Tag: podcasts

Spotify’s Sound Up Program Continues to Bring Diverse Voices to Podcasting

February 28, 2022

Since its start in 2018, Spotify’s Sound Up has helped underrepresented creators get their feet—and mics—in the door for podcasting. The program’s aim is to diversify the voices in the audio space by providing participants with educational opportunities, resources, and access to industry experts. Sound Up graduates have released popular shows that have ranked on Spotify’s podcast charts, including Dope Labs, Search Engine Sex, You Heard Me Write, and FOGO: Fear of Going Outside.

Now, four years after its inception, Sound Up has launched in 12 markets (Japan, Italy, the U.S., U.S. LatinX, India, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and Argentina) and helped hundreds of graduates find careers in podcasting. 

How does Sound Up work? In each market, 10 participants are selected to be a part of the program. The creators then go through a four-week virtual or in-person immersive experience where they hone their storytelling, get more experience in audio production, and have a chance to workshop their ideas. After the session ends, the participants continue to receive year-round support from Spotify as they create professional pilots of their ideas, which have a chance to become a Spotify Original.

In 2020, as people around the world altered their lifestyles based on social distancing protocols and COVID-19 risks, Sound Up also had to adapt. “It was an incredibly difficult two years where, globally, we had to adjust the program to virtual trainings,” shared Natalie Tulloch, Sound Up Global Lead. “But we also got the chance to see wonderful stories begin to take shape, and now as we launch new podcasts, it feels incredibly gratifying.”

For the Record traveled across the globe to check in on a few of the current and recently graduated program participants to learn more about their experiences and the podcasts they are creating.

Gigi (U.K.)

Gigi just finished the program and is working on her podcast, Journeys With Grace, which is an immersive self-contained story of discovery. From storytelling to copyright details, Gigi’s Sound Up experience taught her plenty about the industry. Her favorite part of the process was developing the trailer and pilot episode. “Layering up my trailer with soundscapes and adding atmospheric audio here and there was fun to me—a stressful kinda fun,” explained the podcaster. “I’m a creative, so seeing my vision come to fruition was a super-dope moment. You can’t really replace that feeling.” Now her focus is on developing the script and finding a way to invite listeners into her show in an intimate way. “I’m looking forward to the process, the vision being out there, and the podcast finding and resonating with the people it’s supposed to.”

For U.K. and Ireland creators who are interested in the Sound Up program, applications are open now through March 14, 2022. Submit your application here.

 

Fatima Hellgren Camara (Sweden)

Fatima Hellgren Camara’s podcast Välkommen till Ön (Welcome to the Island) is a comedic look at annoying people and their frustrating habits. Each week she discusses these people and whether they should be sent off to a deserted island far, far away. The show just finished its second season, during which Fatima learned how to edit and produce her own episodes. Her favorite part of Sound Up? “To have been given the opportunity to learn an entirely new skill set,” shared the host. “However, my absolute favorite part was getting acquainted with technical equipment.”

 

Roba Kadhem (Sweden)

Currently in its third season, Lyssna Tjejer (Listen Girls) is a podcast cohosted by Roba Kadhem and Aya Said. On the show, the two discuss topics from Pink Room, Scandinavia’s largest Facebook group for women. Through Sound Up, Roba has experienced a greater sense of community from others in the industry. “It was so cozy to see these incredible people every week and get to know them so well even through a virtual meeting,” explained Roba. 

 

Arunima Tenzin Tara (India)


In Dinner by Ear, host Arunima Tenzin Tara gives listeners tips on preparing dinner in only 30 minutes. Arunima is currently testing out new recipes, developing quick versions of dinners she loves, and reading up on as much food history as possible. Still in the middle of her Sound Up program, all this preparation will allow her to start recording episodes as soon as it’s time. Her favorite part of the experience thus far has been determining why she was making this show and who her audience was. “I think this exercise was something that I enjoyed because it forced me to critically analyze my podcast concept and narrow the audience down to a very particular kind of person,” explained Arunima. “This focus has helped me gain clarity about the kind of recipes to include in the show.” As she moves into the next phase of the program, Arunima will have the chance to record sounds in the kitchen, create original music, and spend time perfecting her voice.

 

Shreya Dasgupta (India)

Shreya Dasgupta’s podcast, Imagined Tomorrow, features a variety of experts who use their backgrounds in science and technology to speculate on India’s future. Shreya is using the tools she learned in phase one of her Sound Up experience to prepare for a new season; she’s currently in the outlining, researching, and reporting process for upcoming episodes. So far, she’s had two favorite parts of the program. “The first has been getting to know such incredibly creative fellow podcasters,” said Shreya. “The second has been learning from the Sound Up mentors and others on the Spotify team who not only placed their faith in my idea, but have been super committed and enthusiastic about seeing my vision through.” Shreya will soon be entering phase two of her Sound Up experience.

