iHeartPodcasts

Premiering August 17, host Elizabeth Smart brings her unique perspective as a survivor and advocate to powerful conversations with survivors of impossible circumstances

NEW YORK – August 10, 2026 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced the launch of “The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart,” a new weekly true crime anthology podcast hosted by kidnapping survivor and longtime advocate Elizabeth Smart. Co-produced by Marwar Junction Productions, the 48-episode series will premiere August 17, with new episodes released every Monday. Fans can listen to “The Survivor Files” trailer now HERE.

Building on more than two decades of Smart’s advocacy, “The Survivor Files” will bring listeners inside the experiences most people only hear about from the outside. Through a hybrid format that pairs documentary-style storytelling with intimate conversations, the weekly series will follow survivors of abductions, home invasions, assaults and other traumatic events as they share the experiences that changed their lives with host Elizabeth Smart before joining her to explore the lifelong process of healing, justice and reclaiming what violence nearly took away. The series will also include special episodes that invite those at home into the conversation through listener-submitted questions.

“I’m so excited and proud to team up with iHeart and Marwar Junction to launch ‘The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart,’” said Smart. “My hope is to honor the extraordinary strength, resilience, hope and courage of survivors. Each of our stories are unique, but so many share a common thread: the strength to keep moving forward in the face of hell. I want this podcast to remind people that we are more than what we experience – and that we are so much stronger than we believed.” 

"Elizabeth's voice has become synonymous with resilience, hope and survivor advocacy,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Through 'The Survivor Files,' she brings a deeply personal perspective to stories that deserve to be told with compassion. We're excited to partner with Elizabeth and Marwar Junction Productions on a series that expands the true crime genre in such a personal and meaningful way."

"We are honored Elizabeth asked us to help her launch this important podcast," said Joseph Freed of Marwar Junction Productions. "These stories have never been more important, and Elizabeth brings them to life with authenticity and care."

“The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard on August 17. 

PRESS NOTES: 

Hi-res cover art is available to download HERE. 

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

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-survivor-files-with-e-340549681?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About Elizabeth Smart

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Now, Elizabeth Smart is an advocate, author, and founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. After being kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 and safely returned to her family nine months later, Smart became one of the country’s most visible voices on child safety, survivor advocacy, trauma recovery, and hope after tragedy. Her recent Netflix documentary was #1 in ten countries, reinforcing the enduring power of her story.

Smart has worked to support child-abduction prevention and recovery efforts, including advocacy around the National AMBER Alert system, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, and other safety initiatives. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir My Story and Where There’s Hope, a deeply personal book about healing, resilience, and reclaiming life after trauma. Through her public speaking, writing, advocacy, and media work, Smart continues to use her experience to help survivors feel seen, support families, and encourage communities to remain vigilant in protecting children. Her voice brings compassion, credibility, and lived experience to conversations about survival, justice, and the possibility of life beyond trauma.

Hosted by acclaimed writer and award-winning podcast creator Maria Garcia, the series unpacks the moments, music, movies and memories that continue to define generations

WHAT: My Cultura, iHeartMedia’s podcast network dedicated to elevating Latino voices and stories, and Futuro Media today announced the debut of "Muy Excited with Maria Garcia," a new weekly audio and video podcast hosted by award-winning writer, editor and podcast creator Maria Garcia. 

Each week, Garcia will choose a nostalgic or contemporary piece of culture, whether it's an iconic album, unforgettable film, defining cultural moment or major event, and unpacks its lasting impact through humor, storytelling and insightful cultural analysis. "Muy Excited" will explore why the stories we share and the culture we consume continue to shape our identities, relationships and understanding of the world.

In the premiere episode, Garcia will revisit Ricky Martin's extraordinary career and cultural legacy after a performance during Bad Bunny's "Benito Bowl" sparks an unexpected conversation with her 11-year-old son. Exploring how Martin's groundbreaking success paved the way for artists like Bad Bunny to embrace their identity and politics unapologetically, Garcia will examine what one unforgettable performance reveals about Latino culture across generations. Throughout the season, listeners will hear immersive storytelling, personal anecdotes from Maria and incisive analysis on music, movies, cultural phenomena and defining moments that continue to resonate across generations.

