iHeartMedia

Launching October 21, the weekly podcast features conversations with Penn and notable figures in pop culture, science and civics including Bill Nye, Stacey Abrams, Pete Buttigieg, Ed Helms, Jon Favreau and more, exploring the uncanny ways history repeats itself

NEW YORK – October 14, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and SNAFU Media, today announced "Here We Go Again,” a new original podcast hosted by actor, writer and producer Kal Penn. Premiering October 21, the series will connect today’s biggest headlines to mirror images from throughout history, with a fresh dose of satire, insight, and optimism. The show will be produced by SNAFU Media, a partnership between Ed Helms’ Pacific Electric Picture Company and FilmNation Entertainment, in association with Kelly and Kelly. Fans can listen to the trailer now, HERE.

In his debut podcast, Penn will bring his own personal curiosity, empathy and humor from decades as an actor (Harold and Kumar, House, How I Met Your Mother) and an impactful stint as a White House staffer to tackle the question: why does history keep repeating itself? Each week, Penn will take a current trend or headline and travel back to the past with an expert guest to interrogate it. From topics like The New Space Race, Secession Movements, Infrastructure Collapses, Policing Fashion, Movie Remakes and much more, “Here We Go Again with Kal Penn” will infuse today's chaotic news cycle with optimism and hope that America can get through whatever comes its way.

With insights from a wide range of thinkers, cultural figures and notable colleagues including Bill Nye, Ed Helms, Michael Lewis, Stacey Abrams, Pete Buttigieg, Lilly Singh, Jana Schmieding, Jon Favreau, Karina Longworth, Alok Vaid Menon and more, Penn and his guests will unpack instances of history repeating itself, the root cause and what lessons listeners can draw today. 

Penn, who is both host and EP for his debut podcast, explained, “From serious things (like financial collapse) to ludicrous pet peeves (like why there's never a gate agent ready when your plane lands), I wanted to combine institutional knowledge with uplifting, calm conversation that can help us all sort through the chaos of this planet we share. In each episode, we'll have hopeful conversations with people who understand things best, before looking ahead at what the future might hold and what our place in it could be.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with SNAFU Media again as listeners’ appetite for fresh perspectives on history continues to grow,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Kal brings both genuine curiosity and a unique viewpoint to every story he tells. His engaging storytelling makes history feel personal and relevant, and we’re excited to have him join iHeartPodcasts where he can reach and inspire an even wider audience.”

iHeartPodcasts and SNAFU Media have collaborated on the past three seasons of “SNAFU with Ed Helms,” which won the 2024 Signal Awards for Best Writing and Best Host in the category Limited Series and Specials. The fourth season of SNAFU launched earlier this month with a line-up of guests like Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey, Nick Kroll, Paul Scheer, Jordan Klepper, Jake Tapper, Desi Lydic, Sophia Bush and more.  

"SNAFU Media is all about smart, fun storytelling that tackles today’s chaos head-on, and Kal Penn is a perfect new partner in that mission,” said Helms. “He’s authentic, hilarious, absurdly talented, and, thanks to his White House gig, frighteningly well-informed. With Kal on our team, SNAFU Media's cartoon supervillain plot for worldwide podcast domination is officially unstoppable."

“Here We Go Again with Kal Penn” is executive produced by Penn, Helms and Mike Falbo for Pacific Electric Picture Company; Alyssa Martino and Andy Kim for FilmNation; Pat Kelly and Chris Kelly for Kelly and Kelly; and Dylan Fagan for iHeartPodcasts. It is produced by Dave Shumka and Megan Tan.

“Here We Go Again” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard beginning Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Podcast art is available for download HERE

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About Kal Penn

Kal Penn is an actor, writer, and producer known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and Disney+’s The Santa Clauses, which earned him an Emmy nomination. Next up, Penn will be appearing in the highly anticipated fourth season of HBO/Max’s acclaimed drama Industry.

Following Trevor Noah’s departure from The Daily Show, Penn was invited to guest host the iconic Comedy Central series, delivering two standout weeks at the helm, and earning the highest ratings among all guest hosts. 

Beyond entertainment, Penn took a brief sabbatical to serve in the Obama administration. As an Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and the President’s Liaison to Young Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the Arts community, he worked on issues like the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the Affordable Care Act, and the DREAM Act. He also served on the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities, helping lead the first-ever U.S. Government arts delegation to Cuba. 

Penn holds a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Theater, Film, and Television from UCLA and a Graduate Certificate in International Security from Stanford University. He has been an adjunct lecturer at both the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA.

His bestselling book and audiobook You Can’t Be Serious, about systemic change in Hollywood and politics, is available now.

