iHeartMedia

The first 24/7 all-news audio network with a Black voice and perspective marks five years of growth, impact and trusted storytelling

NEW YORK and CHICAGO – June 30, 2025 – Today marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of BIN: Black Information Network, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news coverage with a Black voice and perspective. What began on June 30, 2020, has grown into an essential source of trusted journalism, storytelling and community engagement.

Over the past five years, BIN: Black Information Network has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Surpassed 19 million monthly listeners, a reflection of BIN’s growing influence and strong connection to its target audience
• Expanded BIN News content to over 100 broadcast radio stations across the U.S., making BIN one of the most widely distributed, Black-focused news audio platforms in the country
• Delivered news coverage tailored to 65 of America’s largest Black communities, with reporting that reflects the local realities, perspectives, challenges and triumphs.

“BIN: Black Information Network has become a trusted and indispensable voice for Black communities in America,” said Tony Coles, President, BIN: Black Information Network. “In just five years, we’ve transformed how local and national news reaches our audiences. We are giving a voice to the stories that have gone untold for too long. We are providing freedom to journalists to pursue meaningful reporting – and we’re just getting started.”

BIN: Black Information Network invites listeners, partners and community members to join the celebration across its network of stations, podcasts and digital platforms as they reflect on the past achievements and look ahead to the next five years of groundbreaking journalism and community impact.

About BIN: Black Information Network
BIN: Black Information Network is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app and is available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on dedicated local AM/FM broadcast radio stations in 34 markets, including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit and Dallas. BIN News also provides news coverage to over 100 radio stations and Black newspapers across America.

Audacy Expands Reach of Broadcast Portfolio, Brings Iconic Brands to Listeners on the iHeartRadio app

NEW YORK – June 30, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the #1 audio company in the U.S., and Audacy, a leading audio content and entertainment company, today announced that Audacy will expand the reach of its full broadcast radio portfolio through a content distribution partnership. Effective today, Audacy’s collection of over 240 radio brands and time-shifted podcasts will now be available on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service.

iHeartRadio listeners will now have access to Audacy's diverse and engaging content, including:

• 28 sports brands, like WFAN (WFAN-FM/AM) in New York – America’s most-listened-to sports radio station.
• Seven of America's top eight most-listened-to All News stations, including the most-listened-to news station, 1010 WINS (92.3 FM / WINS-AM) in New York.
• Dozens of the country’s favorite music brands, such as the World Famous KROQ (KROQ-FM) in Los Angeles and 93XRT (WXRT-FM) in Chicago.

Through the iHeartRadio app, Audacy content will be available on more than 500 additional platforms and over 2,000 additional devices, including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions and gaming consoles.

“This is an exciting day for our industry as the addition of Audacy’s stations to iHeartRadio maximizes radio’s presence across the country as the most listened to and trusted medium for audiences and consumers,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia. “This move gives our listeners even more opportunities to connect with the stations and content most relevant to them, aligning with our mission to always meet our audiences where they are and enhance their experience.”

“We believe in the power of being everywhere, and this partnership is a meaningful step in our strategy to ensure our iconic stations, talent and programming are available wherever and however audio is consumed,” said Chris Oliviero, Chief Business Officer, Audacy. 

Listeners can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen on their favorite device everywhere they go.

About Audacy

Audacy is a leading audio content and entertainment company. As champions of audio, we connect with people in the moments that matter — delivering trusted local news, passionate sports and your favorite music across 220+ radio stations, premium podcasts, live events and digital experiences that reach more than 200 million listeners every month. We create compelling content, foster deeply engaged audiences and deliver outcomes that matter for advertisers. Learn more at www.audacyinc.com and join the conversation on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Broadcast Special to Include Exclusive Behind-the-Music Interview with Bruce Springsteen

NEW YORK- June 26, 2025- iHeartMedia today announced “iHeartRadio ICONS with Bruce Springsteen, Celebrating Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” which will air across iHeartRadio Classic Rock and Classic Hit stations beginning June 27 through July 3. This special broadcast event is a week-long nationwide celebration, dedicating one day to each album, spotlighting all seven albums and each of the 83 tracks on Bruce Springsteen’s “Tracks II: The Lost Albums.” Beginning at midnight local time on June 27, iHeartRadio will play one album in its entirety each day through July 3. To kick off each midnight broadcast, iHeartRadio will air exclusive behind-the-music commentary with Bruce Springsteen giving fans more insight into each album.

