Tag: podcast

The Challenges and Opportunities in Transforming the ‘Song Exploder’ Podcast Into a Netflix Show

October 13, 2020

In 2014, Hrishikesh “Hrishi” Hirway first combined music and podcasts with Song Exploder, a biweekly podcast that explores a popular song through an intimate discussion with the track’s creator. Artists ranging from The Postal Service to Dua Lipa have taken to the mic to explain their craft and process. In 2016, Hrishi started fiddling with another combination—turning the podcast into a TV show. He partnered with Morgan Neville, a film producer, director, and writer best known for some of his documentaries about musicians and songwriters, like 20 Feet From Stardom and Johnny Cash’s America. They embarked on the task of turning an audio show into a visual one, a project that would take two years—and plenty of hard questions.

This October, their hard work paid off when Song Exploder landed on Netflix. Each of the four episodes explores a singular track from creators Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M., and Ty Dolla $ign in a new visual fashion that keeps the Song Exploder podcast at its core.

Join Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Gimlet’s Alex Blumberg as They Discuss ‘How to Save a Planet’ in Their New Podcast

August 20, 2020

Anyone can search “10 things I can do to help save the planet.” And according to marine biologist, policy expert, and Urban Ocean Lab founder Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, that’s a problem. “People feel satisfied when they’ve bought their reusable bag and water bottle and ride their bike everywhere.” It’s not enough, she says. To mitigate the effects of climate change, we need to take collective action by transforming electricity, transportation, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and land use, to name a few.

So where to begin? That’s the question that Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Gimlet cofounder Alex Blumberg seek to answer in their new podcast, How to Save a Planet.

Nine months ago, the pair started talking about producing a podcast on combating climate change with expert-led, actionable solutions. Then they recruited a knowledgeable team that includes journalists Kendra Peirre-Louis and Rachel Waldholz, Gimlet producers Caitlin Kenney and Anna Ladd, and sound engineer Emma Munger to help in creating a podcast that will continue to evolve as people take systematic action on climate change

In creating the podcast, the team aimed to engage listeners, give them concrete, large steps to take part in during every show, and tell the stories of people around the world already mobilizing around climate change. So in addition to interviews with academic leaders like Kate Marvel and youth activists like Varshini Prakesh, Alex and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson will also talk to individuals like farmers and fishermen who’ve started to make changes after decades of not thinking about sustainability. And what they’ve found? It’s working for them—and the climate.

For the Record sat down with the cohosts to get the inside scoop on How to Save a Planet.

A lot of people feel that the issue of climate change is really out of our control. How do you think people can start to take the power back into their own hands when it comes to addressing the issue?

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: I think we need more journalism focused on solutions, because we’re finally at the point where we have the journalistic expertise and the media support for talking about climate science and how climate change is already impacting people. But we don’t have nearly enough media about what we should do about all the solutions that are already at hand and how people can be part of larger systematic change, instead of just being stressed out about their individual carbon footprint all the time.

Alex Blumberg: What we want to do is increase the range of options, because people are all different and you can probably engage in a way that leverages your particular skills and personality that isn’t just like a sort of one-size-fits-all solution. So hopefully, this podcast can provide more ways for people to plug into a more effective solution because it’ll be something that appeals to them particularly.

What have you learned about climate change in this process that you were not expecting? Anything that really blew your mind?

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: One of the things that’s really fascinating is how many people are working on climate solutions without ever talking about climate, even if it’s their motivation, because they just don’t want to complicate things or make them “political.” Whether that’s on how we manage the chemicals in air conditioners that are extremely potent greenhouse gases or how we transition agriculture or ramp up wind energy. There are often financial reasons for doing the right thing in terms of climate now, especially with how the technologies and the markets have evolved.

Alex Blumberg: The reason that people are actually taking action is because it’s usually better for them on a straight-ahead “what’s in it for me” calculation. And that’s what’s been sort of very surprising and very hopeful. Like, people who are doing regenerative farming are more profitable than when they weren’t doing it. There’s no downside. What’s been shocking to me is the more we talk to these folks, the more we realize there is literally no reason we shouldn’t make these changes, because they’re actually all-around better. I think people know that, but telling that story is really important.

