Tag: science vs

The Trends of 2023 as Told by Podcasts

November 29, 2023

This past year, there was no single trend or topic that commanded the cultural conversation for too long—something new was always emerging. But throughout these massive moments, listeners consistently took the time to slow down, learn about these trends, and connect with other fans through the immersive world of podcasts. 

Spotify is the most-used audio podcast platform in many key markets around the world and is also the number-one podcast publisher in the U.S., according to the most recent Edison Research data. Because of this, podcasters have bigger audiences than ever. 

“Podcasts are the perfect format for audiences and fans to engage in cultural moments due to a few key factors,” says Lizzy Hale, Head of Podcast Editorial at Spotify. “Many of the best podcast hosts are journalists or experts themselves. They are the ones reporting on these stories, and in the podcast format, they can bring their stories to life.” 

According to Lizzy, podcasts are also uniquely positioned to bring people together.

“Podcasts are a place for community,” Lizzy adds. “When there is a viral moment in culture, fans come to podcasts to feel connected to that bigger moment. A podcast feels like you are talking to your best friend about the story you are obsessing about. They also become artifacts of what our culture’s reactions and opinions were in the moment.” 

So as you reflect on your year in listening, check out the podcasts that exemplify what was driving pop culture in 2023 as selected by our podcast editorial team.

8 New and Returning Podcasts Coming to Spotify This Fall

October 2, 2023

This fall, many fan-favorite Spotify Original and Licensed podcasts are back for more. From binge-worthy scripted series to intriguing personal interviews, there’s a full slate of shows that are already on Spotify ready for listeners. But wait—there’s more. We’re also debuting several new series sure to make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Follow along as we dive into new shows, seasons, and episodes perfect for your next drive, workout, or really anytime you’re ready to pop in those headphones.  

Here’s what’s back

Science Vs

In September, Science Vs kicked off a new season, giving fans new episodes that take on fads, trends, and the opinionated mob to find out what’s fact, what’s not, and what’s somewhere in between. This season will cover even more puzzling and enticing topics and debunk the latest trends on social media to inform listeners on what science has to say. From breathing and breathwork, to UFOs to personality tests, there’s a lot it digs into. 

Call Her Daddy

Season 4 of Spotify-exclusive podcast Call Her Daddy premiered in mid-September, and in the first episode, host Alex Cooper travels to New Jersey to hang out with “it girl” Alix Earle. She introduces listeners to Alix’s life in a way they haven’t before seen or heard.

Case 63

For fans who love stories set in a mind-bending time-travel paradox, scripted audio series Case 63 is back for a second season. This installment takes listeners back to 2012, 10 years before the events of the first season, in a riveting second chapter to the saga. Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac reprise their roles, and new voices for the season include Zoë Winters and Arian Moayad. All 10 episodes are available to stream now. 

Dissect

The Spotify original podcast Dissect is back for its 11th season. Once again, host Cole Cuchna has picked a new album to analyze—song by song—and this time around he’s chosen Radiohead’s critically acclaimed 2007 album In Rainbows. In the season premiere, Cole provides a sweeping history of the band, from its origins in Oxford, England, to its historic run of landmark albums like The Bends, OK Computer, and Kid A. 

Heavyweight

Heavyweight, a podcast that follows Jonathan Goldstein as he examines the past like a therapist with a time machine, is back for Season 8. This season features unconventional love stories: What we owe the people we love, and the extremes we’ll go to in love’s name. Premiering October 5, the first episode introduces us to Lenny, who was Jonathan’s childhood best friend, but they drifted apart as they grew into adulthood. Now, Lenny is dying and needs a friend. So Jonathan makes the call.

Must-listen new shows

Hits the Spot

Also on October 5, Spotify debuts a new weekly video podcast called Hits the Spot. Host Lea Palmieri talks news, stories, insights, and trends with top artists, creators, and tastemakers in a way that only Spotify can. 

Breaking Down with Ali Kolbert

Comedy fans should check out the new video podcast Breaking Down with Ali Kolbert. Rising stand-up comedian Ali brings her frank, lively style and unapologetic perspective to conversations with celebrities, experts, and other comedians about everything from pop culture to relationships to mental health. The inaugural season kicked off with​​ Jonathan Van Ness. The Queer Eye personality, stand-up, and author talks healthy versus unhealthy relationships, lesbian reincarnation, and #notallmen. Breaking Down with Ali Kolbert is produced in part by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, which powers our commitment to showcasing and uplifting creators from communities that have been historically underrepresented in the audio industry.

The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark

Earlier this year we announced the expansion of our DC universe with a new show: The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark. Comedian and actor Hasan Minhaj reprises his role as The Riddler, a character previously featured in the 2022 global hit Batman Unburied. The show returns to Gotham City and follows Batman (voiced by Colman Domingo) as he begrudgingly teams up with The Riddler to track down a masked vigilante on the loose in Gotham City. The unlikely duo must solve the mystery before they, too, become victims. The eight-episode show, created in partnership with Warner Bros. and DC, will premiere on October 10.

Looking for more? Check out other new podcast releases on Spotify.

Spotify Takes to the Skies With Delta For an Exclusive In-Flight Audio Experience

September 1, 2021

You are now free to roam about the cabin—and get the music and podcasts you love at 30,000 feet. Beginning today, we’re taking off in a new partnership with Delta in which Spotify will take over the “audio” section of Delta’s in-flight seatback entertainment. This means passengers on Delta flights that are equipped with seatback entertainment globally can now enjoy their favorite audio content exclusively in-flight on Delta Studio. 

There are currently more than 20 million flight-related user-generated playlists globally on Spotify, and this new partnership is making it even easier for listeners to tap into their favorite audio content while flying.  

This in-flight content is licensed directly by Delta and will be free for all passengers. It includes specially curated versions of Spotify’s most popular playlists—in the form of mixtapes curated by Spotify’s editorial experts—along with 42 select podcast series to choose from. 

These include popular playlists Mood Booster, Are & Be, Hot Country, mint, Today’s Top Hits, Relax & Unwind, RapCaviar, and Ultimate Indie, with Rock This, Roots Rising, and ¡Viva Latino! to come in the October refresh, as well as episodes from podcasts such as Crime Junkie, Science Vs, StartUp, The Dave Chang Show, The Hottest Take, The Journal, and more. 

Passengers will now be able to discover new music and podcasts during their journeys by accessing the “audio” section of Delta’s seatback in-flight entertainment system. The content will be updated regularly, so there’s something for everyone—even frequent flyers.

You can also listen to your own Spotify content while up in the air and away from Wi-Fi or data. Learn how.

What’s New This Week in Spotify Podcasts

March 6, 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 Parcast Presents: March Mysteries, Conviction: American Panic, and Science Vs.