WHO: Garcia is the Executive Editor of Futuro Studios, where she has created and overseen multiple award-winning podcasts. She is the creator and host of the critically acclaimed "Anything for Selena," which was named one of the year's best podcasts by The Atlantic, Vulture, TIME and Vogue, among many others. She was also named newcomer of the year by Apple Podcasts in 2021. Her Apple Original series "My Divo," exploring Mexican icon Juan Gabriel alongside her own queer and Mexican roots, debuted at No. 1 in its category in 2024. In 2025, Apple Podcasts recognized Garcia as one of its "Creators We Love."

WHEN: The series premieres today, July 30, 2026, with new episodes available weekly.

WHERE: “Muy Excited with Maria Garcia'' is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard, with full video episodes available on YouTube.

About Futuro Media

Futuro Media is an independent, nonprofit news organization and podcast studio founded in 2010 by Pulitzer Prize winner Maria Hinojosa. Based in Harlem, New York, Futuro Media produces the Peabody Award-winning Latino USA, the longest-running Latino news and cultural program in public radio, which celebrated 33 years on the air. Its podcast studio, Futuro Studios, is home to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Suave and acclaimed series La Brega and Anything for Selena. Futuro Investigates, its IRE and Murrow award-winning investigative journalism unit, produced After Uvalde: Guns, Grief & Texas Politics.

About My Cultura Podcast Network

iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network launched May 2021 in collaboration with Enrique Santos, iHeartMedia’s top-rated on-air personality and President and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino, and has since welcomed actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama along with Eva Longoria and her studio Hyphenate Media Group as stakeholders. Since launch, the network has seen steady listener growth and has become home to more than 60 podcasts including hit series “Chiquis and Chill,” “The Moment with Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos,” “Bleep! with Ana Navarro,” “Against All Odds with Yris Palmer,” “More Better with Stephanie & Melissa,” “Princess of South Beach,'' “Sacred Scandal,” “Radio Ambulante,” “Magical Rewind,” “Agushto Papá,” “Enrique Santos Podcast,” “Suite 305 with Lele Pons,” “Dos Amigos with Wilmer Valderrama,” “Latino USA,” and many more. All My Cultura shows are distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listeners can find the full catalog of My Cultura podcasts here.

The cult-favorite brand turns pizza deliveries into content gold as 52 episodes of its original celebrity-driven series joins two of the world's biggest platforms

Listen to “Delivering Happiness” now, HERE

NEW YORK — July 22, 2026 — TikTok and iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced that the original celebrity-driven series “Delivering Happiness” created by Lawrence Longo with Prince St. Pizza and hosted by actor Nick Turturro, is now available for the first time as a podcast joining the growing slate on the TikTok Podcast Network. Listen to “Delivering Happiness” HERE.

Born from the New York institution that turned pepperoni-loaded square slices into a cultural phenomenon, the feel-good series "Delivering Happiness" has built a loyal following by pairing celebrity guests with a surprisingly simple premise: real pizza deliveries and unscripted conversations, blending New York attitude and laughter with the universal power of sharing a slice.

Hosted by actor Nick Turturro, "Delivering Happiness" follows the longtime entertainer as he swaps movie sets for pizza routes, making real deliveries and stepping into candid conversations with celebrities, athletes and creators. The series was born after conversations between Turturro and Prince St. Pizza’s Chief Executive Officer, Lawrence Longo, about getting involved with the brand. Longo had one requirement: if Turturro wanted in, he had to deliver pizzas. The result is a show where no one knows exactly what will happen when the door opens. 

Since its debut, the series has featured an eclectic lineup of guests including Spike Lee, Ice-T, Bill Burr, Dana White, Seth Rollins, Christina Milian and Alex Rodriguez. Equal parts pizza delivery, street-level talk show and cultural time capsule, "Delivering Happiness" captures the moments that happen when people least expect them.

Unlike traditional celebrity interview formats, "Delivering Happiness" centers on the moments between destinations. The talks that unfold naturally in cars, on front porches, inside neighborhood shops and anywhere else a delivery might lead. For Prince St., the show represents a natural extension of the brand's identity and a new way to engage audiences beyond the restaurant experience.

Founded in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood over a decade ago, Prince St. Pizza has become a national destination for its crave-worthy square pies, now served at more than 19 locations across the U.S. The full collection of episodes is available online, with episodes continuing to spotlight the personalities, humor and human connections that emerge from the simple act of delivering pizza. 

"We're building the TikTok Podcast Network around voices and formats that feel original and culturally relevant, and Delivering Happiness is a great example of that," said Dan Page, Global Head of Global Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok. "Nick Turturro and Prince St. Pizza have created something that's entertaining, approachable and uniquely their own, and we're thrilled to bring the show to podcast audiences."

