iHeartMedia

In the new podcast, the celebrated author and advocate will engage in thoughtful discussions with courageous creatives ready to fight back against intolerance, fear and censorship

Special guests include Keith Boykin, Gabrielle Union, Erika Alexander, Angelica Ross and more

Listen Now HERE

LOS ANGELES – February 19, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced “Fighting Words” a new podcast hosted by critically acclaimed author George M. Johnson on its Outspoken Podcast Network. Fans can hear the first two episodes of “Fighting Words” today, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday.

“Fighting Words” is Johnson’s chance to bring listeners into the ring with some of today’s most talented, outspoken, courageous creative people, who are ready, willing and able to use their words to fight back against intolerance, fear, censorship and marginalization. Each week, Johnson will take on the topics others seem afraid to talk about. They will share timeless wisdom and shine a light on new music and some of today’s rising stars. In the first episode, Johnson sits down with journalist and producer Keith Boykin to talk about quitting the White House to write a memoir about being Black and gay, and the ways in which history is repeating itself right before our eyes.

Additional guests will include Gabrielle Union, Erika Alexander, comedian Franchesca Ramsey, actress and transgender rights advocate Angelica Ross, actress Dominique Jackson and others.

“Fighting Words” with George M. Johnson was created by George M. Johnson in conjunction with Best Case Studios, Tea No Shade Productions and iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network.

All shows on the Outspoken Podcast Network are distributed by iHeartPodcasts. The network aims to amplify, elevate and reflect the diversity, richness and humanity of the voices throughout the LGBTQ+ community. See the current Outspoken Podcast Network lineup of shows, here.

“Fighting Words” is now available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.

Editor’s Note: Podcast cover art is available for download HERE. Link to George M. Johnson’s headshot HERE. Use the below embed code to include the podcast audio player in your article.

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About George M. Johnson        

George M. Johnson is an award-winning Black Non-Binary writer, author, and executive producer headquartered in the Los Angeles area. They are the author of the New York Times Bestselling Young Adult memoir, All Boys Aren’t Blue (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, April 2020), which employs a series of powerful essays to chronicle their growing up as a Black Queer boy in New Jersey.  The book has been optioned by Gabrielle Union’s production company. As a former journalist, Johnson has written for major outlets including Teen Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, NBC, and Buzzfeed. In 2019 he was awarded the Salute to Excellence Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for their article “When Racism Anchors your Health” in Vice Magazine. He was listed on The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2020; the Out 100 Most Influential LGBTQ People in 2021, and in 2022 was honored as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Next Most Influential People in the World. Their second memoir We Are Not Broken (Little Brown, September 2021) received the Carter G. Woodson Award recognizing books that accurately and sensitively depict the experience of one or more historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The book also received the Nonfiction Honor Book in the YA category from the International Literacy Association. In 2021, Johnson wrote and executive produced the Dramatic Reading of All Boys Aren’t Blue starring Jenifer Lewis and Dyllon Burnside which received a 2022 Special Recognition Award from GLAAD. In 2023, they received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Special. George is also a proud HBCU alum twice over, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Johnson is represented by The Gotham Group and the law firms Granderson Des Rochers, LLP and Incite Law Group.

Premiering February 14th, “The Hookup” is a Mature Content Mystery-Thriller Following a College Student Searching for his Missing Boyfriend
 
The New Podcast is the Fifth Scripted Series in a Previously Announced Slate of Co-Produced Podcasts by iHeartMedia and Blumhouse Television 

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Blumhouse Television and Ember20 today launched the first two episodes of “The Hookup,” a bold and risqué original scripted mystery-thriller series. The show will join an ongoing slate of co-produced podcasts by iHeartPodcasts and Blumhouse Television. Listen now to “The Hookup” here.  

SYNOPSIS: What do you do when your boyfriend goes missing? Engage in a series of strategic hookups to solve the mystery, of course. “The Hookup” is a risqué mystery-thriller following a college student who thinks he’s funnier than he is, driven by the hunger to locate his missing beau. But-- as our hero will soon learn, no amount of showering can wash your hands of a bad hookup. (WARNING: This podcast contains explicit Adult material)

WHO: Starring Noah Feinberg, Ray Santiago, Scott Evans, Nico Greetham, Augustus Prew, Jeffery Self, Tina Majorino, Obi Abili, and Gabrielle Ruiz. 