Additionally, as part of the celebration, listeners can enter to win an autographed box set, which will be awarded to one fan per day. Fans can download the iHeartRadio app to listen each night and tap the contest tab on their local station to enter to win.

“I went into the vault ... and I realized that these albums were basically finished," said Bruce Springsteen in an exclusive interview with iHeartRadio personality Jim Kerr. "I liked them and thought that the fans would be interested in hearing them because they fill in spaces of my work life that hadn’t been filled in before. They are all different genres and a different moment in time, and I think it will give fans a good idea of what I was doing a lot of the time in the '90s or how my creative process works.”

To listen to the “iHeartRadio ICONS with Bruce Springsteen, Celebrating Tracks II: The Lost Albums” broadcast special fans can tune-in to iHeartRadio Classic Rock and Classic Hits stations at midnight local time on June 27 through July 3 also available on the iHeartRadio app.

Leading podcast publisher to make 10 top U.S. podcasts accessible in 6 new translations

NEW YORK – June 23, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced that some of the world’s most popular podcasts are now available in multiple languages to listeners in new regions around the globe on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.

Newly translated iHeartMedia-produced shows include “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” “Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell,” “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” “Before Breakfast with Laura Vanderkam,” “How to Money,” “Stuff to Blow Your Mind,” “Betrayal,” “The Girlfriends” and “Murder 101.” A selection of translated episodes will begin rolling out today and will become available in six widely spoken languages including Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi and Mandarin, with plans to expand to even more shows and languages in the future.

“We have been fortunate to build a huge global audience that continues to reach more people around the world every day. One of the questions I get asked most is, 'When will the podcast be in Spanish? When will it be in Hindi?' And now, not only those, but several more languages as well,” said Jay Shetty. “Expanding into more languages gives us the special opportunity to serve our audience better and bring these conversations to even more people. I truly believe this will deepen our impact, extend our reach and push forward our mission to make the world happier, healthier and more healed.”

“To have the opportunity to expand the intimacy and connection podcast hosts have with their audiences to even more people in their native language is super exciting,” said Malcolm Gladwell. “All my life my mom told me I had to learn another language. Turns out she was wrong.”

“Global podcast listenership continues to rise, with podcast consumption significantly growing in regions such as Latin America, Europe, India and other parts of Asia,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeart Digital Audio Group for iHeartMedia. “Podcast translation is an exciting step forward as content continues to globalize, allowing us to bring our catalog of hit shows and talent to these regions, helping us reach new audiences and bring fresh, insightful content worldwide.”

Podcast translations mark another step forward in iHeartPodcasts’ mission to make podcasting more accessible and inclusive. Earlier this year iHeart Women’s Sports, the first platform dedicated exclusively to highlighting women’s sports, announced eight new shows; and iHeartMedia and Charlamagne the God also announced the lineup for its annual Black Effect Podcast Festival – an event focused on storytelling, collaboration and live experiences as Black voices continue to shape culture and drive conversations. And, most recently iHeartMedia announced a partnership with the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar to bring podcasting infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art podcast studio, to Qatar and a lineup of original shows to Arabic-listeners in the Middle East and North Africa.

All translated shows in each language are available to listen on iHeartRadio and most major podcast platforms. For clients and advertisers seeking media plans outside of North America they can reach out to AndyKelly@iHeartMedia.com.

iHeartRadio also hosted Album Preview Parties this week in Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, San Franciso, Nashville, Portland and Boston where fans received early access to the new album  

NEW YORK- June 18, 2025- iHeartMedia announced today the iHeartRadio Album Premiere Broadcast with Benson Boone celebrating the release of his new album “American Heart” which will broadcast across all CHR and Hot AC iHeartRadio stations on June 20 at midnight local time. Narrated by Benson Boone, the special will air the full album in its entirety and feature exclusive behind the music commentary from Benson.

In celebration of the new album, iHeartRadio hosted Album Preview Parties throughout the week in Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nashville, Portland and Boston. Hosted by iHeartRadio personalities at Dallas’ 106.1 KISS FM, New York’s Z100 and 103.5 KTU, Los Angeles’ 102.7 KIIS FM and 104.3 MYFM, San Francisco’s WiLD 94.9 and Star 101.3, Nashville’s 107.5 The River, Portland’s Z100 and Boston’s Kiss 108, winners from the radio promotions were able to hear the new album in person ahead of its June 20 release.