About FilmNation Entertainment

FilmNation Entertainment is a leading independent entertainment company that produces, finances, and distributes award-winning films, television series, podcasts,  and theater productions that combine strong creative voices and global appeal. Recent FilmNation productions include Sean Baker’s Academy Award-Winning Anora, starring Mikey Madison, which won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress; Edward Berger’s Academy Award-Winning Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini; and sales for Pablo Larraín’s Academy Award-Nominated Maria starring Angelina Jolie. The company also produced award-winning box office hits that include Promising Young Woman, Arrival, and The Big Sick. FilmNation is the home of Infrared, a new film production label focused on mainstream genre films with franchise potential. Infrared’s first production, Novocaine starring Jack Quaid was released in March. 

FilmNation’s podcasting division is the home of non-fiction storytelling for the company, featuring character-driven storytelling and original voices uniquely suited to the medium. Popular podcasts include the Signal-Award winning “SNAFU with Ed Helms” for iHeartMedia, which  inspired the book SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups is a New York Times Best Seller; the true crime podcast “Murder on the Towpath” with host Soledad O’Brien, a Luminary original which recently relaunched with iHeartPodcasts; and “Greatest Escapes with Arturo Castro”, also for iHeartPodcasts.

FilmNation launched its television division with I Know This Much is True for HBO, for which Mark Ruffalo earned the 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Recent releases include Small Town, Big Story for Sky. With teams in both Los Angeles and London, FilmNation’s television division is currently developing multiple new projects with global appeal.

FilmNation’s theater investments include 2024 Best Play Tony-Winner Stereophonic. Additional theater credits include the Tony Award-Winning productions Prima Facie, The Sound Inside, and The Band’s Visit. 

About Pacific Electric Picture Company

Founded by Ed Helms and Mike Falbo in 2012, Pacific Electric Picture Co. is a production company with a first look deal at Universal Television. Television credits include RUTHERFORD FALLS, created by Helms, Sierra Teller Ornelas, and Mike Schur for Peacock & UTV, as well as TRUE STORY WITH ED & RANDALL, co-hosted by Helms and Randall Park, for Peacock. Pacific Electric also produced the critically acclaimed sketch show AUNTY DONNA’S BIG OL’ HOUSE OF FUN for Netflix, and the WGA Award-winning Comedy Central special THE FAKE NEWS WITH TED NELMS, a subversive, a-political news show satire, hosted by a guy who kind of looks like Ed Helms. 

On the feature side, they are currently in post-production on SMUDGE THE BLADES, written and directed by Cody Lightning. They produced COFFEE AND KAREEM for Netflix, directed by Michael Dowse and starring Helms, Taraji P Henson, Betty Gilpin, and David Alan Grier, and CORPORATE ANIMALS, written by Sam Bain and directed by Patrick Brice, starring Demi Moore, Jessica Williams, and Karan Soni, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. 

In addition to their TV and film slates, PEPCo has a thriving podcast business, including the upcoming season 4 of SNAFU WITH ED HELMS, in partnership with FilmNation for iHeart. Ed also wrote a companion book, New York Times bestseller SNAFU: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO HISTORY'S GREATEST SCREWUPS, based on the podcast. A number of additional podcasts are being launched under the SNAFU umbrella in the coming months. 

The event will feature performances from Green Day, Twenty One Pilots, Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Good Charlotte, Gigi Perez, Mt. Joy and Almost Monday on January 17 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles

NEW YORK – October 14, 2025 – iHeartMedia announced today the lineup for the annual iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One. The biggest names in Alternative Rock will come together including Green Day, Twenty One Pilots, Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Good Charlotte, Gigi Perez, Mt. Joy and Almost Monday at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 17, 2026 hosted by Woody of iHeartRadio ALT 98.7’s nationally syndicated “The Woody Show.” The event will broadcast live for fans on iHeartRadio Alternative and Rock stations across the country and on iHeartRadio.com.

“If it were a lesser lineup you'd need a stronger host, but look at this list of performers- it's incredible,” said Woody of iHeartRadio ALT 98.7’s nationally syndicated The Woody Show. “I can't wait to see all these bands and help guide a full house at the Forum through what's going to be an insane experience!”

All this week, iHeartRadio is giving Alternative Rock fans the opportunity to win trips to Los Angeles to attend the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One before the tickets go on sale. The promotion will run across more than 80 Alternative, Rock and Classic Rock 90s iHeartRadio stations nationwide.

“This year’s iHeartRadio ALTer EGO brings together a powerhouse lineup that reflects the full diversity of Alternative and Rock with absolute legends like Green Day and Twenty One Pilots mixed in with breakout artists like Myles Smith, Gigi Perez, and Almost Monday,” said Lisa Worden, Program Director for ALT 98.7 and Senior Vice President of Rock and Alternative for iHeartMedia. “We are honored to have such a brilliant collection of artists on the show this year. Sublime has had the No. 1 song at Alternative radio for the past four weeks eclipsing their previous No. 1 singles, Good Charlotte will play their first show in Los Angeles in over 10 years, and Cage the Elephant is fresh off a U.S. tour with Oasis. All of these artists are ready to bring it! We cannot wait.”