Noah Feinberg is the writer, director, and stars in the fiction thriller podcast “The Hookup,” his latest endeavor with Blumhouse Television and iHeartPodcasts. Based in Los Angeles, Noah is a writer, producer, and television executive, currently serving as Director of Development at Blumhouse Television, where he oversees a slate of killer TV projects     while also writing his own Blumhouse material. He penned Hulu x Blumhouse’s 2019 Thanksgiving horror film “Pilgrim” and executive produced and wrote for iHeart/Blumhouse’s anthological “13 Days of Halloween.”

David Thwaites and Jimmy Jellinek serve as executive producers and Rachel Foley as supervising producer for Ember20.

WHEN: The first two episodes will be available February 14 with subsequent episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.  

WHERE: “The Hookup” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

COVER ART: Download HERE

AUDIO PLAYER: Use the below embed code to include a podcast audio player in article.
 
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About Ember20

Ember20 is a Los Angeles-based independent production company and brand studio specializing in innovative storytelling. With a presence in Nashville, New York, and London, the company creates, develops and produces premium original stories across audio, film, television and beyond.  With over 40 audio series, the company’s work spans diverse genres including musical storytelling, wellness, documentary news, scripted projects and true crime. 
 

About Blumhouse Television

Blumhouse Television has earned critical acclaim and numerous honors for its dark, edgy fare including Emmy® awards for its productions of HBO's The Normal Heartand The Jinx, as well as the prestigious Peabody award for The Jinx and the documentary How to Dance in Ohio.  Blumhouse produces provocative scripted and unscripted television series and documentaries, including the original series The Sticky, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis for Prime Video; the upcoming series The Bondsman, starring Kevin Bacon and from creator Grainger David and showrunner Erik Oleson, and Scarpetta starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, who both additionally serve as executive producers, also for Prime Video; Worst Roommate Ever, and Worst Ex Ever for Netflix, which established Blumhouse Television’s first franchise.  Blumhouse Television launched as an independent studio in 2017 with funding from ITV.  Projects since the studio launch include Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominated HBO limited series Sharp Objects; Golden Globe®, Critics Choice® and Writers Guild® award nominated Showtime limited series The Loudest Voice; the Showtime limited series The Good Lord Bird starring and executive produced by Ethan Hawke and based on the award-winning novel by James McBride. The studio produced The Purge on USA Network from writer/director/producer James DeMonaco and based on the popular film franchise; the holiday themed anthology event series Into the Dark for Hulu; and anthology series Sacred Lies created by Emmy® nominee Raelle Tucker. The studio has developed award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary films including A Secret Love produced with Ryan Murphy for Netflix; Pray Away an official selection of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival; Pharma Bro an official selection of Hot Docs Festival,Writers Guild Award® winner Bathtubs Over Broadway and winner of the 2018 Sundance Audience Award This is Home. Blumhouse Television is the latest venture from Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse Productions, which is widely-recognized for its pioneering model of producing high-quality micro-budget films including The Purge, Get Out, The Invisible Man and Halloween.

Season One of the Highly Anticipated Investigative Podcast “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones” Launches With a Deep Dive into Mysterious Drone Sightings Across America 

Listen Now to OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones HERE

NEW YORK ‑ February 11, 2025 ‑ iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac; and Imagine Entertainment, the global entertainment company founded by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer; and Lenners Entertainment unveil the highly anticipated investigative podcast, “OBSCURUM.”  Season one, “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones,” officially launches today with the first two episodes, taking a deep dive into the mysterious drone sighting across America. Listen Now to OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones HERE.

Season one of this gripping investigative podcast, OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones, unpacks one of the most chilling and unexplained phenomena in recent years: mysterious drone sightings across rural America. As unexplained aircraft in New Jersey, and other areas along the East Coast, dominate headlines, this series serves as the precursor to this growing mystery, exploring an eerily similar wave of unexplained drone activity that first emerged over Nebraska and Colorado in late 2019. 

Hosted by seasoned journalist and media personality Gabe Lenners (Radio Disney, CMT, ABC News), the series brings listeners deep into the heart of this unfolding series of events. Through exclusive interviews with locals, federal officials, and experts, “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones” uncovers the untold story behind these sightings and delves into how the phenomenon continues to evolve.

