This Week in Podcasting delivers sharp, timely analysis of the stories shaping the podcast industry — from blockbuster acquisitions and platform wars to creator economics, audience trends, and the business moves redefining audio entertainment. Each episode breaks down the headlines that matter most to podcasters, producers, media executives, and passionate listeners who want to understand where the industry is headed and why. Whether it's a major network deal like Amazon snapping up Wondery talent, Spotify pivoting its strategy, or independent creators building sustainable businesses outside the walled gardens, This Week in Podcasting cuts through the noise with informed commentary and clear-eyed perspective. This is the show for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve — not just consume podcasts, but truly understand the forces driving the medium forward. If you're a podcast host trying to grow your show, a media professional tracking consolidation in the audio space, or simply a curious listener fascinated by the business behind your favorite podcasts, this is your essential weekly briefing. Subscribe now and never miss the deal, trend, or platform shift that could change everything.
Amazon's exclusive deal with Oprah Winfrey isn't a podcast acquisition — it's a cross-platform commerce funnel bundling audio, video, Book Club, and retail under one roof. This debut episode unpacks the Wondery consolidation play, what it means for independent podcast discovery, and why B2B audio is quietly booming at the other end of the market.
The Edison Research Q1 2026 podcast rankings are out, and the biggest story isn't who sits at the top — it's what awards, platform gaps, and a $300K booking milestone reveal about where the industry is actually moving. This is the first chapter of This Week in Podcasting's ongoing chronicle of the global podcast industry.
Edison Research's Q1 2026 US podcast rankings reveal how award wins are functioning as discovery infrastructure — Good Hang jumped 25 places after the inaugural Golden Globe Best Podcast win. Platform discoverability gaps, AI host experiments, and the miniseries archival problem round out the most structurally significant chart data in years.