iHeartMedia

WHO: iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Propagate Content today announced a new podcast titled “Return to the Shadows with Katherine McNamara and Dominic Sherwood.” The podcast will revisit Shadowhunters the hit fantasy series that launched the Freeform network and ran for three seasons, and whose premature ending sparked a worldwide #SaveShadowhunters campaign. Returning to their time as leading duo Clary Fray and Jace Wayland, McNamara and Sherwood will delve into the Shadow World, highlighting stories from the set, favorite plotlines, and the show’s legacy - kept alive by millions across the globe.

Fans can expect conversations with many of McNamara and Sherwood’s former castmates including Alberto Rosende, Matthew Dadario, and Harry Shum Jr, as well as guest stars, producers, writers, and crew. “Return to the Shadows” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

“Return to the Shadows” is produced by Propagate Content. Executive producers are Linh Le, Katherine McNamara and Dominic Sherwood. Senior producers are Liz Hayes and Diego Tapia. Episodes are produced by Kristin Vermilya, Emily Carr and Hannah Harris with original music by Alex Kinsey.

WHAT: Return to the Shadows will bring fans into the Shadow World like never before, diving deep into Shadowhunters, the show that ended way too soon. Kat and Dom will uncover interesting facts, analyze episodes, and fill your eardrums with behind-the-scenes memories that will blow your mind. Cast, crew, fans, and friends will join our hosts along the way, giving fans the fourth season, they always wanted.

WHEN: "Return to The Shadows" will debut on April 11, 2022 with new episodes airing each Monday. Official trailer available now.

WHERE: Check out the podcast trailer HERE. The podcast is available on iHeartRadio and all other platforms.

PODCAST PLAYER EMBED CODE:

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SHOW LOGO:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/rdylucjf68elfsr/Return%20to%20the%20Shadows%20Final%203000x3000%20iHR%20%281%29.png?dl=0

About Propagate

Founded in 2015 by Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens, who pioneered the global format business in the late 1990s, Propagate has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Paris. Its recent credits “Rebelde Way” for Netflix, “UNTOLD” for Netflix, the FOX drama “Our Kind of People,” starring Yaya DaCosta and Morris Chestnut, “Animals on the Loose: A You vs. the Wild Interactive Movie,” starring Bear Grylls for Netflix, “Escape the Undertaker,” an interactive movie starring WWE superstars for Netflix, “Notre Dame: Our Lady of Paris” for ABC and “Go-Big Show” on TBS, and the upcoming “American Song Contest” on NBC, as well as the unscripted “November 13: Attack on Paris” “Haunted” and "Prank Encounters" for Netflix, and “In Search Of” and “Kings of Pain” for the History Channel. In scripted, "Blood and Treasure" and "Broke" for CBS, “Charmed” for The CW, “Let’s Be Real” for Fox and the upcoming “Zorro” television series for NBC. Propagate also created and produced the podcast, “An Oral History of The Office” for Spotify. Propagate’s expanding portfolio of companies includes Electus (“You vs. Wild”, “Running Wild With Bear Grylls,” “Jane the Virgin,” “Fashion Star”), Big Breakfast (“Adam Ruins Everything”, “Hot Date”), Notional (“Chopped” franchise), and talent management firms Artists First, Authentic Talent & Literary Management and Select Management Group.

Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Charlie Puth, Lauv, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tate McRae, Latto, Lauren Spencer-Smith, GAYLE and Em Beihold To Perform; Plus a Special Performance by Diplo at Dusk

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest LIVE from Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles

Wango Tango To Exclusively Broadcast Across iHeartRadio Stations Nationwide

LOS ANGELES - April 4, 2022 - iHeartMedia and KIIS FM will kick off the Summer celebrating Pop music’s legendary Summer festival, “iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango,” LIVE on June 4 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, will return with performances from Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Camila Cabello, Becky G, Charlie Puth, Lauv, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tate McRae, Latto, Lauren Spencer-Smith, GAYLE and Em Beihold plus a special performance by Diplo at Dusk and more.

The celebration will broadcast for fans on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide on more than 94 stations in 94 markets on June 4 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p ET. The KIIS CLUB VIP Pre-Sale will begin Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. PT - become a KIIS CLUB VIP for FREE at www.kiisfm.com, keyword: VIP. All remaining tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. PT via axs.com.

“We are so excited to bring back the show that officially kicks off Summer every year in Southern California. The 2022 lineup is jam packed with amazing artists who represent the very best in pop music right now,” said Beata Murphy, Program Director of KIIS-FM Los Angeles. “Everyone can expect to see awesome performances and hear all of your favorite songs of the Summer. It also wouldn't be Wango Tango without some surprises, so join us on June 4 - we promise you won't want to miss it.”