 

Maickson Serrão (Brazil)


Maickson’s Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta (Pavulagem – Tales From the Forest) is a nonfiction podcast about Amazonian folklore stories. The creator is currently working with his team to map out the storyline for all 12 of the show’s episodes. “We’ll talk about creatures like Mãe da Mata (Mother of the Forest), a really famous legend here, but also unknown tales like the bird that eats people,” shared Maickson. “I have already interviewed some traditional storytellers. These people live off the many rivers in the region and are also elders from Indigenous people from the Brazilian Amazon.” During his Sound Up experience, Maickson appreciated how hands-on the program was while still allowing plenty of opportunity for creative freedom. “I hope that all participants from Sound Up become very successful and that the program continues to impact the lives of many other young talents in our country. Many stories need to be told of Brazil’s pluralities and blooming diversity,” said Maickson.

 

Samara Costa (Brazil)

ZUMBIR is a podcast that highlights Afrofuturist fictional tales. The creator, Samara Costa, is currently working on ideas for episodes, and that involves a lot of traveling. She recently visited Angola as part of her research. “The Angolan stories and myths made a big impact on me, especially the sound, mysticism, and lifestyle of young Angolans,” explained Samara. “I think that the combination of both Brazilian and Angolan references will be elements that will serve as a basis for the creation of some ZUMBIR episodes.” Her favorite part of the Sound Up experience was seeing her pilot episode come to life, from an idea on paper to a polished episode. “I was able to feel the voice of the characters, how they talk, walk, how they laugh, all through audio.… It was fantastic! All of this was created with the technical and emotional support of everyone involved in Sound Up, from mentors and organizers to friends that I made during the program.”

 

Caio (Brazil)

Raízes is a documentary podcast that tells the stories of Brazilian families. In the first season, Caio investigates his own origins in an effort to answer one question: Where did I come from? The Sound Up participant is currently working on producing the first season and has already written two scripts. “I’m betting that a lot of people will connect with the charisma of the characters and their stories,” shared Caio. For the next phase of his journey, the podcaster is hoping to continue telling tales from the people of Northeast Brazil. 

 

Lucas Moura (Brazil)

Lucas Moura’s Calunguinha, o cantador de histórias (Calunguinha, the Singer of Tales) is a fictional podcast that Lucas hopes will expand the imagination of Black children by sharing the history of Black people in both Brazil and around the world. Lucas is currently working on finalizing scripts and finding the right voices to make them shine. The creator’s favorite part of the Sound Up program was the artists he was able to meet with for the podcast. “We invited one artist (Lázaro Ramos) to participate in our podcast and he accepted,” explained Lucas. “There it became clear to me that Sound Up is a project that can help broaden my horizons.”

 

Peppa Smith (Australia)


Yaama Mama is a podcast created by Peppa Smith that focuses on parenting Indigenous kids. Through both serious themes and sarcastic commentary, the show examines and dismantles the way parents are taught to raise children in her community. Peppa is currently in research mode, working on collecting information to be used in her episodes. One of her favorite parts of Sound Up was the people she’s had a chance to meet. “There’s been meetings where I have met with some hugely clever and talented people in the industry,” said the podcaster. “I’ve also been lucky that the other members of the cohort for 2021 are a brilliant, funny, and incredibly good-looking mob.”

These creators and their stories are just a small sampling of the podcasts that are being developed through Sound Up. To learn more about the program and how it’s working to amplify underrepresented voices, visit Sound Up’s website.

Ready for an Encore? ‘The Big Hit Show’ Examines Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ in Season 2

February 23, 2022

For movie buffs, music lovers, and TV show fans, the influence of pop culture can feel as ubiquitous as the air we breathe. But what happens when the films you love or the albums you have on repeat start to infiltrate political discourse and your extended family’s mealtime conversations? This is what The Big Hit Show—a podcast documentary series from Spotify and Higher Ground—seeks to explore. 

After breaking down the Twilight saga phenomenon during season one, host and journalist Alex Pappademas is back to discuss the power and influence of Kendrick Lamar’s iconic second record, To Pimp a Butterfly. Following his successful major label debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, the heavier and more universal themes of Kendrick’s sophomore album struck a chord with mass audiences when it was released in 2015. 

Seven years later, the album has more than 1.5 billion streams on Spotify and continues to hold its place in the zeitgeist. The cultural conversation regularly finds its way back to To Pimp a Butterfly, an album that, according to Alex and his podcast guests, made it bigger than mainstream—it changed the world. 

For the Record spoke with Alex about his decision to follow up his four-episode analysis of Twilight with an examination of Kendrick’s masterpiece in the second chapter of The Big Hit Show. 

The last chapter of The Big Hit Show was about the Twilight saga and this new one is about Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly—two moments in culture that don’t seem all that related. How are the chapters connected for you? 

To me, it’s all one story about what’s left of mass culture in the 21st century and the vagaries of creative success in a mediascape where there’s no such thing as a sure thing. Maybe it’s like a book that approaches one subject—the hit and often its surprising consequences—from four different angles. Part one is about how the Twilight saga defied conventional Hollywood wisdom, became a box-office sensation, and changed the lives of many of the people who worked on it. Part two, the Kendrick Lamar season, is about the next phase of a hitmaker’s arc. You’ve made your first hit—what do you know? How does success complicate the life and public image of an artist?

Why did you choose to cover Kendrick in this second chapter?