Executive produced by legendary filmmakers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, alongside Kara Welker and Nathan Kloke for Imagine Audio; Nikki Ettore and Katrina Norvell for iHeartPodcasts; and Gabe Lenners, “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones” combines captivating storytelling with world-class production to explore one of the most intriguing UFO topics of our time. 

As listeners step into the unknown through “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones,” they’ll be drawn into a deeply immersive experience that not only investigates unexplained drone phenomena but also challenges perceptions of truth and secrecy in modern society. Blending investigative journalism with cinematic storytelling, the series invites audiences to question what they think they know and consider the possibility that some mysteries are far closer to home than we realize. With each episode, “OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones” pushes the boundaries of audio storytelling, making it a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the unknown. 

“Season one of ‘OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones’ is about more than drones– it explores how communities confront the unknown and embark on a journey of discovery,” says Gabe Lenners. “This story has been developing in real-time, and we’re just beginning to scratch the surface.”

"‘OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones’ dives headfirst into a mystery that's gripping and unexplainable,” adds Kara Welker, Head of Audio at Imagine Entertainment. “Gabe Lenners takes listeners on a suspense-filled adventure, unraveling the enigma of drones appearing across the Midwest. It's a real-life thriller that has us all asking: who—or what—is behind these sightings? This is storytelling at its most compelling, and we're thrilled to bring it to audiences through Imagine Audio." 

"This compelling investigative series deep dives into the drone sightings that have captivated America.  ‘OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones’ takes listeners on an immersive adventure seeking to uncover the truth behind this real-life mystery unfolding right before our eyes," adds Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts.

“OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones,” distributed by iHeartPodcasts, is available today with new episodes launching every Tuesday. Listen on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

For more information, please visit the website for OBSCURUM: Invasion of the Drones.

8,000 Volunteers United to Support Fellow Angelenos, With Donations Distributed to More than 80,000 Families

Los Angeles, CA – February 10 – Just hours after the series of devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, iHeart LA and the Dream Center -- a resource center focused on providing support to those affected by homelessness, hunger and crisis -- launched a national and local media campaign that asked local listeners to contribute essential items and cash to support those affected by the fires, many of whom had lost everything.  What followed was an outpouring of love and support that exceeded any expectation, and which -- thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and communities -- has become one of the largest grassroots giving efforts in iHeart’s history.

 Since the fundraising and donation effort launched on Tuesday, Jan 7: 

 Over 8,000 people have volunteered;

• More than 80,000 individuals have received essential supplies like food, water, diapers, clothing and more onsite;
• Over 19,000 cars have gone through the Dream Center supply line;
• The initiative has raised over $15 million in cash and in-kind donations, with contributions still being accepted. 

 The results are testament to the power of local communities, which have always come together to support one another during times of disaster and crisis.  

“The strength, generosity and resiliency of our LA communities is truly powerful -- and the way our broadcast radio listeners have come together to support one another is incredibly humbling,” said Paul Corvino, Division President for iHeart LA.  “While iHeart and the Dream Center were instrumental in connecting those in need with those eager to help, it was the community itself that has been incredibly inspirational, and which has been vital in keeping these efforts alive and ensuring that support is still available to those who need it the most, when they need it.”

“The outpouring of love and generosity we have witnessed in response to this crisis has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of disaster, it is the strength of our community that shines the brightest, and we are humbled to see so many individuals stepping up to help their neighbors in need,” said Matthew Barnett, Founder of Dream Center. “Thanks to our partnership with iHeartMedia Los Angeles and the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members, we have been able to provide essential aid to thousands who have lost so much. This effort is a testament to the power of compassion and unity, and we remain committed to serving those in need for as long as it takes.”

About The Dream Center

The Dream Center Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and serving communities in need across Los Angeles. Founded in 1994 by Matthew Barnett and his father, Tommy Barnett, the Dream Center provides a wide range of free resources, including housing for individuals and families facing homelessness, disaster relief, food distribution, job training, addiction recovery programs, and outreach services that empower people to rebuild their lives.

The Dream Center impacts thousands of lives each year, offering hope and a pathway to self-sufficiency. Operating 24/7, the organization partners with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to provide critical support for the most vulnerable populations in Los Angeles.

To learn more about Dream Center Los Angeles or to get involved, visit www.dreamcenter.org.

