Brazil’s Podcast Boom, Apple Podcasts 26, and YouTube Shorts for Podcasters
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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YouTube Listeners vs. Watchers, Podhome Launches, and Why First Impressions Matter
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Podcast Fans Are Listening Longer, Spotify Animates Audiobooks, and Captivate’s Big Upgrade
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Podcast Movement’s Big Merger, Libsyn’s PodRoll & Australia’s Podcast Boom
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Libsyn’s $112M Payout, Gen Z’s YouTube Shift & Taylor Swift’s Podcast Takeover
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The Podcast Top 5” is your 5 minute weekly rundown of the most awesome things happening in podcasting. Hosted by Emily Soule of mowPod, each episode breaks down the top five stories shaping the industry from new podcast launches and platform updates to fun trends and insights. Whether you’re a podcast creator, listener, or industry pro, join Emily as she dives into the must-know news in a quick format that keeps you up-to-date and in the loop!