How is making this podcast different from the podcasts you’ve made in the past?

Alex Blumberg: The aim is a little bit different. The aim of every other podcast that I’ve worked on is to share a story, share experience, create understanding, but not to like galvanize action. That’s new. I think we all want this podcast to be part of a solution itself.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: If part of our goal is to help people be part of real systems-level change, as opposed to stressing out about whether they’re allowed to get on an airplane or eat a hamburger, then we need to actually point people towards things they can be part of. One of my hopes is certainly that in one of these episodes, each of our listeners will find a place where they feel like they fit in, where they have something they can contribute. Not everyone wants to go to utility board meetings or start farming seaweed, but hopefully some people will raise a ruckus for their local utility boards to transition to renewables or rethink their farming practices.

Alex has said that he’s a big believer in the power of podcasts. What do you each think is the power of this podcast?

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: I think there’s a very simple power, which is to help people not feel so alone, right? This podcast can help nurture a community of listeners that feel like we’re all in it together and perhaps feel informed and motivated enough to deepen their involvement in climate solutions, to understand where they can actually plug in and then charge ahead with it, and hopefully report back to us and let us know how it’s going, because we’re really excited for those stories, too.

Alex Blumberg: In the moment that we’re in right now with climate, a lot of people are very terrified. Justifiably, it’s a scary moment, but people don’t have anything to do with that terror, and they’re sort of sitting with it alone. And so a lot of people are like, “I believe you. I believe you, it’s bad. I just don’t know what to do.” We’re hoping that our podcast can be a place for people who feel that way to not be alone with that feeling and actually turn that feeling into action, which will make it feel less helpless and more positive.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: Alex, does it feel like the stakes are higher on this one?

Alex Blumberg: It does. Yeah, it does.

Tune into the first episode of How to Save a Planet now. Plus, preorder All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, coedited by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and featuring many of the podcast’s guests.

Tanya Hennessy Speaks Up in ‘I Can’t Stop,’ a New Spotify Original Podcast

August 18, 2020

Tanya Hennessy isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind—and she’s built a massive following doing just that. You might recognize her from online videos where she shares her funny, real, and relatable takes. Now the Australian comedian, author, radio presenter, and social media sensation is bringing her often “hearted” opinions to the podcasting world in her new show, I Can’t Stop.

The Spotify Australia and New Zealand Studios Original podcast gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the realities behind social media, television, and radio. Tanya will also take on a variety of other topics, like those random thoughts that keep you up at night and questions you never thought to ask yourself. True to her style, the unofficial “queen of relatable” shares it all with the heart and vulnerability of a 30-something who’s just trying to understand the world around her. Joining her each week will be comedian Steph Tisdell, who will be asking questions on behalf of listeners.

Ready to be even more excited? Hear from Tanya herself as she introduces the podcast, explains what listeners can look forward to, and opens up about the importance of taking risks—while never losing her candor or sense of humor.

Stream the first episode of I Can’t Stop now, and stay tuned for new episodes each week.

New Podcast Goes Behind the Scenes With One of America’s Favorite TV Shows: ‘The Office’

July 14, 2020

It’s been seven years since the U.S. version of The Office aired its final episode. But the passing of time has done nothing to stifle fans’ adoration of the series and its characters. Plus, new generations of fans have discovered the show through streaming, finding it as relatable as diehard fans did when the series launched in 2005. Now, for the first time ever, a new podcast is here to give fans the behind-the-scenes details they’ve been craving from the people who know it best—the creative team in front of and behind the camera.

An Oral History of The Office, created by Propagate Content and available exclusively on Spotify, digs into what it was that made the show so successful. “We hope the podcast gives the fans a deeper understanding of the business behind the creativity, while also providing access to their favorite actors, writers, and producers in a way they haven’t had before,” explains Ben Silverman, an executive producer of The Office and Chairman and Co-CEO of Propagate Content. “People have now watched the episodes multiple times and they want to understand the architecture of the show because it is so layered and profound. There are many new things to uncover each time you watch it.”