FireAid Benefit Concert broadcast across 860 iHeartRadio stations

NEW YORK, N.Y. – February 7, 2024 – iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including World Premiere debuts and live events. 

iHeartMedia World Premiered new music recently, including The Black Keys’ “The Night Before” on February 7 across all iHeartRadio Alt stations and Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s collaboration “Who Believes in Angels?” across all iHeartRadio AC and Hot AC stations. Last month, Will Smith & Big Sean’s “Beautiful Scars” ft. OBanga had a World Premiere debut on January 30 across all iHeartRadio Rhythm CHR, Hip Hop and CHR stations; Rascal Flatts’ “I Dare You” ft. Jonas Brothers had a World Premiere debut on January 31 across all iHeartCountry stations; and Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” had a World Premiere debut on January 31 in optional iHeartCountry markets. 

On January 30, iHeartRadio served as a national audio partner to FireAid, the star-studded benefit concert dedicated to rebuilding the Los Angeles communities devastated by recent wildfires. iHeart streamed the benefit concert live across more than 860 radio stations nationwide, its digital platforms and on the free iHeartRadio app.

For the latest news, music fans can follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and visit iHeartRadio.com.

New Podcast Slate to Feature Diverse Voices and Fresh Perspectives, Debuting With “G.O.T.E.” Hosted By Seth Curry And Travonne Edwards

Listen to the official audio trailer for “G.O.T.E.” now, HERE

(Los Angeles and New York– February 7, 2025) – Four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry and Unanimous Media, his multimedia company co-founded by Erick Peyton, have announced a partnership with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, to launch the new Unanimous Podcast Slate. Together, Unanimous Media and iHeartMedia will create content that will showcase a wide range of compelling shows across sports, entertainment, culture and more, which will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. First show in the new slate, “G.O.T.E. with Seth Curry and Travonne Edwards,” will debut February 20, 2025.

"We are thrilled to partner with iHeartMedia to bring the Unanimous Podcast Slate to life," said Erick Peyton and Stephen Curry of Unanimous Media. "Podcasting is such a powerful medium for storytelling, and our goal with this new network is to create a platform that amplifies diverse perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations. We're incredibly excited to kick things off with 'G.O.T.E.', a show that highlights the intersection of sports and culture in a way that we hope will excite fans."

At the forefront of the new slate will be the debut podcast “G.O.T.E.,” an acronym for Greatest of their Era, hosted by NBA player Seth Curry and cultural commentator Travonne Edwards. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews with athletes, entertainers and influencers who are shaping the cultural landscape, offering a nuanced and multifaceted look at what it truly means to be great in today’s world. Through friendly debates, untold stories and candid discussions, the show will highlight how greatness transcends the playing field, influencing industries, communities and culture.

"We’re excited to work with Unanimous Media to bring G.O.T.E. to the Unanimous Podcast Slate and partner with iHeartMedia to share it with a broader audience," said Seth Curry and Travonne Edwards. "The podcast is an opportunity to not only celebrate greatness in sports, but also explore the broader impact these athletes have on culture and society. Travonne and I have incredible conversations on and off the mic, and we can’t wait to bring listeners into our world.

The collaboration with iHeartMedia will mark a significant expansion of Unanimous Media’s portfolio and positions the company as a key player in the ever-growing podcasting space. The Unanimous Podcast Slate will feature a curated collection of unique voices, thought-provoking conversations and dynamic storytelling, all aimed at providing listeners with an immersive and engaging experience. The slate will continue to grow to include additional shows in 2025, giving underrepresented voices the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences, fostering a more inclusive and informed podcasting landscape.

“We are excited to join forces with Stephen and Erick to develop a truly engaging lineup of shows for the new Unanimous Podcast Slate,” said Will Pearson, President iHeartPodcasts. “Launching the slate with ‘G.O.T.E’ gives a great first-look at what is to come from this partnership, a fresh take on sports-talk and cultural storytelling that we know fans and listeners will love.”

All shows on the Unanimous Podcast Slate with iHeartMedia will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Unanimous Media is no stranger to the podcast world. Previous credits include: the Webby Award-nominated series The Greatest Sports Stories Never Told, a 10-part series with roots in the world of athletics; Fifteen Minutes from Home, where each episode centers around Curry himself riding home with a different celebrity; Game On, an eight-episode children’s series introducing unconventional sports stories; and Heat Check, bringing together Stephen and Dell Curry to pull back the curtain on their family’s journey told through the lens of a father and son. 

