Tag: podcast

The Perfect Podcasts to Help You Stay On Track This New Year

January 16, 2019

Need a podcast pep talk today? You’re not alone. We looked at streaming data for several motivational and self-improvement podcasts and found that these shows — focused on financial responsibility, career goal setting, and inspirational success stories — more than double in listening every Wednesday.

Sure, these shows saw average daily listening rise 40 percent from the last couple months in 2018 (similar to how everyone hits the gym in early January). But what’s different is that listening to motivational podcasts is a routine people actually return to every Wednesday when they need a little extra boost.

Want to improve your chances of keeping a New Year’s resolution that might otherwise fade by February? Check out one of the below shows. Wednesday listening optional.

How I Built This with Guy Raz 

On this popular NPR show, host Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs—such as the founders of Slack and Rent The Runway—to get the stories behind their successes. A recurring theme: How to overcome several early failed endeavors.

Imagined Life

Imagined Life is a narrated show that tells an immersive story of how someone—such as Elon Musk or Elton John—has overcome incredible barriers to achieve success. Here’s the twist: You don’t find out who the subject is until the very end of the episode. Part story, part celebrity trivia, totally inspiring.

Secrets of Saving and Investing

https://open.spotify.com/show/2RNlxtQsaTM9LnWquf4uWL?si=7cLQb3M2QOOvuYUEwp05cg

If you indulged in a little too much holiday spending, January is the perfect time to get back on track with your financial goals. This new NPR podcast shares advice from financial experts to show how investing like a pro doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing.

RISE Podcast 

Author and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis interviews business leaders to elicit real-life takeaways and practical advice. The episode length varies from 15 minutes to over an hour, so you can get a boost of inspiration no matter how busy your schedule.

10% Happier with Dan Harris 

If you’re working on your wellness, don’t forget about your mental health. Former TV news personality Dan Harris learned this the hard way, when he had a panic attack on the air. Now, on the “10% Happier Podcast,” Harris talks with successful people about how to balance ambition with peace and happiness.

The School of Greatness

Former pro athlete Lewis Howes interviews successful business leaders, athletes, and celebrities to find out what it is that makes them great. It’s inspirational listening, no matter your goals.

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

For author Gretchen Rubin, happiness starts with good habits. In this podcast, Rubin shares practical, manageable advice to help you form a straightforward plan for an ambiguous goal.

The Tony Robbins Podcast 

As renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins likes to say, “Why live an ordinary life when you can live an extraordinary one?” In this podcast, Robbins offers tips and tactics for your business, relationships, finances, and health.

Goal Digger

Is 2019 the year you design your dream job? Host Jenna Kutcher offers tips, business hacks, inspirational stories, and strategies to help you build a better career path.

 

Whether for midweek goal setting or weekend relaxation, find the right podcast category for you here.

Jemele Hill is Unbothered

January 8, 2019

There are no shortage of podcasts to listen to on Spotify—from the hundreds of NPR titles now on our platform, to the release of the Amy Schumer, Guy Raz, and Joe Budden shows, there’s something for everyone.

So it’s only fitting that today at CES, our Head of Spotify Studios Courtney Holt sat down with Jemele Hill, former chief correspondent and senior columnist for ESPN’s The Undefeated and Emmy Award winning journalist, to discuss how creators are leveraging podcasts to build connections with new audiences, explore the creative spectrum, and reinvent their personal brands. They also chatted about the overall evolution of podcasting into a powerful, authentic storytelling device.

During the discussion, Hill announced that she’ll be telling her own story—and joining the Spotify lineup with her own original podcast, Jemele Hill is Unbothered.

Jemele Hill and Courtney Holt

Coming to Spotify on Mondays and Thursdays starting this March, Jemele Hill is Unbothered will feature Hill and her co-hosts along with a rotating cast of high-profile guests. On the podcast, Hill will explore the news of the week and the intersectionality between the worlds of sports, politics, music, identity and culture. Jemele Hill is Unbothered is an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real-time as it unfolds, only on Spotify.

Thanks to her 12 years at ESPN as a leading voice providing content and commentary for their digital, television and audio platforms, Hill is no stranger to to these topics.

