iHeartMedia

Hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club with Loren LoRosa, The Event will Feature Live Podcast Tapings From Hit Shows and Panel Discussions Featuring Ian Dunlap, Carlos King and more

Tickets sales begin March 12

ATLANTA – February 25, 2026 – iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God today announced the return of the Black Effect Podcast Festival to celebrate, uplift and amplify Black voices in the podcast industry. The event will take place April 25 from noon to 8 p.m. ET at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, GA. Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. The festival will be hosted by founder Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club with Loren LoRosa, host of “The Latest with Loren LoRosa Podcast.” Tickets will go on sale March 12 at 12pm ET. For more information on ticket pricing and this year’s festival lineup, visit blackeffect.com/podcastfestival.

“Each year we return to Atlanta with purpose and intention to amplify storytelling, champion community, and celebrate excellence in podcasting with thousands of our cousins from around the world,” said Charlamagne The God.

The fourth annual festival will feature thought-provoking and informative panel discussions during the event including “AI: The Evolution and The Future,” “The Gen-Z Movement,” an audio and media development panel and more. The panels will feature special guests including Carlos King, host of The Black Effect’s “Reality With The King,” finance expert Ian Dunlap and more.

“We celebrate and uplift the power of Black voices, creating space for creators to inspire, connect and shape culture,” said Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “From conversations on AI and investing to the future of audio, we’re bringing the culture together for connection, innovation and a few surprises.”

Last year’s show brought together thousands of podcast fans with the Black Effect Podcast Network’s top talent for a day of live podcast recordings from the network’s most popular shows including “Woman Evolve with Sarah Jakes Roberts,” The Trap Nerds,” “Good Moms, Bad Choices” and more. The full live podcast lineup for this year’s festival will be announced soon.

The event will also feature engaging activities for attendees including the wildly popular “Pitch Your Podcast” Booth and The Black Effect Marketplace showcasing merchandise from Black-owned businesses, local food trucks and more.

The Black Effect Podcast Network is the leading platform for Black creators to raise their voices and be heard in the podcast space. It brings together the most influential and trusted voices in black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more. Launched in September 2020, The Black Effect Podcast Network has since debuted 60+ shows, with 47 live shows featuring a luminous roster of marquee talent and culture-shifting voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences, curated by Charlamagne Tha God himself.

The Black Effect Podcast Festival is presented by State Farm®. Fans can visit blackeffect.com/podcastfestival beginning March 12, 2026 at 12pm ET to purchase tickets.

Special student ticket pricing is also available.

Download the 2026 festival logo HERE.

About The Black Effect Podcast Network
The Black Effect Podcast Network is a transformative network founded by renowned cultural architect, executive producer, bestselling author, and media mogul Charlamagne Tha God in a historic joint venture with the world’s number-one commercial podcast publisher, iHeartMedia. Charlamagne and iHeartMedia created the groundbreaking first-ever Black Effect Podcast Network, celebrating the essential Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, entertainment, politics, pop culture, and sports. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose perspectives and creative visions have been marginalized and overlooked while serving an audience that has been underserved. The Black Effect Podcast Network helps its partners define their place in podcast culture through influence, ideas, and experiences that engage, inspire, inform, and empower.

Additional iHeartPodcasts from the slate coming soon, including “Waking Up With Ryan” and “Free Therapy with Ben + Kevin,” emerging organically from iHeart’s founding partnership with The Lighthouse

NEW YORK – February 24, 2026 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced the first podcast developed through its unique creative partnership with The Lighthouse, the thriving creator campus launched by creator company Whalar Group. The new series — “The Spirit Daughter Podcast with Jill Wintersteen” — grew organically from iHeart’s collaboration with The Lighthouse, the first-ever creative campus and studio playground for the Creator Economy.

“The Spirit Daughter Podcast with Jill Wintersteen” is a twice-weekly astrology show hosted by a renowned lunar manifestation expert. Wintersteen, a sought-after celebrity astrologer and creator of the meditation app Moment, has cultivated a global community through seamlessly blending neuroscience and psychology with expertise in alignment-based yoga, Chinese medicine, and astrology. Launching February 24, “The Spirit Daughter Podcast” expands on Jill’s teachings as she guides listeners in creating extraordinary lives through the power of astrology and spirituality.

“The Lighthouse makes it effortless to bring my vision to life. From concept to creation, the experience has been unlike anything I’ve encountered as a creator. And, partnering with iHeartMedia means the teachings that have connected with millions online can now reach people in an entirely new way twice a week, wherever they are,” said Wintersteen.

Additional original wellness shows from the slate launching later this year will include:

• “Waking Up With Ryan,” offering listeners a bite-sized moment of grounding and clarity every morning—a daily practice to start the day well before the world takes over. Hosted by emotional intelligence coach, speaker, and spiritual guide Ryan Weiss, this short-form podcast is inspired by his widely loved daily email of the same name. Weiss has spent the last 15 years helping people navigate anxiety, overwhelm, and spiritual disconnection through emotional fitness and practical awakening tools. A former Broadway performer in Wicked, he brings a rare blend of depth, presence, and soul to everything he creates, meeting listeners exactly where they are and guiding them back to themselves. His work supports anyone who wants to feel steadier, kinder, and more connected as they move through their day—one morning at a time.