Fans can tune-in to their local stations for more information on upcoming preview parties and chances to win exclusive experiences from their favorite artists.

Longoria and Hyphenate to Executive Produce New Slate of Original Podcasts

NEW YORK – June 16, 2025 – My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latino voices and stories, today announced a major expansion of its collaboration with award-winning actress, producer, director and philanthropist Eva Longoria. Hyphenate Media Group—the studio she co-founded in partnership with industry leader Cris Abrego, who serves as the group’s CEO—has acquired an equity share in My Cultura and will also be represented on its Board of Advisors. As part of the new deal, Hyphenate and Longoria will executive produce a slate of new original podcasts with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura.

“Storytelling shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us, and podcasting is one of the most intimate, accessible and powerful ways to connect with audiences and share meaningful, authentic conversations,” said Longoria. “There’s never been a more urgent time to elevate Latino voices and talent. Through this partnership between Hyphenate and iHeart’s My Cultura, we’re building a bigger platform for stories that reflect the richness and complexity of our community.”

The upcoming lineup will include the continuation of Longoria’s flagship podcast, “Hungry for History,” which she hosts alongside culinary historian Maite Gomez Rejón. More information on upcoming shows will be available soon.

“Podcasting is a natural dimension of the kind of IP we are investing in at Hyphenate—premium, creator-led, talent-driven, and designed to move across platforms,” said Abrego. “With iHeart’s unmatched reach and ambition, they are an ideal partner as we extend into audio and build a slate designed to shape the cultural and commercial landscape ahead.”

This new partnership arrives as My Cultura marks its fourth anniversary. Since its launch in May 2021—in collaboration with Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia’s top-rated on-air personality and President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino—the network has seen steady growth with downloads up 48 percent and listeners up 59 percent year-over-year. Longoria and Hyphenate join actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama (NCIS, Encanto, That ‘70s Show), who in September 2024 expanded his role and became a stakeholder of My Cultura.

The growth rate for Hispanic Americans listening to podcasts monthly is nearly three times faster than the U.S. population, with 43 percent of Hispanic Americans listening to podcast monthly, up 79 percent vs. 5 years ago according to Edison Research.

“We are honored to recognize our fourth anniversary by welcoming Hyphenate Media Group as a stakeholder in iHeart’s My Cultura Podcast Network and committing to a new slate of podcasts curated in partnership with Eva Longoria,” said Santos. “Eva brings with her a profound commitment to authentic storytelling and her vision aligns perfectly with My Cultura’s mission to create groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences worldwide. She has long been a powerful advocate for Latino voices, and her work both in front of and behind the camera has elevated our culture in meaningful, lasting ways. Her leadership continues to open doors and change narratives, making her a true force for representation.”

Longoria initially joined the My Cultura family in 2022 to launch a slate of original podcasts including “Hungry for History;” and “Connections with Eva Longoria,” an unscripted series in which Longoria and her guests engaged in complex topics with meaningful conversations. The My Cultura Podcast Network is additionally home to more than 55 podcasts including hit series “Chiquis and Chill,” “Princess of South Beach'', “Wrestling with Freddie”, “Sacred Scandal,” “Radio Ambulante,” “Magical Rewind”, “He Said, Ella Dijo with Eric Winter and Roselyn Sanchez,” “Enrique Santos Podcast,” “You vs You with Lex Borrero” and many more.

Listeners can hear all My Cultura shows on the iHeartRadio app and anywhere podcasts are found. See the full list 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. Currently seen in CNN’s celebrated culinary original series Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain, which she produced as part of her company Hyphenate Media Group’s growing slate of original content, her other recent credits include Disney+’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, Apple TV+’s Land of Women and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, which she recently won a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Longoria is currently in production for Eva Longoria: Searching for France which will premiere in 2026. Other past credits include Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico, Overboard, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Grand Hotel, Devious Maids and Telenovela. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Longoria also directed Flamin’ Hot, which immediately catapulted to becoming Searchlight Pictures’ most watched streaming movie ever. Up next, she can also be seen in Amazon MGM’s The Pickup and Oh. What. Fun, and Gurinder Chadha’s holiday indie film, Christmas Karma. On the unscripted side, Eva is set to executive produce a docuseries about beloved Mexican soccer team, Club Necaxa, alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Premiering on FX this summer, Eva also has a stake in the team.