"Great podcasts create moments people want to be part of, and 'Delivering Happiness' does exactly that," said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. "Nick Turturro has a way of turning a simple pizza delivery into an authentic conversation you can't script. We're excited to bring the series to podcast listeners through the TikTok Podcast Network."

"Pizza has always been the great connector," said Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince St. Pizza. "People let their guard down around pizza. They tell stories they weren't planning to tell. They laugh harder. The conversations become real. What started as an experiment turned into something much bigger than we expected, and we're excited to bring it to a much larger audience through iHeart and TikTok."

Launched in March 2026, the TikTok Podcast Network is a first-of-its-kind partnership between TikTok and iHeartMedia that brings some of the platform’s leading creators into long-form podcasting. Designed to expand creator storytelling beyond short-form video, the network combines TikTok’s creator ecosystem with iHeartMedia’s industry-leading podcast production, distribution and monetization capabilities. GEICO serves as the network’s exclusive launch partner, creating new opportunities for brands to engage audiences through creator-led podcast content. The slate also includes “Sports Slice” hosted by sports creator Tim Martin (@timbosliceoflife12); “The Clifford Show” hosted by former college football player turned sports creator Clifford Taylor IV (@clifford); “Suite 305 with Lele Pons” hosted by multihyphenate and social media star Lele Pons (@lelepons); and coming soon “Caroline’s Closet” hosted by fashion editor, author and personality Caroline Vazzana (@cvazzana). All podcasts on the TikTok Podcast Network are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

“Delivering Happiness” is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays. Clips, highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the show will also be featured across TikTok. 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Podcast Cover Art: available for download HERE.

Podcast Embed Code: (include audio player directly in article)

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-delivering-happiness-with-337532701?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About Nick Turturro

Nicholas Turturro Jr. is an American actor. He is known as one of the frequent collaborators of Spike Lee, and his roles as Detective James Martinez on NYPD Blue and Sergeant Anthony Renzulli on Blue Bloods. He was nominated twice for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on NYPD Blue. He is also a Screen Actors Guild Award winner and an Independent Spirit Award nominee.

About Prince St. Pizza

Founded in 2012 in New York City’s Nolita neighborhood, Prince St. Pizza has become a cult-favorite for its Sicilian “SoHo” Squares and original Neapolitan-style pizzas. Rooted in the Morano family’s generations-old recipes and the philosophy that “if you can put it on pasta, you can put it on pizza,” the brand is known for handcrafted sauces made daily, fresh ingredients and dough perfected through a New York-style water filtration process — all delivering the signature slice shop experience that has expanded from New York to, California, Toronto and beyond, with 19 locations across the U.S. For more information, visit princestreetpizza.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul and Tokyo.

Each week, Tony Reali and special guests will unpack one unforgettable moment in sports through humor, nostalgia, compelling storytelling and thoughtful conversation

WHAT: iHeartPodcasts today debuts “REAL DEAL with Tony Reali,” a sports culture podcast built around one unforgettable moment at a time. A play. A clip. A photo. A legend. The moments that shaped sports and continue to resonate long after the final whistle. Every episode begins with an iconic image, using it as a starting point to explore why the moment still matters and why it continues to move fans years later.

WHO: Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, “REAL DEAL” features conversations with athletes, broadcasters, comedians, journalists, superfans, creators, and the unexpected people connected to each moment. Blending humor, nostalgia, compelling storytelling, and genuine insight, Tony and his guests relive the moment, uncover the story behind the story, and reveal the lasting impact it had on sports and culture. 

“REAL DEAL” isn't a debate show or a recap show. It's a show about memory, emotion and the sports moments we still can't stop replaying and sharing years, and sometimes decades, later.

WHEN: The first episode debuts July 14, 2026 with new episodes releasing weekly on Tuesdays.

WHERE: “REAL DEAL with Tony Reali'' is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen now HERE.

About Tony Reali

Tony Reali is one of the most recognizable and trusted voices in sports media, best known for hosting ESPN’s Around the Horn for more than two decades and appearing on Pardon the Interruption as the beloved “Stat Boy.” Across nearly 7,000 episodes, Tony became known for bringing intelligence, humor, empathy, energy, and humanity to sports television.