• "Free Therapy with Ben and Kevin," a mental health podcast delivering unfiltered conversations about the modern challenges men rarely talk about. Best friends Ben Teller and Kevin Hekmat bring on a rotating cast of top therapists to explore dating, relationships, codependency, family dynamics, masculinity, and the pressure to perform, emotionally and otherwise. Equal parts honest, funny, and deeply human, the show offers listeners a space to feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.

“The energy and originality coming out of The Lighthouse community have been remarkable,” said Greg Ashlock, President of the Influencer Network at iHeartMedia. “These shows showcase the core mission of our partnership with Whalar Group: to give rising voices the room to explore and develop ideas through connection, mentorship, and practical support.”

“The Lighthouse is a creative accelerator for original ideas, formats, and IP. Our partnership with iHeartMedia was formed because we shared a belief in supporting and developing the next wave of Creator talent. To be only months into opening and already developing three original shows with three very different Creators is proof of that model coming to life fast. It validates our view that the definition of a ‘Creator’ is expanding as media, entertainment, and the Creator Economy converge. And it shows how the right partners unlock opportunities for Creators,” said Jonathan Goss, CEO of The Lighthouse.

iHeartMedia and Whalar Group have hosted live recordings, workshops, and Q&As with senior leaders at The Lighthouse, where producers connected with creators who were inspired to pitch new audio concepts. The campus has also become a creative home for established talent, with podcasters including Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin recording episodes of their hit weekly show “MESS with Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin” on-site.

This inaugural slate marks the beginning of what both partners expect will result in dozens of creator-led podcasts distributed by iHeartPodcasts throughout 2026.

During the dedication hour, Bruno Mars will share never before heard songs from his upcoming album, The Romantic ahead of its official release on February 27

Fans around the world are invited to send in dedications and ask Bruno Mars for love advice using the iHeartRadio app’s Talkback feature and on TikTok LIVE

New York, N.Y. – February 20, 2026 – iHeartMedia and TikTok announced today that on February 26 at 6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET the “Romantic Radio with Bruno Mars: An iHeartRadio Album Preview” will stream LIVE on @brunomars, @iheartradio and @tiktok, and will also broadcast on iHeartRadio stations nationwide.

To celebrate his new album, The Romantic, Bruno Mars is stepping in as the world’s ultimate musical advisor. Fans can submit their love stories—from the fairytale to the complicated—via the iHeartRadio app’s Talkback feature on Love Songs Radio leading up to the event and on TikTok LIVE during the event for a chance to receive a personalized song dedication and advice directly from Bruno.

“Next week marks the start of a new year… The Year of The Romantic,” said Bruno Mars.

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About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy.

TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

About Bruno Mars: 

Bruno Mars is a 16x GRAMMY®-winning global superstar, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the most-streamed artists in the world. Known for his showmanship and chart-toppers, Bruno has set a number of records throughout his career, including becoming the first artist ever to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify, appearing on two of the fastest songs to reach one billion streams (for “Die with a Smile” with Lady Gaga and “APT.” with ROSÉ, and achieving the highest-certified song in RIAA history with 2010’s “Just the Way You Are”). Since launching a string of hits beginning in 2009, Bruno has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. Beyond his work as a soloist, Bruno is a member of the duo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. In addition to his 35 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including ten number one singles, Bruno is the recipient of 16 GRAMMY® Awards (including “Album of the Year” for 24K Magic), 14 American Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. His 24K Magic World Tour was among the highest-grossing tours in history, and within the top ten highest-grossing of the 2010s. He just released his 10th No. 1 single, “I Just Might,” which is the first song from his long-awaited fourth solo album, The Romantic, and inaugural No. 1 debut. Marking his first solo album in a decade, The Romantic is available everywhere on February 27.

The limited series hosted by Stephani Young follows the former Bachelor’s journey and fight to expose the truth behind a legal battle filled with deception, fraud and extortion

Listen to the official trailer available now here

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES – February 19, 2026 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Glass Podcasts, the audio arm of Glass Entertainment Group, today announced “Love Trapped,” a gripping and intimate investigative series featuring Clayton Echard, star of season 18 of The Bachelorette and season 26 of The Bachelor, and hosted by Stephani Young, a former on-air radio personality. The first two episodes of “Love Trapped” will debut on February 26, 2026. Listen to the official trailer available now here.

“Love Trapped” is a captivating new limited series that takes the audience inside the shocking real-life paternity scandal that threw Clayton Echard back into the spotlight. After his journey on The Bachelor left him under intense public scrutiny, Clayton found himself at the center of another firestorm. This cut-from-the-headlines tale takes audiences on a roller coaster of digital harassment, shocking citizen sleuths' discoveries, and a livestream courtroom showdown that culminates in multiple criminal indictments.

Presented in a true investigative style, the series features exclusive interviews with special guests, including Echard’s ex-girlfriend Susie Evans, members of his family, media personalities such as Reality Steve and Dave Neal, another victim of the accused, attorneys, among many others. The narrative examines the details at the center of an alleged paternity scandal while exploring the broader societal questions about public perception.

