Tag: dax shepard

Spotify’s AI Voice Translation Pilot Means Your Favorite Podcasters Might Be Heard in Your Native Language

September 25, 2023

Across cultures, countries, and communities, the stories we share bring us together. And more often than not, it is the voices of the speakers that lend as much weight to the stories as the narratives themselves. For more than 15 years, Spotify’s global platform has empowered creators of all walks to share their work with audiences around the world. At its core, this has been made possible through technology that’s leveraged the power of audio to overcome barriers to access, borders, and distance. But with recent advancements, we’ve been wondering: Are there more ways we can bridge the language gap so that these voices can be heard worldwide?

Today, we’re excited to pilot Voice Translation for podcasts, a groundbreaking feature powered by AI that translates podcasts into additional languages—all in the podcaster’s voice. 


This Spotify-developed tool leverages the latest innovations—one of which is OpenAI’s newly released voice generation technology—to match the original speaker’s style, making for a more authentic listening experience that sounds more personal and natural than traditional dubbing. A podcast episode originally recorded in English can now be available in other languages while keeping the speaker’s distinctive speech characteristics.  

As part of the pilot, we’ve worked closely with podcasters Dax Shepard, Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Bill Simmons, and Steven Bartlett to generate AI-powered voice translations in other languages—including Spanish, French, and German—for a select number of catalog episodes and future episode releases. We’re also looking forward to including other shows, such as Dax Shepard’s eff won with DRS, The Rewatchables from The Ringer, and Trevor Noah’s new original podcast, which launches later this year.

“By matching the creator’s own voice, Voice Translation gives listeners around the world the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters in a more authentic way than ever before,” says Ziad Sultan, VP of Personalization. “We believe that a thoughtful approach to AI can help build deeper connections between listeners and creators, a key component of Spotify’s mission to unlock the potential of human creativity.”

Voice-translated episodes from pilot creators will be available worldwide to Premium and Free users. We’re starting by releasing an initial bundle of translated episodes in Spanish, with French and German rolling out in the coming days and weeks:

  1. Lex Fridman Podcast – “Interview with Yuval Noah Harari”
  2. Armchair Expert – “Kristen Bell, by the grace of god, returns”
  3. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett – “Interview with Dr. Mindy Pelz”

We’ll start rolling these out to users on the Now Playing View of supported episodes starting today. Can’t wait and want to hear the episodes right away? Head to the dedicated Voice Translations Hub, which we’ll update with even more voice-translated episodes over the coming weeks and months.

Today is just the beginning. We’re excited to empower creators to bring their storytelling to more listeners across the world. The creator and audience feedback from the pilot will provide important insights for future expansion, iterations, and innovations. As the number of people (100M+) regularly listening to podcasts on Spotify continues to grow, we’ll continue exploring new ways to overcome barriers to storytelling.

Stay tuned to Spotify for Podcasters as we aim to expand access for more creators and languages.

‘Armchair Expert’ Hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman Celebrate 500 Episodes With a Playlist of Their Top 10 Guest Appearances

October 6, 2022

Photo Credit: Michael Friberg

 

Not so long ago, comedian Dax Shepard and producer Monica Padman set out to explore the “messiness of being human.” In doing so, they’ve spent nearly five years promoting personal growth and betterment through their podcast, Armchair Expert. And now, the two friends are about to hit a huge milestone: 500 episodes. 

Lauded for its hilarious spin on the challenges and shortcomings people encounter in their lives, Armchair Expert has become one of the most celebrated podcasts around, landing a spot on numerous “best of” lists and attracting a fan base of devoted “Armcherries.” 

To celebrate their big achievement, Dax and Monica have rounded up the 10 most-memorable episodes they’ve recorded since the start of the podcast in 2018. And with a guest lineup that includes everyone from Matt Damon to Stacy Abrams to Dax’s Mom, it’s a playlist that doesn’t disappoint.