Fans will be excited to learn that the podcast is hosted and executive produced by none other than Brian Baumgartner, the actor who plays accountant and chili master Kevin Malone. And while Kevin is known for his dry words and slow delivery, Brian is a man of total and complete focus when it comes to making a podcast fans will love. We caught up with Brian to learn all about the new podcast and why he’s the best cast member to give us all the details.

Why should fans of The Office get excited for this podcast?

It’s not really what you would think of as a traditional podcast. Nothing like this has ever been done for a television show before. We interviewed more than 40 people, have over a hundred hours of collective material, and the story that you hear is really an assemblage of all the creative voices that worked on the show from the very beginning.

And the format of the podcast is quite different, but it really tells a cohesive story, from how Ben Silverman got the rights from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant in England, to how difficult it was to find an audience for us in the beginning, to how we became one of the most successful shows on television. For example, I interviewed Billie Eilish, who’s watched the entire series so many times that the number is in the double digits.

What was your process for preparing to talk about the show? Some of this was filmed more than 15 years ago!

I sort of outlined the things that were important to me, the things that I could remember. And I picked out the people to talk about certain sections or time frames when a person was there.

We ended up hearing stories that I had never heard. I mean, huge behind-the-scenes, life-changing moments for people—some in the crew, some of the writers. And that’s reflected in the stories we tell.

Why do you think you’re the perfect person to lead this oral history of the show?

There’s been a lot of discussion about why me? Why am I the one to tell the story? And I think there are a few reasons. There were only two cast members, Dwight and me, who were present on set and filmed every episode of the show. And I think part of that, and part of my positioning in The Office was, I was constantly watching.

The business of television intrigued me from the very beginning. I was compelled to tell the story because clearly the show resonates with fans, but I feel like what happened behind the scenes was equally as special, in terms of the people that were assembled. We were this sort of ragtag band of what a lot of people would consider losers, who came together to create this show. We didn’t really look like characters that existed on primetime television at the time. Our show really broke the mold.

And this is all because of the people that were involved, and the incredibly smart decisions that were made from the very beginning. That’s why I’m talking about this today. That’s why people care today. That’s why when I post something with me and chili online, people respond to it. It’s become so resonant on a global cultural scale. That’s fascinating to me and hopefully it will be to other people as well.

Nuseir Yassin of ‘Nas Daily’ Announces New Spotify Original Podcast ‘Nas Talks’

July 7, 2020

You’ve likely seen Nuseir Yassin’s short clips on everything from interracial dating to mosquitos to political movements via his wildly popular video series, Nas Daily. Now you can hear the full stories that inspire them on his new Spotify Original Podcast, Nas Talks.

But don’t just take it from us. Listen to the news from the man himself:

Love #nasdaily? Nuseir Yassin’s passion, curiosity, and humor is now on Spotify in a new Original podcast, “Nas Talks.” Hear the announcement from the creator himself. pic.twitter.com/gtgtwOCGoS

— Spotify Singapore (@SpotifySG) July 8, 2020

Staying true to his video brand, Nas will deliver audio content in his unmistakable fashion, with weekly episodes that dive deep into a variety of personal, timely, and controversial topics—including the hidden truths about his personal journey, finding fame through social media, and debates on politics and philosophy. And like all podcasts on Spotify, it’s free for all Spotify users.

The podcast will feature guests from all walks of life and corners of the world, highlighting creators, politicians, and authors with a vast range of perspectives. In the first few weeks of the show, Nas will be joined by Filipino-American vlogger Wil Dasovich and Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari.

“Going into podcasting makes perfect sense for the Nas Daily journey,” says host and creator Nuseir Yassin. “It’s hard to deep dive into topics in less than three minutes, and I’m looking forward to longer discussions with other points of view. It’s my first venture into long-form content and I am thrilled to partner with Spotify to bring this show to life.”