The ten-episode limited series unfolds in a compelling, week-by-week format, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. The podcast will uncover new details of the crimes as they emerged, sit down with other victims who are willing to speak, and shine a spotlight on one of the biggest public scandals of 2026. Through first-person storytelling, expert insights, and investigative reporting, the series pieces the events together as host Stephani Young works to expose the truth.

"Love Trapped” is co-produced by Glass Podcasts and distributed by iHeartPodcasts. It will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Follow @glasspodcasts, @claytonechard and @imstephaniyoung on Instagram for updates.

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Download cover art here // credit: iHeartPodcasts

About Glass Entertainment Group

Founded by six-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and television personality Nancy Glass, Glass Entertainment Group (GEG) is a full-service production company specializing in unscripted television, film production, new media content, and podcasting. Its podcast division, Glass Podcasts, is responsible for groundbreaking true crime series, including Betrayal, Burden of Guilt, Curse Of, and American Homicide. Multiple Glass Podcasts titles have been adapted into hit docuseries for Paramount+, Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock.

The new series is an absurd, burlesque, cringey take on the highs and lows of being on the arranged marriage carousel while looking for desi love

Listen to the trailer here

NEW YORK – February 19, 2026 – Today, iHeartPodcasts and Vaaka Media announced “Boys & Girls,” a new original series that will offer a new take on the highs and lows of being on the arranged marriage carousel while looking for “desi love,” the South Asian expression of romantic love shaped by social structures, family involvement, literary traditions. Hosted by Radhika Viswanathan, the new series will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard on February 19.

In desi communities worldwide, one truth remains: no matter how successful you are, until you marry, you’re still seen as a boy or girl. With 93% of Indians choosing arranged marriages, caste, class, family connections, and location act as stand-ins for compatibility. These relationships are engineered by a network of well-intentioned aunties, matchmakers and astrologers. For many, love comes later. Regardless of the outcome, the experience leaves an indelible mark on the boy and the girl, although they are rarely asked what that was.

Host Radhika Viswanathan knows this carousel well. “I was just beginning to explore who I was. Choosing breakfast was hard enough, so choosing a life partner made my head spin,” she recalls. “It felt like I was in a fishbowl, watched by everyone around me. In this new series, my friends and show producers Samyuktha Varma, Menaka Raman and I will go on a journey to talk to the boys and girls who lived this same experience and survived.”

In the first episode, Viswanathan will introduce the show and unique process of arranged marriages. Episodes will release weekly on Thursdays on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

“Boys & Girls” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

Cover Art Link HERE

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Omny Show Page and Podcast Player Embed Code: https://omny.fm/shows/boys-and-girls/playlists/podcast

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About Vaaka Media
Vaaka Media is an audio production house based in Bangalore, India, with a deep interest in creating original shows about society and the stories that shape who we are. This is their first podcast for iHeartPodcasts. For more information visit www.vaaka.in. To speak with the host and creators of Boys & Girls, please contact: team@vaaka.in

“New American Consumer: Bicultural Latinos” highlights $4.1 trillion in purchasing power and shows why prioritizing culture is the key to reaching one of the nation’s most influential and highest-growing audiences

NEW YORK – February 19, 2026 – iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America and the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today released its latest consumer study that takes a comprehensive look at one of the most dynamic and influential consumer groups in the country: Bicultural Latinos who identify as equally American and Hispanic. The study, “New American Consumer: Bicultural Latinos” developed in partnership with Collage Group, dispels outdated myths and finds that this demographic -- now encompassing nearly 40 percent of all U.S. Latinos -- represent a powerful economic force led by a culture-first, identity‑driven audience that is shaping the next era of American growth.

The study finds that Bicultural Latinos do not choose between the two worlds they bridge, instead they create a new culture driven by curiosity, connection and cultural confidence. According to the study, two‑thirds of Bicultural Latinos say they identify as equally Hispanic and American and feel more cultural pride than ever, with 78 percent saying they feel more connected to their heritage today than they did just one year ago. This rising cultural confidence coincides with economic momentum as U.S. Latino purchasing power – backed by a population of nearly 70 million that is a leading ethnicity in growth -- has now reached $4.1 trillion and continues to grow more than twice as fast as that of non‑Latinos. The impact of this can only be measured in global scale: If isolated, the GDP of current U.S. Latinos would rank fifth in the world, having surged from $2.2 trillion in 2015 to $4 trillion.

“Bicultural Latinos are not just an audience — they are a cultural vanguard, driving tastes, trends and conversations across every platform while powering one of the fastest‑growing segments of the U.S. economy and redefining what it means to be American,” said Enrique Santos, President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino and on-air talent for iHeartRadio. “For brands, the takeaway is clear: culture is the strategy — language is the tactic. Those who lead with cultural intelligence, not just translation, earn more than attention, they earn long-term loyalty and trust.”

Key findings:

Language Doesn’t Define Connection: While language remains an important expression of identity, the study shows that language alone does not dictate how Bicultural Latinos engage with the content they consume. Nearly 90 percent typically consume audio content in English, even as one in three prefer Spanish for music or radio -- an indication that language serves as a cultural connector rather than the sole mode of communication. Advertising language preferences reflect this nuance: almost a third want ads to match the language of the content they’re consuming, another third prefer English outright and the remaining segment is flexible. These findings reinforce that while language remains a powerful expression of identity, it is culture, shared values, context and lived experience, that ultimately drives connection and influence.