Dax and Monica’s 10 Favorite Episodes

  1. “Dax’s Mom (Laura Labo)”
  2. “Matt Damon” 
  3. “David Sedaris Returns Again”
  4. “Awkwafina”
  5. “Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly)”
  6. “Stacey Abrams”
  7. “Jerod Carmichael”
  8. “Roy Choi (chef)”
  9. “Molly Shannon”
  10. “BJ Novak”

For the Record also sat down with Dax and Monica to discuss the evolution of the show, their most memorable guests, and what lies ahead for Armchair Expert. 

How has the show changed between Episode 1 and Episode 500?

In a nutshell, Monica talks more, Dax talks less (although there’s still room for major improvement on this front). We have also acquired a confidence that has allowed us to throw the game plan out the window more and more. Many things have changed, but still no bathroom door. 

When you think about your favorite episodes that you’ve picked, is there a quality they all share that makes them special?

Yes. Each of these episodes has a profound level of vulnerability from the guest—the kind of trust and openness that is truly humbling. It’s episodes like these that keep us pinching ourselves with gratitude. 

Of the episodes on this list, which one caught you most off guard, or defied your expectations of how the interview was going to unfold?

Dax: It would be Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly). I did not see any of that coming when I first saw him on the schedule. But almost immediately upon meeting him, as I watched him scan his environment/the attic for exits and threats, I knew I was meeting a beautifully tender person that I was going to have a lot in common with.

Monica: For me, it’s Roy Choi. I knew he was an incredible chef, but I was shocked by the complexity of his story and his beautifully soft nature. I thought the whole episode would be about food, but we barely touched on food at all because his life journey was so compelling. 

What’s it like to reach Episode 500 of this podcast? Were you expecting the show to have this level of traction and longevity when you launched it?

Of the many things we didn’t dare dream of, 500 episodes was one of them. I don’t think we’ve ever let our imaginations run away with us, so each milestone has come as a surprise, which has made it infinitely more fun. 

What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned about podcasting and interviewing since you started working on the podcast?

Everyone has a story. And if you listen with an open mind to (almost) anyone’s story, you will find yourself moving away from judgment and toward understanding. We’ve also learned that there is always an alternative angle on how to approach an issue. We’ve had many of the smartest people in the world on the show and they often have conflicting opinions. There is absolutely nothing with 100% consensus, which is both liberating and humbling. 

Now that you’ve reached this big milestone, what do you have planned for the show going forward? Are there any new directions you’d like to take it in?

We are already in the middle of taking them, adding more shows under our umbrella and continuing to expand the world. We launched Armchair Anonymous recently—a show that lets us hear insane stories from the very same Armcherries that got us to this milestone. 

Whether you’re new to Armchair Expert or a self-proclaimed Armcherry, catch up with all 500 episodes of the podcast, below.

Ford CEO Jim Farley Launches New Podcast ‘DRIVE’ featuring Jimmy Kimmel and Dax Shepard

May 19, 2022

Cover art for podcast DRIVE with Jim Farley

It’s hardly a surprise that Ford CEO Jim Farley is a car guy. As a kid he was nicknamed Jimmy Car Car—a moniker that follows him to this day—and there’s hardly a moment when Jim isn’t talking about cars. 

But he now has a new claim to fame: He’s the host of a new podcast called DRIVE premiering May 25. Jim is stepping behind the mic to interview friends, comedians, and fellow auto enthusiasts about the ways cars unite us all.

In anticipation of DRIVE’s premiere, For the Record caught up with Jim to find out what attracted him to podcasting, the passion that exists around car culture, and what he’s learned along the way. 

What led you to do a podcast in the first place?

I’ve been passionate about cars basically my entire life, and the podcast was a chance to connect with others about our mutual love for the things that get us around. Having these conversations helps me recharge my batteries and connect with my love for cars outside of business.