“Spotify and I are very like-minded,” Hill says. “We both believe in being bold and authentic. I am thrilled to get the opportunity to stretch myself in a much different way, with a support system that I believe will bring out the best in me. I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with Spotify’s many listeners across the world.”

Each 60-75 minute episode of Jemele Hill is Unbothered will delve into the issues that matter—from athletes speaking out about race, to Usher’s new perm. The conversations with current newsmakers will be personal and memorable.

“Jemele is an important voice in sports, race, culture, and politics, and their intersection in media,” says Holt. “She will bring her unique point of view to our platform with this podcast, which is sure to be a favorite of listeners with diverse interests and viewpoints.”

Spotify now has more than 200 million users worldwide, but with the ever-growing catalog of podcasts available, each one is sure to find a story that captivates them.

 

Hill is represented by Exit 39, CAA, and Jackoway Tyerman.

Redescubrimos los relatos clásicos para una nueva generación con Ven Con Un Cuento

December 17, 2018

Presentamos la primera serie de podcasts originales de Spotify en español basada en clásicos infantiles para disfrutar en familia durante las fiestas.

¿Quién no recuerda la sensación de quedarse dormido arrullado por cuentos de hadas? Los relatos clásicos que han acompañado a generaciones ocupan un lugar tan central en la conciencia colectiva que la mayoría de nosotros podría contarlos casi de memoria. Pero este recuerdo, ¿es suficiente para capturar la imaginación de los nativos digitales?

Ven Con Un Cuento es una serie original de Spotify que rescata siete de las historias más emblemáticas del género con un espíritu que busca mantener lo que ha fascinado a generaciones y en el que encontramos un territorio familiar. Pero, al mismo al tiempo, ofrece a narradores experimentados la oportunidad de recrear estas historias para oídos jóvenes.

Entre las historias que forman la serie destacan El Patito Feo, El Soldadito de Plomo, El Traje Nuevo del Emperador, del poeta danés Hans Christian Andersen, y algunos de los relatos rescatados por los hermanos Grimm en Alemania como Hansel y Gretel, La Bella Durmiente y Pulgarcito, así como la épica de Simbad el Marino.

El espíritu de la serie es dejar que reconocidos actores de doblaje den voz a los personajes y maticen la narración manteniéndose fieles a las tramas que conocemos.

De este modo, se puede escuchar al actor Luis Posada en el cuento Simbad El Marino; a Nuria Mediavilla en La Bella Durmiente; a Jordi Brau en El Soldadito de Plomo; mientras que a Óscar Barberán, Marta Angelat, Mercedes Montalá y David Brau son los encargados de interpretar las aventuras que viven los personajes de El Traje Nuevo del Emperador, Hansel y Gretel, El Patito Feo y Pulgarcito.

Esta producción propia se ha grabado en los Estudios Polford y ha contado con el estudio de producción BSO para la creación, composición y ambientación musical que acompaña a cada uno de los cuentos que integran esta serie de podcasts disponible en Spotify.

La recompensa para el oyente es descubrir que las historias continúan vigentes para nuestro tiempo. Ese mundo sigue poblando nuestro imaginario con reyes y reinas, burros y gansos, sastres y cazadores… Dos siglos después, las virtudes que quisieron cristalizar sus creadores son las mismas que nos mueven: el valor, la lealtad, el amor, la gratitud, y, en igual medida, nos revelan el lado oscuro de nuestra naturaleza.

En Ven Con Un Cuento Spotify continúa su apuesta de generar experiencias sonoras únicas para públicos de todas las edades. La serie se estrena el 17 de diciembre y podrás escucharlo sólo en Spotify.

Puedes escuchar la serie Ven Con un Cuento aquí.

Travel Delays, Snowed In, or Stuck at Your In-Laws? We’ve Got a Podcast for That

November 29, 2018

’Tis the season for slower work days, more time with friends and family, and festive celebrations. But the holidays also can come with bad weather, houseguests who wear out their welcomes, traffic jams, and travel delays. Blissful or bah humbug, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—to listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to brush up on current events or escape into a complex story, Spotify’s robust and ever-expanding collection of podcasts will keep you occupied. Not sure where to start? Here are five that fit the bill.