Eligible Capital One cardholders get early access to high demand tickets through a Capital One Cardholder presale which begins Tuesday, October 21 at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET and runs through Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET, or while presale supplies last. Cardholders can also add a Capital One Access Pass to presale ticket purchases to attend an exclusive event before the show including a private soundcheck performance by Cage The Elephant, complimentary food and drinks, and more. Presale tickets and exclusive cardholder offers will be available at iHeartRadio.com/capitalone.  

Listeners will then have access to a limited number of tickets through ALT 98.7, LA’s New Alternative radio station, 24-hour VIP-Sale. Fans can become an ALT VIP at www.alt987fm.com to access tickets beginning Thursday, October 23 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET through Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. PT/ 1 p.m. ET or while supplies last. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, October 24 at 12 p.m. PT/ 3 p.m. ET via TicketMaster.com.

“We’re proud to once again present iHeartRadio ALTer EGO, which has become a must-attend event for Alternative Rock fans,” said Byron Daub, Vice President of Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at Capital One. “At Capital One we’re committed to providing unique value, and the early ticket access and Capital One Access Pass experiences are our way of showing appreciation to our cardholders and connecting them to their passion for music.”

iHeartRadio ALTer EGO Presented by Capital One is part of iHeartMedia’s roster of incredibly successful, nationally recognized concert events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the nationwide iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartPodcast Awards and the iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One.

Proud partners of this year’s event include Presenting Partner Capital One.

Artists and/or events subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Designed for audio entertainment lovers, the 6-episode limited series launches October 9 with special guest Jennie Garth diving into one of her favorite Audible Original titles, ‘Pride & Prejudice’

LISTEN TO THE FIRST EPISODE HERE

WHAT: Ruby, iHeartMedia’s branded studio dedicated to crafting meaningful, impactful and culturally relevant stories with partners, in collaboration with Audible, today debuted “Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club” – a limited podcast series designed for audiobook lovers and fans of immersive audio-first storytelling experiences. Hosted by beloved actors and audio enthusiasts Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover) and Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar, House), each episode will bring together a star-stuffed lineup of iHeartPodcast hosts and special guests to dive into the Audible projects they can’t stop listening to. Whether it’s one of Audible’s new groundbreaking Audible Originals or much-anticipated new audiobook releases, “Earsay” is where listeners will come to hear the stories behind the stories.

Episode one will feature a special appearance by actress Jennie Garth (90210), host of iHeartPodcasts’ “I Choose Me.” Garth will join Helms and Penn to discuss the Audible Original adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” a bold, full-cast reimagining of the classic Jane Austen novel, highlighting modern sensibilities and a fresh take on timeless themes.

Future guests and titles will include Randy McKinnon, creator of “The Prophecy,” an Audible Original supernatural thriller series that follows a woman facing otherworldly forces in a high-stakes battle for humanity’s future. 

WHO: Co-hosted by actor, comedian, and writer Ed Helms and actor, author, and former White House staffer Kal Penn. Ed Helms is best known for his roles in The Office, The Hangover trilogy, and Rutherford Falls. He is the creator and host of the hit history iHeartPodcast SNAFU, which explores the most absurd and consequential blunders in modern history and released its fourth season on October 8, 2025. In 2025, Helms published his New York Times bestselling debut book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups, a humorous and insightful look at historical mishaps from the 1950s to the 2000s. Kal Penn’s career spans Hollywood and public service. He’s known for his roles in Harold & Kumar, House, and Designated Survivor. His bestselling memoir, You Can’t Be Serious, chronicles his journey from comedy to the Obama administration, offering candid reflections on identity, politics and representation. 

WHEN: The first episode of “Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club” is available today, October 9, 2025. New episodes will be released biweekly on Thursdays.

WHERE: “Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is now available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. And want to hear the Audible titles they’re raving about in the podcast? Head over to the Audible app to find “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Prophecy,” and all other titles mentioned, available now. 

ASSETS: Download the hi-res cover art HERE.

Embed the podcast audio player into any website or article using the below HTML code:

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ABOUT AUDIBLE, INC.

Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering global audiences a powerful way to enhance and enrich their lives through extraordinary content. Audible’s catalog includes more than 1 million audio titles, including Audible Originals as well as audiobooks and podcasts from leading studios, print, audio and magazine publishers and world-renowned entertainers.

Joining Ed to break down this season’s SNAFUs are Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey, Nick Kroll, Adam Scott, Jenny Slate, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, and more.

Listen to the first episode HERE

WHAT: “SNAFU with Ed Helms” – the award-winning podcast about history’s greatest screwups – returns with a brand-new season featuring a fresh weekly format, a video component and a star-studded lineup of guests. Produced by SNAFU Media – a partnership between Helms’ Pacific Electric Picture Company and FilmNation Entertainment – and iHeartPodcasts, each episode dives into a bite-sized SNAFU from history, told with a comedic twist, as Ed and his famous friends unpack what these fiascos, blunders, and disasters say about us as human beings.

The new season comes on the heels of Ed’s New York Times’ bestselling book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups, which elaborates on some of the most outrageous SNAFUs since World War II. 

