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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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re unpacking Apple’s latest move to keep your podcast listening habits private, even adding “noise” to mask your data. In Spain, public broadcaster RTVE is blocking RNE shows from third-party apps, sparking concerns about the future of open RSS. Spotify is testing a new Audiobooks+ add-on with 15 hours of monthly listening time, and FOX News just inked a licensing deal with the conservative podcast Ruthless. Plus, this week’s featured show is Get Better at Beach Volleyball, the perfect pod for athletes and aspiring players looking to level up.

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In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re breaking down Acast’s new global partnership with Magnite — a major move that could boost discoverability (and revenue) for podcasters everywhere. Apple is also leveling up its audio game with an “Enhance Dialog” feature for crisper sound and an Automix tool for music lovers. TIME just revealed its 100 Best Podcasts of All Time, but some major names were left off the list — including Joe Rogan. Meanwhile, Joe Budden is flexing podcast power, earning over $1 million a month on Patreon alone. And this week’s top podcast pick? Right About Now with Ryan Alford — a no-fluff marketing show climbing the charts.

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On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Edison Research’s new UK report showing podcast listening on TV has doubled — with Spotify and BBC Sounds pulling ahead of Apple. In the U.S., Gen Z and young millennials are now listening to podcasts just as much as radio, a massive shift from a decade ago. Amazon’s Steve Boom insists Wondery’s big reorg is nothing to worry about, while South Africa’s DStv learns the hard way that mixing raw podcast energy with network TV can get messy. And this week’s podcast pick? The Fantasy Footballers — your ultimate draft-day advantage.

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In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Apple Podcasts’ ultra-selective “Best So Far” list — and why most of the world didn’t make the cut. Then, we break down Wondery’s corporate shake-up as Amazon lays off 110 staff and restructures its podcast empire. Plus: a hilarious case of mistaken identity between two nearly identical Brazilian podcasts, a new tool that turns your episodes into books, and a chilling true crime pick set in the remote wilds of Alaska.

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This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the big waves and bold moves in podcasting across the globe. France is calling for podcasting to be officially recognized as a cultural industry (oui, please), a new player enters the scene with the launch of Mission Media AI, and Audacy shuts the doors on Pineapple Street Studios in yet another shake-up.

Oh, and in case you missed it, New Zealand says audio > video. You heard that right. Tap in for what’s changing, what’s closing, and what’s next in the podcast world.

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