Celebrated globally for her breadth of work, Longoria founded production company UnbeliEVAble Entertainment in 2005, soon after her breakthrough onscreen role on Desperate Housewives. The prolific company was behind many memorable hits, including ABC’s Grand Hotel, NBC’s Telenovela, Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated documentary Reversing Roe, and CNN original Eva Longoria: Searching for Mexico. In 2023, she co-founded Hyphenate Media Group and today serves as its Co- Founder alongside industry veteran Cris Abrego, Longoria serves as Chief Creative Officer setting the vision across the studio’s rich slate of originals while providing extraordinary leadership across its labels and investments. At the inception of Hyphenate Media Group, Longoria invested all assets and intellectual property from UnbeliEVAble Entertainment into the new venture, helping to jumpstart Hyphenate’s originals slate.

Additionally, Longoria is a dedicated philanthropist and activist who has consistently lent her voice to the issues she is passionate about. In 2024, she was awarded with the Bezos Courage & Civility Award for her longtime advocacy for the advancement of the Latino community as a storyteller, activist, and entrepreneur. She has since gone on to use the funds to further the work of the Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF) to champion innovative solutions that accelerate economic opportunity, civic participation, and cultural influence. In over a decade of work, ELF has helped over 30,000 Latinas unlock their power to better themselves and their own communities. She is also an investor and advisor in Siete Foods, that recently sold to PepsiCo for $1.2B and owns successful luxury tequila company Casa Del Sol all while being a global ambassador for L’Oreal Paris for 20 years.

About Hyphenate Media Group

Hyphenate Media Group is a premium content studio and media holding company co-founded by industry veteran and entrepreneur Cris Abrego (CEO) and award-winning director, producer, and entrepreneur Eva Longoria (Chief Creative Officer). A television first company, Hyphenate develops and produces creator-led IP that spans scripted and unscripted formats with a sharp focus on bold, compelling storytelling designed for premium streaming, cable, and network partners. In addition to its slate of original productions, Hyphenate strategically invests in creator-led enterprises and content, scaling their growth through capital, business development, and the infrastructure provided by Hyphenate’s core leadership team. The company is also expanding select projects across film, audio, and digital verticals, creating a 360-degree approach to content development that maximizes global audience reach and long-term IP value. To jumpstart its own studio function, Hyphenate acquired the full slate of UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, the production label founded by Longoria in 2005. Hyphenate’s portfolio of content includes Land of Women (Apple TV+) and Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain (CNN). Upcoming releases include Eva Longoria: Searching for France (CNN), Necaxa (FX), and the film Fifth Wheel (Netflix).

Co-produced by COPA90 and Message Heard, the show’s first 10 episodes will document the ins and outs of building a new MLS team before transitioning into coverage of SDFC’s inaugural season

Listen to the trailer HERE

NEW YORK – June 12, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced “San Diego FC: Behind the Flow,” a new podcast co-produced by COPA90 and Message Heard. The podcast follows the creation of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) new expansion team as they prepared for their first season. The show, hosted by sports personality Adrian Garcia Marquez, will launch on June 19 with new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“San Diego FC: Behind the Flow” will debut as a 10-episode documentary podcast giving an inside look at what it takes to establish a major sports team in a competitive market. Following the documentary episodes, the podcast will transition to a sports talk show covering the remainder of SDFC’s inaugural MLS season. 

“Sports fans have proven they’re hungry for behind-the-scenes insights into their favorite team that go beyond field performance, so it felt like a perfect opportunity to partner with San Diego FC and MLS to create a first-of-its-kind show that blends documentary and sports talk to push the boundary of what live coverage of a team can look like,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “SDFC has the potential to become one of the MLS’ most backed teams, and we’re excited to help broaden and engage their audience through iHeart’s industry-leading reach.”