I’m a huge fan of Kendrick’s and a huge fan of To Pimp a Butterfly. But I also knew there was a specific story to tell here. Modern recording technology has made it possible for people to collaborate on music without ever meeting in person, but Kendrick made this record in a more timeless way—in actual rooms, with a big cast of characters who are fascinating musicians and fascinating people in their own right. So right away there was this interesting social, communal aspect to the story of how this record came together. Everyone who passed through those sessions—even for a day or two—seems to have come away from the experience with an expanded sense of their own potential, and I was excited about the opportunity to tell that story using the voices of the people whose creative lives were changed by that experience. 

Why is it important to revisit the themes of this record now? 

The themes of this record have been the themes of the last seven years and counting in America. To Pimp a Butterfly feels prescient now because even on the other side of a national protest movement, a global pandemic, and a presidential election, we’re still in the same place as a country in so many ways. This is an extremely personal album about what it was like to be Kendrick Lamar after the success of Good Kid, M.A.A.D City changed everything—struggling with fame and responsibility and homesickness and particularly with the violent deaths of several friends. But Kendrick was making this record between 2012 and early 2015, a moment that coincides with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the beginning of a national reckoning on the subject of structural racism and police violence, and these songs were already touching on issues that would explode onto the national stage.

What can listeners expect to hear for the first time while listening to the show? 

We’re going to hear from people who knew Kendrick as a quiet, observant middle schooler and saw the potential for stardom and leadership in him before he saw it in himself. We’re also going to hear from the extended family of L.A. musicians who helped bring this record to life—players whose whole careers led them to a moment like this. We will hear the voices of legends including George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic, and we will find out the one thing you were absolutely forbidden to do when visiting Prince at Paisley Park.

Looking forward to future chapters, how will the show continue to tie these seemingly disparate cultural moments together?

One of the things I’m proudest of about these first two chapters of the show is the way they use Twilight and Kendrick as a way into a larger story about a country where big hits are increasingly the one thing we have in common. These shows aren’t just about the big hits they’re about—they’re about the moments in which those hits happened and what the success of Twilight or “Alright” revealed about what people living through those moments were hungry for, or turned on by, or afraid of, or angry about. In an increasingly fractious world, we can’t really draw conclusions about every person who bought To Pimp a Butterfly or camped out overnight for Breaking Dawn tickets, but I think there is something to be learned from the fact that it was these things that got people excited and not something else. 

Ready to hear how the music industry’s most influential players came together to create a world-changing album? Stream season two of The Big Hit Show below.  

Women Bring Their Own Perspectives to Podcasts in Indonesia

November 19, 2021

It’s no surprise that there continues to be a strong demand for podcasts around the world. The intimate medium offers a way for hosts to directly connect with listeners about topics that are most important to them. This format is an especially captivating way for those with underrepresented voices to tell their own stories, on their own terms. In Indonesia, where the podcast community is quickly growing, Spotify is working with female creators to ensure they have a seat at the mic and are supported on the platform.

Podcasts provide a new outlet for women to share their perspectives of the world. As Indonesian creator Nadhifa Allya Tsana (also known as Tsana) explains, “Podcasts break the limits, boundaries, and rules that exist in traditional formats, all of which have played a part in suppressing females’ voices for decades. But podcasts are different. They are limitless—the creators can decide when, what, and even how long they want to discuss a topic that is meaningful to them.”

With 38 million streams, Tsana’s Spotify Exclusive podcast, Rintik Sedu (which in English translates to “sadness”), is the most streamed solo-hosted podcast in the country. Since January 2021, the show has held the number one spot on the Spotify Indonesia Charts, demonstrating the captivating hold the host, and her podcast, has on the Indonesian audience. But Tsana’s success doesn’t stop at one show. She’s expanded her presence with the teen romance-driven Spotify Original podcast Kuas, Kanvas dan Bulan Kesepian (Brushes, Canvas and Lonely Moon). Season two of the show recently launched in October 2021.

“Tsana’s unique view and gentle approach to storytelling has really resonated with her listeners,” shares Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios for Spotify Southeast Asia. “She is paving the way for other female creators to express themselves through podcasts. Today, we see more female listeners and creators getting inspired and exploring their creativity through podcasting.” 

In response to the growing demand for relatable content that features strong female voices, Spotify is excited to announce five new Indonesian-language, female-led Spotify Original & Exclusive podcasts now available on the platform. 

NKCTHI: Surat dari Awan

This scripted fiction podcast features Indonesian actress Rachel Amanda in the lead and is based on the bestselling book and film Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini (NKCTHI). With two new episodes a week, the Spotify Original podcast explores the wonders and challenges of the lead character’s growth toward womanhood. 

Bisik-Bisik Senada

Talk show Bisik-Bisik Senada is a Spotify Original podcast hosted by three talented singers: Fatin Shidqia, Ghea Indrawari, and Ayuenstar. The women explore their life experiences, passion for singing, and perspectives on navigating life in the modern world.

HYPEBESTIE

Personalities Sarra Tobing, Canti Tachril, and Hadi Sylvester come together to discuss their views on love, life, and relationships as Gen Zers and millennials in this Spotify Original podcast. 

Happy Go Go

Spotify Original podcast Happy Go Go is hosted by up-and-coming comedians Mimin and Kimau, who are joined by actress Siva Aprilia. The show gives listeners a fresh perspective on life and wellness. 