The legendary KIIS FM Wango Tango has remained one of the most anticipated Summer events in Southern California. The event has flourished into iHeartRadio’s national kick-off to summer music celebration and is part of iHeartRadio’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally-recognized concert events including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Concert Tour, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego and iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.

iHeartRadio Wango Tango is an iHeartMedia production. Executive producers for iHeartRadio Wango Tango are Tom Poleman, John Sykes, Bart Peters and Beata Murphy for iHeartMedia.

Proud national partners for this year’s event include Meta, with more to be announced. For news and information about the 2022 iHeartRadio KIIS FM Wango Tango visit iHeartRadio.com/WangoTango or follow #WangoTango on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 In her most personal investigation yet, Noor examines how the media’s representation of Muslims impacts American culture and society

NEW YORK – April 4, 2022 – Noor Tagouri, an award-winning journalist, producer, and podcaster, along with her production company At Your Service (AYS), today announced the launch of “Rep” in partnership with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac.  This bold, wide-ranging investigation examines how the depictions of Muslims have and continue to influence the greater population by looking into the relationship between politics, pop culture, public opinion, and how they build belief systems. The iHeartRadio Original Podcast will premiere Monday, April 4th during Arab American History Month. Episodes will be released each Monday through June. The first episode is available now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Through in-depth interviews, multimedia clips and retrospective moments with thought leaders such as award-winning author, motivational speaker and educator Ilyasah Shabazz; Rep. Ilhan Omar and her daughter Isra Hirsi; Hip-Hop artist and community leader Brother Ali; singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) and political staffer Huma Abedin, Noor examines the misrepresentation of Muslims in U.S. media and how this impacts American culture.

As a consummate storyteller and journalist endearingly known as “Podcast Noor,” she deconstructs and analyzes the stories Muslims tell each other, the stories others tell about Muslims, and how these stories shape reputations. 

“My intention with ‘Rep’ is to challenge the concept of the value of representation,” said Noor. “This series is about questioning what we’ve been told about ourselves and our community to understand what it means to be an individual who ‘reps’ themselves. I believe that if you really know yourself, and I really know myself, we will always be able to find pieces of ourselves in each other. And suddenly, our world begins to make sense.” 

Identity and the importance of proper representation are at the center of all Noor’s and AYS’ work. AYS was founded in 2019 with a different approach towards storytelling. Noor’s guided storytelling sessions which she discovered and debuted with her show “Podcast Noor” led to the unique style of the Rep series. Noor practiced this particular form of storytelling for over a year before turning it into an investigative series.

“Our difference is in our perspective: a journalist’s approach to the world and its stories,” said Adam Khafif, co-founder of AYS and Executive Producer of Rep. “Through a lens of service for the narratives often unseen, AYS prioritizes intention and integrity. By passing the mic and amplifying those conversations, the natural outcome is intention-driven work that serves our shared community with stories that connect us.” 

For Rep, AYS assembled a team of esteemed producers and creators such as Zaron Burnett and Jason English, both serving as Executive Producers; Mumu Fresh, a singer/songwriter, and rapper who wrote and composed the theme song; senior producer Emilia Brock and more. As the creator and producer of the renowned history podcast Black Cowboys, Zaron brought a precious and unique perspective to this project and first hand experience on how the stories we hear shape us. 

“My dad didn’t want slavery to be my only image of Black people in American history, so every night he filled my dreams with these incredible stories of Black cowboys,” said Burnett."

“Rep” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 430 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime—and everything in between—making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. 

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to “Rep” on their favorite device.

Follow Noor on social media:

Facebook: Noor Tagouri

Instagram: @noor

Twitter: @NTagouri

YouTube: Noor Tagouri

About Noor Tagouri

Noor Tagouri’s innovative storytelling spans across media. At 28, Noor is an award-winning journalist and producer, a touring speaker for over 10 years, and has told stories in every medium from radio and print, to documentaries and brand campaigns. In 2019 Noor founded At Your Service Imprint, a consulting and production company telling representative stories as a form of service. With a finger on the pulse of people’s concerns, Noor’s storytelling is recognized for her innovative approach to fostering relationships across lines of difference.

New Weekly Sports Comedy Podcast Enlightens and Entertains on All Things NBA

Listen now HERE

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today debuted “Miles and Jack Got Mad Boosties,” a new co-produced weekly show from the iHeartMedia and NBA podcast slate that covers basketball in a fun and humorous way. Listeners won’t find any hot-takes, or breakdowns on how to defend the pick-and-roll, but instead hosts Jack O'Brien and Miles Gray will bring their wit and unique insights to a show that celebrates all things NBA. Alongside a special guest each week, Jack and Miles will use current events as well as the NBA archive to enlighten and entertain their audience.

In the first episode, the guys will sit down with actor, podcaster and comedian Jacquis Neal about growing up in the 90s as a massive Bulls fan, his favorite Michael Jordan moment and which player actually changed the game more than Jordan. They will do a deep dive on Ja Morant defying the laws of physics on the court, which random Grizzlies player needs to be mic’d up every game and why Lance Stephenson blowing in LeBron James’ ear during a playoff game might be the craziest thing that ever happened in the NBA.