If you’re looking for … a topic that’ll impress your boss at the office holiday party

Try … “Revisionist History.” Each episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast takes a second look at the past and questions whether the popular narrative about a particular event, person, or idea is accurate.

If you’re looking for … anything to distract you while you spend hours sitting on the tarmac

Try … “Up and Vanished.” True-crime buffs will dig the investigative journalism podcast that explores cases of people who have gone missing or disappeared. Each season is an in-depth look into what happened, including first-person accounts from locals who were present as the case unfolded. Because each season covers one case, the suspense will keep you listening episode to episode, no matter what kind of delay the airport throws at you.

If you’re looking for … enough material to keep up with your uncle who always wants to talk hot-button topics at the dinner table

Try … “The Daily.” For 20 minutes a day, five days a week, Michael Barbaro of The New York Times shares a quick summary of something that’s going on in the world. Based on interviews and reporting, each episode focuses on one topic, but ends with a roundup of the other important headlines of the day.

If you’re looking for … a lighter note to keep you entertained while gift wrapping

Try … “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” In this comedy/advice podcast by Justin, Griffin, and Travis McElory, the brothers answer questions submitted by listeners and read entertaining posts from Yahoo! Answers. MBMBaM also has frequent guests and humorous recurring segments, like “Haunted Doll Watch,” where the brothers discuss eBay listings selling supposedly haunted or cursed dolls.

If you’re looking for … a story that gathers everyone around the fireplace

Try … “Lore.” What’s real and what’s just lore? Mystery lovers will get hooked on more than 100 spooky stories that dive deep into the darker side of human nature. The nonfiction series is based on historical explorations of folklore, investigating rumors of haunted houses, witches, and vampires, and telling other tall tales from around the world.

Looking for more ways to get away this holiday season? Check out Spotify’s top podcasts.

‘Das allerletzte Interview’: Mörderische Spannung in der Podcast-Fortsetzung

November 22, 2018

Hip-Hop-Journalistin Clara plant, den erfolgreichsten Rapper Deutschlands zu töten. Aber warum? Das Rätsel hinter Claras Motiv sowie ihre düstere Vergangenheit haben im vergangenen Sommer Podcast- und Krimi-Fans in Atem gehalten. Die zweite Staffel des Spotify Original Podcasts “Das allerletzte Interview”, geschrieben und erzählt von Visa Vie, ist ab sofort exklusiv bei Spotify zu finden.

Der Podcast, der für “Schönste Geschichte” beim Preis für Popkultur 2018 nominiert war, erzählt von Außenseiterin Clara, die sich als Moderatorin beim größten Rapmagazin Deutschlands einschleust. Sie plant, nach ihrem allerletzten Interview Scar umzubringen, den bekanntesten Rapper des Landes. Am Ende der ersten Staffel gab es einen Showdown zwischen ihr und Scar – der mit einem Cliffhanger endete.

“Das allerletzte Interview” ist gespickt mit Anekdoten und Insiderwissen aus der Rapwelt. Autorin Visa Vie arbeitete jahrelang als Journalistin bei dem bekannten Hip-Hop Portal 16bars und sammelte dort reichlich Interview-Erfahrung. Als Moderatorin, Produzentin und Redakteurin ihres eigenen YouTube-Formats “Zum Goldenen V” konnte sie sich eine treue Fangemeinschaft aufbauen, die bei “Das allerletzte Interview” nicht nur gespannt mitgefiebert, sondern auch über Parallelen zu realen Rappern spekuliert hat.

“Das Feedback zu ‘Das allerletzte Interview’ war überwältigend und ich bin immer noch fassungslos über die großartige Resonanz auf mein Autorinnen-Debüt”, erklärt Visa Vie. “Deswegen freue ich mich umso mehr darauf, die Fortsetzung nun endlich mit der Welt teilen zu können. Und nicht zuletzt, weil so viele es sich gewünscht haben, wird es in der zweiten Staffel noch mal um einiges härter zugehen!”