Cape Mikir with Jebung

This show, which is exclusive to Spotify, is hosted by popular Indonesian singer Jebung. Episodes bring listeners into her world, where she discusses a variety of topics that pique her interest.

Spotify Welcomes Podcast Publishers in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy to Megaphone

October 19, 2021

Podcasts have taken the world by storm, and Europe is no exception. Thanks to the thousands of new podcasts that are released daily, listeners have a greater variety of podcast content to engage with and follow than ever before. And along with this growth in listening, come increased opportunities for podcast publishers to find new audiences and monetize their content. 

Just last year, Spotify acquired Megaphone, one of the world’s leading podcast publishing and advertising platforms. The platform is fully available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada, and today—following a period of limited availability and local support—we’re formally launching Megaphone in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, so even more podcast publishers can take advantage of the tool.

The formal expansion of Megaphone’s offerings in these markets will strengthen our ability to help local publishers create, distribute, and monetize their podcast content. European podcast ad spending is expected to grow more than 50% and hit over €200M by 2023—and our mission is to ensure publishers have the right tools to capitalize on this growth. Today, this includes host-read ads and Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI), with more monetization capabilities on the horizon.

Plus, our 24/7 White Glove Customer Service will be available to all publishers in live markets at launch and over the next year. We will also be growing the local sales and support teams for Megaphone in Europe. And down the line, we’ll be rolling out new features including audience-based insights, targeting capabilities for direct sales, and more.  

Head to Megaphone.fm to learn more.

This International Podcast Day, Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Pod

September 30, 2021

Creators worldwide have been busy this year chasing audio inspiration—and in the process have added nearly 1.5 million podcast titles to Spotify over the past year. So this International Podcast Day, there’s quite a lot to celebrate.

Leading the storytelling charge are Taiwan, Colombia, Japan, Spain, Peru, India, Turkey, the Philippines, France, Poland, Argentina, Italy, and the Netherlands. These 13 markets showed the largest growth in their catalog offerings in the last year, with new podcasts across all sorts of genres, topics, and themes. 

And this global audio boom shows no signs of slowing down, which is exciting news for listeners, who have more options than ever to fit their tastes. But our growing catalog also poses a challenge for newbies and audio experts alike as they try to narrow down the next track or even the first episode to add to their queue.

So to celebrate International Podcast Day this year, we’re making the choice simple with our Find the One experience. Answer a handful of questions and let us help you find your perfect podcast match. The experience is available to listeners in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Australia and gives recommendations inspired by your Spotify listening habits.

But that’s not the only way to discover new podcasts tailored to your tastes. Though each user is unique, we have found that some listeners who share a favorite artist also share a favorite podcast. We followed the data . . . and found some of the shows hitting all the right notes.

Many fans of snappy rhymes and rhythm are drawn to . . . horoscopes, gaming, and comedy.

For plenty of listeners, pop melodies and talk shows go hand-in-hand.

Rock ‘n rollers are hard to pin down.

Country fans are hooked on the world around them.

Plus, we noticed a few patterns across our listeners.

These are just a few of the most popular podcasts among some of our artists’ listeners. For those in search of something new, Spotify also has plenty of podcasts to enjoy this season, so be sure to mark your calendars.

Launching this week:

Bonus: Today at 6 PM EST, Spotify Greenroom will close the day with listeners’ favorite podcasts with hosts Gigi Robinson and Jayson Buford. Sign up for Greenroom to tune in and follow your favorite shows here.

Now it’s time to find your next favorite show. Celebrate International Podcast Day by exploring the “Find the One” experience for a personalized podcast recommendation.

The Power of Streaming Audio for Storytelling: 3 Takeaways From Lydia Polgreen’s Chat With Brandy and Danyel Smith at Cannes Lions

June 21, 2021

Streaming across both music and podcasts has opened up new pathways for creators and listeners to connect. At this year’s virtual Cannes Lions Live, an annual event for the creative communications industry, Spotify hosted “The Sound of Culture: Music and Podcast for the Streaming Generation” to dive deeper into the power of streaming. 

The conversation brought together three women  who have experienced—and influenced—the audio revolution first-hand: Gimlet Managing Director Lydia Polgreen, music industry multihyphenate Brandy, and journalist and host of the Spotify Original Music+Talk show Black Girl Songbook Danyel Smith. Lydia introduced the chat from a studio in New York City while Brandy and Danyel joined in from a set in Los Angeles—but “green screen magic” made them all appear to be together.

 

Despite the women’s varying career paths, all attested to the impact and opportunity streaming has presented to creators of all kinds, giving them the platform to connect with fans and listeners in a new type of two-way conversation.

Read on to hear some of the insights from Lydia, Brandy, and Danyel’s conversation.

The intimacy of podcasting is unmatched

Lydia: “When people put their headphones in, when you’re literally inside their brain, what they’re looking for is that kind of connection. It’s emotional, it’s personal, you’re often talking about things that touch people in very emotional ways, and to me those are the most powerful podcasts.” 

Danyel: “Being a writer for so long … even though you feel like you’re communicating with an audience, it doesn’t sometimes feel intimate. I think there’s something about being inside somebody’s headphones, being in their earbuds, where you’re actually talking to the person.” 