Audio Is an Important Part of Culture: This new study also underscores the central role audio plays in the lives of Bicultural Latinos. Broadcast reaches 9 in 10 Latinos monthly, according to Nielsen, and this new research shows that Bicultural Latino radio listening is diverse – 92 percent listen in English, 78 percent listen in Spanish --- and 65 percent of Bicultural Latinos prefer listening to radio/music/podcasts equally in Spanish and English. Additionally, the research shows that 98 percent are listening to music weekly, 63 percent tune into podcasts weekly and 69 percent engage with live sports through audio. For Latinos, audio content is not just for entertainment -- it is a cultural ritual and a communal experience. Many listen with children or family members, and more than six in ten share their listening experiences with others. And connection is key, as 96 percent say they are looking for human-led content.

Curiosity Is Their Superpower: 73 percent of Bicultural Latinos say they are open to trying new brands and tend to reward those who invest in them: Bicultural Latinos are 60 percent more likely to purchase from brands that reflect them and 61 percent are willing to pay more for brands that do so, while 69 percent appreciate when brands show up during cultural moments. Additionally, bicultural Latinos are 22 percent more likely than general population to have made a purchase after hearing the brand advertise on the radio. As the most open of all ethnic groups when it comes to exploring genres, content, trends, platforms, creators and more, this curiosity makes them reachable and translates into loyalty when brands connect with them authentically.

“As the report makes clear, there is a significant opportunity for brands to deepen their connection with this audience but only if they move beyond assumed shortcuts and transactional messages,” says Lainie Fertick, President of iHeartMedia Insights. “Reaching Bicultural Latinos requires leading with culturally aligned creators and trusted voices to capture attention, build credibility and drive action. For marketers, audio and collaboration with Latino influencers across broadcast radio and podcasts can serve as the key entry point of connection: audio is the space where culture happens, it is intimate, emotional, human and deeply tied to how Bicultural Latinos stay connected to their communities and their identities.”

Methodology: iHeartMedia partnered with Collage Group to design and conduct a study to understand broad U.S. consumer shifts and provide marketers with actionable insights, with a sharper lens on the Hispanic American consumer. Collage conducted a 10-15 minute online survey in English and Spanish, reaching 2,000 A18+ weekly audio listeners, including 1,200 Hispanic adults including Bicultural, Heritage-Leaning, and U.S.-leaning Latino populations. The study included respondents of diverse generation groups, gender identity, region, education, and income.

The lineup includes four new series led by “Bleep! with Ana Navarro” launching February 23 and a new show hosted by Longoria due out this Fall

Listen to the official trailer for “Bleep! with Ana Navarro” HERE

NEW YORK – February 17, 2026 – My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latino voices and stories, and Hyphenate Media Group today announced four new original podcasts launching in 2026, executive produced by award-winning actress, producer, and director Eva Longoria. The first show to launch will be “Bleep! With Ana Navarro,” a weekly culture and politics podcast hosted by "The View” co-host and CNN senior political commentator, premiering February 23. Fans can listen to the official trailer for the show now, here.

“We’re living in a moment when speaking up feels harder than ever, which is exactly why we have to do it anyway! I’m excited to have a new space to dive deep into the forces shaping our lives — politics, culture, and power — in a way that's honest, raw, and yes, totally un-bleeped,” said Navarro. “I’m proud to partner with my friends at Hyphenate Media Group, My Cultura, and iHeartMedia to cut through the noise, call out the bleeping nonsense, and have the conversations that some folks would rather we avoid.”

Other shows launching throughout the year will include business, entrepreneurship and self-improvement show “Against All Odds with Yris Palmer;” relationships, self-improvement and mental health show “How Hard Can It Be?” hosted by Diana Maria Riva;” and “Who Made You,” an interview show hosted by Eva Longoria.

“We're thrilled to continue growing My Cultura's partnership with Eva and the team at Hyphenate Media Group through this exciting slate of new podcasts that amplify Latino voices,“ said Leo Gomez, head of iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network. “Our shared commitment to telling authentic and diverse stories makes our collaborations feel seamless, and we’re looking forward to sharing these shows with audiences worldwide.”

Last June, it was announced that Hyphenate Media Group - the studio Longoria co-founded in partnership with industry leader Cris Abrego, who serves as the group’s CEO - acquired an equity share in iHeartMedia’s My Cultura and is represented on its Board of Advisors. This new podcast lineup announcement underscores Longoria’s and Hyphenate's commitment to the growth of the My Cultura Podcast Network.

“This slate reflects the cultural relevance, creative ambition and audience engagement that drive meaningful influence across platforms,” said Longoria. “At Hyphenate Media Group, we’re committed to investing in exceptional talent and building the partnerships that support their growth. Our collaboration with iHeartMedia and the My Cultura Podcast Network gives these creators the platform and scale to deepen their impact and strengthen their connection with audiences.”