Singapore-based Nuseir has amassed a following of over 26 million fans across the U.S., UK, Asia, and Latin America, engaging an ever-growing fan base with a recognizable storytelling style filled with passion, curiosity, and humor.

Nas Talks joins an acclaimed slate of Spotify Originals from content creators such as Joe Rogan, Warner Bros. and DC, PodcastOne, and The Ringer, all of which further Spotify’s goal of offering best-in-class audio content with cultural and local relevance.

Check out the first episode below.

Spotify’s ‘Sandra’ Podcast Goes Global—and Local—With ‘Sara,’ ‘Susi,’ ‘Sonia,’ and ‘Sofia’ Debuting in France, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil

July 6, 2020

In April 2018, Gimlet (now a Spotify company) launched Sandra, a seven-part fictional drama depicting a world where artificial intelligence isn’t so artificial. With big names (and voices) like Alia Shawkat (Helen), Kristin Wiig (Sandra), and Ethan Hawke (Dustin), the show launched to critical acclaim. And due to its relevant themes of technology, security, and self-actualization, Spotify deemed it a story worth telling listeners around the world.

So on Tuesday, July 7, Spotify and Gimlet will premiere an exclusive localized version of the Sandra podcast in four markets: France, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico. The show has not only been translated into each local language—it’s also been specially adapted via a culturally relevant name (Sara in France, Susi in Germany, Sonia in Mexico, and Sofia in Brazil), a customized storyline, and more.

Other podcasts have been translated, but these Sandra adaptations will be the first truly localized adaptations ever made of a hit fictional podcast. The Spotify Studios teams in France, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico have worked with local directors to adapt the script, cast local talent, and reimagine the podcast with an appreciation for local culture, language, and nuance. In each market, the podcast has an A-list cast mixed with traditional TV and film actors as well as digital creators and influencers.

Take a look at the names behind each market’s version and the unique spin the creators have taken to make it their own.

France — Sara

Starring Virginie Efira as Sara (Sandra), Natoo as Helen, and Stéphane De Groodt as Dustin
Biggest change for Sara: “The geographical localization of the story is a change which required a lot of thinking. We needed to find the French equivalent of Helen’s hometown, a small city with little perspective and excitement. But it also needed to fit the story’s actions in a realistic manner. Which French city is close enough to a prison so that you can go and come back in a day as Helen does when she visits her husband? This is how Guymon became Ruffec, in the French region of Charentes.” – Claire Hazan, Head of Studios, France & Benelux
Biggest challenge for Sara: “Keeping the original rhythm and dynamic of a scene is something that can be tricky when changing languages. The words can be longer or shorter, they can impact how a sentence feels, the duration of a whole scene and, in the end, the pace of the story. We chose to work with a production studio who developed a very specific creative response to that issue. They created a tool which synchronizes the soundwave of the original English-speaking audio and the words in French. It has greatly helped our actors to find the right tone and rhythm for their acting.” – Claire Hazan, Head of Studios, France & Benelux

Germany – Susi

Starring Martina Hill as Susi (Sandra), Almila Bagriacik as Sara (Helen), and Bastian Pastewka as Jens (Dustin)
Biggest change for Susi: “All the little details that will make it authentic to the German audience. For example, the big change is in where the story is set and things you can hear in the background—watch out for the TV program in one scene.” – Saruul Krause-Jentsch, Spotify Head of Studios Germany
Biggest challenge for Susi: “We ended up casting quite big names even for the smallest roles which, obviously, made scheduling and recording difficult from time to time. But after hearing the result, that was all worth it.” – Saruul Krause-Jentsch, Spotify Head of Studios Germany

Mexico – Sonia

Starring Aislinn Derbez as Sonia (Sandra), Brianda Deyanara as Elena (Helen), and Ricardo Reynaud as Dani (Dustin)

Brazil – Sofia

Starring Cris Vianna as Sofia (Sandra), Monica Iozzi as Helena (Helen), and Otaviano Costa as Carlos (Dustin)

