On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule dives into the latest in podcasting: Podcasts are now a major news source, with 54% of U.S. adults tuning in and Republicans reportedly trusting them twice as much as Democrats. YouTube launches YouTube Labs, offering AI music hosts that bring trivia, stories, and commentary to your playlists.

Over in the UK, HERA, a female-founded video podcast network, is putting women front and center in media. And Megaphone-hosted publishers on Spotify are getting a major ad tech upgrade, including video ads, clickable ads, and smarter targeting with first-party data.

Plus, this week’s podcast pick is Drop A Pin, where The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps take listeners on hilarious, wild, and sometimes profound adventures around the world. Discovered via mowPod Charts, it’s the perfect mix of travel, comedy, and storytelling.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover Amazon Prime Video streaming New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce in the U.S. (international fans, you’re on YouTube for now). Steven Goldstein weighs in on how the term “podcast” now means personality-driven, on-demand content, no matter the platform. Spotify is testing AI transparency tools for music, and NPR confirms that podcasts are outpacing radio in revenue, proving your earbuds are officially valuable.

Plus, this week’s podcast pick is The Last Invention, a gripping dive into the history, rivalries, and visions behind AI, exploring the people racing to create what may be humanity’s ultimate invention. Discovered via mowPod Charts, it’s suspenseful, dramatic, and perfect for anyone curious about the future of technology.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into MrBeast’s recent controversy over alleged misleading YouTube ads aimed at kids and questionable privacy practices. PodAnalyst launches a new analytics tool unifying Apple, Spotify, and YouTube data, free for shows under 1,000 listeners. Big ad spenders like Amazon and GoDaddy are shaking up the podcast marketing world, while research shows listeners remain cautious about AI in podcasting. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is Heavyweight with Jonathan Goldstein, taking you on heartfelt road trips and awkward reunions that explore the “what ifs” of life.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover the latest podcast scams targeting unsuspecting guests, don’t click that “big-name podcaster” email just yet. Canada’s podcast scene is booming, with 46% of listeners tuning in monthly, and Adam Carolla celebrates a milestone 4,000th episode with none other than Jay Leno. Descript is shaking up subscriptions with new pricing based on media minutes and AI credits. Plus, Emily highlights this week’s must-listen: Pardon My Take, your go-to podcast for sports, laughs, and unpredictable moments.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re exploring Brazil’s massive rise as a podcast powerhouse and why creators ignoring the country are missing out on a huge audience. Apple Podcasts 26 is here with AI-powered dialogue enhancement, per-show playback speeds, and a refreshed interface. Amazon Ads and SiriusXM team up to bring programmatic audio advertising to the masses, while YouTube rolls out tools to turn your long-form podcasts into Shorts, plus AI editing and dynamic ad slots. And this week’s featured podcast? 10 to Life with Annie Elise, a gripping true crime show uncovering murders, cold cases, and high-profile trials with precision and insight.

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On this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we uncover fresh insights from Sounds Profitable showing that nearly half of YouTube podcast users actually listen more than they watch—while Spotify audiences lean the other way. Emily also spotlights the launch of Podhome, a new app with transcripts, chapters, and live podcast features, plus key takeaways from The Podcast Study: Growth on why the first 60 seconds of your show can make or break your audience. And don’t miss the gear news: RØDE’s new Wireless Micro receiver is simplifying life for creators. Finally, Emily highlights The Huberman Lab Podcast, a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their brain and body.

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This week on The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into the latest shifts shaking up the podcasting world. From new data showing fans are spending over 6 hours a week with their favorite shows, to Spotify’s Follow-Along feature turning audiobooks into multimedia experiences, there’s no shortage of innovation. Captivate rolls out powerful growth tools, Variety shuts down Emmy dreams for video podcasts, and the Golden Globes steps in with a new podcast award. Plus, Emily spotlights Unicorn Girl, a gripping investigative series about ambition, deception, and the fine line between visionary and fraud.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering a major shake-up: Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable have merged in a seven-figure deal, with Bryan Barletta stepping in as President and the 2026 flagship event heading to New York City. Libsyn is helping creators get discovered with PodRoll, a brand-new tool that promotes shows directly in podcast feeds. Wondercraft introduces “Wonda,” the world’s first AI agent for content creation, while fresh data from Australia shows millennials, Gen Z, and even blue-collar workers are tuning in more than ever — with YouTube leading the charge. And this week’s featured pick? The Deck, a true-crime podcast turning playing cards into tools for solving cold cases.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering Libsyn’s massive milestone — over $112 million paid to creators since 2017, with new tools to help podcasters monetize from day one. We’ll dig into fresh data showing Gen Z’s podcast habits are driven by YouTube and social media, plus the wild ripple effect of Taylor Swift’s appearance on New Heights, which sent streams and views skyrocketing. Then, we’re looking at tough truths from The Podcast Study: Growth — 41% of listeners won’t give a show a second chance if the first episode flops. And this week’s featured pick? Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, a powerful show that pulls back the curtain on the world’s most fascinating leaders.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule breaks down the latest in podcasting. Spotify is rolling out age checks in the UK with facial recognition and ID scans, stirring up conversations about safety and privacy. Football fans are diving into The Players Lounge, a new game from the team behind The Rest is Football. Meanwhile, London is becoming a hub for video-first shows as Podshop Studios expands. Plus, the 2025 Ear Worthy Awards spotlight indie creators with their latest nominations and winners! And don’t miss this week’s pick: The Kinda Funny Podcast — a hilarious, anything-goes conversation that’s winning over listeners fast.

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