Season 4 will cover infamous disasters including the Donner Party, the Teapot Dome scandal, the Great Molasses Flood, Ernest Shackleton’s expedition, the 1977 NYC Blackout, Tammany Hall, the Johnstown Flood, and the Mona Lisa heist, among others. Joining Ed to break it all down are Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (Office Ladies), Nick Kroll, Adam Scott, Jenny Slate, Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway, Adam Grant, Paul Scheer, Mike Schur, Jordan Klepper, Kal Penn, Jake Tapper, Sophia Bush, Desi Lydic, Dan Taberski, Jon Lovett, Sarah Spain and others. 

The season kicks off with Ed in conversation with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey about The Lost Nuke of Japan – the 1965 “Broken Arrow” incident in which a U.S. Navy aircraft carrying a hydrogen bomb rolled off the elevator of an aircraft carrier and was lost off the coast of Japan.

SNAFU is a production of iHeartPodcasts and SNAFU Media. The word “SNAFU” is a military acronym coined by soldiers in World War II which stands for “Situation Normal: All F***** Up.”

WHO: Host - Actor, Writer, and Comedian Ed Helms. 

WHERE: “SNAFU with Ed Helms” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. New weekly episodes will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Video episodes will also be available on YouTube. 

WHEN: From Wednesday, October 8, 2025. 

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About FilmNation Entertainment

FilmNation Entertainment is a leading independent entertainment company that produces, finances, and distributes award-winning films, television series, podcasts,  and theater productions that combine strong creative voices and global appeal. Recent FilmNation productions include Sean Baker’s Academy Award-Winning Anora, starring Mikey Madison, which won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actress; Edward Berger’s Academy Award-Winning Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini; and sales for Pablo Larraín’s Academy Award-Nominated Maria starring Angelina Jolie. The company also produced award-winning box office hits that include Promising Young Woman, Arrival, and The Big Sick. FilmNation is the home of Infrared, a new film production label focused on mainstream genre films with franchise potential. Infrared’s first production, Novocaine starring Jack Quaid was released in March. 

FilmNation’s podcasting division is the home of non-fiction storytelling for the company, featuring character-driven storytelling and original voices uniquely suited to the medium. Popular podcasts include the Signal-Award winning “SNAFU with Ed Helms” for iHeartMedia, which  inspired the book SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups is a New York Times Best Seller; the true crime podcast “Murder on the Towpath” with host Soledad O’Brien, a Luminary original which recently relaunched with iHeartPodcasts; and “Greatest Escapes with Arturo Castro”, also for iHeartPodcasts.

FilmNation launched its television division with I Know This Much is True for HBO, for which Mark Ruffalo earned the 2020 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Recent releases include Small Town, Big Story for Sky. With teams in both Los Angeles and London, FilmNation’s television division is currently developing multiple new projects with global appeal.

FilmNation’s theater investments include 2024 Best Play Tony-Winner Stereophonic. Additional theater credits include the Tony Award-Winning productions Prima Facie, The Sound Inside, and The Band’s Visit. 

About Pacific Electric Picture Company

Founded by Ed Helms and Mike Falbo in 2012, Pacific Electric Picture Co. is a production company with a first look deal at Universal Television. Television credits include RUTHERFORD FALLS, created by Helms, Sierra Teller Ornelas, and Mike Schur for Peacock & UTV, as well as TRUE STORY WITH ED & RANDALL, co-hosted by Helms and Randall Park, for Peacock. Pacific Electric also produced the critically acclaimed sketch show AUNTY DONNA’S BIG OL’ HOUSE OF FUN for Netflix, and the WGA Award-winning Comedy Central special THE FAKE NEWS WITH TED NELMS, a subversive, a-political news show satire, hosted by a guy who kind of looks like Ed Helms. 

On the feature side, they are currently in post-production on SMUDGE THE BLADES, written and directed by Cody Lightning. They produced COFFEE AND KAREEM for Netflix, directed by Michael Dowse and starring Helms, Taraji P Henson, Betty Gilpin, and David Alan Grier, and CORPORATE ANIMALS, written by Sam Bain and directed by Patrick Brice, starring Demi Moore, Jessica Williams, and Karan Soni, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. 

In addition to their TV and film slates, PEPCo has a thriving podcast business, including the upcoming fourth season of “SNAFU WITH ED HELMS,” in partnership with FilmNation for iHeart, BROOMGATE, produced in partnership with CBC, about a Canadian sports scandal, and a number of additional podcasts to be launched under the SNAFU Media umbrella in the coming months. Ed’s companion book based on his podcast, SNAFU: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO HISTORY'S GREATEST SCREWUPS, landed on the New York Times bestsellers list in its debut week of release.