Auch Michael Krause, Geschäftsführer EMEA von Spotify, ist begeistert vom Spotify Original Podcast: “Als größte Podcast-Plattform in Deutschland sind wir stolz auf unsere starken Original-Formate, bis jetzt haben schon hunderttausende Hörer bei ‘Das allerletzte Interview’ mitgefiebert. Wir können es kaum erwarten, den Fans von Clara die Krimi-Fortsetzung von Visa Vie zu präsentieren.”

Interviewing the Interviewer: Guy Raz on His New Spotify Podcast Series

November 1, 2018

Guy Raz. You know him from NPR’s super popular TED Radio Hour and How I Built This. Now everyone’s favorite podcast interviewer has a brand new series on Spotify.

The exclusive Spotify Originals series, called “The Rewind With Guy Raz,” takes you inside the minds of today’s biggest music stars, including David Guetta, Kelly Clarkson, and Shawn Mendes. The acclaimed host unpacks what they love. What they fear. The ways fame forever transformed their lives—all packed into this revealing limited podcast series.

In a fun twist, we turned the tables on Raz and interviewed the interviewer on why he’s so excited about “The Rewind.”

What do you most want people to know about “The Rewind With Guy Raz”?

Most people listen to an artist or go see a concert and they think of the performer in that very moment. But who was Kelly Clarkson, or Charlie Puth, or Wynton Marsalis before they got onto that stage? What was Shawn Mendes like in middle school? At some point they were all just like you and me. Maybe they had a better voice or they could dance a little bit better but, for the most part, they led normal lives. And while you may think you know who that artist is from their videos or an interview, “The Rewind” takes a deeper dive into their journeys to becoming superstars.

What lessons do you bring from your years of co-directing and hosting NPR podcasts to Spotify’s “The Rewind”?

Over the past two decades of interviewing, I’ve learned that by coming to the table without any expectations, with a spirit of generosity, and a sense of empathy, most people want to talk about their stories. With “The Rewind,” it’s no different. Their names may be up in lights, they may be some of the most famous people in the world, but they are human. They have stories. They have anxieties. They have dreams. And they have fears. This show is a journey into those worlds. It is a chance to understand what motivates these artists and how fame has changed their lives.

Where do you record “The Rewind’s” interviews, and how is it built for human connection and storytelling?

Some of my interviews are done face-to-face in Los Angeles or occasionally in New York. When I do those interviews right next to the artists, we’re usually sitting just a few inches apart. It usually takes 10 or 15 minutes before they are comfortable, and before they are prepared to fully surrender to the process. I want the person I’m interviewing to feel comfortable and safe because I find that in those circumstances they will often reveal more about who they are than in a controlled and managed environment. Some of my interviews can last as long as two hours and, oftentimes, by the end of it, both of us are wiped out.

What do you enjoy most about exposing your listeners to these journeys of inspiring musicians?

Human stories are the most compelling stories for obvious reasons. Even if you are not religious, just check out the Bible and you will find some of the most dramatic narratives ever told. Love, hate, kindness, jealousy, deception, rebirth … all of those story motifs are right there. It’s not surprising. Human lives are full of drama, and triumph, and failure and success. All of us—myself included—can find parts of ourselves in stories. It’s why I do what I do, because my job is to help people unearth the stories hidden inside of them.

What does this new podcast say about your evolution as a career storyteller and content creator—in a time when content platforms is also changing?

Most of my programs are listened to by people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s. On the radio, my listeners can be as old as 100. What excites me about the Spotify audience, and the artists I’m interviewing, is that I think we have a real chance of reaching much younger listeners—for example, teenagers and preteens who love this music but may not know a whole lot about the person singing the song.

I also think that nowadays, artists have very few opportunities to tell their stories in depth. FM radio and music magazines are no longer a place where in-depth interviews are featured. So for many listeners, particularly younger listeners, the stories you hear from your favorite artists will be revelatory.

Check out the first episode with David Guetta here:

Watch Stretch and Bobbito Discuss Their Journey From Radio to Podcast

October 30, 2018

In the age before streaming, people discovered music in entirely different ways—if you were a hip-hop lover in the ’90s, you might remember finding the freshest new rappers thanks to college DJs Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia.

