I Hear Things

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A weekly perspective on the business of audio, including podcasting, smart audio, streaming music, social audio, and everything else you stick in your earballs. Hosted by 20+ year audio veteran Tom Webster, SVP of Edison Research.

Tom Webster


    • Dec 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 874 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from I Hear Things

    Podcasting's Creator Churn Problem, Netflix is Making Deals, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 11:06


    Today in the business of podcasting: podcasting's creator churn problem (and how to fix it), Oxford Road has had a couple studies this week, Netflix has been making deals, and Signal Hill Insights looks back at the year in research. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Audio's UK ROI Moment, Netflix Licenses Barstool Sports Pods, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 5:06


    Today in the business of podcasting: Netflix signs several Barstool Sports video podcasts, graphs showing why YouTube is at the top of the media watch-time pile, and a look back at audio data for the UK in 2025.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    The Inventory and The Scale

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 9:25


    Podcasting has a creator churn problem that needs fixing. Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    The Year's Top Podcasting Data Trends, Audio Joins UK Creative Council, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 5:39


    Today in the business of podcasting: three big trends in podcasting data from this year, YouTube targets TV advertisers, Oxford Road and Podscribe find YouTube podcasts can be up to 25% worse at conversion than audio podcast ads, and podcasts formally get a seat on the UK Creative Industries Council. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Indie Agencies on Audio, Podcasting's Liquid Content Era, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 3:55


    Today in the business of podcasting: 2026 ad spend expectations, indies growing as a power in audio spend, and podcasting's new liquid content phase.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    "OG" Podcasts Dominate Ad Performance, iHeart

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 4:37


    Today in the business of podcasting: Oxford Road has a new ORBIT report about "OG" podcasts, new details surface about a reported upcoming iHeartPodcasts and Netflix deal, and why companies want "Storytellers" more and more these days.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Podcasting's Creator Gap, Spotify Wrapped for Advertisers, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 8:46


    Today in the business of podcasting: findings from The Creators 2025, why Blue Wire Podcasts has focused athletes, Chartable has finally shut down, and Spotify Wrapped for Advertisers is here.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    TikTok Launches Video Podcast, Digital Audio's Brand Lift in Ireland, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 3:53


    Today in the business of podcasting: coverage of The Creators 2025, TikTok launches a video podcast tonight, and AudioXi looks at digital audio ad performance in a recent campaign. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    New Podcast Creator Research, YouTube Enhances A/B Testing, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 6:03


    Today in the business of podcasting: Sounds Profitable publishes The Creators study, Spotify Wrapped for Advertisers is here, why Blue Wire Podcasts favors athletes over influencer hosts, A/B testing for video titles has launched on YouTube, and The Washington Post is demoing an AI tool to generate "personal podcasts" recapping news. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Chartable Officially Closes, WPP Ad Growth Forecast, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 4:44


    Today in the business of podcasting: Chartable formally shuts down, WPP raises their forecast for ad growth this year, and Tink Media publishes their annual Audio Delicacies list. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Apple Podcasts' Show of the Year, Talkhouse Appoints Laura Mayer, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 6:23


    Today in the business of podcasting: Talkhouse signs Laura Mayer as Head of Podcasts, CRA members capture 33% of Australia's digital ad market, the six podcasts nominated for a Golden Globe next year, Apple Podcasts names their Show of the Year, and how startups are finding podcast advertising in a world where big brands are buying ads too. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Keeping Podcasts Mobile, Patreon's Public RSS Feeds, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 10:26


    Today in the business of podcasting: "creator fade" is a problem for podcasting, avoiding video super-serving, Acast and Little Dot Studios team up for YouTube managed campaigns, and iHeartMedia launches a "guarenteed human" core branding message. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Global Podcast Advertising Report, Creators Leaving Podcasting, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 5:22


    Today in the business of podcasting: 1/3rd of creators who try making podcasts leave the medium entirely, new Global Podcast Advertising Compass study, and the advertising industry looks forward to 2026. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Gen Z's News Problem, Advantages of Audio Podcasting, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 7:11


