Acast’s Big Ad Deal, Apple’s Audio Glow-Up & Joe Budden’s Million-Dollar Mic
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re breaking down Acast’s new global partnership with Magnite — a major move that could boost discoverability (and revenue) for podcasters everywhere. Apple is also leveling up its audio game with an “Enhance Dialog” feature for crisper sound and an Automix tool for music lovers. TIME just revealed its 100 Best Podcasts of All Time, but some major names were left off the list — including Joe Rogan. Meanwhile, Joe Budden is flexing podcast power, earning over $1 million a month on Patreon alone. And this week’s top podcast pick? Right About Now with Ryan Alford — a no-fluff marketing show climbing the charts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Spotify’s Age Check, Fantasy Football Fever & London’s New Podcast Hotspot
On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re unpacking Spotify’s new age verification system in the UK — powered by facial scans and ID uploads — all in the name of online safety. Plus, fantasy football fans are buzzing over The Players Lounge, a new game from The Rest is Football. Over in London, Podshop Studios is expanding to meet the rising demand for video-first content, and the 2025 Ear Worthy Awards just dropped their indie podcast nominations. Finally, this week’s podcast pick? The Kinda Funny Podcast — a chaotic, hilarious hangout that’s climbing the charts for good reason.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Apple’s Exclusive List, Amazon’s Podcast Shake-Up & a Brazilian Mix-Up for the Ages
In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Apple Podcasts’ ultra-selective “Best So Far” list — and why most of the world didn’t make the cut. Then, we break down Wondery’s corporate shake-up as Amazon lays off 110 staff and restructures its podcast empire. Plus: a hilarious case of mistaken identity between two nearly identical Brazilian podcasts, a new tool that turns your episodes into books, and a chilling true crime pick set in the remote wilds of Alaska.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Global Shifts & Industry Rifts: Podcasting’s Power Moves from Paris to the Pacific
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the big waves and bold moves in podcasting across the globe. France is calling for podcasting to be officially recognized as a cultural industry (oui, please), a new player enters the scene with the launch of Mission Media AI, and Audacy shuts the doors on Pineapple Street Studios in yet another shake-up. Oh, and in case you missed it, New Zealand says audio > video. You heard that right. Tap in for what’s changing, what’s closing, and what’s next in the podcast world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Spotlights, Sponsors, and Squad Goals: What’s New in Podcasting
This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule takes you inside the buzziest headlines in the podcast world: The Astra Podcast Awards are officially on the horizon, Acast signs the ever-viral Giggly Squad, and advertisers are finally putting their money where the mic is. Plus, PodWoman is back and this year it’s in person! From big brand love to celebrating powerhouse women in audio, this episode covers the major moves shaping podcasting right now. Let’s get into it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Podcast Top 5” is your 5 minute weekly rundown of the most awesome things happening in podcasting. Hosted by Emily Soule of mowPod, each episode breaks down the top five stories shaping the industry from new podcast launches and platform updates to fun trends and insights. Whether you’re a podcast creator, listener, or industry pro, join Emily as she dives into the must-know news in a quick format that keeps you up-to-date and in the loop!
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