Way back when, Adrian Bartos, aka Stretch Armstrong, and Robert “Bobbito” Garcia were cohosts of a 1-5 a.m. Friday morning show on Columbia University’s campus radio station, WKCR. Together, they exposed the campus—and the world—to a wave of then-unsigned hip-hop and rap talents such as Nas, the Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, JAY Z, Eminem, and the Fugees. Though the show ended in ’98, Stretch and Bob never lost their enthusiasm for introducing the people to the unique insights and talents of diverse artists.

Now, more than 15 years later, they’re back—now with a new NPR podcast, What’s Good with Stretch & Bobbito—available for streaming on Spotify. In the two-season (so far!) series, the hosts share untold stories and uncovered truths with their influential guests—from Women’s March organizer Linda Sarsour to Fresh Off the Boat writer Eddie Huang, to the Roots’ front manBlack Thoughts (Tariq Trotter), to Guatemalan singer-songwriter GabyMoreno. These cultural influencers talk art, music, politics, sports and, more generally, what’s good!

Stretch and Bobbito conduct plenty of interviews themselves—so we sat down with the duo for an exclusive video on their own untold stories.

The first two seasons of What’s Good with Stretch and Bobbito are now available to stream on Spotify.

Most Wanted: ‘Chapo,’ the First Podcast From Vice News, Debuts on Spotify

October 26, 2018

A cartel leader’s rise and fall. Hit men. Government fallout. Journalists risking their lives. Citizens caught in the middle. It’s the stuff of primetime dramas. But it’s also the very real narrative of the drug war’s impact on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Spotify is partnering with Vice News to distribute the award-winning news channel’s first podcast, “Chapo,” an eight-episode series that uncovers the story of Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. It’s our latest step in building a broad library of exclusive, original audio content on Spotify. And to better reach our global audience, the podcast debuts in both English and Spanish.

As Chapo goes on trial in New York City this November, the podcast explores this historic, high-stakes case. In-depth interviews with those closest to the story—including the former DEA agents who captured the drug kingpin; former Mexican president Felipe Calderón, known for escalating the drug war; Chapo’s family; and the people living through the drug war’s real-life consequences—give listeners a riveting firsthand account of what it was really like to be part of Chapo’s life. Conversations between the hosts—Vice News reporter Keegan Hamilton and Miguel Angel Vega, one of Mexico’s top narco-journalists, bring never-before-heard perspectives on relations between the United States and Mexico and detail the urgent danger journalists face in Mexico.

“We’re tremendously excited to bring Vice News’ in-depth reporting to the podcast format for the first time,” says Ryan McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Vice News. “This is the story of El Chapo that you won’t hear in the courtroom and that you won’t read in the headlines. We’re thrilled about our partnership with Spotify and that we can tell this story to both English-language and Spanish-language listeners.”

“Chapo” premieres November 1. All episodes will also be available on Spotify in English and Spanish. Episodes 4 through 8 will be available exclusively on Spotify.

Get a sneak peek of the Chapo trailer here:

David Guetta, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, and Others Go Deep on Spotify’s ‘The Rewind’ Podcast With Guy Raz

October 25, 2018

From “undiscovered great” to “most-streamed,” each artist has a unique journey to success—and we want to help tell their stories. That’s why Spotify has teamed up with Built-It Productions and Guy Raz, host, co creator, and editorial director of three NPR programs (How I Built This, TED Radio Hour, and Wow in the World) to debut our exclusive new audio interview podcast series, The Rewind with Guy Raz.

In each episode, Guy sits down with some of the most inspiring artists across all genres in the music industry—including Shawn Mendes, Kelly Clarkson, Wynton Marsalis, Nick Jonas, and more—for a series of personal interviews. Going beyond the music, these candid conversations chronicle each artist’s remarkable origin story, in their own words. You’ll hear it all— the ambitions, achievements, shortcomings, setbacks, and everything else that made them the icons we know today.

Get excited for the debut episode, which features French electronic music producer David Guetta and the remarkable journey that led him to become one of the first superstar DJs—from teaching himself to scratch records to catapulting EDM into the mainstream and changing pop music forever.