“Hillbilly Heist,” a special 8-part CrimeLess story narrated by Johnny Knoxville, debuts October 15, followed by the weekly “CrimeLess” anthology podcast hosted by comedian Rory Scovel and true crime podcaster Josh Dean on December 10

Listen to the “Hillbilly Heist” Trailer HERE

NEW YORK – October 8, 2025 – iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network (BMP) and SmartLess Media, in collaboration with Campside Media, today announced “CrimeLess,” an anthology series that breaks down at least one crazy crime each week and answers the questions that listeners are too afraid, or embarrassed, to ask. The comedy true-crime series will kick off with “Hillbilly Heist,” a special eight-part CrimeLess story hosted by Johnny Knoxville. All eight episodes of “Hillbilly Heist” will be available on October 15 exclusively for listeners on the iHeartRadio app. Episodes will post weekly on Wednesdays across all other podcast listening platforms. All fans can listen to the “Hillbilly Heist” trailer now, HERE.

“Hillbilly Heist” will take listeners on a deep dive inside the true story of David Ghantt, a small-town security guard who, along with a band of hopeless accomplices, managed to pull off the second-largest bank heist in U.S. history. Narrated by Johnny Knoxville, the special 8-episode CrimeLess story will uncover how a team of criminals in over their heads got together to pull off one of history’s most unbelievable heists.

"If there is one thing I love in life it’s shortsighted (some would say dumb) criminals who have absolutely no business in the robbery game. They aren’t bad people, they are just bad at planning, worse at execution, and THE WORST at the cover up afterwards,” said Johnny Knoxville. “As an example I would like to introduce you to David, Kelly, and Steve who somehow pulled off one of the biggest and most unintentionally hilarious cash heists in American history.''

Following the conclusion of “Hillbilly Heist” and beginning on December 10, the “CrimeLess” podcast will broaden its lens with weekly anthology stories hosted by comedian Rory Scovel and veteran journalist and true crime podcaster Josh Dean. Each episode, Rory and Josh will explore a new brazen heist, outlandish scam, crypto caper, monkey gang war or otherwise outrageous crime – breaking down the wild characters and details behind it, and how they could have pulled it off better themselves. Equal parts comedy and investigation, the series will offer listeners an offbeat but surprisingly insightful look at the strange world of crime.

“We’re thrilled to team up with SmartLess Media for the first time and to continue collaborating with Campside on such a unique and hilarious project,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “By pairing Rory and Josh’s comedic curiosity with Johnny Knoxville’s narration of ‘Hillbilly Heist,’ we’re delivering a show that’s unlike any other in the true crime genre.”

“CrimeLess” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About SmartLess Media

SmartLess Media is a joint venture between Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Off the success of their mega-hit podcast, SmartLess, the trio founded SmartLess Media to branch out and create more comedy content – for the podcast space and beyond. Every SmartLess Media show sits in the sweet spot between brain candy and hard comedy, much like the namesake podcast. Beyond podcasting, SmartLess Media delivers content to audiences through upcoming docuseries, limited series, short-form content, live entertainment, and more. Richard Korson serves as President of SmartLess Media, working closely with founders Bateman, Hayes, and Arnett.

About Campside Media

Campside Media is a New York City-based audio company built around a collective of elite longform magazine journalists who break and shape big, complex stories. Its shows, including Suspect, Hooked and Wild Boys have been downloaded more than 150 million times and have landed on best-of lists from The New York Times, Spotify, Apple, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone and more. Campside's reputation for making beautifully produced, critically acclaimed hits also extends to popular weekly podcasts including the pop culture hit Infamous, Origin Stories, and Run Fool, a horror show hosted by the legendary Rodney Barnes. There are currently more than 20 scripted and documentary projects in development and production based on Campside’s shows. For “Crimeless: Hillbilly Heist”, Campside worked alongside Executive Producers Liz Elkington and Stewart Bailey.

Eight-part series uncovers the truth behind a string of deaths in Missouri at Truman State University’s Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house, the most infamous suicide cluster in American history

Listen to the official audio trailer now HERE

ST. LOUIS – October 7, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts and Coolfire Studios announced today the launch of The Peacemaker, a new true-crime podcast hosted by investigative journalists Ben Westhoff (Fentanyl, Inc.) and Ryan Krull (St. Louis Magazine). The eight-part investigative series drops Tuesday, October 14, with new episodes released weekly, available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

The Peacemaker will take listeners to Truman State University, a small liberal arts college in Missouri often called the “Harvard of the Midwest.” Between 2016 and 2017, the campus was shaken by a rash of suicides. Many of them were from the Alpha Kappa Lambda (AKL) fraternity and all had close ties to a fellow student named Brandon Grossheim.

Grossheim, the house manager at AKL, was close friends with all of the victims and found some of their bodies. After their deaths, he began dating some of the victims’ girlfriends and wearing one of the victim’s clothes. He was kicked out of his fraternity and is now being sued in civil court over the deaths. Yet not everyone believes Grossheim is guilty. Some call him a caring and empathetic underclassman who had a string of bad luck. He even called himself “The Peacemaker” for his supposed ability to counsel his classmates in their darkest moments. 