    Today in the business of podcasting: Gen Z has a news trust problem, video podcasters might be missing the advantages of audio, and podcast ad loads.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Forget Podfade - Let's Talk About Creator Fade

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 5:29


    Sign up for How (and Why) to Budget for Podcast Awards in 2026Churn is part of podcasting, but The Creators 2025 finds some creators are quitting more than just individual podcasts.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    Acast UK Launches YouTube Program, Audio's Long Tail, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 7:25


    Today in the business of podcasting: The Podcast Show returns to London in Q1 2026, Acast and Little Dot Studios launch managed campaigns for YouTube podcasters in the UK, a look at opportunities for podcasting in 2026, and how podcast ads can best take advantage of big sale dates like Cyber Monday. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Public RSS on Patreon, LATAM Podcasting Report, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 7:11


    Today in the business of podcasting: the Podglomerate x Sounds Profitable webinar about budgeting for podcast awards submissions is next Wednesday, Triton Digital announces their 2025 LATAM Audio Insights report, Spotify is reportedly going to raise Premium prices next year, Patreon users can now host free open RSS podcasts, iHeartMedia makes a "guaranteed human" promise, and Derek Thompson reflects on how everything is "television" now.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Podcasting's No Longer a Side Gig, Premium Merch Possibilities, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 7:26


    Today in the business of podcasting: upcoming webinars from Sounds Profitable, an influencer is ending her 5-figures-a-year podcast, a Bloomberg report on the companies advertising on conservative podcasts, and GQ interviews Bill Nighy for his new advice podcast. . Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Creator Ad Spend ⬆️ 26%, Amazon on Audio's Omnichannel Power, & More 

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 5:27


    Today in the business of podcasting: new IAB report on the creator economy, closing the sound gap, and how journalists can maximize connection with podcasting.. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Building Brands With Podcasts, Industry 2025 Reflections, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 10:41


    Today in the business of podcasting: today is the last day to submit to the Podscape winter update, Tom Webster discusses building a brand to sell with your podcast, IAB Australia announces first 2026 event dates and survey, The Podglomerate presents 22 industry leaders looking back at the year and forward to the next, tracking how loyal your podcast audience is, and Eventbrite partners with Listener.com. . Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Two Different Kinds of Podcasting, Industry 2026 Predictions, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 7:50


    Today in the business of podcasting: the Podscape deadline is fast approaching, a look at Happy Dad seltzer and what it means for podcast branding, is video creating two different types of podcasting, podcasts are a highlight of Defector's annual income report, and what to do when a podcast reaches critical advertising mass. . Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Clawing Their Way to Ownership: Why Some Podcasters Are Building Products Instead of Reading Ads

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 14:09


    Submit to the Podscape (Deadline is end-of-day November 21st)A look at what happens when the creators themselves are the brand.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    Bridging Live Events with Podcast Data, iHeartRadio Adds Shortform, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 5:04


    Today in the business of podcasting: Eventbrite announces new integration with Listener.com, Apple Podcasts reveals the Top Podcasts lists of 2025, Oxford Road releases the November ORBIT report, and iHeartRadio rolls out short-form video clips in their app. . Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    IAB AU Audio Advertising Survey, Influencer ROI Transparency, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 7:18


    Today in the business of podcasting: The deadline to submit to The Podscape is this Friday, Cloudflare outage plays havok with the internet, The Hollywood Reporter and Spotify post the hour-long roundtable with Golden Globes Best Podcast nominees, IAB Australia confirms dates for early 2026 events and survey for Audio Advertising State of Nation, Digidal looks at the growing sophisitication of influencer marketing, and Local Files Club brings a new twist to audio fiction monetization. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Podcast Audiences Still Listen, Evolving Live Events, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 7:41


    Today in the business of podcasting: audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption, how loyal is your podcast audience?, PAVE teams up with Katheryn Nicolai for special live event, the State of Podcast Business, and CRA announces CRA Audio ID. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Indie Podcaster Report, Podcast Movement Evolutions @ SXSW, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 11:47


    Today in the business of podcasting: Podcast Movement Evolutions is going to SXSW next year, Netflix is looking to have a big library of video podcasts, the Independent Podcaster Report, how YouTube podcasts can help with AI search, and USC report finds podcasting's diversity problem at the top of the pack. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Podcast Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 4:08


    Today in the business of podcasting: seven headlines from across the industry as we have another special "oops all quick hits" episode. The links to all of which can be found here on Sounds Profitable. 