The first part of the show will document the creation of SDFC, from its inception to its first game, and capture the challenges and triumphs of building a team, fanbase and club identity from scratch. It will also spotlight SDFC’s pioneering mixed-gender Right to Dream (RTD) academy and its mission to identify top talent, with the show going into Mexico where SDFC scouts met young players hoping for a spot. Midway through its inaugural season, SDFC sits second in the MLS Western Conference standings with 30 points from 17 matches – an early testament to the Club’s ambitious vision and competitive foundation as it settles into the MLS landscape.

“From day one, our mission has been to create a Club that’s deeply connected to San Diego and authentic in everything we do,” said Tom Penn, CEO of SDFC. “San Diego FC: Behind the Flow captures the spirit, ambition, and purpose driving our journey – from the bold vision behind our Right to Dream Academy to the foundation we’ve laid for this Club to last generations. We’re excited to share the vision that’s shaping our Club and invite fans into the journey from the very beginning.”

“As the newest expansion team, San Diego FC offers a unique opportunity to showcase what it means to build a club from the ground up," said Seth Bacon, Executive Vice President of Media, MLS. "This collaboration reflects MLS’ commitment to storytelling that brings our league closer to its communities, clubs, players and fans." 

"We are thrilled to partner with iHeartPodcasts and COPA90 to bring the incredible story of San Diego FC to life in this groundbreaking podcast," said Jake Warren, CEO of Message Heard. "This project is not only a first in podcasting, but it's a testament to the power of audio to connect fans with the heart and soul of a club. We believe this immersive experience will set a new standard for sports storytelling and deepen the relationship between SDFC, its passionate supporters and the wider community."

“San Diego FC: Behind the Flow” will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. COPA90 is a proud promotional partner of “San Diego FC: Behind the Flow.”

Editor’s Note:

Include the “San Diego FC: Behind the Flow” podcast audio player directly into your article or website using the embed code below:

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-san-diego-fc-behind-the-f-280687714…" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Download the show cover art HERE.

About Adrian Garcia-Marquez

Adrian Garcia-Marquez (AGM) is an Emmy winning multi-sport play-by-play announcer, narrator and host. Garcia-Márquez currently serves as the English language voice of San Diego FC on iHeartMedia’s San Diego Sports 760 AM and the top Spanish language announcer for NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is also the lead play-by-play announcer for Fox Deportes Major League Baseball where he’s called 11 World Series and 16 All-Star games. Additionally, Garcia-Marquez has called three Super Bowls and was also the TV voice of the Los Angeles Lakers. In his time calling Lakers basketball, he became an Emmy Award-winning announcer while also securing two NBA 'Best Live Call' Awards and three straight 'Best TV Play by Play in Spanish' Awards from the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association. AGM also received two "Call of the Year" nominations from SCSB for 2017 and 2018. In 2017. he led the calls for NBA League Pass in Español. The veteran broadcaster has also called two Olympics with Telemundo in Basketball, Baseball and Soccer. The San Diego, California native has also called Liga MX, Copa Libertadores, International matches and Olympic qualifiers for Fox Sports, as well hosted shows and called Nations League for CBS Paramount’s Golazo Network.

About San Diego FC

San Diego FC is Major League Soccer’s 30th Club, competing in its inaugural season at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025. The Club is jointly owned by Sir Mohamed Mansour, a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with global ties in the sport, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the first Native American tribe with a significant ownership stake in a men’s professional team across all major sports leagues. Manny Machado, San Diego’s perennial MLB All-Star, is an investor in the Club, alongside other high-profile partners including World Cup champion Juan Mata, Emmy-nominated actress and producer Issa Rae, and Grammy Award-winning artist Tems. San Diego FC is a proud member of the Right to Dream community, a global network of youth academies and professional football clubs. San Diego FC’s stated vision is to become the epicenter of football excellence and innovation in North America.

