podcasts

Leveraging Veritone’s synthetic voice solution, iHeartMedia’s top talent can use their verified synthetic voices to scale content across multiple languages

DENVER, CO and NEW YORK –– February 17, 2022 –– Veritone, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERI), creator of aiWARE, a hyper-expansive enterprise AI platform, and iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT), the number one podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced iHeartMedia’s planned use of Veritone’s synthetic voice solution that allows celebrities, athletes, influencers, broadcasters, podcasters and other talent across numerous industries to securely create and monetize verified synthetic voices that can be transformed into different languages, dialects, accents and more. iHeartMedia will leverage Veritone’s AI platform to make more shows across the iHeartPodcast Network available in multiple languages, helping to expand their podcast market. The first use case is to translate iHeart’s marquee podcasts for Spanish-speaking audiences.

“We have worked with the iHeartMedia team for more than four years in various aspects of their business, and we are very excited to collaborate on expanding their podcast audience and unlocking new revenue streams for the broadcast industry leader,” said Ryan Steelberg, president of Veritone. “iHeartMedia has always been a pioneer of innovation, and now with the power of Veritone’s synthetic voice solution, iHeartMedia will not only be able to scale to new markets with localized language translations but retain the brand value of their top talent’s voice–which is fundamental in podcasting. We are also partnering to develop synthetic voices for advertising and engaging content while reducing time-to-market and production costs for radio, podcasting and the metaverse.”

In addition to a self-serve application for voice projects leveraging stock voices, Veritone’s synthetic voice solution offers custom synthetic voice cloning that takes a professional approach and works with clients to acquire the necessary training data to create hyper-realistic custom voice clones. The solution can also secure the approvals necessary to create the cloned voice as well as approvals required to use the voice appropriately. Additionally, this new technology will offer increased revenue streams for the branded synthetic voice.

“With the hyper-growth of our podcast network over the past decade, we are always looking for what is new and next in the medium, too – and Veritone’s synthetic voice solution is a great example of that,” said Conal Byrne, chief executive officer at iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “Being able to easily offer our podcasts in other languages, in the talents’ unique style, will be an awesome and innovative way to grow market share in the global marketplace.”

Veritone’s synthetic voice solution allows iHeartMedia the opportunity to reach new audiences at scale with their current top podcast talent. With no additional studio time, voice talent can authorize Veritone’s synthetic voice solution to automatically produce more podcasts, advertisements, and additional audio in multiple languages with the same energy, cadence and uniqueness of top talent.

To learn more about Veritone’s synthetic voice solution, visit https://www.veritone.com/solutions/voice-cloning/ and sign up for a free trial to explore stock voices.

About Veritone

Veritone (NASDAQ: VERI) is a leader in enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software and solutions. Serving organizations in both commercial and regulated sectors, Veritone’s software, services, and industry applications accelerate and maximize digital migration, empowering the largest and most recognizable brands in the world to run more efficiently, accelerate decision making and increase profitability. Veritone’s hyper-expansive Enterprise AI platform, aiWARE™, orchestrates an ever-growing ecosystem of machine learning models to transform audio, video and other data sources into actionable intelligence. Through professional and managed services, as well as its robust partner ecosystem, Veritone develops and builds AI solutions that solve the problems of today and tomorrow. To learn more, visit Veritone.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Assumptions relating to the foregoing involve judgments and risks with respect to various matters which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of Veritone. Certain of such judgments and risks are discussed in Veritone’s SEC filings. Although Veritone believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Veritone or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. Veritone undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Host Malaya Rivera Drew chronicles the wild anecdotes and escapes of Hollywood’s last great showman, Don Simpson, the producer who created 80s classics such as American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop and Top Gun

NEW YORK – May 7, 2021 – Don Simpson, the producer who created classics such as American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, and Top Gun, left his footprint in the film industry and defined Hollywood in the 80s. “The Don,” a new anthology podcast that delves into the rise and fall of Don Simpson, hosted by actress Malaya Rivera Drew and executive produced by Academy Award winner Will McCormack and David Harris Kline, investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding Don’s fatal overdose and chronicles the sordid cast of drug dealers, Hollywood madams and crooked doctors who may have been complicit in Don’s infamous death. The first six episodes of the 24-episode series will launch on May 11 and can be heard on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen to the official trailer now.

The anthology podcast mirrors Don’s crash and burn narrative— beginning with Don’s early days fighting to break into the film industry through his meteoric rise as a blockbuster producer into the dark days after the failure of Days of Thunder and his struggles with drugs and alcohol. When Don passed away in January of 1996, the Los Angeles coroner revealed that his corpse was the most toxic in the history of California autopsy with over 22 different pharmaceuticals in his body at the time of death. The podcast delves into the many questions regarding his career and untimely death, such as his controversial relationship with his personal doctor, fitness guru, and indie filmmaking partner, Dr. Stephen Ammerman, who passed away just six months earlier from an overdose in Don’s pool house.