    Audio vs. Video Podcast ROI, Threads Improves Podcast Links, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 6:20


    Today in the business of podcasting: USC study finds top podcasts skew male and white, Spotify and NMPA open a portal to license audiovisual rights, Lower Street and Podcast Marketing Academy publish a report on the cost of audio podcasting vs video, Netflix wants at least 50 video podcasts when they launch, and Threads beefs up how podcast links look on the platform. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Indie Podcasting's Challenges, Netflix to Produce Video Pods, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 5:59


    Today in the business of podcasting: Netflix is looking to make their own video podcasts, The Podcast Host has a survey of indie podcast creators, and Eric Nuzum pitches maybe podcasts don't need vocal credits at the end of episodes.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Netflix Goes Shopping, Local Radio's Podcasting Power, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 9:19


    Today in the business of podcasting: the Podscape is taking new submissions, Netflix is shopping around for video podcast licensing, Livewire Labs has a new list of top podcast hosts by episode share, SiriusXM's Q3 report is here, and local radio is getting into podcasts.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Netflix is Podcast Shopping, Amazon DSP x iHeartMedia, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 4:54


    Today in the business of podcasting: Netflix reportedly is looking to license SirusXM Media video podcasts, Podscribe has new industry rankings, Amazon grows their relationship with iHeartMedia, and brands are expected to decrease open web display ads by 30% in response to AI search overviews increasing zero-click searches. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Apple Podcasts Adds Chapters & Links, Fox Buys Audio Fiction, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 4:44


    Today in the business of podcasting: Apple has automated chapters and links for podcasts coming, Spotify reports their Q3 earnings (Video podcasts are expensive), and Fox Entertainment acquires a romantic comedy audio fiction production house. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Netflix Eyes iHeart Podcasts, New Industry Research Published, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 6:10


    Today in the business of podcasting: the Podscape is now taking submissions for the Winter edition, Netflix eyes licensing iHeartMedia podcasts, Acast publishes their Podcast Pulse study, Magellan AI has their quarterly benchmark report, and Robert Tuchman discusses AudienceLift's Publisher Data Transparency feature.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Advertisers Jumpstart Holiday Spend, TYT x Noble Mobile, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 7:25


    Today in the business of podcasting: the top podcast hosting companies by episode volume, advertisers push holiday spend earlier this year, City Cast recalibrates, how local radio can leverage podcasting, and SiriusXM's Q3 earnings report.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Measurement Holds Back $1b, Amazon Corporate Downsizing, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 9:26


    Today in the business of podcasting: Amazon has laid off some Audible corporate staff, brands are paying more for less efficient ads, Spotify brought video to AppleTV, the trend of business folks hosting B2B podcasts, and China now requires influencers be qualified to talk about certain topics authoritatively. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Triton Digital's AdBuilder, Vertical YouTube Outearns Horizontal, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 6:52


    Today in the business of podcasting: Triton Digital launches AdBuilder AI, YouTube Shorts earn more than longform videos per watch-hour, new report argues top-of-funnel brand awareness influences purchase decisions more than thought, and China now requires influencers be qualified in certain fields before speaking authoritatively on several topics. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Defining "AI" for Advertising, Acast CEO on Video Podcasting, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 7:57


    Today in the business of podcasting: Amazon has laid off some Audible corporate staff, IAB looking to define AI transparency for ads, Acast's CEO on video podcasting, how AI search is changing brand discovery, and Nielsen's summer data on audio listenership.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Spotify Revamps Apple TV App, Floating Ad Tech Economy, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 6:28


    Today in the business of podcasting: ad tech survives on floating cash, Spotify revamps Apple TV app, Oxford Road finds why advertisers are holding back spend, and Netflix's Spotify choices lack comedy.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    C-Suite Podcast Hosts, Ads That Cost More for Less Traffic, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 7:21