WHO: Jack O’Brien is the Head of Comedy for the iHeartPodcast Network and has an intense love of basketball. He launched Cracked.com in 2006 and was a driving force behind the site’s editorial and video content until he left in 2017 to launch the West Coast Studio for HowStuffWorks. Under O’Brien’s leadership, Cracked grew into the most visited humor website on the internet, and one of the fastest growing brands in humor. As the Head of Comedy for the iHeartPodcast Network, O’Brien has launched hit shows like “Behind the Bastards,” “Fake Doctors, Real Friends,” “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” and “This Is Important.” He also co-hosts the popular comedic news and pop culture podcast “The Daily Zeitgeist.” Jack grew up in a basketball family and has been attached to the game since birth. He is the grandson of NBA coaching legend Dr. Jack Ramsay, and the son of former Celtics, Pacers, and Sixers head coach Jim O’Brien.

Miles Gray is a Los Angeles native with an encyclopedic knowledge of 90s media and a deep love for basketball. As a producer, writer and director of award-winning digital content for companies like YouTube and Conde Nast, he transitioned to podcasts when he joined the HowStuffWorks/iHeartPodcast Network. He also co-hosts “The Daily Zeitgeist” with O’Brien and although he did not grow up on NBA courts, he is a life-long die-hard Lakers fan and knows everything about the team. He also thinks he can still touch rim.

WHEN: “Mad Boosties” publishes new episodes each Thursday.

WHERE: “Miles and Jack Got Mad Boosties: An NBA Podcast” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and is available now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

SHOW ASSETS:

Include the show’s audio player widget directly into your story with the following HTML embed code:

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Download the cover art HERE

Together the two companies will leverage Super League’s highly sought after, brand-safe inventory and iHeartMedia’s sales force and unparalleled relationships with brands to create new and unique ways to connect advertisers to metaverse audiences at scale

Santa Monica, Calif. – (March 30, 2022) – Super League Gaming, (Nasdaq: SLGG), a leading network of metaverse games, monetization tools, and content channels, and iHeartMedia (Nasdaq: IHRT), the leading audio company in America, announced today a partnership that will leverage iHeartMedia’s massive North American sales force of 1,500 sellers in every major market nationwide, as well as its vast roster of partners, to bring Super League’s highly-sought after ad inventory and influencer network to brands looking to gain entry to the metaverse. The two companies will also collaborate on the development and rollout of iHeartMedia’s “iHeartLand” virtual spaces and fan experiences across metaverse platforms as well as the distribution of Super League’s immersive new 3D and NPC (non-player character) ad units.

With this newly-forged alliance, Super League will share its deep knowledge and insights on open metaverse gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft. This includes the company’s robust suite of exclusive analytics to help guide the go-to-market plans and future-forward sales strategies for iHeartMedia’s portfolio of premium brand advertisers. Super League’s ad tech solutions feature a platform deployed within more than 150 curated, brand-safe games in Roblox that reach more than 70 million monthly active players; measurable formats within the largest free Minecraft server host community in the world, Minehut; and dynamic home page placements across dozens of YouTube channels collectively boasting more than 65 million subscribers who are passionate about gaming entertainment. This partnership reaches far into the depths of the metaverse to provide iHeartMedia’s sales team – North America's largest and most powerful – with full access to Super League’s coveted, measurable, and ground-breaking metaverse ad inventory and products that are brand-friendly and kidSafe certified.

Creators and developers working with Super League will continue to have full control over the ads that appear in the environments they have built and grown, with iHeartMedia poised to ramp up their monetization opportunities at an accelerated pace.

“Generation Z does not distinguish between physical and digital worlds, moving fluidly between the two in their daily existence. iHeartMedia has been a defining brand at this very intersection, combining digital and physical content experiences that delight consumers and fans,” says Matt Edelman, Chief Commercial Officer of Super League. “It is awesome to be working alongside iHeart as they extend their brand into the metaverse and deepen their commitment to providing impactful solutions to the top advertisers on the planet.”

“As we develop and introduce our unique iHeart experiences in the metaverse this year, we’re thrilled to partner with Super League to create new and compelling ways to connect our brand partners to passionate fans in our virtual spaces and beyond,” said Jessica Jerrick, Executive Vice President, Digital Distribution and Platform Partnerships for iHeartMedia. “Super League's expertise, coupled with their best-in-class ad tech and expansive inventory across Roblox games, puts them at the forefront of this exciting space and makes them an ideal partner for iHeartMedia’s new extensions in the metaverse.”

With Super League’s metaverse mastery and iHeartMedia’s expertise in delivering one-of-a-kind experiences, the partnership is poised to raise the bar for younger consumers and the brands who want to reach them. Through exciting and immersive events supported by innovative marketing campaigns, consumers can expect rich experiences that weave together real life and virtual life with compelling content, exclusive merchandise, exciting competitions and much more.