“This new anthology style podcast shows how audio has the ability to paint a picture perfect experience for listeners,” said McCormack. “The powerful use of narration and story-telling sets the scene, allowing listeners to go back in time to the 1980’s, an iconic time in Hollywood for many reasons, but also a defective time. Although Don Simpson was flawed in many ways, this podcast works hard to capture how influential he was and shares his complete story and I think our listeners will appreciate that.”

“We are excited to work with iHeart on a series that is so quintessentially the 1980s,” said Kline. “We all have a soft spot for 80s nostalgia — we love the movies, the music, the fashion, and how earnestly people took themselves back then. There was no irony, no internet, and no social media. The premise of our series is how Don was a rags-to-riches movie producer that shaped and influenced the decade that we all love. However, there was a dark side to Don and his massive influence over mainstream American culture. We peel back the layers, and behind the shallow glamour of the 80s, we find something much darker and more nefarious.”

“As an actress and as a woman of color, I was shocked but not surprised to learn of how virulent and rampant toxic masculinity was in Hollywood back then,” said Rivera Drew. “This podcast is meant to be an entertaining, high octane ride—the rise and fall of a creative genius. Don was, above all else, an entertainer. But we also expose a deep underbelly of Hollywood and the systemic issues that we are still grappling with today.”

The anthology podcast will also explore how Don’s outlandish, alpha-male behavior was not only tolerated in the film business but encouraged by the high-ranking executives who profited greatly off his signature style of filmmaking, leading to one hit after another (American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun, Days Of Thunder, Bad Boys) and contributed to him having arguably the greatest run of hit movies in the history of movies. “The Don” will use narration, clips, and fictional re-enactments via “lost tapes,” to take listeners behind the scenes into Hollywood’s decade of decadence, the 1980s.

“The Don” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network. Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to the podcast on their favorite device.

With 165M total followers, creators Spencer X, Culture Crash, DreaKnowsBest and more share entertaining and bizarre stories; bonus features added

NEW YORK – March 26, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcasting publisher globally, along with leading digital talent network and brand agency Collab, announced today that their “Storytime” podcast series has been greenlit for an incredible and unprecedented four more seasons. Featuring top creators from TikTok and YouTube, “Storytime” is the first podcast series to launch from iHeartMedia and Collab’s joint venture, a partnership that unites Collab’s roster of digital talent with iHeartMedia’s unparalleled podcasting expertise to co-produce an exciting new slate of podcasts.

“Storytime” features many of the most watched and loved digital content stars in a new format, wherein they will share their own interesting, bizarre and sometimes scary stories. New this season, “Storytime” will add listener-created content as a bonus feature. The added features will supplement the in-depth discussions between host Will McFadden, Collab’s Chief Creative Officer, and guests Spencer X, Culture Crash, DreaKnowsBest, Alex Meyers and more. “Storytime” has also added new bonus episodes to season one showcasing interesting stories submitted from listeners around the world. “Storytime” is available now on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

“For many young listeners, today’s digital content stars are the biggest celebrities. This series will take the energy, excitement and originality of these digital personalities and deliver it in one of the most loved, fastest-growing mediums,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “We’ve worked closely with Collab to develop a show that taps into the talent listeners love and brings a fresh new side of those personalities and their incredible stories to podcasting. We are excited to continue to bring ‘Storytime’ for several more seasons.”

“We could not be more excited to partner with iHeartMedia to bring this massive opportunity to Collab’s talent, in addition to many other amazing creators from around the world. Podcasts have become the next big frontier for Creators, so it was natural to partner with the largest podcast company in the world, to not only bring that opportunity to our talent, but supercharge it,” says Eric Jacks, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Producer of the podcast.

About the “Storytime series,” Collab Chief Creative Officer and series host Will McFadden said: “Who doesn't love a good story?! Each episode of Storytime features beloved creators from YouTube, TikTok, Reddit and beyond sharing their most hilarious, horrifying and cringe inducing stories. The audience gets a rare view into the lives of some of the most watched, most loved creators on the planet. For example, when the McFarlands told their story about getting rejected for Family Feud in Episode 8. That's an incredible story you can't hear anywhere else!”

The initial 33 “batch” of creators signed have a combined social following of over 165 million fans. This list includes the following:

Spencer X (54.7M), Jon Klaasen (18M), Penguinz0 (12.2M), Daily Dose of Internet (11.5M), Elyssa Klaasen (10.2M), DreaKnowsBest (5.5M), Marlon Webb (4.2M), Eric Artell (4M), Tabbes (3.5M), BeerBongJohn (3.4M), Brady Smith (3M), GrannyCoy Bundy (2.7M), Lonnie Marts (2.7M), Zack Lugo (2.7M), Alex Meyers (2.5M), The McFarlands (2.4M), Matt & Abby Howard (2.4M), The Kaplan Twins (2M), Scrubs (1.6M), Wansee Entertainment (1.2M), The Human Fountains (1.1M), HeyParis (1.1M), Jason Horton (979K), Olivia Cara (712K), Jessica Lesaca (650K), Liya Hizkias (458K), Goblin (399K), Corey & Russ (383K), Culture Crash (209K), Zac Clejan (207K), Nyra Williams (66K), and Sin Cindy (34K).