    Today in the business of podcasting: brands are paying more for ads that do less, the rise of c-suite podcast hosts (and why), creators are seeing brand deals later and later into Q4 than usual, how to harness audio podcast clips well on social media, and YouTube's TV presence might be plateauing. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    NRF Projects High Holiday Spend, Pantheon Media x Spooler, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 10:34


    Today in the business of podcasting: content creators are taking over mainstream medai, a blindingly obvious opportunity for podcast revenue growth, how collaboration makes The Hidden Third possible, how Pantheon Media and Spooler came together, and the NRF finds Americans are gearing up to spend a healthy amount this holiday season. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    BBC Sounds' Q3, YouTube Sponsorships are Up, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 7:30


    Today in the business of podcasting: YouTube sponsorships are on the rise, BBC Sounds has their Q3 report, Audacy has a new State of Audio, Solar ran ads in a theater chain, and a new report finds e-commerce sites don't see much conversion from ChatGPT referals. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    How YouTube DAI Changes Upfronts, Lessons from SXSW Sydney, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 6:53


    Today in the business of podcasting: Adam Bowie on the Spotify Netflix deal, how YouTube's dynamic brand insertion tool could change upfronts in 2026, Netflix's Still Watching report, and 11 lessons for podcasting from SXSW Sydney.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    A Blindingly Obvious Opportunity for Podcast Revenue Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 6:55


    Podcasting's reach has grown quite a bit over the years, but several fruitful demographics still remain untapped. Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    IAB Moves Newsfronts, Spooler x Pantheon Media, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 5:39


    Today in the business of podcasting: Spooler and Pantheon discuss their collaboration, why Netflix should buy Spotify, a look at audio's discussion during Programmatic I/O in New York, what Joining a netowk does (and does not) do for your podcast, and the IAB is moving NewFront 2026 to earlier in the year.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    NRF Projects Healthy Holidays, Research Fueling Creativity, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 7:09


    Today in the business of podcasting: the collaboration that goes into making The Hidden Third, using research as your podcast creative partner, legacy media's dismissive attitude towards content creators might be their downfall, media buyers are anxious about setting 2026 budgets given 2025's volatility, and U.S. consumers expect to spend upwards of $900 on average this holiday shopping season.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Spotify's Video Distribution Deals, Students Critique AI Podcasts, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 8:05


    Today in the business of podcasting: Spotify distributes video podcasts to Netflix and Samsung TV Plus, LiveRead.io and Companion discuss their collaboration, NYU students discuss AI generated podcasts, and how advertisers were advertising to advertisers at Advertising Week New York.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Advertising to Advertisers, The Ringer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 7:17


    Today in the business of podcasting: Spotify launches first FAST channel, ICE ads keep appearing on incongruous content in streaming services, advertisers advertise to advertisers at AWNY, an op-ed on South African podcast advertising, and the Signal Awards winners are now live. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    What Makes Armchair Expert a Great Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 5:02


    A breakdown of the simple psychology behind Dax Shepard's interview style.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    Measurement's Upfront Moment, $1,600 Netflix Subscribers, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 6:40


    Today in the business of podcasting: Measurement is having a moment at IAB Upfronts, MrBeast launches clipping company, the divide with content creators and AI, Netflix's $1,600 subscribers, SSRS acquires Edison Research. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Spotify's Netflix Podcast Partnership, New EU Podcast Law, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 6:24


    Today in the business of podcasting: Spotify to air video podcasts on Netflix, LiveRead.io and Companion talk collaboration, students discuss AI generated podcasts, new EU law on political advertisements, and YouTube introduces AI powered multimodal measurement.Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

    Recapping Advertising Week NYC, Spotify's in ChatGPT, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 0:04


    Today in the business of podcasting: what happened at Advertising Week New York, Tom Webster talks parasocial relationships with podcast AI ads, Spotify is now integrated into ChatGPT queries, and an interview with Greg Glenday. Find links to every article covered by heading to the Download section of SoundsProfitable.com, or by clicking here to go directly to today's installment.

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