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


    • Nov 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 854 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from I Hear Things

    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.

    Amazon DSP x Microsoft, Podcasting Without Borders, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 7:09


    Today in the business of podcasting: Amazon is taking over Microsoft's DSP, Tom Webster on how AI could be used to leverage existing parasocial relationships, a conversation with Acast CEO Greg Glenday, why Poppies Studios is opening a creator studio near Burbank, and podcasts seem to be a popular lunch activity given listen-time trends. 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.

    Creators as Power Brokers, Companies Eye Audioboom, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 5:41


    Today in the business of podcasting: how creators are becoming power brokers at events like Advertising Week New York, Spotify talks the power of fandom, Twitch could be video podcasting's training ground, and iHeart might be making a play for Audioboom. 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.

    ChatGPT Integrates Spotify, Alex Cooper Launches Ad Agency, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 4:38


    Today in the business of podcasting: ChatGPT debuts Spotify integration, Alex Cooper's new creative agency lands Google as first client, and reflections on what new generative AI video tools mean for content advertising.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.

    Flightcast Launches, 8/10 Spaniards Listen to Podcasts, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 5:35


    Today in the business of podcasting: Flightcast debuts, ICE ads appearing more places that one wouldn't expect, PodcastOne's fiscal Q2 report is live, 8 out of 10 people in Spain listen to podcasts regularly, and what videos AI search engines seem to flock to. 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 on Amazon DSP, Podcast Movement Panels on YouTube, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 10:58


    This week in the business of podcasting: the Podcast Movement Archive is now live, Spotify names co-CEOs as Ek steps down, how to block bad ads, IAB Podcast Upfront developments, rise of the creator conglomerates.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.

    Golden Globes Podcast Eligibility, Podcast Campaigns Bring Reach, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 5:23


    This week in the business of podcasting: Podcast Movement 2025 panels are now live for free on YouTube, the 83rd Golden Globes eligibility only includes the top 25 podcasts for Best Podcast, shifting ad dollars to podcasting increases reach without increasing cost, and Prebid has HTTP GET integration and server requirements up for public comment.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.

    PRX Acquires Soundrise, Spotify's on Amazon DSP, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 6:40


    Today in the business of podcasting: PRX has acquired Soundrise, Spotify has a lot of new news, Rooster Teeth joins the growing community of creator-owned publishers, SoundStack launches HLS streaming capabilities, and coverage of Podcast Upfront influencer discussion.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 Executive Collaboration, Ek Steps Down, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 6:23


    Today in the business of podcasting: Daniel Ek is stepping down from CEO of Spotify, YouTube creator conglomerate executives share intel, a tease of today's Podcast Upfront, what podcasts and milkshakes have in common, and a new podcast category comes to Tribeca Festival. 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 Upgrades Podcast Outlook, Pods Promoting Movies, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 7:51


    Today in the business of podcasting: tariffs are causing brands to back away from the US (something podcasting could leverage), a defense of journalism in podcasting, how press-shy stars are finding their way to podcasts, the IAB upgrades their podcast ad revenue outlook for podcasting, and Pew Research has new podcast audience data. 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.

    Canada's Growing Podcast Scene, Reframing Short-Form Clips, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 13:56


    This week in the business of podcasting: podcasting is maturing and changing landscape, Canada's growing podcast audience (including new Canadians), how short-form clips might be cannibalizing podcast audiences, Amazon signs SiriusXM to AmazonDSP, and YouTube is soon to test out their own version of dynamic ad insertion for video. 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 is Maturing, Canada's Audience Growth, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 6:03


    Today in the business of podcasting: podcasting's maturation and what comes next, Canadian podcast listening continues to grow, and Heavyweights is back with a new season from Pushkin.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.

    YouTube Introduces DAI (Kinda), Ten Years of UK Podcast Growth, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 7:04


    Today in the business of podcasting: YouTube is soon to demo their own version of DAI, the top 10% of Americans are doing almost half the spending, and the untapped potential of serial shortform dramas. 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.

    Short-Form Podcast Cannibalization, Kenya's Podcasting Scene, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 6:39


    Today in the business of podcasting: Amazon's DSP signs with SiriusXM for audio, explaining the SlopAds fraud scheme, and industry execs discuss the communication needs of premium content.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.

    Short-Form Podcast Cannibalization, Kenya's Podcasting Scene, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 8:47


    Today in the business of podcasting: social media clips pose potential cannibalization issue, Morrissey on saving the open web, podcasting exempt from UK "less healthy foods" advertising restrictions, marketers are squeamish about Q4, and how Nairobi is a Gen Z hotspot for Kenya's podcasting scene.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 Mourns Todd Cochrane, Creators Leverage CTV, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 8:26


    This week in the business of podcasting: the industry mourns Todd Cochrane, what's happening at IAB Podcast Upfront, what Amazon's Wondery downscaling means for creative value, and how creatives are using CTV deals to increase sponsorship rates.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.

    Remembering Todd Cochrane, Bridging Creatives and Execs, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 8:01


    Today in the business of pdocasting: remembering Todd Cochrane, what creatives don't get about executives, Google's court filing suggests open web is in "rapid decline", what Amazon's turn away from narrative podcasting opens for the wider industry, and Locked On grows advertiser partnerships with Magellan AI.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.

    YouTube's Culture & Trends Report, Sports Media for Gen Z, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 5:06


    Today in the business of podcasting: how Gen Z is shaping sports media, a look at YouTube's new culture and trends report, how transparency is influencing influencer sponsor pay, and On Air Fest/Work x Work announce a rebrand. 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.

    Remembering Todd Cochrane

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 4:22


    Let's take a moment to reflect.Written and narrated by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan Barletta and Gavin GaddisAudio editing by Gavin GaddisFind the full article here on Sounds Profitable.

    Podcast Industry Mourns Passing of Todd Cochrane

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 4:00


    Today in the business of podcasting: the industry mourns the loss of Todd Cochrane, IAB announces Podcast Upfront plans, and a reflection on how gen-AI might impact media's profit capabilities. 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.

    Creators Leverage CTV, NYT Sunsets Audio App, & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 7:32


    Today in the business of podcasting: creators are leveraging their CTV channels for higher-value sponsorships, Washington State's new digital ad sales tax isn't fully formed yet, NYT is shutting down their Audio app and moving everything over to News, Brazil's podcasting "sleeping giant" is no longer asleep, and AdImpact's predictions for 2026 midterm election ad spend. 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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