Look out for new episodes of The Rewind with Guy Raz limited series premiering each week, exclusively on Spotify.

It’s *F%$#^&!* Funny: Catch Season 2 of Spotify Original Podcast ‘Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith’

October 16, 2018

She’s, ahem, unfiltered, so imagine how candid Amy Schumer gets when she broadcasts from the comfort of her own apartment. The second season of 3 Girls, 1 Keith, the writer-comedian’s podcast, launches exclusively on Spotify on October 23—and Amy’s back with more guest stars, more overshares, and more laughs (theirs and yours).

What began as an inside joke between four best friends—Amy plus fellow comedians Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson—about the idea of broadcasting their hangouts has turned into a candid take on politics, world events, and of course the intimate personal anecdotes Amy is known for. Season 1, ICYMI (hint: catch up now), tackled personal bias to parachute pants. For this season, drinking, sex, worthless people, and J. Lo are all on the agenda … nothing is off-limits.

In 3 Girls, 1 Keith’s second season, Amy and company go there, discussing their “death plans” (including using the deceased’s ashes as bath salts), shoplifting, and other taboos. They also grill a variety of special guests, including supermodel Ashley Graham, comedian Dave Attell, actress-comedian-writer Wanda Sykes, and human rights powerhouse Amanda Nyugen. Amy’s dad, Gordon Schumer, even makes a cameo, dishing about the time he ditched his future wife and her parents to get “tied up” by another girl.

Fans can look forward to more of last season’s segments, like “Pound it or Pass,” when the hosts debated whether or not they would hook up with a given celebrity (yes, Amy’s dad does participate), and “Why is Keith a Bad Person?” … which is fairly self-explanatory.

Keep an eye (and an ear) out for new episodes coming exclusively to Spotify every week this month. Pro tip: Listen in public at your own risk. Audible laughter is pretty much inevitable.

Watch the trailer here:

Introducing Spotify for Podcasters in Beta

October 3, 2018

We want more people to have access to the tools they need to become great storytellers and have their voices heard, which is why we’re proud to introduce the beta of Spotify for Podcasters. Through this new platform that we’re testing, podcast creators who are hosting their podcasts elsewhere will be able to make their show available to Spotify users by providing us with their podcast feed. This will easily make them available to our audience of more than 180 million listeners around the world, and allow podcasters to see daily stats about who is listening and from where.

For podcasters who run active podcasts and continue to publish episodes, new episodes will instantly be added to Spotify as soon as podcasters upload them to their host or aggregator.

Podcasters whose podcasts are available on Spotify will have access to episode performance, daily stats on listener demographics, location, engagement, and more—great tools to help learn more about and grow audiences.

Hear Daniel Ek Trace Spotify’s Origin Story on the ‘Masters of Scale’ Podcast

September 19, 2018

Spotify was founded in 2008, and in the decade since, millions of people around the world have joined the music streaming revolution. But where did it all begin? According to our CEO Daniel Ek, Spotify was built on the concept of trust, and that idea has remained core to our beliefs.

“At the end of the day, it’s about trust,” Daniel reveals in the latest episode of the podcast Masters of Scale. “If you say what you’re going to do, and then keep on doing that, you will do pretty well.”

Masters of Scale, hosted by investor, entrepreneur, and cofounder of LinkedIn Reid Hoffman, features reflections on success with prominent CEOs and founders. In this episode, Reid and Daniel share a thoughtful conversation about how Swedish values like transparency and honesty first set Spotify apart.

As Daniel says about Swedish society, “You can’t screw people over, and you have to honor your agreements.” In fact, he says it’s normal behavior to walk on other people’s property–and even set up camp. “This notion of private vs. public just doesn’t exist to the same extent,” Daniel explains.

When Spotify first entered the music landscape, trust within the industry was at an all-time low, but Daniel envisioned a future where artists and fans could believe in each other once again.

“I had this idea of the kind of product I wanted to see in the world,” he says. “I told my team, ‘If we can create the feeling that people have all the world’s music on their hard drives, we will have built something that’s much better than piracy.'”

Listen to Daniel’s full Masters of Scale episode right here.