Streaming gives artists greater levels of exposure and listeners more choice

Brandy: “I love being able to connect directly [with my fans]. With Spotify, to be able to go through such an amazing platform to reach millions of people all around the world, you get a chance to have your existing fans introduced to new music, and existing fans introduced to your catalogue that they were probably not privy to.” 

Danyel: “I was one of those [people who] used to look at streaming so cross-eyed like, ‘I have my CDs, I’m good.’ But the thing about streaming to me is, we pick, we decide … and I think that streaming really has this ability to give you such a deeper connection to music. It lets you make your own playlist, it lets you go to your favorites, in the exact moment that you want to hear your favorite.” 

We’re still in the early stages of the audio revolution 

Lydia: “I would like to remind people that we are just at the beginning. People don’t realize this, but 2020 was the year where we went from more than half of the cars on the road having either an auxiliary jack or a Bluetooth connection, meaning that people were no longer using CDs. I think what that tells me is that we are in the early days of the streaming revolution.” 

Ready for more? Badge holders can check out the full conversation on demand on the official Cannes Lions Live hub. 

5 Fast Facts About Spotify’s New Podcast Charts

April 14, 2021

*Updated Oct. 28, 2021: Podcast Charts are now available on the web in an all-new, easy-to-use browseable experience across 26 markets and 15 languages.

With a sea of over 2.2 million podcasts to choose from, we want to provide resources for listeners to discover podcasts they’ll love, and for creators to find new audiences. There are many ways to find new shows to listen to on Spotify—from the recommendations on your Home page to our themed editorial playlists—and it’s also a priority for us to enable everyone to discover the podcasts that are most popular across genres and locations.

So today, we’re unveiling a brand-new Podcast Charts experience including new and more detailed charts, a web experience, and highly shareable features so podcasters and listeners alike can share the word of their favorite shows.

Spotify’s Podcast Charts are meant to be a one-stop shop for discovering new shows and seeing what the rest of the world is listening to. But more than that, they’re also the result of our commitment to transparency with creators, who can understand what factors into our charts and how they can position themselves for success. 

Here are five new features to know about in the new Charts experience:

  1. “Top Podcasts” is where you’ll find the overall most popular shows—ones fans have been listening to for some time, and rising newcomers. It’s determined by a combination of overall follower counts and the number of recent unique listeners.
  2. “Top Episodes” is where you’ll find of-the-moment trends in what people are listening to today. This chart is determined exclusively by the number of unique listeners on that day, providing a look into what’s buzzworthy at the moment.
  3. U.S. users can also now find our Podcast Charts on the web in an all-new, easy-to-use browseable experience. (We’re exploring additional markets—stay tuned!)
  4. We’ve built our charts to be as trustworthy and transparent as possible: They’re based on a combination of number of unique listeners and number of followers and provide expanded opportunity for podcasters to get their shows discovered. 
  5. The best way to support your favorite podcasters is by following them and listening to their episodes, since there are now more ways for them to be discovered. The depth and breadth of Top Podcasts and category charts allows many more podcasters to claim a spot, while Trending rewards new and emerging podcasters.

We’re excited for these updated charts to promote podcast discovery, enabling listeners around the world to easily find the best content from their regions as well as view charts from other countries for a global perspective—and potentially a new listening experience. We’ll continue to evolve our Podcast Charts experience to meet listener needs and open up new opportunities for creators.

Check out what’s currently rising on the charts: Go to the Browse All section of your Spotify app, hit Podcasts and then tap the tile for Podcast Charts.

Laugh Along to Three New Comedy Podcasts Coming to Spotify

April 1, 2021

In a year where people have come to expect the unexpected, comedy podcasts can provide a welcome respite with laughter and lighthearted listening. 

Spotify has three new podcasts for those looking for their next dose of humor. Read on for a little about each one, as well as a short Q&A with the creators, guests, and hosts who are responsible for the laughs. Get ready to chuckle.

The Sketch Factor is a scripted sketch comedy podcast produced by Radio Point, and hosted by Fred Armisen, who’s known for his work on the television shows Portlandia and Documentary Now! In this series, Armisen plays Xandor Szavost, an inventor, philanthropist, and billionaire who is using his fortune to finance a sketch comedy competition for his own amusement. At three to five minutes each, episodes are short and perfect for a quick comedy hit. For the Record caught up with the show’s cast member and comedian, Seaton Smith.

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Seaton: God, I hate pranks. One time I was late to a show, and my friend and his girl got there early and were bored. So, as a prank, he had his girlfriend call me and tell me that he started a fight with the bouncer and the police were there holding him down, and I had to hurry up and get there. It WAS funny. It just wasn’t the easiest thing to laugh at.

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Seaton: Comedy you just listen to is fun because it hits you differently. Visually, I need all of your attention, and if I lose your attention for a second, then the comedy is hurt. But with audio, you can go do other things and still be all into it. It’s like we’re in your mind as you go about your day.

The podcast Flameout, produced by Treefort Media, brings together comedians to unravel the biggest business success stories gone wrong. The stories feature insider interviews and juicy revelations that include comedic and unfiltered opinions on the business flameouts. We chatted with Michael Ian Black, Baron Vaughn, Atsuko Okatsuka, and Abbi Crutchfield, who all take a turn as show hosts.