ABOUT UNANIMOUS MEDIA 

Founded by four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry and multi-creative Erick Peyton in 2018, Unanimous Media is a multimedia company rooted in the mission to inspire and uplift audiences through authentic storytelling centered around family, faith and sports. Collaborating with underrepresented filmmakers, creators and writers across the entertainment industry, Unanimous Media is committed to championing diverse voices and bringing a lens to narratives that need to be heard. In 2021, they signed a multi-year, Global Talent Partnerships agreement with Comcast NBCUniversal – the first deal of its kind for the media giant. Most recently, Unanimous Media released Mr. Throwback for Peacock, marking Stephen’s acting debut and reaching #1 on the platform. Previously, Unanimous Media released Stephen Curry: Underrated, a documentary about Stephen Curry’s rise to prominence during his 2008 March Madness run at Davidson College and Good Times, an animated reimagination of the classic sitcom now streaming on Netflix. Upcoming, Unanimous Media will be producing projects for the big and small screens, including 12 Days of Christmas for Amazon, GOAT with Sony Pictures which will release in theaters in February 2026 and more. Unanimous is also developing content across the podcast space via their first-look deal with Audible, recently debuting Heat Check, a show hosted by Stephen and Dell Curry. This past fall, Unanimous Publishing released their first graphic novel Sports Superheroes Volume #1. They also recently released their second picture book, I Am Extraordinary, on March 12 via Unanimous Publishing and Penguin Young Readers. Additional credits include the children’s book I Have a Superpower; the Webby Award-nominated Audible series The Greatest Sports Stories Never Told; Audible’s Fifteen Minutes from Home; Audible’s Game On; ESPN’s Why Not Us; HBO Max’s About Last Night; Black Pop: The Power of Black Culture for NBC; the TCA nominated ABC show, Holey Moley; and the Academy Award-winning and Peabody Award-nominated documentary, The Queen of Basketball.  In 2021, Unanimous Media launched Pathways Alliance, a venture to bolster diverse voices across TV, film, documentaries and podcasts. The company is based in Los Angeles, CA

Premiering February 12, the series will chronicle D’Amore’s transformation from victim to relentless crusader as she exposes a notorious and prolific fraudster

LOS ANGELES – February 5, 2025 – Television personality and founder of LA-based organic Italian food and accessories company, Pizza Girl,  Caroline D’Amore (“The Hills: New Beginnings,” “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” “Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars”) is taking back control with her powerful new true crime series with iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, “Once Upon a Con.” Premiering February 12, 2025, on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard, the series chronicles D’Amore’s transformation from victim to relentless crusader as she exposes David Bloom, the notorious and prolific fraudster.

Produced by Alex Baskin’s 32 Flavors—the creative force behind “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Vanderpump Rules,” and “The Valley,” among many others —and AYR Media (“Queen of the Con”; “Bitter Blood” and “Spy High,” among many others),  “Once Upon a Con” delivers gripping access to D’Amore’s dramatic pursuit of justice, featuring never-before-seen footage of her high-stakes confrontation with Bloom that ultimately led to his arrest on multiple felony charges.

In 2020, Bloom infiltrated the star-studded world of Hollywood’s iconic Villa Carlotta, a prestigious haven for A-list creatives. Masquerading as a philanthropic billionaire with fabricated ties to top executives, Bloom orchestrated an elaborate scheme to defraud D’Amore and her business partners out of tens of thousands of dollars—and other victims out of significantly more.  

But Bloom didn’t anticipate D’Amore’s determination to fight back.

Refusing to remain a victim, D’Amore launched her own investigation, uncovering decades of deceit that stretched back to Bloom’s days as Manhattan’s infamous "Wall Street Whiz Kid." The podcast reveals D’Amore’s fearless pursuit of the truth, taking listeners step-by-step through the relentless investigation and dogged efforts that ultimately bring Bloom to justice.  

“‘Once Upon a Con’ isn’t just about what happened to me—it’s about exposing the manipulators who prey on trust and showing that even when you feel powerless, you can take the fight to those who think they’re untouchable,” says D’Amore.

"Once Upon a Con" features exclusive interviews with Bloom's victims, including survivors from his earlier multi-million-dollar busts in Manhattan in the 1980s and 1990s, uncovering his long trail of fraud across Hollywood and Manhattan, and delivering shocking revelations about his tactics. With unprecedented access to the investigation, “Once Upon a Con” gives listeners a front-row seat to the dramatic takedown of one of Hollywood’s most cunning predators, who now sits in a Los Angeles County prison waiting for trial.