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali is Tony’s next chapter: a digital-first sports culture show built around unforgettable moments, emotional storytelling, curiosity, play, and the beautiful chaos that makes sports matter in the first place.

Premiering July 16, the series features the iconic duo as they reflect on eight seasons of adventures with the Mayor, wacky show characters, brunch and more

Special guests include Kyle MacLachlan, Aimee Mann, “Portlandia” director and co-creator Jonathan Krisel and more

NEW YORK – JULY 9, 2026 – iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players (BMP) today announced the launch of “Podlandia: A-O Rewatch,” a new “Portlandia” recap podcast hosted by comedian, writer, producer and musician Fred Armisen and writer, director and musician Carrie Brownstein. Fans can listen to the official trailer now, HERE.

Each week, “Podlandia: A-O Rewatch” will feature Armisen and Brownstein revisiting their cult-classic TV series, which documented the hipster fad of birds as decor, unique bicycles and intense mustache care that defined the capital of Oregon for an entire generation. During special visits from the Mayor (Kyle MacLachlan) and other beloved Portlandians, including Aimee Mann and “Portlandia” director and co-creator Jonathan Krisel, the hosts will recount the struggles, joys and surprises of each episode.

“Our hope with the ‘Portlandia’ rewatch podcast is to continue the conversations we began when the show first aired. Conversations around community, how a place shapes and defines us, how much of life is mere performance, and how absurdity is often the best way to make sense of the world,” said Carrie Brownstein, co-host of “Podlandia.” Revisiting these episodes also reminded me of the ways Fred is singularly hilarious; we loved getting to hang out and reminisce, sing the praises of the cast, crew, and the city itself, and to have a new means of connecting with our audience.” 

“Re-watching these ‘Portlandia’ episodes was so enjoyable. I really laughed, which is a strange thing to say about something I’m in. Carrie made me laugh a lot, maybe I’ll put it that way. It was all illuminating and it sparked so many memories of shooting in beautiful Portland. Then, getting to sit with Carrie and talk about it all was another level of fun and connection. I’m so happy we have gotten a chance to do this,” said Fred Armisen, co-host of “Podlandia.”

“Fred and Carrie are such an iconic duo, and we’re excited to bring them back together again for ‘Podlandia: A-O Rewatch'," said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. "They will revisit their hit series alongside some of the hilarious guest stars who made up the world of ‘Portlandia,’ and fans will get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into the show like never before."

Founded by Will Ferrell and iHeartMedia, the Big Money Players Network is the premiere destination for comedy podcasts and home to top comedic talent across a variety of formats and styles – both scripted and unscripted. In addition to audio’s No. 1 comedy “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” BMP features long-running hits like “Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang,” “Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim,” “Hollywood Handbook,”  “Straightiolab” and more. All BMP podcasts are executive produced by Will Ferrell and iHeartMedia and are distributed by iHeartPodcasts. See the full catalog here.

“Podlandia: A-O Rewatch” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard beginning July 16, 2026. Video episodes will be available on YouTube.

About Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a writer, director, musician, and actress. She is a founding member of the critically acclaimed and influential rock band Sleater-Kinney and author of the New York Times best-seller, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl. She, along with Fred Armisen, co-starred and co-created the sketch-comedy series, Portlandia. The show aired for eight seasons, winning both a Peabody and a WGA Award. Brownstein’s work on the show garnered her eight Primetime Emmy nominations in the categories of Outstanding Variety Sketch Series, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series. Brownstein has directed television shows for HBO, NBC, Comedy Central, and Hulu. 

About Fred Armisen

Fred Armisen is a comedian, writer, producer, and musician. He is the co-writer and co-star of IFC’s Emmy-nominated series Portlandia. He is currently in the hit Netflix series Wednesday as Uncle Fester and Hulu's comedy series Deli Boys. He stars in HBO’s Los Espookys, which he co-wrote and executive produced. He can also be heard in the hit animated Super Mario Bros movie. Armisen stars in, writes, and produces IFC’s hit show Documentary Now. He has also appeared in Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, and Amazon’s series Forever. He voices characters in Big Mouth and The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Armisen is an 11-season veteran of Saturday Night Live. From 2014-2024, Armisen was band leader of the 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

Chelsea Handler to serve as Executive Producer on all shows and continue hosting the flagship “Dear Chelsea” podcast 

“You’re the Problem … with Yamaneika” will launch on July 15

NEW YORK – July 8, 2026 – Chelsea Handler and iHeartPodcasts today announced the launch of the Dear Chelsea Network, a multi-year partnership that includes Handler’s hit show “Dear Chelsea” and several new titles to come. The first new podcast launching on the network will be “You’re the Problem … with Yamaneika,” a come dy show hosted by Yamaneika Saunders covering pop culture, in-the-moment current events, news, politics and more debuting on July 15. Listen to the trailer now, HERE.