“iHeartMedia gets it – they’re not messing around. They know that the metaverse is not a passing fad - it’s here to stay,” says Ann Hand, Chairman and CEO of Super League Gaming. “They recognized that only a premium partner could provide the specific expertise and quality, brand-safe experiences they need. Super League’s proven track record fits that bill and we are thrilled to be working together with them on their upcoming metaverse experiences.”

Super League Gaming

Super League Gaming (Nasdaq: SLGG) builds and operates networks of games, monetization tools and content channels across metaverse gaming platforms that empower developers, energize players, and entertain fans. The company’s solutions provide incomparable access to an audience consisting of players in the largest global metaverse environments, fans of hundreds of thousands of gaming influencers, and viewers of gameplay content across major social media and digital video platforms. Fueled by proprietary and patented technology systems, the company’s platform includes access to vibrant in-game communities, a leading metaverse advertising platform, a network of highly viewed channels and original shows on Instagram, TikTok, Snap, YouTube, and Twitch, cloud-based livestream production tools, and an award-winning esports invitational tournament series. Super League’s properties deliver powerful opportunities for brands and advertisers to achieve impactful insights and marketing outcomes with gamers of all ages. For more, go to superleague.com.

Podcasts Across Genres Include a Scripted Series About the Mirabal Sisters and Two Unscripted Shows Hosted by Eva Longoria

The First Podcast, “Connections” Hosted by Eva Longoria, Premieres on March 31

Listen to the Official “Connections with Eva Longoria” Trailer HERE

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2022) -- iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a slate of original podcasts as part of its My Cultura Podcast Network launching in partnership with award-winning actress, producer, director and activist, Eva Longoria. The upcoming shows further My Cultura’s dedication to celebrating and elevating Latinx voices, stories and content creators like Longoria. The projects span across genres -- two of the series will be hosted by Longoria herself including an interview series and a food and culture show; Longoria, along with actress Dania Ramirez, will also executively produce a scripted podcast series based on a true story.  

“We’re incredibly excited about this partnership, and the growth of our network, as we continue to tell our stories and celebrate our Latinidad,” said Gisselle Bances, SVP, Head of Production and Development for iHeartMedia’s My Cultura. “We’re thrilled to partner with Eva as we continue to increase the representation and visibility of our community and cultura in the podcast industry and beyond.”

“I’m excited to be partnering with iHeartMedia to bring you a new slate of podcasts, which touches on everything I love while also celebrating our culture and uplifting the stories of our community. As a longtime podcast listener, these are three shows that I personally would want to listen to and can’t wait to bring listeners along on this journey,” said Longoria.

In the first show to launch, “Connections with Eva Longoria,” premiering March 31, Longoria and her guests take on complex topics that affect us all and break them down into lively, meaningful conversations ranging from spirituality to money, romance, food, politics and parenting. Podcasts coming later this year include the scripted series, “Sisters of the Underground,” that tells the true story of the Mirabal sisters -- the Dominican women behind the take down of Rafael Trujillo; as well as “Hungry for History,” where Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón explore the origins of some of the most delicious dishes and ingredients from la cultura.

iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network x Eva Longoria Slate Includes:

• “Connections with Eva Longoria,” Launching March 31, Unscripted

Eva Longoria is taking us back to the very foundation of what makes us human - our desire to authentically connect with others. In open and honest conversations with some of the brightest thought leaders of the moment, Eva seeks to reinvigorate our focus on the power and critical importance of connection. Eva and her guests take on complex topics that affect us all and break them down into lively, meaningful conversations. Covering a wide range of topics, from spirituality to money, romance, food, politics and parenting, Eva’s signature style will give you a new perspective on your most powerful connections - with the world around you, and with yourself. Guests include: Jay Shetty, Huda Kattan, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, Elsa Marie Collins, and many more.

• “Sisters of the Underground,” Summer 2022, Scripted

An 8-episode scripted series by executive producers Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez. It follows the true story of Las Hermanas Mirabal, the Mirabal sisters. Their lifelong activism in the Dominican Republic and state-orchestrated assassination ignited outrage that led to the downfall of one of the most brutal and enduring dictators of the 20th Century, Rafael Trujillo (aka El Jefe). This series takes us back to a period when the Mirabal Sisters inspired an entire nation to emancipate themselves from a tyrannical regime that lasted for more than 30 years. While the martyrdom of the Mirabal Sisters is the stuff of legend in the DR, Sisters of the Underground brings these hidden figures to life for a global audience in a vivid, immersive, audio drama.

• “Hungry for History,” Launching October 2022, Unscripted

Eva Longoria and Maite Gomez-Rejón explore the origins of some of the most delicious dishes, and ingredients from Mexico. They’ll share personal memories and family stories about the topic, decode culinary customs, and even provide a recipe or two for listeners to try at home. Through lighthearted dialogue and historical facts, our hosts will take us on a culinary journey that will connect our past with our present and prove that we are “Hungry for History.”

