Tag: podcast

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.

Find Your Next Listen With New Top Podcasts and Trending Podcast Charts

July 14, 2020

Just finished your latest podcast binge and ready to find the next? Look no further than Spotify’s new Top Podcasts and Trending Podcasts charts. That’s right, we’ve done the hard work and rounded up all the latest and greatest podcasts to make your search easy.

The charts—which are rolling out today in 26 markets on Spotify mobile (iOS and Android)—will not only share the fastest-climbing of-the-moment trends for podcasts with users, but will also list the overall most popular shows in your region based on recent listener numbers. Whether you’re looking for a tried-and-true favorite or the latest show that your coworkers are obsessing over, rest assured these charts will help you discover them all.

Certain markets, including Brazil, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, the UK, and the U.S., will dig further into the podcast data and will separate out the Top Podcasts by category. So if you’re a lover of true crime or want more health and wellness content, you can see which podcasts are making a splash for that genre. Top Podcasts charts will list the top 200 overall shows in the selected region or category, and Trending Podcasts charts will display the top 50 rapidly rising shows.

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:

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

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.