Alongside the flagship show “Dear Chelsea,” the popular iHeartPodcast available across all major podcast platforms and selected by Netflix as part of its licensed podcast lineup, the network will welcome its first new show later this month — “You’re the Problem … with Yamaneika,” a weekly comedic talk show where no topic across culture or current events is safe from Yamaneika’s takes. The comedian and her long time friend and producer Tyree Rush will invite listeners to share their thoughts, as the show will aim to create a community for the outspoken while reminding the audience that no matter what they think, they have a home with Yamaneika.

“When I started 'Dear Chelsea', I wanted to give people access to me and build a place where people could come for honest advice, real conversation and a lot of laughter," said Handler. "Building that community into a network feels incredibly meaningful, especially because I get to launch it with someone I know, love and believe in as much as Yamaneika. She’s one of the funniest people I know and I can’t wait for people to make her part of their lives the way I have.”

“Chelsea has become an incredibly influential voice in the podcasting space with her unique ability to create community among her listeners,” said Will Pearson, President, iHeartPodcasts. “We’re excited to expand that audience with the Dear Chelsea Network and welcome Yamaneika’s new show.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of the Dear Chelsea Network family, and for the world to listen to ‘You’re The Problem … with Yamaneika,’” said Saunders. “I love running my mouth, joking around and telling it like it is … cause I’m not the problem, YOU ARE.”

Handler will serve as Executive Producer on “You’re the Problem … with Yamaneika” as well as all shows across the network, which launches five years after the GRAMMY-nominated comedian, television host and seven-time New York Times best-selling author started her fan-favorite “Dear Chelsea” in April 2021. Handler has since become one of the most popular voices in podcasting, with “Dear Chelsea” winning a Webby Award in 2022 and now streaming on Netflix as part of the streamer’s inaugural video podcasting slate with iHeartMedia. 

All Dear Chelsea Network shows will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About Yamaneika

Yamaneika Saunders is a standup comedian, actor, WGA-award winning writer, and the host of the brand new podcast, "You're The Problem … with Yamaneika" on the Dear Chelsea Network. She is a regular staple at The Comedy Cellar in both New York and Las Vegas when she isn't on the road opening for Chelsea Handler and headlining across the country. She's known for her work on Hacks, Life & Beth and Inside Amy Schumer, as well as her latest standup special, White Shenanigans.

About Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler is a comedian, television host, and seven-time New York Times best-selling author whose humor and candor have established her as one of the most celebrated voices in entertainment and pop culture. After a strong seven-year run as the host of E!’s top-rated Chelsea Lately, a tenure in which she was the only female late-night talk show host on-air, she launched her documentary series Chelsea Does, followed by her talk show Chelsea on Netflix in 2016. She has penned seven New York Times best-selling books, six of which have reached #1, including her seventh and most recent book I’ll Have What She’s Having, published February 2025.

In 2021, she launched her hit iHeart Radio advice podcast, Dear Chelsea. Later that year, she embarked on the Vaccinated and Horny Tour, bringing her sensational stand-up set to over 90 cities with 115 shows across North America and winning “The Comedy Act of 2021” at the People’s Choice Awards. Following the success of her 2020 HBO Max comedy special Evolution, Chelsea earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Comedy Album. Her third Netflix comedy special, the critically acclaimed The Feeling, premiered March 2025. In January 2026, she continued her celebrated run as host of the Critics’ Choice Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Handler can be seen at her Las Vegas residency Chelsea at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan, through which she made history as the venue’s first female comedian residency. Currently, Handler is on the road for her The High and Mighty Tour. 

The new series hosted by coach and former entertainment insider Ryan Weiss bets that ten minutes a day—one idea and one practice, not endless inspiration—is what actually moves a life 

Premiering today, the podcast joins a show slate developed through iHeart’s unique creative partnership with The Lighthouse, the thriving creator campus launched by creator company Whalar Group 

NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES — July 7, 2026 — iHeartPodcasts, the no. 1 podcast publisher globally, in partnership with The Lighthouse, today announced “Waking Up with Ryan,” a daily video podcast hosted by coach Ryan Weiss, premiering July 7. In a wellness landscape crowded with big ideas and longer and longer episodes, the show makes a deliberately contrarian bet: that lasting change doesn’t come from consuming more inspiration, but from practicing one thing, every day, until it becomes part of you. Listen to the debut episode now, HERE.