Why do you think comedy has been so important over the last year?

Abbi: Comedy has been a release valve for all of my pent-up frustration—fear, anger, despair—during the past year. It wasn’t easy to adjust to virtual performances, but it was always a relief to do a show and connect with people. I thought it might be the new way for everyone to enjoy comedy (So convenient! No commute! No drunken fights!), but now with the vaccine, it seems more like a dystopian version of comedy. There is no substitute for live performance, as Milli Vanilli will tell you. 

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Michael: I faked my own death for 10 years, April 1, 2003 to April 1, 2013. Joke ended up being on me, though, because my wife remarried and started a new family in my absence. So that was kind of a bummer. 

Atsuko: I’ve never been a part of an April Fools’ prank because that would insinuate I had friends. Ha—it’s okay I’ve coped with it. Instead, I’ve been the subject of an April Fools’ prank, where a bunch of rich popular girls from school put shaving cream all over my car and wrapped it up with toilet paper. My car was parked in front of my uncle’s house. Because I was living in his garage. As an undocumented kid. Yay America!

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Baron: Listening to someone without seeing the speaker or any other visual component requires an entirely different level of focus. Not relying on visual cues means tuning into things like tone, inflection, and rhythm. You get a different sense of how someone talks. Those are things that are usually natural, but there are ways to play with that with intention. That, however, is for another April Fools’.

Nosy Neighbors is a new podcast featuring comedians Candice Thompson (previously a writer/correspondent on Lights Out with David Spade) and Chinedu Unaka (who will be featured on the upcoming season of Insecure). In each episode, the cohosts highlight the wildest neighbor stories of the week, dissecting and analyzing those involved, settling disputes, unpacking petty posts on local forums, and celebrating good neighborly behavior. The series includes call-ins from fellow comedians who share their own tales of notable neighbors. Both Candice and Chinedu answered a few questions for us.

Why do you think comedy has been so important over the last year?

Candice: Man . . . comedy should’ve made it onto Time Magazine’s Most Influential People of the Year list for 2020. We all would have lost our minds without it. Every comedian was an essential worker last year. Putting out online content became something I know I started doing more of to entertain other people, because I know they were looking for literally any reason to laugh, but I also did it for my own sanity. I had always thought of comedy as a career, but last year it felt like it became a charitable donation. I’m going to see if I can write it off on my taxes. 

What’s the best April Fools’ prank you’ve ever been a part of?

Candice: I’ve never been a huge prank person, but I do recall being on the receiving end of a prank in college when my best friend told me he’d gotten someone pregnant. We were so “ride or die” I was mentally preparing to drop out of college to help him raise the baby. I was like, “I can learn to breastfeed. How hard can it be?” That prank was stressful.

Chinedu: Me and my college friend Anthony bought a bunch of bike locks and locked everyone in our dormitory’s bikes together early morning before their classes. We locked our own bikes up in the mess too—because we’re not amateurs.

What would you say is the main difference between audio-only comedy, like what’s in this podcast, and comedy with a visual component?

Chinedu: Pajamas. You can be in your pajamas, it’s lovely. 

 

Want more? Listen to all three podcasts, now available on Spotify. 

Spotify Opens Doors for More Underrepresented Podcasters Through New Sound Up Programs

March 31, 2021

Diversity has long been a weak point for podcasting. Yet in order for this golden age of audio to truly shine, it has to include all of us. That’s why, several years ago, Spotify created Sound Up, a global program that gives underrepresented podcasters the tools to boost their platforms and build their own shows. 

You may already listen to some of these beloved shows, perhaps getting your science fix from Dope Labs by U.S. grant recipient Titi Shodiya and cohost Zakiya Whatley or exploring topics you’ve been too shy to look up yourself on Search Engine Sex by Indigenous Australian creator Rowdie Walden. Most recently, plenty of listeners flocked to play You Heard Me Write from U.S. participant Kacie Willis, propelling the creative new format to the 17th slot on Spotify’s Trending Podcasts USA chart.

And there’s plenty more where those came from. A few weeks ago during Spotify Stream On, our Sound Up Global Lead, Natalie Tulloch, announced that in 2021, we’ll be growing our program from 6 to 14 countries—enabling us to support an additional 140+ emerging creators this year alone. 

“The bigger the Sound Up alumni group grows, the more powerful we become,” Sound Up alum and Dope Labs cohost Titi said. 

The new programs include a Latinx U.S. program focused on creating Spanish-language or multilingual podcasts for an ever-growing Spanish-speaking U.S. audience, female creators in India, and lower-income youth from large urban centers in Argentina. Sound Up will also launch in Mexico, Spain, and Italy later this year. 2021 will mark its third year in Germany as well.

But these new programs aren’t the only news for podcasters to get excited about. Spotify also wants to offer opportunities and support to members of underserved communities aspiring to careers as podcast producers, sound engineers, and other behind-the-scenes roles in podcasting. So today, we’re also announcing Behind the Mic, a new apprenticeship program coming later this year to support aspiring Black podcast producers. 