About Right to Dream

Right to Dream is a global football community dedicated to identifying and developing talented young student-athletes through its network of world-class academies, professional football clubs, and educational partners. Owned by Man Capital LLP, a global independent investment firm founded by Sir Mohamed Mansour, chairman, and his son Loutfy Mansour, CEO, Right to Dream is committed to providing a unique, integrated development pathway that combines elite professional football training with a comprehensive education for all its student-athletes. Founded in 1999 in Ghana as its first academy, it expanded its global reach, to acquire Danish club FC Nordsjælland (FCN) in 2015. FCN fields both men's and women's teams, competing in the Danish Superliga and Kvindeliga. FCN has earned recognition for consistently fielding one of the youngest teams in a top European league, providing a clear pathway to first-team football for its youth players. In 2023, the FCN Academy was ranked the best in Denmark by the Danish FA, a testament to its commitment to player development. FCN Women are the reigning Kvindeliga champions. A pioneer in advancing girls’ football in Africa, Right to Dream established the first fully residential girls' football academy on the continent in 2013. Right to Dream later acquired Egyptian club FC Masar, in 2022. FC Masar Women currently hold the Egyptian Premier League title. Right to Dream recently partnered with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation to become the 30th Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, San Diego FC. The team will be the first in the MLS to offer a combined, fully funded privately operated school and residential football academy for both boys and girls. Right to Dream partners with over 73 of the world's leading high schools, colleges, and universities to provide its student-athletes with academic opportunities worldwide.

About MLS

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer -- celebrating its 30th season in 2025 -- features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at  tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.

The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect to feature a new slate of original podcasts executive produced by N.O.R.E and EFN that explore the dynamic intersection between hip-hop, culture and creativity

The new podcast network debuts its first show, “ROC SOLID with Memphis Bleek”

Listen to “ROC Solid” now HERE

NEW YORK — June 10, 2025 — iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Charlamagne Tha God’s The Black Effect Podcast Network today announced the launch of The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect, a new home for culture-shifting conversations and original content rooted in hip-hop and beyond. All content on the new network will be executive produced by Drink Champs’ hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, known for their captivating storytelling and dynamic interviews.

From debuting their show nine years ago to amassing nearly 100 million downloads, legendary Queens rapper N.O.R.E and Miami Hip Hop pioneer DJ EFN have firmly established themselves as ones-to-watch in the podcasting space with “Drink Champs.” Now, with the launch of The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect, they are set to amplify new voices, elevate untold stories and expand the legacy of culturally impactful storytelling rooted in hip-hop.

"We're eager to share all we've learned over the years in helping trailblaze in this space," said Drink Champs co-hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. "Our goal is to set people up not only for success, but with the tools to forge their own lanes."

“This collaboration between The Black Effect Podcast Network and 'Drink Champs' represents something special within the podcasting world,” said Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “We’re merging the energy and authenticity of hip hop culture with the vast reach of iHeartMedia, creating a unique platform for storytelling and culture-rich conversations. Our shared vision allows us to create a platform that not only amplifies the voices in music and hip hop but also connects with our audience on a deeper level.”

The network will debut with, “ROC Solid,” a new original podcast series hosted by hip-hop icon and Roc-A-Fella Records legend Memphis Bleek. After decades of making waves in the music industry, Bleek is flipping the script in “ROC Solid,” and now he’s the one asking the questions. The new original series will highlight voices from Bleek’s Roc-A-Fella past including N.O.R.E., Young Guru, Freeway, Lenny S, and more, and will expand beyond the music label to feature raw, unfiltered conversations about what it truly means to be solid. This isn’t just a Roc-A-Fella retrospective, it’s a platform for culture-shapers across music, business, sports, and beyond who’ve made a lasting impact.

“After everything I’ve seen, done, and built in this game, it’s time to tell the real stories and hear from others who’ve stayed true to theirs,” said Bleek. “ROC SOLID’ is about more than music. It’s about the mindset, the moves, and the moments that define greatness.”

“We are excited to officially launch our network in partnership with iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network, with ‘ROC Solid’ hosted by Memphis Bleek as the first show,” said DJ EFN. “It’s only natural that Bleek – a ‘Drink Champs’ fan favorite and repeat guest would be the host of our debut show.”

In celebration of Black Music Month, the series will kick off with a special debut episode featuring Ja Rule. In the no-holds-barred conversation, Bleek and Ja will reflect on their journeys as rap artists, Roc-A-Fella memories, and the state of the culture today.

“Launching the network with ‘ROC Solid’ feels like the perfect fit. It’s the kind of show that gets to the heart of the music industry with raw stories, real voices and a lot of truth,” said Bishop.

Additional shows on The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect will be announced later but will include a diverse range of content that resonates with hip hop fans everywhere.