“Storytime” is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 253 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.

About Collab

Collab is the most-watched independent digital entertainment network, generating 25 Billion views every month across digital platforms. Founded in 2012, Collab has become a leader in building digital Creator careers. Collab is the number one TikTok Creator network and a top ten provider of content on YouTube.

With its new 3D audio arm, iHeartMedia invests in cutting-edge technology to pave the way for a more immersive podcast format

New York – February 9, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced iHeart 3D Audio and its strategic expansion into binaural podcasting, an innovative new method of producing podcasts that places listeners into the middle of an audio soundscape, immersing them in the story like never before. Tapping into the potential of innovative 3D audio, iHeartMedia will debut a captivating new slate of podcasts, cementing itself in this category of experiential media and spearheading the exploration of what’s possible with cutting-edge audio technology.

Binaural, or 3D audio, creates a sense of movement, location and triggers other senses, enhancing listening experiences and providing a new way for people to hear high quality, surround sound, immersive content, and reproducing real-life experiences, much like virtual reality has done for video, right in their own homes. With in-person entertainment on hold, consumers are gravitating toward digital format entertainment and podcasting has taken center stage, with listenership expected to grow by 30 million listeners each year through 2023. Amid this new paradigm, iHeartMedia is dedicated to evolving its podcast network, providing a more multifaceted at-home listening experience for more fulfilling entertainment.

“Podcasting has undoubtedly stepped in as one of this year’s most relied upon forms of entertainment,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “We’ve seen a huge spike in listenership and iHeart wants to ensure we’re meeting this growing audience in new, innovative ways. This is virtual reality for the ears, and by expanding our 3D audio offerings, our goal is to place fans at the center of the stories they love – in an even more immersive, innovative format.”

Through iHeart 3D Audio, iHeartMedia will launch a new slate of podcasts that is underpinned by the unique recording technology. Building on the success of its previously-launched binaural audio series “13 Days of Halloween” from iHeartMedia and Blumhouse Television, which drove more than 2.8 MM listens, iHeartMedia, in collaboration with renowned writer, creator and producer Aaron Mahnke, will expand upon the series and release a seasonally focused “13 Days” franchise of podcasts correlating with various major holidays. The new iHeart 3D Audio slate will also include the upcoming podcast “The Mantawauk Caves,” a co-production with Blumhouse Television, as well as a series of bonus 3D episodes across the year for hit shows like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast.”

“I collaborated with iHeartMedia on ‘13 Days of Halloween,’ a podcast that brings listeners right into the essence of a purgatorial hotel using 3D audio,” said Mahnke. “It feels like you’re actually in the hotel when you listen. I remember when we were in production for the series and thinking I’d never seen anything like the recording process for a 3D listening experience — even the mic and equipment setup look very different. I knew we were creating something special with ‘13 Days of Halloween,’ and I’m thrilled that iHeartMedia is now doubling down on its 3D audio capabilities to define the next wave in podcast entertainment.”

"Since I started working with iHeartMedia, it's clear that this team is consistently at the forefront of innovation,” said Matthew Frederick, Lead Executive Producer and Podcast Host at iHeartMedia. “I’ve been in the podcasting space since its beginning when we introduced HowStuffWorks back in the early 2000s. iHeartMedia’s foray into 3D audio podcasting marks the latest shift toward a more immersive listening experience that pushes the boundaries for what's possible as we approach a new era for podcasting.”

iHeartMedia’s new iHeart 3D Audio slate of podcasts will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 253 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.

All-star vets Darrell Taylor and Theresa Gonzalez make epic return to season shot entirely in Iceland

First-ever MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast set to launch through the iHeartPodcast Network with fan favorites Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira as hosts

NEW YORK, NY - November 12, 2020 — MTV today announced that the highly-anticipated new season of The Challenge: Double Agents will premiere on Wednesday, December 9th at 8:00pm ET/PT.  

Following The Challenge: Total Madness, which scored the highest-rated season in eight years, The Challenge: Double Agents returns to a partner format with 19 action-packed episodes. Filmed entirely in Iceland, the frigid Arctic Island sets the scene for this espionage thriller featuring 30 of the strongest reality titans from around the globe, who are forced to outsmart each other in a game of secrets, spies and lies for their share of one million dollars. 

Leading up to premiere, fans will get an exclusive sneak peek and meet the cast during MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Declassified launch special airing on Monday, December 7th at 8:00pm ET/PT.

Coinciding with the new season, MTV’s Official Challenge Podcast will kick off on Thursday, December 10 through the iHeartPodcast Network. Hosted by fan favorite vets Tori Deal and Aneesa Ferreira, the audio show will recap each episode of the current season, reliving the drama of the series’ biggest alliances, frenemies and feuds. New podcast episodes drop the day after and are available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard, offering The Challenge fanatics exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop, from how stunts are created to the food the cast eats and more.  