More information on the new co-produced My Cultura and Hyphenate Media slate of shows follows:

• “Bleep! with Ana Navarro” – Launching February 23 (weekly)

Fear thrives in silence and confusion. Emmy-nominated co-host of “The View” and CNN senior political commentator Ana Navarro rejects both: her iconoclastic voice is an antidote to today’s chaos. “Bleep! with Ana Navarro” will take on the most pressing issues alongside the decision-makers, political leaders, cultural creators, and real people on the frontlines of the biggest stories.

While this audacious new show will acknowledge the deep emotions we all feel, listeners will emerge with new knowledge, fresh perspective, and hope. Through it all, Ana brings her trademark irreverence and infectious energy, proving that the best way to survive the madness is to laugh right in its face.

Ana's belief is simple: fearless conversation can transform fear into courage, and courage into change. In other words, “Bleep it!”

Listen to the official audio trailer now, here.

• “Against All Odds with Yris Palmer” – Launching late March (weekly)

What does it take to rewrite your story when the odds are stacked against you? “Against All Odds” is a podcast that will amplify the voices of those who defied expectations, shattered barriers and broke generational patterns. Hosted by Yris Palmer, former celebrity lash tech, an entrepreneur, investor and a child of immigrant parents who forged a path to success against all obstacles, this show will dive deep into the resilience, grit and mindset of individuals who refused to be defined by their circumstances.

Each episode will feature raw, inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives and change-makers who turned struggle into strength. For those who ever felt like the underdog, this podcast is proof that the impossible is within reach.

• “How Hard Can It Be?” – Launching early May (weekly)

Diana Maria Riva (Dead to Me, Gordita Chronicles) will host a weekly podcast for GenX women navigating midlife’s most fantastic bullsh*t. Through laughs, tears or tears of laughter, Diana will invite her squads from Ohio to Hollywood for some real talk on being the boss, the empty nester and the caretaker, all while battling night sweats AND being the linchpins of society. From the FUPA to the hot flash, it’s time for women to have unpolished, unfiltered conversations about the midlife roller coaster. With all the changes, surprises and WTFs, fans will join Diana and her celebrity guests, experts and allies as they tackle everything in the second act of life, love, sex and society, always asking… How hard can it be?

• “Who Made You with Eva Longoria” – Launching Fall 2026

“Who Made You” is an intimate, inspiring and revelatory new podcast hosted by Eva Longoria. In each episode, Eva will sit down with some of the biggest names in film and television, who open up about the people, places and pivotal moments that have shaped who they are today.

From childhood mentors and unsung heroes to game-changing setbacks and breakthrough opportunities, “Who Made You” will be a celebration of legacy, community and the personal stories behind very public success. Launching during Hispanic Heritage Month, the series will shine a light on the stars that are shaping our culture while honoring a simple universal truth: no one gets where they are alone.

All shows in the new My Cultura/Hyphenate lineup will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network launched May 2021 in collaboration with Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia’s top-rated on-air personality and President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino. Since launch, the network has seen steady listener growth and has become home to more than 60 podcasts including hit series “Chiquis and Chill,” “The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos,” “Princess of South Beach,'' “Wrestling with Freddie,” “Sacred Scandal,” “Radio Ambulante,” “Magical Rewind,” “Agushto Papá,” “Enrique Santos Podcast,” “You vs You with Lex Borrero,” “Starring: Desi Arnaz & Wilmer Valerrama,” and many more. Listeners can find the full catalog of My Cultura podcasts here.

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About Hyphenate Media Group 

Hyphenate Media Group is a premium content studio and media holding company co-founded by industry veteran and entrepreneur Cris Abrego (CEO) and award-winning director, producer, and entrepreneur Eva Longoria (Chief Creative Officer). Hyphenate develops and produces creator-led IP that spans scripted and unscripted formats with a sharp focus on bold, compelling storytelling designed for premium streaming, cable, and network partners. In addition to its slate of original productions, Hyphenate strategically invests in creator-led enterprises and content, scaling their growth through capital, business development, and the infrastructure provided by Hyphenate’s core leadership team. The company is also expanding select projects across film, audio, and digital verticals, creating a 360-degree approach to content development that maximizes global audience reach and long-term IP value. Hyphenate’s portfolio of content includes Land of Women (Apple TV+), Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain (CNN), and Necaxa (FX). Upcoming releases include Eva Longoria: Searching for France (CNN) and the film Fifth Wheel (Netflix)

New Documentary Podcast Series Unravels the Shadowy Past Behind the Creator of Willy Wonka, Matilda and The BFG

Series Premieres Monday, January 19, 2026

Listen to the Trailer Now HERE

NEW YORK – January 16, 2026 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, today announced the launch of “The Secret World of Roald Dahl,” a gripping new documentary podcast that peels back the secret spy life and shadowed past of one of the most famous children’s authors of all time to reveal a life far stranger than fiction. This is the sixth title to be released from Imagine Entertainment and iHeartMedia’s slate of original iHeartPodcasts. Listen to the trailer of “The Secret World of Roald Dahl” now HERE. 

Premiering Monday, January 19, 2026, the series explores the extraordinary hidden life of Roald Dahl, examining how a former fighter pilot, British intelligence operative, struggling Hollywood screenwriter and unlikely medical innovator became one of the most successful children’s authors in history — and how his covert past shaped the stories generations of readers grew up loving.