"Once Upon a Con" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. 

Editor’s Note: Include the podcast audio player directly into your article or website using the following embed code:

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Hi-Res Cover Art: HERE

The deal will expand iHeartMedia’s podcast network with exclusive co-production, sales representation, marketing and distribution of 14 ERM shows as well as a roster of new podcasts

NEW YORK – February 5, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a partnership agreement with Exactly Right Media (ERM), the audio production company co-founded by “My Favorite Murder” creators Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff. The agreement makes iHeartMedia the exclusive sales, marketing and distribution partner for Exactly Right Media’s full slate of premium podcasts including the flagship show and fan favorite “My Favorite Murder,” as well as “Buried Bones,” “Ghosted! by Roz Hernandez,” “This Podcast Will Kill You” and more. 

This partnership comes on the heels of the 9th anniversary of “My Favorite Murder,” a milestone that marks nearly a decade of global success for the show. “My Favorite Murder” has approximately two billion lifetime downloads, and hosts Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff have sold out more than 100 live shows around the world. “My Favorite Murder” has gone on to win several industry recognitions including as an iHeartPodcast Awards recipient of the Audio Pioneer Icon Award, a Silver Spotify Creator Milestone Award and Webby People's Voice Winner in Podcasts: Best Co-Hosts – showing that Exactly Right Media has built an unwavering community of listeners. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Exactly Right Media, especially as we celebrate the incredible success of ‘My Favorite Murder’ on its 9th anniversary,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Exactly Right’s bold approach to storytelling and their passionate, engaged listener base make them an exceptional partner for us. We’re proud to have their existing shows joining our family and can’t wait to create new podcasts with them.”

In addition to sales, marketing and distribution of ERM’s 14 current shows, the deal will include the creation and co-production of new shows, further expanding the breadth of content available to millions of podcast listeners worldwide. These new shows will leverage Exactly Right Media’s world-class production capabilities powered by their new audio and video studio, which opened in May 2024.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with iHeartMedia to amplify our shows and reach even more listeners,” said Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, co-founders of Exactly Right Media. “The 9th anniversary of ‘My Favorite Murder’ is the perfect time to join forces with iHeartMedia. We’re looking forward to working together to create even more compelling, thought-provoking content.”

For a full list of shows visit exactlyrightmedia.com. 

About My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since its inception in January 2016, the show has broken global download records and sparked an enthusiastic and dedicated community of listeners.  

Visit MyFavoriteMurder.com for more information.

About Exactly Right Media

Founded in 2018, the Exactly Right podcast network provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. Created by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, hosts of the hit podcast My Favorite Murder, the Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics and voices, serving the highly engaged listenership of My Favorite Murder and beyond. Visit ExactlyRightMedia.com for more company information.

Bruins Alumnus Patrice Bergeron and Super Bowl Champion Mark Schlereth Join First Episode of New Weekly Podcast

NEW YORK (February 4, 2024) – Today, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced the launch of the second co-produced show from their iHeartPodcasts partnership -- “Energy Line with Nate and JSB”. The hosts are none-other-than former NHL player Nate Thompson and broadcaster Julie Stewart-Binks, who will join forces in this weekly podcast to provide their take on well, all things hockey and much more! Fans can listen to the first episode now, here.

As the title of the show suggests, these two not only have a great connection, but are also comparable to a very large cup of Joe – full of energy and willing to talk about just about anything. Their experience on and off the ice will make for a great collection of stories, experiences and interviews with some entertaining personalities across the sports, culture, music and entertainment industries and well as your favorite influencers.

• Episode 1: Former NHLer and Stanley Cup Champion Patrice Bergeron, who played his entire 19-year career with the Boston Bruins (1264 regular season games, 427G - 613A -- 1040 Pts), joins Nate and Julie in the premier episode. Bergeron talks about his time as a rookie with Nate, his international experience as a member of Team Canada and the line combinations he’d love to see for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. He shares some thoughts on his former Bruins teammate Brad Marchand, why he’d love to play with Colorado Avalanche captain Nathan MacKinnon and much more.
   