Meet the cast:

 
VETERANS: 

Aneesa Ferreira - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @Aneesamtv, Instagram: @Aneesamtv

Ashley Mitchell - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @mtvashleybrooke, Instagram: @mtvashleybrooke

Big T - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: theogbig_t Instagram: @BigTFaz

Cory Wharton - 8th Challenge
Twitter: @CoryWharton, Instagram: @CoryWharton_ig

CT - 18th Challenge
Twitter: @TheOfficial_CT, Instagram: @_famous4nothing

Devin Walker - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @MTVDevinWalker Instagram: @mtv_devin 

Darrell Taylor - 9th Challenge
Twitter:  @mtvrrdarrell Instagram: @darrell_taylor_lb4lb

Fessy Shafaat - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @fessyfitness, Instagram: @fessyfitness

Jay Starrett - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @Jay__Qs, Instagram: @jqskim

Josh Martinez - 4th Challenge
Twitter: @JOSHMBB19, Instagram: @josh_martinez_

Kam Williams - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @iamkamiam_, Instagram: @iamkamiam_

Kaycee Clark - 2nd Challenge
Twitter: @ThatStudMuffin, Instagram: @kcsince1987

Kyle Christie - 6th Challenge
Twitter: @KyleCGShore, Instagram: @kylecgshore

Leroy Garrett - 12th Challenge
Twitter: @bruce_lee85, Instagram: @royleethebarber

Nany Gonzalez - 10th Challenge
Instagram: @nanycarmen

Nelson Thomas - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @_nelsonthomas, Instagram: @_NelsonThomas

Nicole Zanatta - 3rd Challenge
Twitter: @n_zanattaMTV, Instagram: @n_zanattamtv 

Theresa Gonzalez - 7th Challenge
Twitter: @theresa_m_jones, Instagram: @theresa_m_jones

Tori Deal - 5th Challenge
Twitter: @tori_deal, Instagram: @tori_deal

Wes Bergmann - 14th Challenge
Twitter: @westonbergmann, Instagram: @westonbergmann

ROOKIES

Amber Borzotra - Big Brother
Twitter: @amberborzotra, Instagram: @amberborzotra

Amber Martinez - Are You The One?
Twitter: @amba1210, Instagram: @ambaaa_

Gabby Allen - Love Island/Celebrity Big Brother UK
Twitter: @gabbydawnallen, Instagram: @gabbydawnallen

Joseph Allen - America’s Got Talent
Twitter: @itsjosephallen, Instagram: @itsjosephallen 

Lio Rush - Former WWE Wrestler
Twitter: @TheLionelGreen , Instagram: @thelionelgreen

Lolo Jones – U.S. Olympian/ Celebrity Big Brother
Twitter: @lolojones, Instagram: @lolojones 

Mechie Harris - Musician/ Ex on the Beach
Twitter: @mechiesocrazyy, Instagram: @mechiesocrazy

Nam Vo - Ultimate Beastmaster
Instagram: @nam.vo.official

Natalie Anderson - Survivor/Amazing Race
Twitter: @NatalieeAnd, Instagram: @natalieeand

Olivia “Liv” Jawando - Shipwrecked
Instagram: @livleilani

Additionally, The Challenge: Double Agents is set to roll out globally across MTV’s international networks in early 2021.

Follow The Challenge on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, subscribe to The Challenge on YouTube, and use #TheChallenge36 to join the conversation!

The Challenge: Double Agents was created for MTV by Bunim/Murray Productions. Gil Goldschein, Julie Pizzi, Emer Harkin, and Danny Wascou serve as Executive Producers 

About MTV

MTV is the leading global youth media brand in 180 countries, reaching 450 million households in nearly 30 different languages across every platform. A unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), MTV operations span cable and mobile networks, live events, theatrical films and MTV Studios.

About Bunim/Murray Productions

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The Emmy Award-winning company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World, which aired for 32 seasons on MTV. BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules (MTV), in 1995; the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life (E!), in 2003; and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over, in 2003. BMP’s current programming includes Keeping up with the Kardashians, Total Divas and Total Bellas (E!),The Challenge (MTV), Born This Way (A&E), Kim Kardashian West:  The Justice Project (Oxygen), The Real World and Ball in the Family (Facebook Watch), Endless, Stranded with Sam and Colby (Snapchat), Miz and Mrs. (USA Network), Family or Fiance (OWN), Iyanla Fix My Life and Fear Not (OWN), Crystal Maze(Nickelodeon) and Emily’s Wonder Lab (Netflix). BMP has also produced Transhood (HBO), They Call Us Monsters (PBS), Valentine Road (HBO), Pedro (MTV) and the Emmy Award-winning Autism: The Musical (HBO) for BMP Films. Based in Glendale, CA, the company was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, who were inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame in 2012. The company joined Banijay Group in 2010.

iHeartMedia will serve as the exclusive sales representative for all Pushkin shows and the companies will also co-produce a slate of new, original podcasts over the next two years

NEW YORK – November 9, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, today announced a co-production and distribution agreement partnership with Pushkin Industries, the audio production company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, that will make iHeartMedia Pushkin’s exclusive sales partner for its catalog of premium podcasts including “Revisionist History,” “Broken Record,” “The Happiness Lab with Laurie Santos” and many others. As part of this deal, iHeartMedia and Pushkin Industries will also co-produce a slate of new, original podcasts over the next two years.