“ROC Solid” and all shows on The Drink Champs Podcast Network in Partnership with The Black Effect will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. To learn more about "Drink Champs" visit: https://www.youtube.com/@DrinkChamps.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

“ROC Solid” show artwork is available for download HERE.

Show Page: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-roc-solid-278869565/

Please use the below embed code to include the podcast audio player in your article:

Audio Player Embed Code: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="300" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-roc-solid-278869565/?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About The Black Effect Podcast Network

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

Premiering today, this raw and introspective new series explores the mental and emotional battles behind success, guiding both guests and listeners through the inner work of personal progression

Listen to the first episode HERE

MIAMI (June 10, 2025) - You vs You, a powerful new podcast from NEON16 co-founder and cultural force Lex Borrero, launches today in partnership with My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories. Far from a highlight reel of success stories, You vs You reveals the often-hidden mental and emotional battles faced by even the most accomplished artists and industry leaders. The series invites listeners into honest conversations about fear, impostor syndrome, self-doubt, trauma, and how confronting those battles can lead to true transformation.

Hosted by Borrero, a first-generation Colombian-American who rose from outsider to industry powerhouse, You vs You blends raw storytelling with emotional clarity, drawing from Borrero’s own journey navigating the U.S. entertainment industry and co-founding the award-winning creative collective NEON16. The weekly podcast will offer a candid, intimate exchange between Borrero and his notable guests, exploring the inner struggle between who we are and who we’re meant to become, rooted in the same personal conflict between self-doubt and self-determination that Borrero has faced himself.

“‘You vs You’ is about confronting the invisible battles we all face, such as fear, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and learning how to transform them,” says Borrero, host and co-founder of NEON16. “These are the conversations most people aren’t having, but need to. We’re excited to partner with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network to bring these powerful stories to listeners everywhere and help spark personal growth through honest, unfiltered dialogue.”

“We are very excited to welcome ‘You vs You’ to the My Cultura Podcast Network,” said Leo Gomez, Head of My Cultura. “There are very few shows available that talk so open and honestly about mental health from a male Latino perspective, let alone one that produces content for both English and Spanish language listeners. Lex has been a part of the entertainment industry for a long time and has worked with musical powerhouses and pop culture icons – his perspective and experiences are invaluable to our community.”

Named a Billboard Latin Power Player three years in a row and recognized by Fast Company in 2025 as one of the music industry’s most innovative leaders, Borrero has built a career working with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Will Smith, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Justin Bieber, contributing to over 500 million records sold globally. Yet despite these milestones, external success alone didn’t bring lasting fulfillment. The constant demands, pressure to perform, and high expectations led Borrero to reflect more deeply on his purpose. That reflection sparked a personal and spiritual journey that reshaped his definition of success. You vs You is the result — a platform where Borrero explores the emotional and psychological challenges behind ambition and achievement, creating space for real growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Launching with a premiere episode today featuring Emmy Award-winning producer Polo Molina, Season 1 includes 48 episodes released every Tuesday in both audio and video formats. Future guests include will.i.am, Ricky Montaner, Lecrae, Joy Taylor, Marko, Oliver Trevena, and many more. Not to celebrate their fame, but to uncover the truth behind it. Each conversation is a meditation on healing, a masterclass in self-mastery, and a reminder that the greatest opponent we will ever face is the one within.

“This show isn’t about success; it’s about the inner work behind it. It’s about what people have had to overcome within themselves to move forward,” says Borrero. “You vs You is where we face our inner critics and begin to rewrite the story.”

Each episode is an unfiltered, introspective conversation that dissects the emotional and psychological hurdles that hold people back, from childhood trauma to the weight of cultural expectation. It’s about navigating the emotional minefields of fear, self-sabotage, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and the traumas that linger beneath even the most polished personas. The show’s mission is clear: to give listeners the tools, language, and perspective to face their own inner critics and move forward.

Throughout the series, Borrero doesn’t just host, he listens, guides, and learns. The podcast features not only cultural figures and executives but also psychologists, spiritual teachers, and thought leaders who help unpack the emotional patterns that keep people stuck. These conversations go far beyond vulnerability, they offer real tools for transformation. In addition to its core English-language programming, You vs You will release one Spanish-language episode each month, deepening its connection with Latin audiences and broadening the impact of its powerful, personal conversations.

You vs You will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard today, with video content and short-form clips available weekly via YouTube to encourage conversation and self-reflection across social channels.