Best known as the creator of Willy Wonka, Matilda and The BFG, “The Secret World of Roald Dahl” uncovers the hidden chapters rarely discussed: his time as a spy for MI6, his personal relationships, creative failures and experiences that complicate his legacy. It’s a dark, twisty and deeply fascinating true story that asks how much of an artist’s inner life finds its way into their work.

Created and hosted by Aaron Tracy, the series blends investigative storytelling with rich narrative detail to paint a complex portrait of a cultural icon whose life was as unsettling as it was remarkable.

"Roald Dahl played a huge role in our childhoods, but most people have no idea he lived one of the noisiest lives of his century,” said Tracy. “He was a fighter pilot, a British spy for MI6, a struggling screenwriter, the husband of an Oscar-winner, a writer for The New Yorker, and an amateur neuroscientist who saved thousands of lives before he finally found his voice as a children's author at 45. iHeart and Imagine have been dream collaborators to help reveal these hidden chapters of Dahl's life and explore the complicated, controversial person behind the stories."

"We all grew up on Roald Dahl's books over here, and the opportunity to work with Aaron Tracy in the podcast space to dig into Dahl's life was just too good to be true,” said Nathan Kloke, Executive Producer for Imagine Audio. “Aaron connects with Dahl across his work, his humanity and his flaws. It is a wonderful piece of work from a very talented documentarian.”

“Many people know Roald Dahl as the creator of Willy Wonka, Matilda and the BFG, but most do not know he was also a spy,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. "’The Secret World of Roald Dahl’ is a compelling example of the kind of premium storytelling we’re focused on—revealing a wild journey through the hidden chapters of a fascinating life.”

“The Secret World of Roald Dahl” is part of a growing slate of documentary podcasts from iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment, including “Hello Isaac,” “Unf**cking the Future,” “Big Sugar,” “The Tao of Muhammad Ali” and “Obscurum,” which explore iconic figures and untold stories through deep reporting and cinematic storytelling.  Another new series from the collaboration will be announced soon.

Kara Welker and Nathan Kloke are Executive Producers for Imagine Audio.

“The Secret World of Roald Dahl” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available weekly on Mondays on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Editor’s Note

Download the show cover art HERE.

Include “The Secret World of Roald Dahl” audio player directly into your article using the embed code below:

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About Aaron Tracy

Aaron Tracy is a bestselling writer and producer from Washington D.C., and the founder of award-winning audio company, Parallax. Tracy’s first audio drama, The Coldest Case, a detective thriller starring Aaron Paul, became the most successful Audible Original ever. Tracy’s iHeart series, Supreme: The Battle for Roe, starring Maya Hawke, about the 26-year-old lead attorney on Roe V. Wade, won the Webby Award for Best Fiction series. 

Some of Tracy’s other audio series include: 10 Days, an underdog NBA story starring Glen Powell; Murder in Bermuda, a courtroom drama starring Mary-Louise Parker; Summer Breeze, a revenge comedy starring Kelly Ripa; and The Commuter, a domestic thriller starring Lizzy Caplan.  

Tracy’s TV writing credits include Law & Order: SVU (NBC), The Tap (USA), and Sequestered (Sony’s Crackle), a thriller about a rogue juror, which he created and ran for two seasons. Over his career, Tracy has developed original series at CBS, USA, Freeform, Lifetime, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate TV, and others. 

Tracy’s first novel, The Honeymoon Period, will be published by Macmillan in Fall ‘26. Tracy is on faculty at Yale University where he teaches creative writing. For more, visit listentoparallax.com.

About Imagine Entertainment

Founded by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment is an award-winning global entertainment company telling stories that inspire and empower, and creating unforgettable entertainment experiences of all genres across Imagine Features, Imagine Television Studios, Imagine Documentaries, Imagine Kids+Family, Imagine Brands, and Imagine Audio, as well as the award-winning Jax Media and Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions. Imagine’s productions have been honored with more than 60 prestigious awards including 47 Academy Award nominations and 228 Emmy® award nominations. Past productions include the Academy Award Best Picture winner "A Beautiful Mind", as well as Grammy Award Best Film winner "The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years." Recent productions include the critically acclaimed film "Thirteen Lives" directed by Ron Howard, the hit film "tick, tick...Boom!" directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the critically acclaimed documentaries “Judy Blume Forever”, Sacha Jenkin’s “Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues”, Rory Kennedy’s “Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari”, "Lucy & Desi" directed by Amy Poehler (Two-time Emmy winner) and "We Feed People.”

New Series Recounts How a Group of Morehouse College Students in 1969, Including a Young Samuel L. Jackson, Organized a Protest That Took Multiple Hostages, Among Them Martin Luther King Sr. 

Series Premieres Friday, February 6, 2026

Listen to the First Episode Now HERE

NEW YORK – February 6, 2026 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment today announced the launch of “The A Building,” a powerful new documentary podcast that revisits one of the most extraordinary and rarely told moments in American civil rights and higher-education history—an event that changed the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and helped define the modern era of student protest. This is the seventh title to be released from Imagine Entertainment and iHeartMedia’s slate of original iHeartPodcasts. Listen to the first episode of “The A Building” now HERE.  