Pushkin Industries has quickly become a highly esteemed startup, creating a host of award-winning audio content since its founding in 2018. Notable shows such as Gladwell’s “Revisionist History,” Michael Lewis’s “Against the Rules” and Tim Harford’s “Cautionary Tales” have built sizable audiences, garnered widespread media attention and driven cultural conversation. Partnering with iHeartMedia will enable these unique and singular shows to reach even more listeners.

“We started Pushkin to share the joy Jacob and I have found in creating and producing podcasts,” said Malcolm Gladwell. “Working with the team at iHeart will allow us to spread this joy at an even bigger scale.”

“Conal Byrne and the team at iHeart have been instrumental in popularizing podcasts,” said Jacob Weisberg. “We’re looking forward to working with them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in audio even further.”

In addition to the expansive slate of podcasts that will join the iHeartPodcast Network, the companies today also announced two new Pushkin shows releasing in March 2021:

“Double Date” is an interview show hosted by American icons Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, who have been married for 40 years. The two will sit down with other celebrated power couples for fun, sexy, poignant conversations about what really makes a marriage last. Guests will include Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, and Sting and Trudie Styler. The first season will include 10 episodes.

“Lost Hills” is an investigative true crime series from The New Yorker’s staff writer Dana Goodyear. It tells the story of the 2018 murder of scientist Tristan Beaudette, who was shot in the head in front of his two young daughters while camping in Malibu Creek State Park. “Lost Hills” is a tragic true crime story played out against the sometimes ridiculous backdrop of Malibu. The first of three planned seasons will include 8 episodes.

“This content partnership brings some of the most highly-regarded titles in podcasting to our network, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help Pushkin elevate their successful podcasts even further,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “In addition to adopting and supporting their existing award-winning shows, we’re eager to collaborate with the brilliant minds at Pushkin to create new originals as well. We’re honored to join forces with some of the best in the business as we bring these esteemed podcasts to listeners everywhere.”

Fans can visit iHeart.com/apps to download iHeartRadio and listen to all of Pushkin’s podcasts on their favorite devices.

About Pushkin Industries

Pushkin Industries is the audio production company co-founded by Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg in 2018. In its first year, Pushkin launched four new shows into the top 10 on the Apple Podcast charts: Against the Rules, hosted by bestselling author and journalist Michael Lewis; Cautionary Tales from Financial Times columnist Tim Harford; The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos; and Solvable. Pushkin is also home to Gladwell’s Revisionist History and produced the bestselling audiobook version of Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers (Hachette Audio, 2019). Other hosts include Jill Lepore, Rick Rubin, Bruce Headlam, Justin Richmond, Ashley Ford, Hari Kunzru, Noah Feldman, Eric Lander, Tali Farhadian Weinstein, Niala Boodhoo and many more. Pushkin's audiobook “Fauci,” by Michael Specter, recently reached #1 on the Audible nonfiction books chart. Learn more at pushkin.fm or follow us on Twitter @pushkinpods.

GroupM is the exclusive sponsor of lineup’s full podcast slate

“You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters, “Go Ask Ali” and “Criminalia” launch this month

Future shows include “#Matter,” “American Coup,” “Black Girl Lost,” and multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix

New York, NY - Aug 11, 2020 - Today, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Shondaland Audio, a division of Shondaland, founded by award-winning television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, announced the division’s upcoming lineup. Co-Produced with iHeartRadio, three new original podcasts will launch as part of the partnership, which was first announced and formed late last year. “You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters, “Criminalia” and “Go Ask Ali” will debut this month on iHeartRadio and everywhere else podcasts are available. As a result of GroupM’s sponsorship deal—the first for the iHeart and Shondaland Audio partnership—the largest global media investment network’s clients have exclusive access to the entire slate of original podcasts.

Also announced today were future shows that span a variety of genres and formats including: “#Matter,” “American Coup,” “Black Girl Lost,” and multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix. The lineup joins previously launched podcast “Katie’s Crib,” a bi-weekly podcast following “Scandal” and “Waitress” actress Katie Lowes, which joined the slate in its third season this past May. The show will release a new episode on August 13th featuring actress Gabrielle Union.

“Shonda Rhimes is an absolute creative powerhouse and developing these first few shows together has indicated what a strong partnership iHeartMedia and Shondaland have formed with Shondaland Audio,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “The breadth and depth of content that’s in progress as part of this partnership is unparalleled, and we’re thrilled to work beside the Shondaland team to bring Shonda’s unique storytelling magic to podcast listeners everywhere.”