Each weekday episode (Monday–Friday, roughly ten minutes) centers on a single idea and a guided practice set to music—designed not to be heard and forgotten by lunch, but to be felt in the body and carried into the day. Every other week, the show widens into a long-form conversation with public figures, teachers, and artists about what awakening means to them, and the human experience beneath the public identity.

Confirmed guests for special long-form conversations include Sophia Bush, Edgar Ramírez, LeAnn Rimes, Scooter Braun, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Stacy London, Marianne Williamson, Daniel Sharman, Lance Bass, Jennifer Morrison, Krysten Ritter, Gerard Butler, Colton Underwood, Ricki Lake, Danielle Robay, Taye Diggs and JR Bourne, among others.

“Most of us are searching outside ourselves for something we already carry within,” said Weiss. “This show isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you already are—and doing it in the first few minutes of the day, because how you begin your morning shapes the direction of your life.”

Weiss arrives at this work from an unlikely path. He began his career performing in Wicked on Broadway, then moved behind the scenes as an agent trainee at William Morris Agency and later became the Director of Development at Storyline Entertainment—before a deeper question about what people are really chasing pulled him out of entertainment and into coaching. For the past 17 years, he has worked privately with founders, creatives and public figures through his Emotional Fitness process, a three-step practice for moving from anxiety, stress and overwhelm into safety, trust and action. His coaching career began when actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler insisted he work with her, a story she recounts in her new book, “And So It Is.”

“Waking Up with Ryan” leans into cultural conversations rather than traditional promotional events. In Los Angeles at Lighthouse Venice, Weiss was joined by Emmanuelle Chriqui and Jenna Dewan for a conversation on how to show up for one another and in New York at Lighthouse Brooklyn, during an evening hosted by Danielle Robay and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Ricki Lake interviewed Weiss on awakening, transformation and the intention behind the show. These conversations will be available later in the series as part of the long-form episodes.

“We’re always looking for authentic voices that meaningfully shift how people engage with audio, and ‘Waking Up with Ryan’ does exactly that,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Ryan has created something distinct in a crowded wellness space—an experience that is concise, intentional and rooted in real daily practice. It’s the kind of show that creates a deep listener relationship over time, which is exactly what a great podcast does best.”

“Ryan embodies the ethos and mission of The Lighthouse: a multi-hyphenate creative committed to sharing his practice and wisdom in service of others. From his background in dance, to the agency world and into coaching, he brings a rare combination of artistry, empathy and lived experience to his work. With a deluge of wellness content, ‘Waking Up with Ryan,’ as a shorter daily format, reimagines personal growth into something accessible,” said Jon Goss, CEO, The Lighthouse. “Ryan isn’t simply creating a podcast. He’s creating a daily practice that helps people reconnect with themselves at that captive morning moment. To see that IP originated, and then picked up by iHeart, at The Lighthouse shows we are fulfilling our promise to creators: an infrastructure for frictionless creativity.”

“Waking Up with Ryan” premieres today, July 7 on the iHeartRadio app and wherever podcasts are available. New episodes post each weekday and are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

About Ryan Weiss

Ryan Weiss is a coach and guide whose work lives at the intersection of emotional intelligence, relationships, spirituality, and personal transformation. Over 17 years he has worked with founders, creatives, and public figures, and has brought his work into companies including Amazon Music, Cash App, OSEA, Seed, MeUndies, Sweetgreen, Summit Series, YPO, and EO. He is represented by UTA and lives in Venice, California with his husband, daughter, and dog.

The weekly audio and video podcast debuts July 9 with iHeart Women’s Sports, anchoring women’s sports culture with co-hosts including Ari Chambers, Jordan Chiles and Sam Jay, alongside surprise guests

LOS ANGELES // NEW YORK (July 7, 2026) – Women’s sports are bigger than ever, and the culture around them deserves a platform built for this moment. Today, TOGETHXR and iHeartMedia announced the launch of "Everyone Watches Women’s Sports"™, a premium weekly audio and video podcast debuting July 9 with iHeart Women’s Sports. The show hosts will bring together some of the most dynamic voices in women’s sports including athlete icons, tastemakers, celebrities, and more to deliver the conversations women’s sports fans have been waiting for.