Premiering Friday, February 6, 2026, the series tells the story of the 1969 student uprising at Morehouse College, where a group of students barricaded themselves inside the administration building—known on Historically Black Colleges and Universities campuses as “The A Building.” Set against the backdrop of late-1960s America, “The A Building” explores a volatile period when student activism surged nationwide amid movements for civil rights, women’s rights, labor justice, and opposition to the Vietnam War. At Morehouse, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. intensified tensions between the administration and a student body demanding an education that reflected Black history, identity and lived experience—and ultimately led students to hold members of the Board of Trustees hostage for two days demanding reforms to curriculum and improvements to student life.

One of the hostages was Martin Luther King Sr., president of the Board of Trustees. One of the student organizers was Samuel L. Jackson—years before he would become one of the most celebrated figures in Hollywood.  Samuel L. Jackson and his friends devised a plan to hijack a Board of Trustees meeting to create change.  A heist with a purpose.

Blending immersive reenactments with firsthand testimony, archival research and expert analysis, the series unfolds with the tension of a true-crime heist—one driven by moral urgency. “The A Building” examines the risks students took, the consequences they faced, and the lasting impact of their actions on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and student activism nationwide.

Co-created and produced by Menelek Lumumba and Hans Charles, the podcast traces the aftermath of the protest, including the expulsion of the students involved, the escalation of political pressure, and the pivotal moment that ultimately led Samuel L. Jackson back to Morehouse—where a change in academic focus quietly set him on the path toward acting.

“This project has been years in the making, but it feels more relevant than ever,” said Menelek Lumumba, co-creator and producer.  “I’m grateful we have the opportunity to tell this story about young people who took action, and how their one act of protest continues to reverberate through all those involved over 50 years later.”

“It's an incredible, unbelievable story when you first hear it,” said Hans Charles, co-creator and producer. “That it happened on a campus like Morehouse College, in a city like Atlanta, at such a volatile time, speaks to the importance of telling and exploring what is quintessential American History.”

"What makes the story of ‘The A Building’ so compelling is how clearly it reveals the purpose and power of protest,” said Nathan Kloke, Executive Producer for Imagine Entertainment. “When Hans and Menelek first brought us this pivotal chapter of American history, it unfolded like a heist film—fast-paced, surprising, and utterly gripping. We’re excited to bring audiences along for the ride."

“This is premium documentary storytelling that connects history to the present,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “‘The A Building’ revisits a moment that feels both historic and urgently relevant, revealing how student voices helped shape lasting institutional change.” 

“The A Building” is part of a growing slate of documentary podcasts from iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment, including“Hello Isaac,” “Unf**cking the Future,” “Big Sugar,” “The Tao of Muhammad Ali,” “Obscurum, and “The Secret World of Roald Dahl,” which explore iconic figures, cultural flashpoints, and untold stories through deep reporting and cinematic storytelling. 

Nathan Kloke and Kara Welker are Executive Producers for Imagine Entertainment in partnership with oddarts media.  Katrina Norvell is the Executive Producer for iHeartPodcasts. 

“The A Building” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available weekly on Fridays on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Editor’s Note

• Download the show cover art HERE.
• Include “The A Building” audio player directly into your article using the embed code below:

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About Menelek Lumumba 

Menelek Lumumba is a writer and director who wrote and directed his debut feature film, 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN. The film premiered at the Blackstar Film Festival and screened at dozens of festivals across the country and abroad, winning Best Feature Film at two festivals. It was released by Freestyle Digital Media in June 2020. With his creative partner Hans, Menelek co-created THE A BUILDING, a podcast about the hostage situation at Morehouse College in 1969, produced with Imagine Entertainment and iHeartPodcasts. Menelek is currently in development on his next feature film.

About Hans Charles 

Hans Charles is an Emmy award-nominated cinematographer and writer/producer, best known for Netflix's 13TH, and Showtime's WU-TANG CLAN: OF MICS AND MEN. Hans has shot award-winning films that have screened at Tribeca, Sundance, NYFF, and Outfest, among many others. His projects include Netflix’s GRASS IS GREENER, CONTACT HIGH, a short film that gives a visual history of hip hop, 1 ANGRY BLACK MAN, a collegiate drama feature Hans both lensed and produced, Lifetime's DEATH SAVED MY LIFE, and Showtime's hit docu series WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT COSBY, which premiered at Sundance 2022 and was nominated for four Emmy Awards. Hans was the cinematographer on The CW’s hit series ALL AMERICAN: HOMECOMING and worked on a documentary film with Vespucci Group and Showtime called THE HONEY TRAP, directed by Chris Moukarbel which released in December 2024. He's currently shooting two documentary projects and is developing his next feature film with his creative partner, Menelek Lumumba. Hans is a partner at Align Pictures.

About Imagine Entertainment

Founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment is a multi-award-winning film and television production company with a remarkable track record of creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful content across genres. Imagines’ productions have been honored with 90 prestigious awards, including 47 ACADEMY AWARD™ nominations and 242 Emmy® award nominations. Award-winning productions include the ACADEMY AWARD™ Best Picture winner "A Beautiful Mind", as well as Grammy Award Best Film winner "The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years" and the critically acclaimed documentary Jim Henson Idea Man, a definitive portrait of Jim Henson’s life, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Documentary EMMY Award following its global premiere on Disney+.