But as the suicides continued mounting and police interviewed him at death scenes over and over again, suspicion grew. Why was he so closely tied to all of these suicides? Was he somehow responsible for them? Through exclusive interviews and on-the-ground reporting, hosts Westhoff and Krull will expose new revelations and never-told details, going deeper than anyone has before on this disturbing case—one that continues to divide a college town, perplex the devastated families of the bereaved, and raise urgent questions about mental health, responsibility and justice.

The Peacemaker will bring to light shocking revelations about what really happened inside the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity house and the man at the center of it all. 

The Peacemaker is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listeners can hear the trailer now, here.

Editor’s Note:

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ABOUT COOLFIRE STUDIOS 
Coolfire Studios is a full-service creative and production company based in St. Louis. The studio develops branded entertainment, commercials, documentaries, podcasts, and large-scale content marketing programs for national and global brands. Their work spans from high-end cinematic storytelling to scalable digital and social content, giving them flexibility to serve both Fortune 500 companies and fast-moving marketing teams.

Beyond branded work, Coolfire has a rich history in original unscripted television, producing hit series for major streaming platforms and TV networks. This blend of entertainment pedigree and brand experience gives the team a unique edge, approaching every project with the creative flair of television storytelling and the precision of marketing performance.

ABOUT BEN WESTHOFF
Ben Westhoff is a St. Louis based-investigative journalist and author of the best-selling books Fentanyl, Inc. and Original Gangstas. Focusing on drugs, culture, and poverty, his books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world. He has written for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on Fresh Air and Joe Rogan.

ABOUT RYAN KRULL
Ryan Krull has covered St. Louis and Missouri for ten years, as a freelance reporter, for the Riverfront Times and now for St. Louis Magazine, where he co-authors the popular St. Louis Daily newsletter.

Half a decade into its mission, The Black Effect Podcast Network has delivered an undeniable impact for Black talent and Black listeners

Listen to The Black Effect Podcast Network HERE

NEW YORK – October 7, 2025 – Five years ago, iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God launched The Black Effect Podcast Network with one goal: becoming the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners, bringing 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. Today, that platform is stronger than ever and continues to grow. 

“Our mission has always been to build a dedicated platform where Black voices can thrive. We have accomplished that mission and more,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “The past five years have been extraordinary, and the future of the Black Effect excites us. We will keep inspiring, empowering and creating culture and opportunities for all.” 

Five years into its mission, The Black Effect has delivered an undeniable impact for Black talent and listeners. Major milestones include: 

• Launching a dedicated podcast network that is home to more than 60 shows including  – including "The Breakfast Club," “R&B Money,” "All The Smoke," "Drink Champs," "85South Show" and more.  Plus, over the next year, The Black Effect plans to introduce 10 more shows to its podcast network.
• Generating 11 million monthly downloads, underscoring its expanding scale and reach.
• Venturing into new genres including Parenting, True Crime and Literature with the addition of “Good Moms, Bad Choices,” “Hunting 4 Answers” and two Black Effect original series “BLK LIT” and “Family Therapy.”  
• Expanding the Black Effect brand with two new groundbreaking network partnerships – The Drink Champs Podcast Network and, coming soon, the All The Smoke Podcast Network.  
• Maintaining a position on top podcast charts and winning numerous accolades including NAACP Image Awards, Webby Awards, iHeartPodcast Awards and Signal Awards in recognition of their exceptional storytelling and impact.

“The Black Effect Podcast Network is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity,” added Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “As we celebrate this major milestone, we remain committed to uplifting the power of Black Media representation, shaping the future for Black creators, amplifying unique voices,  and leading boldly into the next era of culture and creativity.”

The power of the platform extends beyond the audio space. The Black Effect has forged partnerships with leading brands including AT&T and Nissan, and created events such as The Black Effect Podcast Festival, that bring fans and creatives together and inspiring conversations that matter. 

The Black Effect Podcast Network is available on the iHeartRadio app, iHeart.com, and everywhere podcasts are heard.

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 and 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 most essential Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose perspectives and creative vision 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.

Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.com

The 2025 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina event will stream live, exclusively on ViX

WHAT: iHeartMedia announced today that Oscar D'León, Danny Ocean, DJ Nelson and Lenier are joining the lineup for the 2025 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina making its return to Miami, Florida at Kaseya Center on Saturday, October 25.

WHO: Hosted by Enrique Santos, President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino and on-air talent for iHeartRadio, the annual concert event will feature performances by Gilberto Santa Rosa, Morat, Kapo, Oscar D'León, Danny Ocean, Olga Tañón, Chyno y Nacho, Elvis Crespo, DJ Nelson and Lenier. Gilberto Santa Rosa will also receive the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award presented by State Farm®.

WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2025

WHERE: Kaseya Center (601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132)

MORE: Tickets are available now at TicketMaster.com.

