passengers across the UAE.

This partnership seamlessly integrates podcasts into Binary Media’s state-of-the-art In-Cab Connected TV (ICTV), enabling commuters to effortlessly explore captivating podcasts on every ride.

For the first time ever, Podeo-hosted podcast can now be listened to on-the-go, connecting with millions of monthly passengers across the UAE. With 198.44 million taxi riders recorded in Dubai alone in 2023, this partnership amplifies creators’ reach to a massive and highly engaged audience – exclusively accessible through Podeo.

Powered by Binary Media’s advanced OS, this unique integration delivers immersive listening experiences, transforming every ride into a moment of discovery. With real-time insights directly accessible through Podeo’s industry-leading creator tool, this partnership reinforces the platform’s relentless pursuit to elevate creators to new heights and enable them to maximize their monetization.

Stefano Fallaha, CEO & Founder of Podeo, said: “This long-term partnership with Binary Media is turning every taxi ride into a journey of inspiration, exploration and entertainment. It’s a bold leap forward that shatters reach and monetization barriers, positioning Podeo as a global leader in content distribution and discoverability.”

Santosh Sarma, CEO & Co-Founder of Binary Media said: “Our partnership with Podeo perfectly aligns with Binary’s vision of making the journey as meaningful as the destination, turning idle travel time into opportunities for entertainment, discovery, relaxation, and productivity, setting a new standard for passenger experiences.”

With its distribution arsenal spanning across major airlines, leading streaming, chatting, and gaming apps, alongside its powerful ad-tech, Podeo is unlocking unmatched reach and revenue potential for podcasters. The platform’s end-to-end solutions and game-changing integrations have sparked a surge in creator migrations and an influx of thousands of creators, offering them unrivaled exposure and opportunities for next-level growth.

About Binary Media:

Founded in the United States with its R&D hub in the UAE, Binary Media’s Passenger Operating System (OS) powers the largest network of In-Cab Connected TV (ICTV) across the UAE and is set for rapid global expansion. As Intel predicts the passenger economy to reach $7 trillion, Binary Media leads the way in redefining passenger mobility. Its innovative OS integrates dynamic content, real-time updates, and targeted advertising, turning idle travel moments into opportunities for engagement, entertainment, and productivity, creating a new ecosystem for the future of mobility. Learn more a binary media.io.

Perfect Day Media Joins PodX Group

~ jen

Perfect Day Media, one of the Nordic’s largest and most successful podcast studios, is now becoming a key part of the rapidly expanding PodX  Group. PodX is acquiring 100% of Perfect Day from its sister company Pophouse Entertainment.

Patrick Svensk, CEO PodX Group: “We are proud and excited to welcome Perfect Day Media to PodX Group. Perfect Day Media holds a unique position in the Nordic podcast market, excelling at attracting top talent, while also successfully monetizing formats and content. This acquisition perfectly aligns with our vision to become the leading international player in the podcast space.”

In recent years, PodX Group has made a number of notable acquisitions in he podcast industry, including Studio Minuit, and Nouvelles Écoutes in France, Posta in Argentina, Flit and Suomen Podcastmedia in the Nordics, and Goldhawk Productions, Listen and Platform Media in the UK.

Perfect Day Media, known for hits including “Alex & Sigges podcast,“Ursäkta”,“When we were Kings”,“Gynning & Berg” and  “Fredagspodden”, went through a leadership change at the start of the year, when Karolina Sandberg and Tove Barkestad took over from founders Hannah Widell and Amanda Schulman. Since then, the new CEO-duo has successfully grown revenue and improved operating profits. Karolina Sandberg and Tove Barkestad will continue to lead Perfect Day Media following PodX Group’s acquisition.

Karolina Sandberg and Tove Barkestad, Perfect Day Media: “After a productive and transformative spring, we are thrilled to partner with our new owners to steer the company forward, and we thank them for their support. It’s a privilege to be part of this new podcast collective, and alongside PodX Group’s subsidiaries, we see great opportunities for Perfect Day Media’s further development, thanks to the network and expertise within PodX.”

About PodX Group

PodX Group is committed to invest in leading podcast studios with international IPs, creating top-tier content. PodX Group takes on the role as an active partner to jointly develop the podcast studio into becoming leading producers in each market by providing funding, and support in areas like business development, international expansion, and commercialization. Additionally, partner companies within PodX Group benefit from joining a global network of renowned podcast studios, fostering collaboration and synergies across the group.