With numerous hit film, television and documentary projects including the Peabody Award-winning “Judy Blume Forever,” (Prime Video), “Frida” (Amazon/MGM), “Genius: MLK/X” (Disney+); “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” (Apple TV+), “Friday Night Lights” (NBC), “Parenthood” (NBC), and films including “Apollo 13” “Rush”, “The Da Vinci Code”, “”Frost/Nixon”, and “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, along with the highly anticipated reimagining of "The 'Burbs" (Peacock), Imagine Entertainment has consistently redefined the boundaries of storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Recent projects include “After the Hunt,” a thriller for Amazon MGM directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny, “The Gringo Hunters,” a Spanish-language drama for Netflix and feature-length documentary for ABC/Hulu “Barbara Walters Tell Me Everything."

About oddarts media:

Oddarts media brings creative order to the chaos — building stories, franchises, and brands that thrive across every platform. Founded in 2025 by veteran producers Kara Welker and Nathan Kloke, oddarts is a production and creative services company focused on premium digital video and audio for distributors and brands. Oddarts has produced content in partnership with Imagine Entertainment and maintains business with Audible, iHeartMedia, The National Parks Foundation, and Fremantle.

In the special live taping presented by “Your Attention, Please” the duo discussed the importance of prioritizing healthcare, Super Bowl 2026 and more

Listen Now HERE

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts’ "Calm Down” with Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson hosted a live podcast recording at NFL Culture Club bringing two of sports media’s most influential female voices together for a candid conversation around prioritizing yourself, your health and your well‑being. The event was presented by Novartis’ “Your Attention, Please” campaign and empowered women to take a proactive approach to their breast health by scheduling screenings and better understanding their risk. The gathering also featured an interactive glambot experience in addition to inspiring conversation and thoughtful connection. The live show was recorded ahead of Super Bowl LX on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the NFL Culture Club, an exclusive, immersive destination where the worlds of sport, art, music, fashion and community converge during Super Bowl week. Inspired by the spirit of a modern-day members’ club, the space brings together athletes, creators, artists and industry leaders for curated conversations, live performances and immersive experiences. As a first-time Super Bowl initiative, NFL Culture Club fosters creative connection and exchange among today’s cultural leaders.

Event Photos: (Credit Kimberly White for iHeartPodcasts)

https://iheartradio.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00002S4l8ShFJjM/G0000nulu2k98Yk0/Culture-Club

Password: iHeartNFL26!

Highlights & Memorable Moments:

• 6:15: CHARISSA REFLECTS ON WORKING WITH ERIN EARLY IN HER CAREER:
  • CHARISSA: “Erin and I have done this job for a long time and she had the job I wanted…fast forward I ended up getting hired by ESPN where Erin was and she came running out of the door and gave me a big hug and said ‘if you need anything I'm here for you.’ That was 17 years ago.”
• 33:38: CHARISSA TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAMMOGRAMS AND EARLY DETECTION
  • CHARISSA: “1 in 8 women will face breast cancer in their lifetime yet only 1 in 2 women receive their mammogram…It's really important to highlight not just the stats of the game but the stats of life that have a major impact on everything because early detection is key.”
• 35:22: ERIN OPENS UP ABOUT HER CANCER DIAGNOSIS:
  • ERIN: “What is our gameplan? It's putting ourselves first. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at a regular screening..I had zero symptoms and week three of a season back in 2017 I found I had cancer and changed my life. I caught it early so I didnt have to have a hysterectomy.. so that is why I stress to everybody, early detection is key – you have to make the appointment and go.”

WHO: Erin Andrews is a sports broadcaster as part FOX Sports’ A Team. She can be seen weekly on “FOX NFL Sunday, “doing sideline coverage and features, a show that records a staggering 56.4 million unique viewers, as well as reporting for “NFL Thursday Night Football.” She joined ESPN in May 2004 as a reporter for the network’s National Hockey League coverage and quickly became a fan favorite, transitioning into college football and basketball.

Charissa Thompson is the host of FOX NFL KICKOFF, the Sunday morning NFL pregame show leading into FOX NFL SUNDAY. After discovering an interest in TV production and moving into a production assistant role with FOX Sports in Denver, Thompson was given her first on-air opportunity as a fill-in host for the channel’s Saturday evening Colorado Rockies all-access show. Thompson moved on from FOX Sports in 2010 and pulled double duty as a host for both Versus and Yahoo Sports. She anchored Versus’ NHL studio coverage and recorded web videos for the highly trafficked Yahoo platform, leading the site’s presence at high-profile events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl XLV and the BCS National Championship. Success in both arenas led to her joining ESPN in August 2011, where she was named one of the hosts for the network’s newly conceived afternoon show, “Numbers Never Lie.” In July 2012, she transitioned to the popular “SportsNation,” enjoying a successful run that lasted until she left the network to return to Los Angeles for the launch of FS1 in May 2013. She has been one of the faces of FSI since the network’s launch.

WHERE + WHEN: The “Calm Down with Erin & Charissa” live episode from NFL Culture Club presented by Novartis’ “Your Attention Please" is now available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

PODCAST PLAYER EMBED CODE:

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SHOW PAGE: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/calm-down-with-erin-and-charissa-77416573/