The year-long paid apprenticeship will be led by Behind The Mic Lead Christabel Nsiah-Buadi, an award-winning radio producer, podcaster, and writer. She will oversee the three Black producers chosen for the program. They will get to enjoy a rotational program among show teams and producorial roles, as well as attend a weekly virtual class to refine skills and get exposure to the business and industry. Finally, they’ll each create, produce, and edit a podcast about their experience in the program. This year, two apprentices will be placed: one at Gimlet Studios in New York and another at Spotify Studios in Los Angeles. After the rotation, they will become permanent Spotify employees. 

“I am so thrilled that we will be able to support a yearlong education program and support more creators globally,” says Natalie. “We hope to expand the numbers of participants in the Behind the Mic program and the studios they’re able to work in. This is just the beginning.” 

Speaking of expansion, we’ll also be rolling out a version of Behind the Mic in Australia to Indigenous and First Nations producers in the coming months. But ahead of that, the Sound Up program in its original form is also returning to Australia in 2021. 

Aspiring podcasters who identify as First Nations (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander) are invited to apply for the four-week virtual podcasting program to be held from May 31 to – June 25, 2021. The Sound Up 2021 program will be facilitated by Travis De Vries and Brooke Scobie from Awesome Black. 

Do you have a great idea for a podcast? Apply now. No experience necessary. 

Podcasting Serves as a Private, Intimate, and Empathetic Medium for Previously Closeted Conversations

March 18, 2021

The world changes—thanks, in no small part, to those who dare to express themselves and challenge the status quo. Today, our knowledge of formerly misunderstood or stigmatized issues such as sexuality, empowerment and LGBTQ inclusion is ever-evolving, due to plentiful resources and individuals who are not shy to speak out. In recent years, many have been turning to podcasting as a medium that can provide unmatched intimacy, privacy, and empathy around important discussions.  

With tools like Anchor and programs like Spotify’s Sound Up, podcasting is becoming more accessible to first-time podcasters and individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Each day, creators are uploading new shows on topics that are meaningful to them to Spotify, and finding a similarly growing audience ready to listen. 

Read on to explore how podcasting has empowered open conversations in countries like Argentina, Chile, India, and France. 

Podcasters in the Southern Cone Create Intimate Spaces

In the Latin American countries of Argentina and Chile, podcasts related to sexuality, female empowerment, and diversity appear frequently among the most listened-to podcasts. Many are hosted by groups of friends or even partners who are able to create intimate spaces for each other—and the listener—to gain insight into a topic they may not have previously known much about. 

For example, Concha Podcast, where friends talk about feminine topics, is one of the most listened-to podcasts in Argentina. Acabar, a documentary podcast about the female orgasm, became the third most-listened-to Spotify Original production in the country. Similarly, putopakitorta involves three hosts: a woman, a gay man, and a straight man, who debate hot topic issues openly, while Girl, andá a terapia, features a trans girl who answers messages from listeners asking for advice. In Puto Viejo, the host and psychologist Gus Casals takes off the blindfold and explains what it meant to be gay in Buenos Aires in the ’80s and ’90s.  

In Chile, podcasting also provides a platform for women who are not afraid to speak up about what gives them pleasure. Con la ayuda de mis amikas dominates the top 10 most-listened-to podcasts in the country. Weona que creici features two gay friends who speak freely about their personal stories, including many details that for most of their lives, they kept closeted due to the stigma around coming out. Each podcast reaches eager and appreciative listeners through the hosts’ honest and open conversations. 

Indian LGBTQ Podcasters Find Privacy 

Similarly, in India, podcasters and listeners alike are coming to appreciate podcasts that touch on subjects they may not have discussed previously in public. For podcasters, the medium gives marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals, a channel that allows for privacy. Another popular medium in the country, video blogging or “vlogging,” does not allow for the same level of anonymity. The podcasters behind Spotify Originals Shuddh Desi Gay and De Taali – Life of a Transgender are able to utilize this tool to give listeners a deeper insight into the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Similarly, podcasting allows Indian creators to tackle issues that may be too awkward or discouraged to ask their friends or family about. Another Spotify Original, Love Aaj Kal with Aastha & Ankit, is hosted by two friends who tackle questions such as “Is watching porn a bad thing?” alongside a series on “Sex dilemmas.”

French Podcasters Make Space for Empathy

Finally, podcasts enable frank, honest, and open conversations and stories that cut right to the core and inspire empathy among listeners. In France, the second season of the widely regarded Spotify Original Coming Out podcast included famous celebrities like filmmaker Xavier Dolan, artists, writers, philosophers, and politicians who all joined to discuss their coming out stories—and the journey that one takes before deciding to do so. The ultimate goal of the podcast is to share stories, normalize the experience, and provide insights for others deciding whether to come out. Ultimately, they hope to create a world where people can “come as you are.”

The second season of the show also featured an interview with an adult who was the first child to be born to a same-sex couple through assisted reproductive technology in France 25+ years ago. This individual’s story was linked to a bioethics law proposal currently being discussed to open IVF to all women in France—further using storytelling to spark a topical and important conversation. The show also uses its social channel as a way to spread information: The creators tweet links to appropriate episodes when people share questions  about an LGBTQ or coming out topic. 

