The Scale Myth

Podcasting has made major strides in measurement—but proving its full impact isn’t always straightforward. In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore how new tools are closing the gap between perception and proof, and why podcasting’s true value goes beyond clicks to deeper listener connection. Special thanks to our guests: Paul Riismandel, Joe Macarack, Sona Cerdiquist, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

AI is transforming podcasting—from how shows are created to how they’re targeted and monetized. But as technology accelerates, what happens to the human element that defines the medium? In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore the balance between automation and authenticity—and why the future of podcasting may depend on both. Special thanks to our guests: Oskar Serrander, Nick Fletcher, Matt Mohun, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

As brand safety tools evolve, so does the way advertisers show up in podcasting. This episode explores the balance between control and creative freedom, and how brands can navigate safety, suitability, and authenticity in a medium built on trust. Special thanks to our guests: Tamara Zubatiy, Angel Livas, Stacey Hultgren, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

Does bigger really mean better in podcasting? This episode unpacks why reach isn’t everything, and how niche shows drive powerful engagement and results. From celebrity hits to indie voices, we explore why relevance—not just scale—wins. Special thanks to our guests: Melissa Keische, Jeremy Lermitte, Molly Fuard, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

Podcasting has gone visual. In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore how video is reshaping discovery, engagement, and monetization—and what it means for creators, audiences, and brands. Is video replacing audio, or expanding it? Industry experts weigh in on the future of a now hybrid medium. Special thanks to our guests: Jenny Barish, Tom Webster, Katie Nolan, Gabe Tartaglia, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

A new era of podcasting is here. The Trendcast Season 2 explores the key questions shaping what comes next.

Sophie zeroes in on how perfectly targeted ad placements not only bring brands closer to their audiences, but deliver real results not typically found in other forms of media. She deep dives into this trend and discusses the effect that data driven, and sometimes AI powered solutions, has on a show and the audience, itself. This episode features Tamara Zubaity, co-founder and CEO of Barometer, Paul Riismandel, President at Signal Hill Insights, and Shankar Vedantam, Executive Editor and host of Hidden Brain.

Sophie dives into the ever-important host-listener relationship, and how the breaking down of the fourth wall brings the audience in as contributors, taking them from listeners to part of the show. With her guests, she discusses the use of social media, how hosts will take the extra step to make their fans feel seen and heard, and just how advertisers can align themselves with this trend. This episode features Alie Ward, host of the comedic science podcast Ologies, and Matt Shapo, Director of Digital Audio and Video at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). 

Podcast creators are here to shake up the industry make-up, representing a whole host of races, genders, and cultures which allow for a richer, more diverse medium. In this episode, Sophie discusses how the industry has expanded into the multi-cultural phenomenon we know today along with the uncharted territory brands have to advertise have within the space. This episode features Jack Hobbs, CEO of Revolver Podcasts, Jordi Olivares, co-founder and general manager of Pitaya Entertainment, and Gabriel Soto, Senior Director of Research at Edison Research 

Bingeable podcast creation has led to a rise in listener-creator engagement. In fact, two-thirds of listeners are taking in multiple episodes back-to-back in a single session, as they seek connections with not only the story, but the storytellers themselves. In this episode, Sophie discusses how the bingeable model engages listeners while also benefiting advertisers pursuing a way to tell their own brand's story while speaking to devoted audiences. This episode features Tom Webster, partner at Sounds Profitable, and Delia D’Ambra, host and producer of three hit shows, Counterclock, Park Predators, and Dark Arenas.