The first episode of “Connections with Eva Longoria” will be available on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms on Thursday, March 31. Subscribe to listen HERE.

About Eva Longoria

Having worked consistently in Hollywood for over 20 years, Eva Longoria has cemented herself as an industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera.  An award-winning actress, Emmy-nominated director, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist, Longoria has been leading the charge of diverse and female representation since her starring role in the hit ABC series Desperate Housewives. Through her production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, Longoria has become one the most significant trailblazers and recently renewed her overall deal with Twentieth Television. Founded in 2005, the company actively chooses purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. The company has also partnered with ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group for their First Time Directors program highlighting BIPOC and women filmmakers to produce 50 films across the group’s portfolio of networks and streaming services. Longoria has directed countless hours of television and recently wrapped production on her feature directorial debut, the biopic Flamin’ Hot for Searchlight. Named by Variety Magazine as one of the directors to watch in 2021, she is also preparing to direct two other feature films – the workplace comedy 24/7 for Universal Pictures in which she will executive produce and star opposite Kerry Washington, and female action comedy Spa Day for Sony Pictures. Additionally, Longoria directed the documentary La Guerra Civil, produced by her Emmy-nominated UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which tells the story of boxers Oscar de la Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez, delving into the historic bouts between the two Latino giants. La Guerra Civil premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and will be released later this year. In September 2021, Longoria launched Casa Del Sol tequila, a luxury sipping Tequila, inspired by the magic of golden hour and the legend of the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel. As a Mexican-American, she is proud to be a co-founder of a brand with authentic Mexican roots with a strong female influence. Recently named by People Magazine as one of the “Women Changing the World”, Longoria is a dedicated philanthropist and activist who has consistently lent her voice to the issues she is passionate about, ranging from immigration to STEM education. Committed to empowering Latinas everywhere, Longoria established the Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF) in 2012 to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through educational programs, scholarships, mentorship and entrepreneurship. She is a co-founder of Latino Victory Fund, Momento Latino and Poderistas. Longoria has also been the face of L’Oréal Paris for over 15 years. A native of Texas, Longoria currently resides in Los Angeles with her family. 

The Complicated Rise & Fall of Phoenix Jones, Seattle’s Real-Life Crime-Fighting Vigilante

Download Cover Art HERE

Listen To the Trailer HERE

First Two Episodes Launch on April 5

NEW YORK (March 29, 2022) — Today iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Novel, the ascendant UK podcast studio behind the ambitious global Apple #1 Harsh Reality: The Story Of Miriam Rivera, announce their remarkable new podcast The Superhero Complex. The podcast tracks the enigmatic rise and fall of Phoenix Jones, Seattle’s real-life crime-fighting vigilante, as he goes from beloved local icon and leader of The Rain City Superhero Movement to a dejected and humiliated figure waiting for a verdict on a charge of selling cocaine to undercover cops. 

Was he a super villain all along? Host David Weinberg enters the unbelievable world of Phoenix Jones - and the universe of costumed crusaders – to find out the truth.

Listen to a trailer for The Superhero Complex here.

When Phoenix Jones first comes into the public eye, he seems a true American original: By day, he’s Ben Fodor: a semi-pro MMA fighter. By night, Ben slips through a secret door in the back of a comic book store and emerges, clad in a black and gold suit and mask, to patrol the streets of Seattle alongside a crew of fellow oddballs: former soldiers, ex-cops, recovered drug addicts and reformed criminals. 

But throughout The Superhero Complex, listeners will learn the complicated truth beyond the tall tales and myth-building: The challenges of running a real-life ring of wannabe superheroes, betrayals among friends, a failed return to MMA, and hitting rock bottom when he’s brought down on a drug charge. It’s a story of outsized ambition, the allure of unconventional charisma, and the unclear motivations of someone trying so desperately to be something bigger than themselves. 

Told with a balance of in-depth reportage and empathetic character study, The Superhero Complex interrogates not only the mysteries of Phoenix Jones but our society’s fascination with superheroes, and what it means to take the law into your own hands. With outsized personalities that would make Joe Exotic blush and a twisting narrative that confounds at every turn, The Superhero Complex is a daring new limited podcast series. 

The Superhero Complex launches with its first two episodes on April 5, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday on iHeartRadio and all other platforms.The Superhero Complex is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the premiere episode on their favorite device. 

About David Weinberg

Host and reporter David Weinberg’s work is a constant presence on ‘best of the year’ podcast lists with his character-driven stories for KCRW, All Things Considered, Press Play, Radiolab, Love+Radio and Unfictional. He is the producer of Below the Ten and Welcome to LA and he has won multiple journalism awards, including a national Edward R. Murrow award for feature reporting.

