Tag: podcast

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

Brazil – Sofia

  • 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.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

April 17, 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 the At Home hub, the Podcast Games hub, and the COVID-19 Guide.

Comedian Rachel Feinstein Dishes on the Latest Season of ‘Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith’

April 15, 2020

Way back in 2018, four best friends decided to start a podcast out of an NYC apartment. The premise? Their hilarious conversations about their lives and the world. It wasn’t just any group of friends, but four acclaimed comedians—Amy Schumer, Rachel Feinstein, Bridget Everett, and Keith Robinson—and thus Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith was born. In the years since, listeners have fallen in love with the show’s gut-busting segments such as “Why is Keith a Bad Person?,” “Was I Wrong?,” and more.

The podcast just premiered for its fifth season, but the jokes and hosts are fresher than ever. Podcast cohost and stand-up comic Rachel Feinstein is plenty busy these days, between preparing for a new baby, moving, and working on a TV pilot, but we had the chance to check in with her over the phone just after the first episode debuted. 

The fifth season of Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith just premiered, with new shows releasing weekly. Who are some guests that listeners can get excited to hear from on this season? What themes did you enjoy covering most?

We had Quentin Tarantino—I couldn’t believe that happened. Tarantino was hysterical and told a wild story about filming that famous shirtless scene with Brad Pitt. Plus Michael Moore, David Byrne, Claudia O’Doherty—she’s a hysterical writer and a comedian. I love when the comics come on the most. This is a fun season because we let it all hang out. We don’t care—anything goes.

My favorite themes were humiliation and origin stories. We all talked about our weird families and how we started stand-up with Ronny Chieng!

Getting nostalgic for a bit, what is one 3 Girls, 1 Keith episode from a previous season that you think everyone needs to hear?

We’ve had some amazing guests in the past. Ashley Graham—I look at her Instagram a really unhealthy amount. And then there she is in front of me! I still can’t believe it. I have a good life.

Jerry Seinfeld in particular was a really interesting interview. He came over to Amy’s apartment and just talked life with us. He talked about his parents—I had no idea his parents were both orphans—how he grew up and started standup, things I never knew about Jerry Seinfeld. He was hilarious. We had a blast with him.

How is performing a live standup different from recording a podcast?

Well, first of all, there’s always a chance of getting something physically thrown at you. I had a soft taco thrown at me once. You’ve really never experienced rejection until you’ve had a soft taco thrown at you.

What was in the taco?

I’m glad you asked. It was ground beef.

I also played at the Hebrew Home for the Aging in the Bronx, and I bombed so bad they were shaking their walkers at me. I didn’t know you could express rejection by shaking a walker. It hurts. There’s no threat of that on podcast, I’ll tell you that.

This new season is hitting at a time when people are largely staying at home. Why should they listen to 3 Girls, 1 Keith to pass the time?

I know that everybody feels like you can only take in so much news. We’re all just trying to do the right thing and stay home and not go completely insane. So, I feel like it has to be a balance between taking in enough information so that you know whether you’re supposed to wipe down cardboard or not, and staying calm and entertained. So after you learn how you’re supposed to wipe it down, turn on the podcast and just laugh, have an escape.

How are you keeping your spirits up? Are there any tricks you’ve learned in your years as a comedian?

I work out with my friend on FaceTime, that helps. And I still try to find an excuse every time. We have a 3:00 FaceTime appointment that I still try to push. I also get on the phone with my comedian friends. Amy and I talk while she walks and that helps.

What are some podcasts you’ve been listening to lately?

Jessica Kirson has a podcast called Relatively Sane that’s about her mental health (or lack thereof), but it’s also really hilarious. I love listening to Jessica’s podcasts. Sam Morrill, Joe Machi, Phil Hanley, and Elizabeth Furiati, who’s the manager at The Cellar, have a podcast called Keeping Joe. And that’s a really funny podcast just about their friendship.

If you could be a guest on any podcast, which would it be?

I love true crime, so probably it’s a true crime podcast, but I really don’t think there’s any reason for them to interview me.

I’ve been a guest on all my comic friends’ podcasts. Podcasts and radio are a big part of our lives as comics. There’s often a podcast associated with whatever comedy club we’re performing at. But 3 Girls is . . . This was the best because it’s just . . . They’re my best friends. It’s what we would want to do anyway. Just hang and talk smack and trash each other and then have celebrities visit Amy’s apartment. It’s a complete dream scenario. I can’t believe we’re getting paid for this.

Stream the latest episode of Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith Season Five below.

Want to Start a Podcast? Hear How From Anchor Podcasters

April 2, 2020

Always wanted to host and produce your own podcast? While it may feel like a significant undertaking, there are plenty of tools that can help—and podcast experts who are ready to guide you along the way.

Anchor, the podcasting platform Spotify acquired in 2019, provides easy-to-use creative tools, free content hosting, and distribution to listening platforms, including Spotify. Since its creation, Anchor has enabled people all over the world to broadcast their voices.

Looking for additional guidance and inspiration on starting your podcast? Well, look no further than Anchor’s How I Podcast series, where podcasters deep dive into their processes and best practices. Check out this roundup of great advice from Anchor creators Ashley Smith and Kristy Brannon, Evan Pricco and Doug Gillen, Aaron Bernstein, and Alex and Christine Schiefer.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

March 27, 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 Mom’s Basement, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, and Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel.

 

NASA Astronaut Christina Koch Shares How Music and Podcasts Made Groundbreaking Trip Extra-Stellar

March 23, 2020

NASA astronaut Christina Koch may have spent 328 consecutive days floating in space (the longest-ever single spaceflight for a woman), but her love for all things audio kept her firmly grounded throughout the journey. 

As part of celebrating Women’s History Month, For the Record recently spoke with Christina to talk about the role of podcasts and music for her and the crew, as well as her friends and family back on Earth. Read on to hear from Christina how Spotify was no “Space Oddity” on board and to check out some amazing photos from outer space. 

 

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

March 20, 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 Story Pirates, Reply All, and Science Vs.