Biggest change for Sonia and Sofia: “This is our first podcast project on a global scale on Spotify. Our expectations are high with Sonia in Mexico and Sofia in Brazil.” – Javier Piñol, Head of Spotify Studios in Latin America and U.S. LatinX audiences
Biggest challenge for Sonia and Sofia: “Our main challenge when it comes to adapting a global project is that it doesn’t always allow you to introduce some local tones and nuances, but when we decided that Sandra would go global, we agreed on one common goal: to adapt it to the local culture. And that’s exactly what we did by having a local production and casting these talents. The result couldn’t be better.” – Javier Piñol, Head of Spotify Studios in Latin America and U.S. LatinX audiences

The Sandra adaptation marks a podcasting milestone across the world. “Spotify is uniquely positioned to grow podcasting globally, but we know our customers also want authentic local programming,” says Courtney Holt, Global Head of Studios and Video, Spotify. “Adapting Sandra is a great example of that. By thinking and programming locally, and using our creative teams on the ground in each market, we’re able to develop a show that feels like a German, or French, or Mexican, or Brazilian podcast, rather than a translation. Sandra was also Gimlet’s first scripted podcast when it launched in 2018. The fact that podcasting, and specifically Sandra, has drawn such a group of A-List talent in each market is also a great endorsement of the medium growing at a global scale.”

Missed out on the original? Stream Sandra below.

‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ Launches Exclusive Partnership with Spotify

May 19, 2020

The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most popular podcasts in the world, is coming to Spotify via a multi-year exclusive licensing deal. The talk series has long been the most-searched-for podcast on Spotify and is the leading show on practically every other podcasting platform. And, like all podcasts and vodcasts on Spotify, it will remain free and accessible to all Spotify users.

Since its launch in 2009, the pioneering Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) has broken ground and built one of the most loyal and engaged fan bases in the world. Rogan brings his sensibilities as a stand-up comic to the show, and alongside dynamic and diverse guests, he fearlessly broaches far-ranging topics including neuroscience, sports, comedy, health, infectious disease, and our ever-changing culture—all with a mix of curiosity and humor.

In addition to the wildly popular podcast format, JRE also produces corresponding video episodes, which will also be available on Spotify as in-app vodcasts.

Bringing the JRE to Spotify will mean that the platform’s more than 286 million active users will have access to one of culture’s leading voices. By partnering with Spotify, Rogan and his team will enjoy the support of the world’s leading audio platform.

From his earliest days behind the mic, Joe has been a commentator, fixture, and driving force in culture helping to lay the foundation for the podcasting renaissance we are experiencing today. While Spotify will become the exclusive distributor of JRE, Rogan will maintain full creative control over the show.

This partnership represents a major addition to the already unrivaled slate of exclusive audio content available to audiences on Spotify.

The JRE will debut on Spotify on September 1, 2020, and become exclusively available on the platform later this year. Follow it here.

Cold War Propaganda Meets Music Icons on New Investigative Podcast ‘Wind of Change’

May 12, 2020

The 1990 hit “Wind of Change” is one of the Scorpions’ most iconic songs—and it has over 247 million streams on Spotify to prove it. But what if the track wasn’t actually written by the German metal band? What if it were actually written by the CIA as Cold War propaganda?

After hearing that rumor a decade ago, New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe decided to seek out the truth. But what he uncovered was more than just the Scorpions’ mysterious ties. In fact, that was only the beginning. Patrick navigates everything—from spy missions to a maze full of government secrets—all on the new podcast Wind of Change.

Produced by Pineapple Street Studios, Crooked Media, and Spotify, the eight-part series follows Patrick’s 10-year investigation into the rumor. Through interviews with former CIA officers and musicians, on-the-ground-reporting, and more, he ultimately traces 70 years of the U.S. government’s meddling in music.

Some of the questions asked (and answered) include: How did Louis Armstrong help the U.S. government influence Africa during the Cold War? What was Doc McGhee, who aided in one of the U.S.’s largest drug busts, doing managing Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Scorpions? When Nina Simone played Lagos, Nigeria, in 1961, did she know that the organization that sponsored her trip was actually a front for the CIA?