The 2025 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina event will stream live exclusively on ViX, the leading global Spanish-language streaming service.

iHeartMedia’s Spanish Contemporary Hits, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Tejano and Spanish Oldies radio stations will broadcast the event live in markets across the country and on the iHeartRadio app. Additionally, the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will be broadcasted across iHeartRadio digital stations including Beso, El Patron, Salsa Bembe, Rumba, Reggaeton Vieja Escuela, La Preciosa, Tejano Radio, La Mezcla Fuego con Dj Xtreme, Latino Top 20, Tropical Top 20 and Regional Mexican Top 20.

Proud partners of this year’s event include Audible, Boost Mobile, Celsius Energy Drinks, Goya Foods and State Farm, with more to be announced.

For more information, visit iHeartRadio.com/fiesta.

Artists and/or event are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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ABOUT STATE FARM

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

The Multitalented Actress & Host Is Expanding Her In-Depth Talk Series with Weekly Episodes on The Premier Black-Owned Podcast Platform

Listen Here Now 

NEW YORK – September 30, 2025 – Actress, producer, and host Crystal Reneé Hayslett sets a new home for her celebrated talk series, “Keep It Positive, Sweetie” with the renowned Radio Hall of Fame inductee, bestselling author, multimedia mogul, and cultural architect Charlamagne Tha God's and iHeartMedia's The Black Effect Podcast Network. Fans can catch up on previous episodes and stay tuned for new releases every Sunday on the iHeartRadio app and all podcast platforms the following Tuesday — kicking off with the season nine debut featuring entrepreneur, singer, and reality TV alum Kandi Burruss, which is now available. The partnership was announced during Hayslett’s recent appearance on Power 105.1FM’s The Breakfast Club.

Nicknamed “KIPS” by fans, “Keep It Positive, Sweetie” quickly earned acclaim for its refreshing blend of humor, honesty, and uplifting conversation. Hayslett brings her authentic voice and magnetic personality to chat with popular culture-shapers about navigating growth, healing, spirituality, love, and faith. The series, executive produced by Hayslett, Ashaunna K. Ayars, and Wes Lawrence, offers audiences unparalleled access to beloved stars’ personal values, unique insights, and self-discovery journeys.

“Joining The Black Effect Podcast Network is a meaningful moment for me,” said Hayslett. “KIPS is all about bringing comfort and empowerment to our culture, and I’m honored to welcome my community into this incredible family dedicated to amplifying the powerful conversations that take place on the KIPS couch.”

Launched in 2023, “Keep It Positive, Sweetie” has garnered over 11 million YouTube views from solo chats with Hayslett and guest interviews with the biggest names in entertainment and beyond. 

Thus far, Hayslett has hosted two sold out, self-produced live KIPS shows as well as in-person activations at events like BET Experience, Woman Evolve Conference, and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Sunday, among others.

Up next, Hayslett will head to Washington, D.C. for a live winter show on November 22, 2025 featuring a special guest conversation and a VIP meet-and-greet. For tickets and more information, please visit https://crystalreneehayslett.com/.

“’Keep It Positive, Sweetie’ has built a powerful community that shows up for honest conversations, healing and growth – this aligns perfectly with our mission," said Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “We’re excited to amplify Crystal’s voice on our platform and bring even more listeners the tools, stories and inspiration they deserve.”

“Keep It Positive, Sweetie” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app every Sunday, and on YouTube and all other podcast platforms the following Tuesday. Video exclusives and after-show content can be seen on Patreon.

Editor’s Note:

Include the podcast audio player into any article or website using the below embed code.

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-keep-it-positive-sweetie-116259088/…" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Download the show cover art HERE.

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ABOUT CRYSTAL RENEÉ HAYSLETT

Crystal Reneé Hayslett is an actress on BET’s top shows SISTAS and ZATIMA, the esteemed host of talk series “Keep It Positive, Sweetie”, a singer, and co-owner of U.S. women’s soccer team, DC Power FC. She is also the founder of the Crystal Reneé Hayslett Foundation which provides education, mental health, and financial literacy resources and literature to underserved communities.

A trainee of the Speiser/Sturges Acting Studio, Hayslett stars as fan-favorite character, ‘Fatima,’ on Tyler Perry’s SISTAS on BET which is currently in its ninth season and the spinoff series, ZATIMA, which is currently airing its fourth season on BET+. She starred in a musical role for the Will Packer Productions and Universal Pictures feature film PRAISE THIS, which can be streamed on Peacock. Additional acting credits include: THE GAME (BET); STOMP THE YARD 2: HOMECOMING (Sony Pictures); the short from director Matthew Cherry, THIS TIME.

ABOUT 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.

Discover the untold story of the fearless and flawed heroes who took on the medical establishment and forever changed the landscape of medicine

“Cardiac Cowboys” premieres today on World Heart Day

NEW YORK – September 29, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and OSO Studios, founded by producer Dub Cornett, today announced the debut of “Cardiac Cowboys,” a new six-episode documentary series narrated by actor, producer, director Chris Pine (Star Trek). The podcast will invite listeners to journey into the riveting true story of the birth of heart surgery, spotlighting medical pioneers from America’s heartland whose courage and ingenuity broke barriers and saved countless lives. The entire series will debut today on World Heart Day, September 29, 2025. Listen now, HERE.