About Novel

Novel is the largest independent podcast production company in Europe. The company produces ambitious original podcasts and award-winning shows for brands like Spotify, Audible, Wondery and iHeart, including an Apple Global #1 (Harsh Reality: The Story Of Miriam Rivera), multiple UK Apple #1s (Fantasy Premier League Podcast, The Bellingcat Podcast), and successful forays into avant comedy (Futile Attempts), music (Charli XCX’s Best Song Ever), and LGBTQ+ culture (Call Me Mother).

The new Curativity kids slate brings popular Mr. Jim shows’ “Kids Animal Stories” and “Kids Short Stories” to the iHeartPodcast Network and will debut new podcast “Spyology Squad” on April 4

Listen to the official “Spyology Squad” trailer now HERE

NEW YORK – March 28, 2022 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Collab Inc. today announced the launch of Curativity, LLC, a new podcast studio publishing creator-centric shows with Collab’s top talent, and debut a new slate of family shows. The Curativity kids slate will kick off with three shows featuring popular kids collab talent Mr. Jim, including a new weekly series “Spyology Squad,” which is set to launch April 4. In addition, the widely-loved kids’ programs, “Kids Animal Stories” and “Kids Short Stories,” which have a combined total of more than a million monthly downloads, will join the slate. 

“iHeartMedia is thrilled to team up with Collab to launch Curativity, LLC and bring this new entertaining and educational slate of podcasts to the iHeartPodcast Network,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer for the iHeartPodcast Network. “We’ve seen how popular ‘Kids Animal Stories’ and ‘Kids Short Stories’ are with young listeners, and are excited to offer them a new series from the beloved Mr. Jim that tackles science with a fun, adventurous twist.” 

The upcoming weekly series, “Spyology Squad,” will follow Jayden, Ava and Mr. Jim as they work to stop Dr. Stinkybreath and his Purple Ninjas from taking over the world through science. With three episodes launching each week, kids can tune in to learn all about a new subject in science while saving the world together. Each episode is jam-packed with adventure and brings back Mr. Jim’s team of spies, making learning about science fun, approachable and memorable for kids of all ages. The show will feature popular elementary school science topics like gravity, the digestive system and more.

Additional programs joining the iHeartPodcast Network as part of the slate include:

• “Kids Short Stories” – The daily show invites young listeners to tune in to hear themselves as the character in their own story. Each day, host Mr. Jim will share a short story from the imagination of children around the world, engaging kids through the power of story and equipping parents to let their child’s imagination run free. Parents can submit their child’s name and interests at kidsshortstories.com, and Mr. Jim will build a customized story around the submission.
• “Kids Animal Stories” – Hosted by Mr. Jim, the weekly series explores the animal kingdom with endless amounts of adventure and opportunity to bring kids’ stories to life. From the deserts of Africa, to the mountains of Asia, to the jungles of South America, children can tune in to learn about the wonders of the animal world and learn all about the creatures around us. With five new episodes every week, there’s never a dull moment in the animal kingdom.

“This kids slate is an exciting addition to the world of family-fun entertainment and podcasting,” said Eric Jacks, Chief Strategy Officer of Collab Inc. “‘Spyology Squad’ is a new kind of show that features an all-star cast to fully immerse young listeners into the world of ninjas, spies, and science – making any subject matter easy and fun to learn. We’re so excited to be partnering with iHeartMedia to launch Curativity and bring the amazing stories from Mr. Jim to the iHeartPodcast Network.”   

Curativity, LLC is a new company formed by Collab Inc. and iHeartMedia to produce shows curated through Collab’s relationships with top creator talent and storytellers, sharing interesting and entertaining stories and adventures from today’s leading content creators through the podcast medium. 

All shows on the new slate are distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen on their favorite device anywhere they are.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Use the below audio embed codes to include the “Kids Animal Stories” and “Kids Short Stories” podcast players directly into your article.

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Kids Short Stories: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-kids-short-stories-73616219/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Cover art can be found HERE (credit iHeartRadio)

LL COOL J, Jennifer Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, Jason Aldean, John Legend, Charlie Puth and Måneskin Among All-Star Performers 

Jennifer Lopez Honored with 2022 iHeartRadio Icon Award

 The Event Featured Special Appearances From Olivia Rodrigo, Silk Sonic, Lil Nas X, Billy Porter, The Kid Laroi, David Guetta, Avril Lavigne, Shaun White

Watch on FOX NOW and Hulu through April 12 

NEW YORK, N.Y. – March 23, 2022 – The 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards brought the biggest names in entertainment together from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles to celebrate all things music, live on FOX, iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio App, on Tuesday, March 22. Hosted by LL COOL J, the fan-fueled iHeartRadio Music Awards featured performances and incredible collaborations including LL COOL J, Jennifer Lopez, Megan Thee Stallion, Jason Aldean, John Legend, Charlie Puth and Måneskin.