Taking The Conversation Further

But these uncovered topics around women’s health—and the use of podcasting to tell them—are not contained to these countries. The empathy, privacy, and intimacy that podcasts provide have also enabled change-makers like Michelle Obama, who discussed menopause during an episode of the Michelle Obama podcast in the U.S. in 2020. Podcasters are taking to the mic to talk about topics like intimacy between partners, systematic racism, violence against indigenous women, and climate change, in addition to popular topics like true crime, news, and sports. 

More and more creators are turning to podcasts as a way to share their stories and spread information. And with more than 50 thousand hours of new podcast content uploaded to Spotify every day, listeners are getting endless inspiration too. 

On the Latest Episode of ‘Spotify: For the Record’ Anchor Podcasters Share How They Bring Their Stories to Life

February 25, 2021

In 2019, Spotify acquired Anchor, a platform that makes it easy to hit the ground running in the podcast space. Podcasters around the world can access the platform’s creative tools, free content hosting, and distribution. Last year, we saw that 80% of the new shows on Spotify were made with Anchor. For beginners, the platform can help simplify the steps to getting published, while more experienced creators benefit from Anchor’s wide range of unique features, like including music straight from Spotify’s catalogue to make a Music + Talk show.

In the latest episode of our podcast, Spotify: For the Record, we explore how a variety of podcasters got their start using Anchor.

  • We follow along with Cassandra Bankson, a skincare expert and influencer, as she embarks on her journey to create her first podcast. From getting a microphone to learning how to upload episodes to Spotify, we follow along as her audio story comes to life.
  • Gael Aitor and Kayla Suarez, from the popular podcast Teenager Therapy, join us to share why their series is the perfect forum to highlight the struggles that come with being a teenager.
  • Rizky Ardi Nugroho, host of one of the top podcasts in Indonesia, Do You See What I See, shares how Anchor helped him start his show in 2018 (when he knew next to nothing about podcasting), and how he went from being a rice producer to a podcast producer. 

Michael Mignano, the cofounder of Anchor, also joins us to talk about the innovations that creators can expect to see in the near future. From audience poll functionality to an in-app Q&A format, the platform is opening up new forms of engagement for podcasters.

The episode concludes with a series of tips and tricks from each guest for aspiring podcasters. Ready to give it a listen? Check it out here.

From Gaming to Dating, New Star-Studded Filipino Original Podcasts Come to Spotify

February 16, 2021

Last year, Spotify welcomed nine Filipino fan favorite podcasts exclusively to the platform. Now, we are expanding our audio content to bring listeners a star-studded slate of seven brand-new Spotify Original podcasts from Filipino creators.

These new shows, which range in topics from gaming and well-being to dating and friends, feature homegrown personalities and crowd favorites like Pia Wurtzbach, Donnalyn Bartolome, Wil Dasovich, and more. These creators are joining a growing number of podcasters across Asia and the Philippines who are using Spotify as a platform to tell their stories, create content that matters, and connect with listeners in an intimate way. 

Get to know the seven new shows below.

Between Us Queens (English/Tagalog)

Led by Miss Universe 2015 winner Pia Wurtzbach along with fellow beauty queens Bianca Guidotti and Carla Lizardo, this podcast serves as an avenue for these former pageant ladies to share their experiences and talk about what it means to be a modern Filipina.

Itatama Pa Ba or Tama Na?  (English/Tagalog)

Recording artist and internet personality Donnalyn Bartolome went viral for sharing an emotional video that showed her unboxing personal effects returned by her ex. Now, in her new podcast, she’s hoping to help real-life lovers settle the score or mend broken hearts. In each episode, Donnalyn participates in unofficial couples therapy sessions to help mediate the conversation and help guests learn and grow from their heartbreak.

The Raid with Alodia & Ashley (Tagalog)

One of the Philippines’ biggest gaming streamers and OG cosplayers, Alodia Gosiengfiao, is joined by her sister Ashley as they geek out on all things anime and gaming. The podcast also gives people a sneak peek into what an otaku (person who has a keen fondness for Japanese comics or animation) sibling duo’s life is like. 

Superhuman (English)

In this podcast, cancer survivor and renowned vlogger Wil Dasovich dives into the ever-changing world of health. Wil’s main goal is to answer the question “What does it take to be superhuman?”

Huwag ‘tong Makakalabas (Tagalog)

In this podcast, Spoken-word artist, film writer, and certified Pinoy pop culture fanatic Juan Miguel Severo flips through his old journals and hidden letters and gives listeners a peek at what they contain. He lets you into his real, raw, and personal world as he performs spoken-word pieces and shares his afterthoughts on each story—all in a 15-minute (or less) episode.

Payaman Insider (Tagalog)

This weekly podcast follows a spontaneous chat show format with Team Payaman’s Junnie Boy, RogerRaker, Peachy Twice, and Boss Tryke—the country’s largest online collective—who are famously known for their irreverent friendly banters.  

Growing Up with Ben and Kris (English/Tagalog)

Popular vlogger Benedict Cua and his manager, Kristian Somera, are close to hitting their 30s and they use this podcast as a time to reflect on their past. The best friends discuss their early 20s and how they can be and do better as they take on the next chapter of their lives.