And why did the Scorpions, whose lyrics were often suggestive and about partying, suddenly release a revolutionary political ballad?

Find out on Wind of Change.

Binge the entire eight-episode series available now on Spotify.

‘Mogul’s’ Brandon Jenkins Pivots Into Hip-Hop Nostalgia With ‘Mogul Mixtapes’ Podcast

May 6, 2020

For Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, there was never a time “where it wasn’t hip-hop.” The podcast host, journalist, and DJ credits the genre—and the culture that has come out of it—with giving him the space to be himself. Now he does the same for others across various multimedia projects, including the Gimlet podcast Mogul, a show about hip-hop’s most iconic moments, as told by the people who lived them.

Due to the current global events, production of Mogul was put on pause, but that didn’t stop Brandon or his team. They quickly came together (while apart) to produce The Mogul Mixtapes, a Mogul spinoff that goes deep with notable artists, journalists, and more on their favorite hip-hop memories, as well as their thoughts and goings-on in quarantine.

For the Record got on the phone with Brandon to learn more.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

May 1, 2020

Welcome to This Week in Podcasts, where we share what’s new in the podcast world. Here you’ll find a roundup of series debuts, can’t-miss episodes, and so much more—all available to stream on Spotify. Whether you fancy yourself a content connoisseur or an audio amateur, you’re sure to discover something worth listening to. Keep scrolling to check out the latest and greatest in podcasts this week—including Butt Dial, The Window, and The Mogul Mixtapes.

Spotify’s New Podcast Playlists Will Help You Discover Your Next Obsession

April 21, 2020

For years, Spotify’s flagship music playlists like RapCaviar, Hot Country, and ¡Viva Latino! have helped listeners discover their new favorite artists and can’t miss music. Now, we’re bringing the same expertise that we put into our curated music playlists to podcasts.

Through our new editorial podcast playlists, Spotify is helping listeners find their next favorite show by introducing them to the latest and greatest in podcast content. Whether it’s discovering the next series everyone will be buzzing about or collecting the freshest voices on every subject imaginable, our team of playlist editors from all around the globe are listening to hundreds of hours of podcasts and grouping the best episodes into topical, streamable playlists.

Beginning today, we’re launching dozens of playlists in the U.S., Germany, Sweden, the U.K., Mexico, and Brazil—all intended to help you find your next favorite show or episode. Whether you’re a budding chef listening to Fodder for Foodies in the US, or an aspiring Beckham shuffling through Goal! in the U.K., it’s never been easier to find your perfect podcast. The full mix of playlists will look a little different in every market, but stay tuned—over time, we will continue to update existing playlists and add new ones.

As part of our launch, we’re also introducing three flagship playlists—Best Podcasts of the Week, Crime Scene, and Brain Snacks—that will be localized for each market and curated by local editors. Take a deep dive into these three new flagship playlists, available only on Spotify, below.

Best Podcasts of the Week

Best Podcasts of the Week is our hand-curated roundup of the week’s top podcast episodes. For those who love consuming everything from news and comedy to true crime and sports, you’ll find our recommendations of the most noteworthy, culturally relevant, and important shows here, updated every Tuesday.

Crime Scene

Crime Scene is the place to be for those who enjoy high quality storytelling and discovering new true crime stories. This playlist updates weekly with all types of crime content from well-known true crime brands that will leave you hungry for more.

Brain Snacks

Brain Snacks is for the information seekers who crave the latest factoids—in 20 minutes or less. If you’re looking to “get in the know,” Brain Snacks is the playlist for you. There’s always something new to learn from this playlist that brings you fresh episodes every other week.

Whether it’s Crime Scene, Fodder for Foodies, Goal, or one of our dozens of other playlists, let Spotify’s podcast playlists help you find your new favorite podcast.

We’re also excited to share new Spotify for Podcasters functionality — playlist notifications. Read more about it on the Spotify for Podcasters blog.

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