Rhimes will oversee development of the Shondaland Audio slate with Chief Design and Digital Media Officer, Sandie Bailey, who will manage day-to-day operations as the company introduces incredible talent and stories to hundreds of millions of podcast listeners across the country.

“Podcasts allow for innovative and intimate storytelling and that’s exactly what this slate offers: deeply human stories through a range of genres and formats aimed to engage the varied and ever- growing podcast listenership,” said Bailey. “iHeartMedia has been an incredible partner in forming Shondaland Audio, and I’m thrilled that audiences will soon hear more from our collaboration with this new offering of shows.”

Progressive clients including T-Mobile and Unilever have signed on as brand partners of the upcoming slate of podcasts within the exclusive GroupM sponsorship.

“We’re excited to be a first and only partner in support of the rich and diverse perspectives and stories that are signature to Shondaland. This partnership serves as added reinforcement of our priority to elevate multicultural voices—audiences and programming talent—in direct connection with our previously announced Multicultural Marketplace,” said Susan Schiekofer, GroupM’s Chief Digital Investment Officer. “We understood from the outset of these discussions at the end of last year how beneficial a deal like this could be for our clients. The unique slate-wide ownership position allows us to create custom integrations for clients across so many different opportunities. We’re looking forward to helping bring this audio slate to life.”

In 2017, Shondaland began broadening its digital footprint with the launch of Shondaland.com and later entered podcast territory with “Katie’s Crib,” featuring Katie Lowes welcoming guests for open and honest conversations about everything parenting, from fertility and postpartum life to the ups and downs of raising tiny humans.

Shondaland Audio Shows Releasing This Month Include:

August 11th
“You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters – Hosted by four members of the all Black, all female comedy troupe known as Obama’s Other Daughters: Maame-Yaa Aforo, Ashley Holston, Yazmin Monet Watkins and Shakira Ja’nai Paye. These hilarious and opinionated friends come together for laughs and brutal honesty in this talk-show style podcast featuring fun, irreverent discussions as they offer their unique perspective and comedic take on all things culture. The group also executive produces, writes and stars in Comedy Central Digital series, and produces and performs under Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network banner.

August 18th
“Criminalia” – In this podcast, veteran Holly Frey (cohost of the award-winning podcast “Stuff You Missed in History Class”) and co-host Maria Trimarchi (writer, journalist and researcher) ask the question “what can we learn from the criminals and crimes of the past?” “Criminalia” is a dark, yet playful look at historical true crime.

August 20th
“Go Ask Ali” – Hosted by actress and New York Times best-selling author, Ali Wentworth who has become a comedic authority on wading through all the chaos that is modern life. Ali speaks with doctors, experts and friends about "How to grow a teenager in a pandemic" and "how to grow a relationship in a pandemic."

Upcoming Shondaland Audio Show Details Include:

“#Matter” – This scripted drama will be written, produced and directed by Dylan Brown (writer/producer, “Raising Kanan” and “Mac and Devin go to High School”), and told through the lens of a reporter looking back at a case of police brutality, as a father intervenes in his teenage son's beating and later finds himself, his badly hurt son and a wounded cop barricaded in a nearby restaurant as they all struggle to stay alive. Set to launch this fall.

“American Coup” – A scripted series from writers Aaron Tracy (writer, “Law and Order: SVU”) and Andrew Lenchewski (co-creator, “Royal Pains”) that explores the incredible, untold story of Edith Wilson, the woman who hijacked the Oval Office. As a writing team, Aaron and Andrew have sold original TV pilots to USA Network, Freeform, Lionsgate, and Alcon Entertainment. Set to launch this winter.

“Black Girl Lost” – This documentary-style podcast, produced by award-winning filmmaker and writer dream hampton and hosted by award-winning journalist Yesha Callahan, looks at the complexities behind the growing numbers of missing Black women and girls. Asking the questions who takes them and why? But most importantly, does anyone care about Black girls lost? The show will also feature thought-provoking interviews around a number of these unsolved missing persons cases. Set to launch early next year.

More details will be released at a later date on future Shondaland Audio podcasts including multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix.

In addition to the shows announced today, listeners can expect a steady stream of new podcasts from Shondaland Audio over the next couple of years.

About Shondaland

Shondaland is the pioneering storytelling company founded by award-winning writer and producer Shonda Rhimes. The company has produced the television series "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Scandal," "How To Get Away With Murder," "For The People" and "Station 19” for ABC. Through the company’s unprecedented shift to streaming, it is producing content exclusively for Netflix including upcoming series “Bridgerton,” “Inventing Anna” and “Notes on Love.” In recent years the company has expanded into other divisions including launching the website Shondaland.com, part of the Hearst Digital Networks, and Shondaland Audio, part of the iHeartPodcast Network. The company is rooted in the ideals of creating content that changes culture, changes perceptions and writes the future.

iHeartRadio, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions break new ground to produce the original narrative sci-fi thriller podcast amid the pandemic, pushing the envelope in creative audio content production

NEW YORK – August 3, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions today announced “There Be Monsters,” an original ten-part narrative sci-fi thriller podcast starring John Boyega (Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, Detroit) and Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG award winner Darren Criss (American Crime Story: The Assassination Of Gianni Versace, Hollywood, Royalties). “There Be Monsters,” which is produced by Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo., Dan Bush of Psychopia Pictures and John Boyega of UpperRoom Productions, will be available later this year on the iHeartPodcast Network.