• Three-time Super Bowl champion and Avalanche fan Mark Schlereth also joins JSB and his fellow Alaskan Nate Thompson to talk Alaskan life, the Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl matchup and what the Miko Rantanen trade means for the Avs.

“Energy Line with Nate and JSB” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. The new podcast will join “NHL Unscripted with Virk and Demers” as the second series in the recently announced slate of shows with the NHL and iHeartPodcasts.

About the Hosts

Julie Stewart-Binks – A host and reporter living in New York, JSB has covered hockey since 2008. She has worked on-air at CTV, Fox Sports 1, ESPN, CBS Sports HQ, NHL on TNT, NHL Stanley Cup Live and is a 3x Telly Award winning talk show host at Fubo TV. This summer she was a host for CBC's Olympic coverage of Paris 2024 and hosted the NWSL on iON TV. She currently works on-air for SNY, Bet Rivers, and covers the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She has also played hockey, only recently retiring after taking a nasty cross-check in a beer league game.

A native of Toronto, Ont., Julie grew up as a competitive figure skater and sprinter with the ambition of winning gold in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games -- but once she realized that wasn't going to happen, she set her sights on working in sports television. Fun fact, her grandfather, Dr. John Stewart, was the rowing doctor for Team Canada at the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games and her mother, Georgie Binks, is a former CBC News reporter.

Nate Thompson - Known for his grit, leadership, and versatility on the ice, Thompson played 844 games over 15 seasons with nine NHL Clubs, playing his final season in 2021-22 with the Philadelphia Flyers. One of only seven NHL players born in the State of Alaska, Thompson represented the U.S.A. at the 2012 and 2013 IIHF World Championships. Since retiring, Nate has dedicated himself to advocating for mental health, drawing from his own personal journey with mental health challenges and addiction. He actively speaks to athletes and communities about the importance of seeking help, building resilience, and fostering open conversations.

Currently, Nate is transitioning into a career in broadcast media, sharing his expertise and passion for hockey through NHL game coverage and reporting. Off the ice, he’s a devoted single dad, outdoorsman, and Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast who’s passionate about giving back and inspiring others to live with purpose and intention.

NHL Productions continues to create original content and unique programming to engage and entertain avid fans and attract a larger casual audience to the NHL. It’s robust line-up of podcasts includes:

• NHL Fantasy On Ice 
• NHL Draft Class
• NHL@TheRink
• NHL Backstory
• NHL Induction Class
• New: Unscripted with Virk and Demers (co-produced with iHeartPodcasts)
• New: 100% Hockey with Millard and Shannon
• New: Never Offside with Julie and Cat

About the National Hockey League (NHL)

The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland; YLE in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5+ in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Original Productions and NHL Studios produce compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.

The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone™ initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than $100 million in youth hockey and grassroots programs, with a commitment to invest an additional $5 million for diversity and inclusion programs over the next year.

Exclusive Launch Event and Listening Party Set For Feb. 4 at The Bell House in Brooklyn

• Topic Studios has partnered with iHeartPodcasts on “Cancellation Island,” the latest fiction podcast series from John Cameron Mitchell and Michael Cavadias.
• The first episode will debut on Sunday, Feb. 9 with new episodes available weekly on the iHeartRadio app and all major audio platforms.
• “Cancellation Island,” which was recorded in front of a live audience, will debut at an exclusive listening party at The Bell House in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, February 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets are currently available HERE.
• Series description: Where do the cancelled people go? Why, Cancellation Island, of course, the hottest celebrity rehab this side of the Bermuda Triangle! Are you social media’s latest villain? Don’t worry! Led by our own resident Karen and her staff of Gen-Z therapists whose motto is: “What we lack in life experience, we make for in certainty”, Cancellation Island will put you through your paces as you crawl back to society’s good graces. When a notes app apology isn’t enough, book a one-way flight to Cancellation Island!
   