"Everyone Watches Women's Sports"™ will be the show of record for women's sports fandom, delivering the headlines, debates, and moments that move the conversation forward. Featured hosts will include multimedia journalist Ari Chambers; Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles; and Emmy-nominated comedian Sam Jay, with surprise guest appearances throughout.

“‘Everyone Watches Women's Sports™' isn't just a show; it's a statement that started as a slogan and became a movement,” said Kati Fernandez, Chief Content Officer, TOGETHXR. “This is TOGETHXR at its fullest: the athletes, the voices, the conversations that define this era of women's sports. We couldn't have a better partner than iHeart Women’s Sports to bring it to the world." 

iHeartMedia and TOGETHXR are united as trailblazers, dedicated to increasing both the visibility and quality of women’s sports content in media. iHeart is the No. 1 podcast publisher globally and has pledged that 50 percent of all newly produced sports podcasts will focus on women’s sports coverage, a commitment that aligns directly with TOGETHXR’s mission since day one.

“Both iHeart Women’s Sports and TOGETHXR are setting the standard for high-quality coverage and storytelling in women’s sports—delivering the insight, access and cultural relevance that fans expect and deserve,” said Jessie Katz, Head of iHeart Women’s Sports. “This partnership allows us to combine the strength of two of the most influential players in the space to amplify the voices that drive women’s sports coverage even further.”

"Everyone Watches Women's Sports"™ will premiere on Thursday, July 9 with new episodes every Thursday. It will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available. Video episodes will be published as a YouTube collaboration, available on both the Everyone Watches and TOGETHXR channels. All iHeart Women’s Sports shows are distributed by iHeartPodcasts in collaboration with Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment. See the full catalog of shows HERE.

About TOGETHXR

TOGETHXR is the fastest-growing, most popular, and most engaging women’s sports brand. The trailblazing media and commerce company has generated more than eight figures in revenue from its trademarked slogan and product line, which boldly state an undeniable truth: “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports.” Co-founded by sports media veteran Jessica Robertson alongside four of the world’s greatest professional athletes — Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, and Sue Bird — TOGETHXR focuses on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and youth culture. TOGETHXR’s in-house production studio has developed a slate of premium scripted and unscripted content streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime and FuboTV. Visit TOGETHXR.com or contact press@togethxr.com.

Hosted by Gayle Troberman and Daryl Lee, the debut episode explores why HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” is reshaping sports, culture, marketing and selling of a gay love story

Series Premieres June 15, 2026

Listen to “gay-i” Now HERE

NEWPORT, RI – June 15, 2026 – Bubbler Media, the conversation company built for curious marketers, culture-watchers and thoughtful leaders who would rather start a dinner-party debate than sit through another panel, and iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced the launch of “gay-i,” a new podcast looking at marketing, media and culture through a distinctly LGBTQ+ lens.

Co-hosted by Gayle Troberman, co-founder of Bubbler and former CMO of iHeartMedia and Chief Creative Officer of Microsoft, and Daryl Lee, Global Chairman of McCann, “gay-i” gives listeners the gay eye on what is really moving marketing, media and culture – because as the show’s tagline says, all marketing is definitely not created equal. With C-suite firepower, queer curiosity and a healthy intolerance for boring brand conversations, each episode brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, marketers, creators and cultural voices to unpack the campaigns, fandoms, entertainment, ideas and conversations reshaping culture and where brands must pay attention. 

"Marketing is ultimately about understanding people and connecting through culture," said Gayle Troberman, co-host of “gay-i” and co-founder of Bubbler. "The LGBTQ+ community has always had a knack for spotting what’s next and shaping the conversations, trends and creative ideas that move culture forward. In a world increasingly focused on data and technology, ‘gay-i’ is a place for bold, human conversations about what's resonating today through the uniquely gay eye."

The debut episode, “Heated Rivalry,” dives into the unexpected impact of HBO’s breakout gay hockey romance, exploring what the show’s success reveals about fandom, representation in sports and the power of a love story once considered niche to mainstream culture. Guests include NHL CMO Heidi Browning, who shares insights into the series’ influence on the league and its audience, and McCann Chief Entertainment Officer Brendan Gaul, who explores why stories once overlooked are increasingly becoming the cultural moments brands need to understand.