In this new scripted thriller, Boyega plays Jack Locke, the mysterious hero with a vendetta who infiltrates a Silicon Valley body-hacking startup run by an enigmatic CEO Max Fuller, played by Criss, whose highly secretive creations promise to enhance human biology in incredible ways - but every drug has a side effect.

iHeartRadio, FlynnPictureCo., Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions began developing “There Be Monsters” in November 2019 as part of an expanding slate of immersive “PodFiction” (PodFi) audio dramas. As the creative team was getting ready to fly to London, Atlanta and LA to record the actors in early 2020, the pandemic hit and they were shut down. Despite the challenges of executing a scripted fictional podcast thriller with a full cast of actors remotely, the creative team was eager to move forward and broke new ground in podcast production in June 2020. The podcast creators and the iHeart team created a completely remote technological process and each cast member was sent a “Studio in a Box,” which included important materials from a professional studio microphone to tutorial videos. These materials enabled the cast to record studio quality “scripted” audio from the safety of their own homes, while still performing together as they connected virtually via teleconference across multiple continents and time zones. The director, producers and actors would connect virtually daily for six hours to record – and over the course of two weeks the production captured over four hundred pages of material with twenty different actors.

“The process to develop this scripted show and the ability to capture the connection, emotions and overall dynamic between the cast members while recording remotely, from across the globe, was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “It’s an unbelievable feat, and I’m so impressed with Beau Flynn, Psychopia Pictures and UpperRoom Productions for rising to the occasion to create such a spectacular podcast.”

John Boyega was the first to attach and is on-board as a producer via his UpperRoom Productions. “Getting to explore this format of storytelling whilst also adjusting to new methods of recording with the cast members made it an exciting process,” said Boyega. “I’m thrilled it all came together and hope audiences are just as drawn in as I was to this sci-fi thriller series.”

The PodFi also stars Marley Shelton (Rampage, “Rise”), Clark Gregg (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain Marvel) and Tony Award nominee Sahr Ngaujah (Fela!, Patti Cake$, Luke Cage).

The series was created and directed by Dan Bush (The Vault, The Signal), who co-wrote along with tyro-writer Nicholas Tecosky.

“’There Be Monsters’ is a psychological thriller that chronicles the rise of humankind 2.0, and the disruptions to society that come with it,” said Bush. “We chose to format this story as a scripted podcast because it is an immersive, storytelling playground, and I am beyond excited to partner with this powerhouse team and talent to bring this singular show to life.”

“From the start, our goal for “There Be Monsters,” our first PodFiction series, has always been to break down traditional storytelling barriers and create a completely unique and immersive narrative audio experience that takes listeners beyond conventional podcasting,” said Flynn. “When the pandemic hit this year and the world collectively turned to storytellers and artists to help get through this challenging time, we knew we had to find a way to keep production on track and deliver this story. We couldn’t have conceived of better partners than iHeartRadio, Dan Bush and our exemplary cast and crew to step into the unknown with. What we were able to achieve together despite endless challenges and limitations is truly the first of its kind, and we can’t wait to share this incredible story and unique experience with the world.”

FlynnPictureCo.’s Scott Sheldon and Shelby Thomas will also serve as producers.

FlynnPictureCo. is currently in post-production on Disney’s Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, releasing July 30, 2021. Fresh on the heels of the latest Star Wars trilogy, Boyega via his UpperRoom Productions recently inked a multiyear producing deal with Netflix with a specific focus on non-English language films from West and East Africa.

“There Be Monsters” production just wrapped and is now in post production. The PodFiction series will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 215 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.

John Boyega is repped by Identity Agency Company and Sloane Offer, Weber & Dern.. CAA and Ricky Rollins of Hyphenate Creative Management rep Criss, and his attorney is Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman. iHeartMedia was assisted and represented by Oren Rosenbaum of UTA during the deal.