The 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored the legendary Jennifer Lopez with the 2022 iHeartRadio Icon Award, honoring her global impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force with a loyal fan base worldwide. 

In addition, the show featured special appearances from Olivia Rodrigo, Silk Sonic, Lil Nas X, Billy Porter, The Kid LAROI, David Guetta, Avril Lavigne, Shaun White, All Time Low, Willow Smith, Robin Thicke, Nicole Scherzinger, Gina Torres, Oliver Hudson, Taylor Momsen, Lainey Wilson, Dove Cameron, Danica McKellar, Kelly Rowland and more.

The official hashtag of the evening, #iHeartAwards2022, trended on Twitter Worldwide and in the U.S. 

The 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards is available to watch on FOX NOW and Hulu through April 12. 

Additional highlights included: 

• Host of the evening, LL COOL J opened the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards with a powerful performance as he wowed the live audience with a medley of his hit songs, “Don’t Call It a Comeback,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Rampage,” “The Boomin System” and more.
• Shaun White presented Italian rockers Måneskin with the award for Best New Alternative Artist presented by Stifel before the band gave fans a rock-infused performance of their mega-hit song, “Beggin,” and “I Wanna Be Your Slave.”
• LL COOL J presented Jennifer Lopez with the 2022 iHeartRadio Icon Award – later in the evening, Jennifer Lopez returned to the stage to mesmerize fans with her show-stopping dance moves as she performed her new single, “On My Way” and “Get Right.” Billy Porter introduced her performance which opened with a fashion show featuring drag queens, including stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, rocking J. Lo’s most iconic looks throughout the years.
• Kelly Rowland presented Megan Thee Stallion with the iHeartRadio Trailblazer Award before a sultry performance of “Megan’s Piano” and “Sweetest Pie.”
• Lainey Wilson introduced Country Song of the Year winner, Jason Aldean to the iHeartRadio Music Awards stage. With his band in tow, he opened his set with an electrifying performance of “Dirt Road,” before continuing with his new hit songs, “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and “If I Didn’t Love You.”
• Gina Torres introduced a special dueling piano collaboration from John Legend and Charlie Puth – as they each performed snippets of the other artists’ hits– Legend sang verses of Puth’s “See You Again,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore” and “Attention,” while Puth performed Legend’s “Ordinary People” and “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” before they serenaded the audience with “All Of Me.” The duo, who co-wrote songs together, also surprised fans with a performance of “Dope” and “Light Switch.”

Category winners were:

Song of the Year:

• “Levitating” - Dua Lipa

Female Artist of the Year:

• Olivia Rodrigo

Male Artist of the Year:

• Lil Nas X

Best Duo/Group of the Year:

• Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Best Collaboration:

• “Stay” - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

Best New Pop Artist:

• Olivia Rodrigo

Pop Album of the Year:

• 30 - Adele

Alternative Song of the Year:

• “Monsters” - All Time Low featuring blackbear

Alternative Artist of the Year:

• Machine Gun Kelly

Best New Alternative Artist presented by Stifel:

• Måneskin

Alternative Album of the Year:

• Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish

Rock Song of the Year:

• “Waiting On A War” - Foo Fighters

Rock Artist of the Year:

• Foo Fighters

Best New Rock Artist presented by Stifel:

• Mammoth WVH

Rock Album of the Year:

• Medicine at Midnight - Foo Fighters

Country Song of the Year:

• “If I Didn't Love You” - Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood

Country Artist of the Year:

• Luke Combs

Best New Country Artist presented by Stifel:

• Lainey Wilson

Country Album of the Year:

• Dangerous: The Double Album - Morgan Wallen           

Dance Song of the Year:

• “Do It To It” - ACRAZE featuring Cherish

Dance Artist of the Year:

• David Guetta

Dance Album of the Year:

• Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa

Hip-Hop Song of the Year:

• “What You Know Bout Love” - Pop Smoke

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:

• Drake

Best New Hip-Hop Artist presented by Stifel:

• Yung Bleu

Hip-Hop Album of the Year:

• The Off-Season – J. Cole

R&B Song of the Year:

• “Leave The Door Open” - Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

R&B Artist of the Year:

• Jazmine Sullivan

Best New R&B Artist presented by Stifel:

• Giveon

R&B Album of the Year:

• An Evening with Silk Sonic - Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Song of the Year:

• “Pepas” - Farruko

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Artist of the Year:

• Bad Bunny

Latin Pop/ Reggaeton Album of the Year:

• KG0516 - Karol G        

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:

• “La Casita” - Banda Sinaloense MS De Sergio Lizárraga

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:

• Calibre 50

Regional Mexican Album of the Year:

• Corta Venas – Eslabón Armado

Best New Latin Artist presented by Stifel:

• Grupo Firme

iHeartRadio Icon Award:

• Jennifer Lopez

iHeartRadio Trailblazer Award:

