iHeartMedia

iHeart Will Create Unique IP and Content from Both Popular and Emerging NFT Collections That Will Give NFTs Narratives and Personalities -- The First Time NFTs From Different Projects Will Be United Under One Media Universe 

Innovative Approach to Audio Content Creation Marks Another Step in iHeart’s Commitment To Bringing Web3 To The Mass Market

New York, NY – April 12, 2022 – iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America, announced today a groundbreaking step in advancing awareness of, and demand for, Web3 products and platforms by its mass market consumer audience:  The creation of the Non-Fun Squad, a first-of-its-kind non fungible token (NFT)-based media franchise and shared media universe comprised of characters united across existing prominent PFP (profile picture) NFT collections. Phase one of the Non-Fun Squad universe will be the launch of the Non-Fun Podcast Network, a podcast slate centered around the content, characters and worlds from the Non-Fun Squad.

The IP universe and podcast slate will be created around iHeart-owned NFTs from both prominent NFT collections, including CryptoPunk #2821, Mutant Ape #10144, World of Women #7147 and #7730, as well as from emerging NFT projects, including CrypToadz #5947, Loot (for Adventurers) Bag #2020, and Quirkies #307 and #1988, dramatically extending the boundaries of innovation for audio content creation. iHeartMedia is partnering with federally regulated institutional crypto platform, Anchorage Digital, as a trusted custody solution as iHeart continues to build in Web3.

This marks the first time that individual NFT characters will be united across products and given their own stories, narratives and personalities that will drive their interactions, creating a completely unique experience in the NFT, media and audio spaces.

“There is no real precedent for this,” said Khalil Tawil, EVP and Head of Strategy for iHeartMedia. “Web3 innovations offer an entirely new IP paradigm allowing us to combine the characters from different universes and projects without running into IP rights issues.  These podcasts will be hosted by voices that portray the various NFT characters, and we are only acquiring NFTs that allow us to freely bring to life iHeart-owned NFTs in ways that work for podcasts.”

“As the leader in consumer audio, iHeart is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in audio content creation, and with this initiative we’re extending our Web3 and Metaverse strategy by building new experiences to entertain audiences across new and emerging platforms -- and giving our audiences compelling characters, stories and personalities that they’ll connect with,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.   “We are the first company to use our expertise in podcasting, content production, live music and events to bring these characters to life -- and with our 90% reach of Americans every month, we are the only company able to promote and activate this innovative concept at scale and bring it to the mass market.”

“In addition to using our unparalleled reach and connection to our communities to extend Web3 brands and platforms to the mass market, by creating new opportunities for NFTs we’re able to show our belief in, and support for, the creators, community members and artists in the Web3 space, and explore how NFTs, art and content interact together in the Metaverse in 2022 and beyond,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. “These NFTs and podcast slate are just the beginning for iHeart’s exploration of Web3 and the Metaverse, and we are excited to be part of this cultural moment.

About Anchorage Digital

Anchorage Digital is a regulated platform that provides institutions simple and secure participation in digital assets, all integrated with custody. As the first federally chartered crypto bank, Anchorage offers the most advanced digital asset platform for institutions and is setting a new standard for security and usability. With secure custody at its core, Anchorage delivers financial solutions for today and tomorrow. Learn more at anchorage.com and @Anchorage.

“Exploring The Brand Benefits of Trust and Companionship in Audio” study findings underscore rich opportunity for advertisers in audio environments 

NEW YORK – April 11, 2022 –iHeartMedia [NASDAQ: IHRT], the #1 audio company in the United States, and PMX, the investment arm of Publicis Media, unveiled today the results of a study focused on the rapidly growing community of audio influencers. The study, “Exploring The Brand Benefits of Trust and Companionship in Audio” found that consumers perceive radio and podcast personalities as highly relatable, trustworthy and authentic. These findings present rich opportunity for advertisers to build brand affinity and favorability, and drive purchase in audio environments. 

The new study, conducted by Magid, combines quantitative and qualitative methods to highlight the role that different audio channels play in the lives of audiences when it comes to trust and companionship. According to the research, radio hosts rank high when it comes to their perceived authenticity and connections to the communities they serve. Podcast hosts are perceived as highly honest and trustworthy. 

“With the resiliency of radio and recent explosion of the podcasting space, audio influencers have emerged as a new avenue for advertisers to continue to connect with audiences in authentic ways.” said Chris Yarusso, National Audio Practice Lead, PMX. “Our research confirms that radio and podcast hosts are perceived as some of the most trustworthy, essential, and relatable personalities in the media ecosystem.  With the diversity and variety of radio and podcast content in the marketplace, there is an enormous strategic opportunity for brands to connect with highly engaged consumers across this evolving influencer marketplace.”

The study proves promising for advertisers. Fifty-five percent of participants said they listen to commercials more often on radio and in podcasts than through any other medium. In addition, 53 percent found radio and podcast advertisements to be more relevant than on any other medium and 51 percent said they are more trusting of radio and podcast advertisers than on any other medium. When comparing radio versus streaming music services in nine consumer categories including restaurants, retail, automobiles and more, consumers who purchased a product were more likely to buy from an audio advertisement in every single category. 

“This research highlights what we call the ‘trust halo,’ the unique relationship and trust that audio listeners form with their favorite hosts, personalities and programs,” said Gayle Troberman, CMO of iHeartMedia. “Marketers benefit from this trust halo, as this connection extends into advertising, product recommendations, and the radio and podcast communities at large. Listeners feel an unmatched sense of companionship and learn more about the world and about themselves.”

Other key data takeaways from the study include:

·      Radio listeners are 129 percent more likely than listeners of other audio platforms to say they listen “to be entertained;” 

·      Podcast listeners are 158 percent more likely than listeners of other audio platforms to say they listen “to immerse myself;” 

·      Radio hosts are seen as some of the most relatable and trusted influencers, when compared to other vertical such as TV and social  

·      67 percent of podcast listeners and 74 percent of heavy podcast listeners (defined as the top 25 percent of hours listened per week) say that podcasts “motivate and inspire me;”

·      71 percent of podcast listeners and 79 percent of heavy podcast listeners say that podcasts “educate/teach me something new;”

The research also included a study in which audio listeners were asked to give up radio and podcasts for three days. Participants reported feeling “lonely,” “disconnected,” and “more overwhelmed doing simple tasks.” One radio listener said it “felt like I was being excluded from a conversation.” 

"Radio personalities are the original influencers. We found they've retained that status over time and are now joined by podcast hosts as major influencers in media today. And the data suggests that benefits advertisers in terms of the impact of their campaigns," said Mike Bloxham, Executive Vice President, Global Media and Entertainment, Magid.

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.

Kids Animal Stories: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-kids-animal-stories-90531147/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

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)