Speakers Including: Hillary Clinton, Eli Manning, Mellody Hobson, General Stan McChrystal, David Solomon, Abby Wambach, David Chang, Katie Couric, Mike Krzyzewski, Dr. Oz, Chelsea Handler, Bobbi Brown, Stephanie Ruhle, Sienna Miller, Guy Raz and Sylvia Rhone; today’s biggest music artists, including Halsey, John Legend, Kesha, DJ Khaled, Khalid, Pitbull and Tim McGraw; and iHeartRadio On Air and Podcast Personalities including Ryan Seacrest, Enrique Santos, Angie Martinez, Bobby Bones, Jake Brennan, Angela Yee, Woody and more -- Will Share Words of Wisdom with Upcoming Graduates Unable to Attend their Commencement Ceremonies Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

NEW YORK – April 14, 2020 – iHeartMedia today announced “Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020” -- a one-of-kind special podcast event for America’s graduation month featuring commencement addresses from some of the most inspiring and accomplished thought leaders impacting culture today.  Participants in “Commencement:  Speeches for the Class of 2020” include two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Abby Wambach; cosmetics icon Bobbi Brown; comedian and TV host Chelsea Handler; restaurateur and TV personality David Chang; Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon; NFL football legend Eli Manning; journalist and NPR correspondent Guy Raz; top recording artist Halsey; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; top recording artist John Legend; award-winning journalist Katie Couric; Grammy-nominated pop star Kesha; DJ Khaled; R&B singer and songwriter Khalid; business leader and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments Mellody Hobson; Coach Mike Krzyzewski; Dr. Oz; international recording artist and business entrepreneur Pitbull; actor Sienna Miller; General Stan McChrystal; MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle; CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone and top country artist Tim McGraw, with more to be announced, to help celebrate and inspire high school and college graduates of 2020 as they look to the future.

“Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020” will also feature speeches from leading iHeartRadio on air personalities and podcast hosts, including Ryan Seacrest, Enrique Santos, Angie Martinez, Bobby Bones, Jake Brennan, Angela Yee, Woody with more to be announced – each sharing, from the safety of their homes, sage advice, heartfelt stories and words of wisdom aimed at motivating graduates during these unprecedented times.  

The podcast will publish the speeches on May 15, ahead of “National Graduation Day” (May 17). The speeches will be produced specifically for the podcast, through the iHeartPodcast Network, and are dedicated to all the graduating classes of 2020 who will miss their commencement celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard, with each speech also being featured on iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations across the country – reaching hundreds of millions of listeners nationwide and taking commencement addresses to a new level.  

“Because so many schools and colleges have moved to online learning to ensure the safety of their students, many graduates are missing their commencement ceremonies, traditionally such significant milestones in their lives,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “High school and college seniors are always in need of inspiration, reassurance and life advice as they head into the next chapter of their lives, and that is especially true this year. ‘Speeches for the Class Of 2020’ brings together some of the most experienced and inspiring people in the country today to celebrate the resilience, strength and accomplishments of this year’s graduates. These are the speakers our graduates would have had at their real-world ceremonies if not for current circumstances, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring them together through this podcast.”

The renowned podcast producer will develop a slate of five new podcasts and also executive produce several new and renewed shows for the network

NEW YORK – April 8, 2020 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, today announced a multi-year extension to the iHeartPodcast Network’s exclusive partnership with esteemed author and podcast creator, Aaron Mahnke. The deal includes two more years of new content for the popular “Cabinet of Curiosities,” two new seasons of “Unobscured” as well as an executive producer role for the newly launched hit “Strange Arrivals,” additional seasons of “Noble Blood” and a new scripted series set to launch this fall. Additionally, the partnership will add a slate of five new podcasts to feature groundbreaking talent including Rabia Chaudry – attorney, advocate and author of the New York Times bestselling book "Adnan's Story."

A pioneer of the podcasting medium, Mahnke rose to fame several years ago with his megahit show, “Lore,” which is still one of the most downloaded podcasts in the world and was spun off into a TV show, book series and live tour. In 2018, iHeartMedia and Mahnke entered into an exclusive partnership to create an original slate of podcasts. This resulted in new, huge hits like “Unobscured” and “Cabinet of Curiosities.” As part of this deal, Mahnke also began to executive produce new shows including “Noble Blood,” which reached the top of podcast charts everywhere when it launched last year.

“History is one of those areas that has a lot of value for us right now,” said Mahnke. “We can be entertained by it, learn from it, and even add new pieces to its incomplete puzzles—and my partnership with iHeart allows me to do a lot more of all of that through their openness to new ideas and industry-leading production staff. I couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

In addition to being available on digital, full episodes and vignettes of the extended content slate will air on broadcast radio, bringing this exceptional storytelling to iHeartMedia’s more than a quarter of a billion monthly broadcast listeners.

“Aaron ranks among the most innovative, groundbreaking creators at work today, in any medium, and so we are putting all of iHeartMedia’s resources behind him to make more podcast content, faster, for bigger audiences,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “This is one of the best parts of our job—putting some of the best creators in the world, on the biggest stage in the world. Beyond being Aaron’s business partner, we are also just huge fans and couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.”

The iHeartPodcast Network is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 170 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. In addition to Mahnke’s popular slate of podcasts, the platform is also home to the most successful podcast of all time, “Stuff You Should Know” and creator of hits like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” “Disgraceland” and the “Atlanta Monster” series as well as fosters over a hundred shows from its on-air talent like the popular “Bobbycast” and “The Breakfast Club” radio show podcasts. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 320,000 shows.

Fans can go to iHeart.com/apps to download and listen on all their favorite devices — including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, televisions, gaming consoles and more.