In a culture that often celebrates performance over authenticity, You vs You is a call to transformation. It’s not about becoming someone new, it’s about finally becoming who you are.

The My Cultura Podcast Network is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is also home to more than 55 podcasts including hit series “Chiquis and Chill,” “Princess of South Beach'', “Wrestling with Freddie”, “Sacred Scandal,” “Radio Ambulante,” “Magical Rewind”, “He Said, Ella Dijo with Eric Winter and Roselyn Sanchez” “Enrique Santos Podcast” and many more. See the full list here.

ABOUT YOU VS YOU

In the podcast "You vs You," host Lex Borrero dives into the personal battles and triumphs of entertainment's most accomplished figures. Through candid discussions, the show aims to unveil the human side of these celebrated individuals, stripping away their heroic facades. By sharing their stories of vulnerability and resilience, "You vs You" seeks to motivate listeners to confront their challenges, unlock their potential, and pursue their dream lives with newfound freedom and inspiration.

Join the conversation and follow "You vs You" on:

• YouTube: @youversusyou-podcast 
• Instagram: @youvsyou.podcast 
• Facebook: @youvsyoupodcast 
• Twitter/X: @youvsyoupod 
• TikTok: @youvsyoupodcast

ABOUT NEON16

Founded by industry titans Lex Borrero, Tommy Mottola, and Tainy, NEON16 is a market-leading media powerhouse that redefines the intersection of music, film, and content. Comprised of NTERTAIN Studios, a hub for groundbreaking original content, and AM16, a cutting-edge culture marketing agency, NEON16 represents an innovative ecosystem of boundary-pushing creatives dedicated to reshaping the perception, positioning, and narrative of Latin culture within today’s media landscape. With a visionary approach to storytelling and a relentless commitment to disruption and innovation, NEON16 crafts compelling projects that transcend cultural boundaries, bringing authentic Latino stories to a global audience. By championing diverse voices, building impactful partnerships, and challenging the status quo, NEON16 continues to drive meaningful change while elevating and celebrating Latino talent and creativity worldwide. As a leader in shaping culture, NEON16 stands at the forefront of the entertainment industry, pioneering new pathways to connect with audiences and amplifying the rich, multifaceted experiences of the Latino community.

ABOUT LEX BORRERO

Lex Borrero is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his innovation, executive leadership, and commitment to Latin culture. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Borrero broke into the U.S. music industry, selling his first production in Miami. Now a leading Latin music producer, Borrero has collaborated with global artists like J Balvin, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Maroon 5, achieving over 500 million record sales and multiple Billboard Hot 100 hits. He has earned accolades including Billboard's ‘40 under 40’ (2020) and ‘Latin Power Players’ (2023, 2024). As Co-Founder of NEON16, alongside producer Tainy, Borrero has expanded into music, gaming, TV, film, and live events, with Fast Company naming it the most innovative music company (2021, 2024).

Listen to the premiere episode featuring Cloobeck’s first guest, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, here

LOS ANGELES – June 9, 2025 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced “Hard Truths with Stephen J. Cloobeck,” a new podcast about what it will really take for Americans to get real, come together, and turn California and the country around. Through raw interviews and unfiltered conversations, Cloobeck will be tackling the challenges facing the Golden State and beyond. Tune in to the premiere episode here featuring U.S. Senator Cory Booker, as he kicks off this powerful new podcast. Episodes will be released every other week.

Stephen J. Cloobeck is a self-made American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political activist with more than 40 years of experience across every aspect of hospitality design, development, finance and operations. He is best known as the founder and former CEO of Diamond Resorts International, a global leader in vacation ownership.

Cloobeck is committed to the betterment of the state of California, with a clear focus on delivering real results. Known for his willingness to confront tough issues head-on, he takes pride in leading with accountability and courage, going where others won’t. “Hard Truths” is a natural extension of his broader vision and not tied to one campaign. He promises to go beyond politics in an authentic, direct way with warmth and compassion.

“I’m thrilled to announce this podcast in partnership with iHeartMedia, bringing listeners diverse views and simple solutions with humor and integrity,” said Stephen J. Cloobeck.

"Hard Truths with Stephen J. Cloobeck” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listen on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Follow @stephenjcloobeck on Instagram for updates.

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