Ford CEO Jim Farley standing in a Ford manufacturing plant

Drive is a show about passion and what drives you, through the lens of cars. Why did you choose podcast as a medium for this conversation?

It seemed like the best platform to capture a full conversation. I learn by talking to people, and sometimes you need a solid block of time to dig deep with someone.

Your podcast guests include Dax Shepard, Jimmy Kimmel, The Duke of Richmond, and Patrice Banks. How did you decide on those individuals? What made their stories speak to you?

Each of my guests fascinates me in different ways. I wanted to talk with people from different walks of life who also shared a love of cars. When we first started, we had a big list of people we wanted to talk to and just narrowed it down over time.

There are so many different ways to be passionate about cars—driving, collecting, racing, fixing, general trivia—what do you think makes them such a beloved item and symbol for people?

Everyone has a story in their life that’s linked to a car. You don’t have to be a car collector or auto exec to connect through these stories. People are passionate about vehicles. Yes, they can physically take you from point A to point B, but what happens on these journeys is often what you remember.

What have you learned since creating and hosting this podcast?

Well first, I learned how to host a podcast! When I first started, I wasn’t all that good. But I got better. And I’m extremely grateful to my guests like Dax and Jimmy, who were gracious with their time and advice about how to do this. 

Second, in talking to some really inspiring people, I learned that almost none of them had a sense of destiny that they’d find success or be great. All of them had doubts, failures, and adversities. It was humbling, and a reminder that what matters is the sense of purpose and passion to do what you love and do it well, not the sense that everything will work out.

What is your go-to song or podcast for listening in the car?

Whatever my kids want to listen to! They are in charge!

What drives you, personally?

A duty to my family and my grandfather, who was employee #389 at Ford. I truly believe Ford can help make the world a better place, and that’s a legacy I’m willing to sacrifice for.

Curious what you can expect once DRIVE premieres? Find out by listening to the trailer below.

Looking Back at Spotify’s Greatest Hits in 2021

December 13, 2021

In an all-around unforgettable year, 2021 was an especially notable one for Spotify. We’re excited about what we’ve delivered for creators and listeners alike across new features, innovations, and collaborations. As the year comes to a close, we are taking a moment to look back on some of the advances we’ve made over the past 365 days. 

More listeners in more places

We have more listeners than ever. As we announced in our Q3 2021 earnings, as of September 2021, Spotify had increased the number of monthly active users and subscribers on the platform by 19% compared to 2020*. This year, we also doubled our global footprint by expanding into 92 new markets, bringing our total to 184 markets globally. New countries on our roster include South Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many more across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America. This continued expansion means that the music and voices of more people, places, and cultures can be shared with listeners around the world.

Podcasting for all

At Spotify, we believe that podcasting provides a massive opportunity for creators to entertain, inspire, and inform people across the globe. According to Edison Research and our own internal data, we recently surpassed both Apple and YouTube in the U.S.—the largest podcast market globally—to become the number one podcast platform listeners say they use the most.

The appetite for podcasts has grown among listeners, and we are answering that demand with a catalog that includes 3.2 million titles*. That’s 68% more podcasts (as of September 2021) than were on the platform in 2020. Through November of this year, we launched over 400 new O&E podcasts globally, and throughout the year we signed numerous podcast deals and entered into podcast partnerships with some of the world’s biggest creators and beloved entertainment brands like Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert, The Joe Rogan Experience (the number one podcast in the world), and Bad Robot. But our passion for podcasts isn’t limited to the U.S. This year, we expanded podcasts into more than 80 markets, including Russia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Expanding the possibilities for advertising

When we reported earnings in October, we announced that ad revenue had increased 75% year over year. And in November, we surpassed 1 billion euro in annual ad revenue for the first time. New opportunities were created for advertisers with the launch of the Spotify Audience Network, our first-of-its-kind audio advertising marketplace that enables advertisers to connect with listeners enjoying a broad range of music and podcast content. Advertisers now have a way to reach and target audiences listening to Spotify Original & Exclusive podcasts, as well as third-party podcasts from enterprise publishers via Megaphone and Anchor creators. We’ve also introduced podcast ad buying to Spotify Ad Studio, our self-serve ad channel that makes it easy for advertisers of all sizes to reach podcast listeners.