• The official trailer for the new series can be found HERE.
  • Embed Code:
    • <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-cancellation-island-263074979/?embe…" frameborder="0"></iframe>
       
• John Cameron Mitchell said: “Cancellation Island is a zany 30 Rock-like leftie satire about cancel culture. As one of our curators (therapists) tells us, “When all news is fake, then all stories are true,” including our very own conspiracy theory, K-Anon, which concerns the secret lizard people among us. Are they responsible for the mysterious disappearances of the cancelled? Are they being picked off? Michael Cavadias and I had a blast creating this with Christy Gressman and Topic Studios and recording it all in front of a live studio audience - we can’t wait for you to listen.”
• Christy Gressman, Vice President of Podcasts at Topic Studios said: “Bringing John’s wild and wonderful ideas to life is always a joy, and we are incredibly proud of this smart, timely, hilarious project that pushes the bounds of scripted podcasting. We’re so excited to release it into the world and for audiences to come along for the ride.”
• “Cancellation Island” stars Holly Hunter as KAREN, is written by John Cameron Mitchell and Michael Cavadias, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, and produced by Christy Gressman. A Topic Studios and iHeartPodcasts production.
• The series also stars Josh Pais as KARL, Erin Markey as KAI, K. Todd Freeman as KLAUDE, Murphy Taylor Smith as KALINA, Justice Singleton as KIRK, Mary Testa as KRIS, Jo Firestone as KALLIE, Mia Pak as KYOKO, Joseph Keckler as KALE, Maria Mercedes Galuppo as KARMEN, Micah Stock as KASPAR, Idalmis Garcia as KIKI, Michael Cavadias as JONAS and JOSH, Nate Davila as PEPO, Veronica Guadalupe as PEPA.
• John Cameron Mitchell is a boundary pushing writer, director, and actor who first worked with Topic Studios on the revolutionary musical dark-comedy podcast “Anthem: Homunculus,” which was co-created by Bryan Weller and stars Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti Lupone, Marion Cotillard, and Laurie Anderson. He’s known for writing and starring in the Broadway musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” which he also adapted for the big screen. Film credits that he wrote and directed include “Shortbus,” “Rabbit Hole,” and “How to Talk to Girls at Parties.” As an actor his television roles have included “Girls,” “Shrill”, “The Good Fight,” “The Sandman,” “City on Fire,” and Joe Exotic in “Joe Vs Carole.”
• Michael Cavadias is an actor/writer and performer. His film and television credits include “Wonder Boys,” “All We Had,” “I Remember Nothing,” “Girls,” and “Difficult People.” In theatre, his credits include Anohni’s “She Who Saw Beautiful Things” at The Kitchen and “Star Odyssey - The Pilot” at MoMA PS1. Michael’s character Claywoman was originally created at Blackips Performance Cult in the 90s and developed at Mabou Mines. “The Mystery of Claywoman” (directed by Rob Roth) was presented at The New Museum, The Wild Project, Town Hall, Abrons Art Center, and the Howl Festival. “Conversations with Claywoman” was featured at The Meltdown Festival in London and continues regularly at Pangea in New York City.
   
• “Cancellation Island” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
   
• Key art can be found HERE

ABOUT TOPIC STUDIOS

Topic Studios is an award-winning entertainment studio that develops, finances, and produces critically acclaimed films, television series, and podcasts for demanding audiences. A trusted partner in the industry and home for creators to do their most ambitious work, Topic Studios delivers quality, compelling storytelling with an uncompromising commitment to creativity.

The studio has produced pioneering podcasts including The Space Within (Audible), a thrilling sci-fi mystery starring Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Bobby Cannavale, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Stuhlbarg, Shea Whigham, and Carmen Ejogo, which debuted at #1 on Audible’s charts and is an Audible Best of 2023; the Webby-award nominated Not Lost (Pushkin Industries, iHeartRadio), from former Dinner Party Download host Brendan Francis Newnam, which was included as one of The New York Times and Vulture’s Best Podcasts of 2022; and the cultural phenomenon Missing Richard Simmons (Stitcher/Pineapple Street Media), which investigates the fitness guru’s mysterious disappearance from the public eye. Additionally, the studio is behind the upcoming Crooks Everywhere (iHeartMedia) about the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, starring Sienna Miller.

Current and upcoming film projects include Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain from Jesse Eisenberg, starring Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, A24’s David Lowery-directed Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, Wicker starring Olivia Colman, directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Willson, and Michael Covino’s Splitsville, starring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona.

Topic Studios also boasts a thriving television division with projects including the Emmy Award-winning big wave surfing series 100 Foot Wave (HBO), the documentary series Nuclear Family (HBO); and documentary series Love Fraud (Showtime).

The studio has produced over 35 film and television projects earning 8 Academy Award® nominations (2 wins), 10 Golden Globe nominations (1 win), and 9 Emmy nominations (2 wins).