“In a time of fear and caution, Heated Rivalry came along to shake us up and remind us that the stories of gay culture are also stories of universal human struggles – for achievement, for acceptance and for love,” said Daryl Lee, co-host of “gay-i” and Global Chairman of McCann. “The wild success of this gay romance and its effect on brands in the NHL is a reminder of the power of the LGBTQ+ community in generating excitement, conversation and sales.”

“Gay-i” is part of a growing slate of marketing and business podcasts from Bubbler Media and iHeartPodcasts hosted by some of the industry’s most recognizable voices. The slate aims to bring more human, unfiltered conversation into the marketing space – challenging how brands think about culture, creativity and connection. Podcasts launched on the slate, include “So, Get This” with The Harris Poll’s John Gerzema and Libby Rodney; “Unbossing” with Rishad Tobaccowala and Drew Ianni; and “Market Says?” hosted by Marcus Collins and his University of Michigan students.

“gay-i” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Listen now HERE.

Photo:
Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.

Embed Code:
Use the embed code below to include the podcast audio player in your article:

<iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-gay-i-320612860?embed=true" frameborder="0"></iframe>

About Bubbler

Bubbler is a conversation company, co-founded by Gayle Troberman and David Alberts, to start better, braver and more human conversations across marketing, media, business and culture. A “bubbler” is a water cooler. It is the place people gather, talk, swap ideas and find out what everyone is really thinking.

That spirit sits at the heart of the company. Bubbler produces podcasts, hosts events and builds experiences designed to challenge conventional thinking, spark unexpected connections and help brands become part of the conversations people actually want to have.

Built around the belief that if you’re not in the conversation, you’re not in the game, Bubbler brings together curious leaders, creators and brands who are tired of playing it safe. The company exists to bring joy, humanity and cultural energy back into advertising – helping brands break through not by chasing impressions, but by creating ideas, access and influence people want to talk about. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/@Bubbler_Media/featured.

The duo is teaming up to make sense of all the dollars in the sports world 

WHAT: iHeartMedia and Sports Illustrated teamed up to announce an original podcast series featuring two of the brightest minds in the sporting business today, “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick.” Hosted by former NFL star, NFLPA Players Representative and best-selling author, Rashad Jennings, and sports and business journalist, Lindsay McCormick, the weekly show will help listeners understand the business behind sports, touching on NFTs and cryptos, to fantasy and athlete contracts. 

In the debut episode, Jennings and McCormick kick off their sports and business podcast with a discussion of Deshaun Watson’s $230M guaranteed deal and how the new streaming platform NFL+ premiere is one in the NFL’s larger plan of getting into the data business. In addition, special guest Shawne Merriman joins the show to discuss his transition from NFL superstar to league owner of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, his mentee relationship with Dana White, and the business opportunities presented by the evolving sports media landscape. 

Throughout the series, Jennings and McCormick will not only share their own firsthand experiences and expertise on navigating the sports business world, but will also sit down with guests like former NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman, fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and sports marketing entrepreneur David Meltzer as well as other leading industry experts. 

WHO: Rashad Jennings is a former NFL star, NFLPA Players Representative who made foundational changes to the basic NFL contract structure, before proving his versatility by winning Dancing With The Stars, launching his own foundation, and authoring a best-selling book.

Lindsay McCormick is an award-winning sports & business journalist, investor, and judge on the entrepreneurial competition reality series Elevator Pitch.

WHEN: The first episode of “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick” is available today Tuesday, September 6, with new episodes airing daily. Listen to the debut episode HERE. 

WHERE: “The Bag with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listen to the podcast on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. 

EMBED: <iframe allow="autoplay" width="100%" height="200" src="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-bag-with-rashad-jenni-101473771…" frameborder="0"></iframe>

KEY ART:  HERE

About Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. At the intersection of sports, lifestyle and entertainment, Sports Illustrated is a 360-degree enterprise that delivers immersive content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products. Its award-winning media arm brings powerful storytelling to life through probing profiles and up-to-date news on SI.com, across social media platforms and through the monthly print magazine. The most trusted name in sports transcends media through SI Tickets, a fan-first ticketing platform, SI Sportsbook, a digital sports betting platform, SI Studios, the brand’s home for film, TV, and long form audio adaptations of SI’s thought-provoking storytelling, and more. SI brings its unique and authentic perspective to marquee events and captivating brand activations including The Sportsperson of the Year Awards, “The Party”, SI Swimsuit Launch Weekend and the SI Circuit Series. For more information, visit SI.com.