For most of human history, the heart was a sacred organ, off-limits to surgeons. “Cardiac Cowboys” will transport listeners into the operating rooms where these audacious young doctors first dared to challenge conventional wisdom. They competed and feuded with each other, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Working on shoestring budgets, they made use of makeshift laboratories and home garages, rigging together old dairy pumps and beer tubes to build medical devices. In the span of a few short years, these American mavericks pioneered the world’s first open-heart operations, forging tools and techniques that still save lives today.

“As the narrator of ‘Cardiac Cowboys,’ I was struck by the sheer bravery and relentless determination of these medical pioneers.” said Pine. "This story is about rule-breakers who risked everything to save lives and changed the course of medicine for all of us.”

OSO Studios’ Dub Cornett and executive producer John Mankiewicz, in association with Barry Linen Motion Pictures and 13th Lake Media, brought together an award-winning creative team that includes writer and co-host Jamie Napoli, as well as GRAMMY award-winning composer David Mansfield to bring the story of the “Cardiac Cowboys” to life.

“When I first read Dr. Gerald Imber’s book about the Cardiac Cowboys, I knew we had to gather our team and create this series. It’s epic in its real-life battles of life and death. These heroic doctors have saved countless lives and their work continues to this day,” said Cornett. “By partnering with iHeartPodcasts to bring this series to the world, we celebrate the physicians whose achievements have touched every family, in one way or another, reaching all of us who have a heart.”

Cardiac Cowboys” is sponsored by Jasper, the leading AI content automation platform that is purpose-built for marketing. Jasper enabled the iHeartMedia team to get this podcast to market faster by automating the production of its promotional assets, even across a broad and diverse set of audiences and channels—from social posts and video promotions to audio advertising spots—while ensuring quality and brand consistency.

“The story of the ‘Cardiac Cowboys’ is a testament to human courage and innovation—qualities that resonate deeply with so many of us,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “We believe this series will not only honor the pioneers of heart surgery but also inspire listeners to consider what’s possible when boundaries are challenged. Thanks to Jasper, our team was able to rapidly create compelling marketing materials and seamlessly promote the podcast to audiences everywhere, helping us amplify the impact of this remarkable story.”

“Cardiac Cowboys” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listeners can experience this groundbreaking series on the iHeartRadio app and across all major podcast platforms. Tune in now and rediscover the proud legacy of America’s heartland heroes—where every life saved and every boundary shattered, began with courage and conviction in the beating heart of the nation.

Editor’s Note:

Include the podcast audio player into any article or website using the below embed code.

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-cardiac-cowboys-291672933/?embed=true frameborder="0"></iframe>

Download the show cover art HERE.

About Chris Pine:

Chris Pine is an actor, director, producer, and writer whose career spans film, television, stage, and publishing. He will next be seen in The Kidnapping of Arabella which premiered at the Venice Film Festival and just wrapped the Zellner brothers’ Alpha Gang alongside Cate Blanchett, Léa Seydoux, and Riley Keough. Pine made his directorial debut last year with Poolman, which he also co-wrote, produced, and starred in opposite Annette Bening, Danny DeVito and Jennifer Jason Leigh. His recent credits include Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Disney’s Wish, Don’t Worry Darling, All the Old Knives, and The Contractor. He is widely recognized for his roles in Wonder Woman, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the Star Trek reboot trilogy, and the Oscar-nominated Hell or High Water. Beyond film, he authored the children’s book “When Digz the Dog Met Zurl the Squirrel” and, through his company Barry Linen Motion Pictures, produces a diverse slate of entertainment across film, television, documentaries, and podcasts.

About OSO Studios:

Oso Studios (www.osostudios.com) is an innovative creative production company dedicated to pioneering authentic storytelling across film, television, music, sports, and culture. With a focus on heartland narratives that resonate globally, Oso has developed and produced award-winning content across multiple platforms. Partnering with artists, estates, and rights holders to reimagine iconic stories and bring them to new audiences, Oso produces groundbreaking documentaries, immersive cultural projects, and stories with enduring impact.

About Jasper:

Jasper is the world's leading content automation platform for marketing, purpose-built to help teams accelerate content production, maintain brand consistency, and scale campaigns across channels. By combining deep brand context, workflow automation, and multi-channel scalability in one solution, Jasper transforms how marketing teams work—powering high-performing content at scale across campaign planning, personalization, localization, and compliance.

Jasper is trusted by hundreds of enterprises worldwide, including Prudential, Cushman & Wakefield, Wayfair, and nearly 20% of the Fortune 500. Founded in 2021, Jasper has team members across the U.S., Australia, and France. To learn more about Jasper, visit www.jasper.ai.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.:

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with five times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company will continue to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.