About Perfect Day Media

Perfect day Media was founded by Hanna Widell and Amanda Schulman in 2011 and developed, produces and commercializes podcasts. The company is behind many of Sweden’s largest podcasts, including “Alex & Sigge,“Ursäkta”,“Gynning & Berg”, “Fredagspodden”, and “When we were Kings”.

Podchaser’s Collection’s+ Helps 24% More Creators To Earn

~ jen

Podchaser, the podcast industry’s intelligence engine, today announced that its AI-powered Collections+ targeting capability has enabled an additional 24% of Acast podcast creators to monetize their content in its first year of operation. According to Podchaser, these results were achieved through the enhanced targeting verticals available to advertisers within Collections+ that improve the discoverability of podcast audiences that fit their campaign needs.

Last year, Podchaser launched Collections+ to improve podcast targeting capabilities after discovering that the majority of podcast advertisers were actually missing their target audiences. In fact, Podchaser and Magellan AI data shows that in 2023, 44% of US podcast advertising investments went to the top 500 shows. However, these shows only accounted for 12% of monthly reach, which means advertisers missed the opportunity to target 88% of the addressable podcast audiences.

Since its launch, Collections+ has more than doubled the number of verticals the average show appears in, adding over 4,000 shows to sales verticals and creating additional revenue opportunities for podcasters. This added scale for advertisers has seen half of all advertising buys for Acast using Collections+ in the first half of 2024.

“As we think about the future of targeting solutions, Collections+ allows us to be at the forefront of industry change. In doing so we are able to provide consistency and confidence to planners and buyers in their ability to achieve their advertising goals in times of change,” said Bradley Davis, CEO at Podchaser. “By increasing the discoverability of podcasts among advertisers and enabling 24% more creators to earn ad revenue, we’re helping to create a more sustainable and thriving podcast ecosystem.”

Colections+ utilizes data from a wide range of sources, including hosting platforms, Podhaser’s first-party data, Apple Podcasts and Spotify category and chart data, IAB categories, surveys, and transcriptions. By leveraging AI models to synthesize this data, Collections+ sorts podcasts into highly refined verticals, providing advertisers with the highest-quality collections for targeted campaigns in the industry.”

“We believe an audience-first – rather than show-by-show – approach to podcast buying is essential. Collections+ has been instrumental in helping us connect more advertisers with even more highly engaged podcast audiences,” said Greg Glenday, Chief Business Officer at Acast. “By providing more precise targeting and increasing the discoverability of podcast among advertisers, we’ve been able to create more opportunities for our creators to earn ad revenue. It’s a win-win.”

Collections+ is available to any hosting provider, ad platform, or marketplace in the podcasting industry looking to enhance its targeting offerings for advertisers. For more information about Podchaser’s Collections+ and how it can benefit podcast creators and advertisers, please contact cole@podchaser.com.

Begin Unveils “Let’s Begin” Parenting Podcast

~ jen

Begin, the award-winning early learning leader behind Learn With Sesame Street, Little Passports, HOMER, and codeSpark Academy, announces the launch of its latest resource for parents: the Let’s Begin podcast.

Hosted by Jenna Arnold — celebrated activist, best-selling author, educator, and mother of two — Let’s Begin is an eye-opening podcast series that delivers authentic conversations, expert guidance, and realistic strategies to support parents in the complex journey of raising children and growing alongside them in today’s world.

Recently named in TIME’s list of “World’s Top EdTech Companies of 2024”, Begin’s mission is to ensure every child is well-prepared for the future and no parent feels line they’ve fallen short. At the heart of that mission and this podcast are The Milestones That Matter, Begin’s ground-breaking, research-backed approach which reframes learning by focusing on the life skills and milestones hat matter most for our children’s future. 

This holistic framework includes an emphasis on well-being versus a narrow focus on outdated benchmarks and grades — and like this podcast, accounts for parent’s strained mental load in their attempt to support their child’s unique learning journey.