• Megan Thee Stallion

iHeartRadio Tour of the Year:

• Harry Styles

iHeartRadio Chart Ruler Award – Most Weeks at #1 at CHR (12 Weeks):

• “Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

iHeartRadio Hat Trick Award – 3 #1 singles from the same album at CHR:

• Lil Nas X

Producer of the Year:

• Finneas

Songwriter of the Year:

• Omer Fedi

Label of the Year

• Republic Records

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category

• “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)” - Taylor Swift

Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category

• “good 4 u” (Olivia Rodrigo) - Camila Cabello

Best Fan Army: *Socially Voted Category

• #BTSARMY - BTS

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category

• “Butter” - BTS

Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category

• Bella Poarch

Favorite Tour Photographer: *Socially Voted Category

• Love On Tour (Harry Styles) - Anthony PHAM

TikTok Bop of the Year: *Socially Voted Category

• “good 4 u” - Olivia Rodrigo

Best Comeback Album (New Category): *Socially Voted Category

• 30 - Adele

TikTok Songwriter of the Year (New Category): *Socially Voted Category

• Jax

For a full list of categories visit www.iheart.com/awards.

Executive producers for the “iHeartRadio Music Awards” are Joel Gallen, for Tenth Planet; and John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Bart Peters, for iHeartMedia.

Proud partners of the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards include Stifel – supporting artists and fans alike by providing the right advisors to navigate their success. Additional proud partners across iHeartRadio platforms include California Community Colleges, HEINEKEN, Logitech, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.”

“Payback” launches the second season of audio documentary anthology "Longshot," from McClatchy and iHeartMedia, exploring the intersection of sports and social change as it delves into US Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay

NEW YORK AND RALEIGH, NC – March 15, 2022 – The Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer, in collaboration with iHeartRadio, today announced the release of “Payback,” a new multimedia series on the years-long fight by members of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) against what they allege is “institutionalized gender discrimination” in professional soccer. On February 22, 2022, the six-year legal battle between U.S. Soccer and the USWNT came to an end with an announced $24M settlement and a pledge from the league’s governing body that steps would be taken to ensure equal pay between men’s and women’s teams in all competitions, including the World Cup. “Payback” examines some of the circumstances and events that led to the players’ filing. The first episode will debut March 15 with new episodes available each Tuesday.

Click here to listen to the "Payback" trailer.

“Payback” is a multimedia anthology composed of text stories, videos, graphic art and novel design and is unique in both its content and its creation in that it is a series conceived, developed and led entirely by women. Hosted by Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer lead soccer writer Alex Andrejev, “Payback” frames the USWNT’s fight for pay equity through the story of team member Jessica McDonald. A former star high school basketball player from Arizona and gifted natural athlete, McDonald led her Phoenix-based soccer club to seven consecutive titles before being recruited by University of North Carolina. In 2010, with two national titles with the Tar Heels under her belt, McDonald was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars. Two years later, she would give birth to her son, making McDonald the only single mother in the National Women’s Soccer League, at a time when the league’s maximum annual salary was only $31,500. McDonald was earning closer to the league minimum of $6,500.

“[I] got traded a lot, and had to find new babysitters and child care all the time,” McDonald said. “If I put [my son] in daycare, that’s my entire paycheck.” It is that delicate balancing act between the demands of children and career that is at the center of McDonald’s story. In 2019, the 31-year-old McDonald was chosen by U.S. Soccer to join the USWNT World Cup roster, which was expected to capture another tournament title. Ongoing pay inequality would prompt the players, including McDonald, to file a landmark lawsuit against U.S. Soccer.

While the pay inequities were systemic throughout elite women’s soccer in the U.S., those inequalities were felt more acutely by McDonald, as both a single mother and a woman of color. “Payback” is a story told at the intersection of race, gender and class, and is a microcosm of the hurdles faced by many women looking to crack glass ceilings.

“It is no accident that we are unveiling this series during Women’s History Month,” said Charlotte Observer editor Rana L. Cash. “This is a story about women’s soccer, but this same story of systemic pay inequality could be told about any number of institutions and industries. Women make enormous contributions in every field and endeavor, but ‘Payback’ is a stark reminder that being the best is often still not enough, and that organizations sometimes need to be forced into doing the right thing.”

“As a champion at UNC, a champion with the North Carolina Courage and a champion with the national team, Jessica McDonald has a rightful place in the pantheon of North Carolina sports luminaries,”  said News & Observer editor Bill Church. “For us, hers is a remarkable local story with national impact—and it’s just the kind of story McClatchy newsrooms are ideally positioned to tell.” 

"Payback" is the second season in an anthology of character-driven audio documentaries co-produced by iHeartMedia and McClatchy, called "Longshot." The series, which debuted with "Return Man," a podcast investigating the mysterious death of former pro-football player Jim Duncan, focuses exclusively on the intersection of sports and social change. The series is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network and is available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

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