Supporting both established and breakthrough artists

With over 380 million listeners on the platform, there’s a large audience for artists to share their new releases with. The increase in subscribers has led to many major artists, like Drake and Adele, across various genres breaking Spotify records throughout the year. 

Spotify has also continued efforts to support up-and-coming artists. We expanded our exclusive offerings with Spotify Singles (including Pride, BNA, Latinx Heritage Month, Are & Be, mint, and Holiday programs) and Spotify x Electric Lady live EPs. We’re supporting artists at all levels through programs like Fresh Finds (for independent artists), RADAR (for global emerging artists), EQUAL (which fosters equity for women in music globally) and Billions Club.

But those aren’t the only ways we are pushing the industry when it comes to artists. We also launched Loud & Clear to increase transparency by sharing new data on the global streaming economy. And we expanded our Charts feature to include artist, genre, and local charts. This allows artists and listeners to dive even deeper into the data.

Inspiring and enabling creation

In order to be the best audio network, we know we need to provide the best-in-class experience and content for our listeners. This means new features and new opportunities for creators to connect with their fans. We launched Spotify Greenroom, adding live audio as part of Spotify’s ecosystem and providing yet another opportunity for creators of all types to connect with their fans more deeply and meaningfully. In November we announced the acquisition of Findaway, the global leader in digital audiobook distribution, to accelerate our presence in the audiobook space. We also introduced Spotify Open Access, which allows listeners to hear third-party content on Spotify. Finally, we partnered with beloved brands like Peloton, Netflix, and Delta to bring exclusive experiences and curated playlists to our listeners.

Dax Shepard’s ‘Armchair Expert’ Is Launching an Exclusive Partnership With Spotify

May 12, 2021

Calling all psychology enthusiasts, talk show fans, and Armcherries: We have some exciting news. The podcast Armchair Expert, cohosted by actor, filmmaker, and comedian Dax Shepard and Emmy-nominated producer and personality Monica Padman, is coming exclusively to Spotify. All past and new episodes, which are produced by Rob Holysz, Monica, and Dax, will remain free and available to stream exclusively on the platform starting July 1. The partnership also includes a first look deal with Armchair Umbrella Network. 

“Moving to Spotify is a huge opportunity for us. I am especially grateful for the work Monica and Rob have done to get us to this point. We are all bathing in the excitement of knowing we will get to do what we love most for the coming years,” shares Dax.

Photo credit: Michael Friberg

Armchair Expert has grown exponentially since its launch in 2018, becoming one of the world’s most listened-to podcasts and attracting a loyal fan base of “Armcherries.” Each episode, Dax and Monica invite listeners to join them and their guests for intimate, honest, and judgement-free discussions. At its core, the show is meant to “celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.”

From discussing inequitable standards with Hillary Clinton to opening up about Dax’s struggles with addiction, the Armchair Expert hosts take a unique approach to interviewing celebrities, artists, and world leaders. The resulting conversations are challenging and vulnerable and allow interviewees to share the toughest and most triumphant moments that have defined their lives. Recent guests include John Legend, Bill Gates, and Salma Hayek.

“We are very excited to embark on this journey with Spotify. Armchair Expert will remain the same show it has always been, but with added opportunities that only Spotify can offer us,” says Monica. “We look forward to continuing to bring our human driven content and doorless bathroom to our audience through this exclusive platform.”

Tune into this week’s episode, on Thursday, May 13, to hear Dax and Monica discuss the new partnership with a surprise guest you won’t want to miss.

Pull up a chair and listen to Armchair Expert below.