“We, the caregivers of this era, refuse to let our children resent learning. Instead, we’re dedicated to nurturing their self-worth decades ahead of our own timelines,” says Jenna Arnold, Host of Let’s Begin. “We are inundated with (oftentimes unsolicited, unverified, and contradictory) information that overwhelms, sets unrealistic expectations, and creates a culture of toxic comparison. The outcome is what we see all around us: another generation of stressed out parents worried for their child’s future, and another generation of children who lack the necessary skills, resilience, confidence, and intrinsic self-worth to thrive in our ever-changing world.”

Let’s Begin includes a diversity of well-known and expert voices including the brilliant minds behind Sesame Street, actress Kristen Bell, therapist Kier Gaines, and activists like Valarie Kaur and Reshma Saujani, who offer insight related to the distinctive parenting challenges of our time: How to navigate the headlines, centering curiosity in a world full of ‘know-it-alls’, fostering self-worth when we fail to model it ourselves, and selling resilience when we’re all … exhausted. Knowing that parents are seeking both relatability and data-driven expertise, Begin’s Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Jody LeVos, offers research-backed insights and actionable takeaways for parents at the end of each episode.

“At Begin, our mission extends beyond providing play-based learning programs that enrich how children learn and explore the world; we are equally committed to equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to nurture their children’s emotional and intellectual development at home,” says Abby Weinstein, President and COO of Begin.

“As child development experts, educators, and parents, we’re hyper-aware for the stress and uncertainty we feel individually — and per the most recent Surgeon General Report, collectively feel when it comes to raising kids today. This podcast was created to address this very dilemma, helping parents focus more on what matters for their kids to thrive, and less on what doesn’t.”

Podspace Recruits Trio Of Industry Veterans For Expansion

~ jen

Podspace announced that, as part of its growth strategy, it has made three senior hires and is launching an international expansion.

Industry veteran Öjje Holt — co-founder of Acast and former CEO of Spotify in the Nordics — joins as Director of Growth. Eeva Ronkainen becomes Country Manager at the newly opened Helsinki office, while Johan Leijonhufvud takes the role of Senior Client Manager. Both Ronkainen and Leijonhufvud bring extensive experience in audio media, including long employments at Spotify.

Podspace is a podcast platform and marketplace that empowers enterprise publishers with technology, distribution and monetization solutions. Through strategic partnerships, with industry leaders like Bonnier News, Perfect Day Media, and Podme, the company has quickly positioned itself as a dominant force in the Nordic market.

Podspace is now significantly strengthening its team with three key hires while simultaneously opening its second office, in Helsinki. Industry veteran and serial entrepreneur Öjje Holt,co-founder of Acast and former Nordic CEO at Spotify, joins a Director of Growth. At Podspace, Holt will leverage his strategic and hands-on experience to drive the company’s growth — a role where his background with senior positions at global corporations such as Apple and Microsoft will prove invaluable.

“I’m very familiar with Podspace and its young, energetic team, so when they offered me a position, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. I aim to contribute with my strong work network, global relationships, and extensive experience in successful go-to-market strategies — including what pitfalls to avoid.”

Podspace has excellent potential to succeed beyond the Nordics. The combination of a young, driven team and an innovative product, along with someone who has launched products globally, ensures this will be an exciting journey. It’s going to be incredibly fun and challenging,” says Öjje Holt.

At the same time, Eeva Ronkainen is recruited as Country Manager for Finland. Ronkanien has solid experience from the media industry, including seven years at Spotify as Senior Account Director. She most recently held a position as Advertising Lead at Tise.

Podspace’s Swedish sales team, which offers advertising in the company’s podcast network, welcome Johan Leijonhufvud as the new Senior Client Manager. Leijonhufvud brings a wealth of experience, having most recently served as head of partnerships at The Swedish Cancer Society. He also boasts a strong background from Spotify, where he worked for 15 years, as a Senior Account Director among other roles.

Podspace now has its sights set on expanding its platform and marketplace beyond the Nordic region.

“With limited resources, we have broken into one of the most competitive markets and quickly established Podspace’s marketplace. This is profit that our product fulfills a need for enterprise publishers and advertisers. Now it’s about growing both within and outside of the Nordic reason and continuing to innovate our technical solution.

I am proud to bring in such valuable, experienced, and relevant expertise to our already fantastic team. Öjje, Eeva, and Johan are all dream recruitments and a perfect match for the phase we are facing. It’s going to be incredibly fun to make this journey together,” says Podspace co-founder and CEO Carl Fridsjö.