Podcast · Business

The Podcast Top 5

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 4 min
Latest: 30 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Jul 2026 · 3 min

Canada’s Podcast Boom, Ad-Free Apps & YouTube’s Battle for Attention

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re breaking down Canada’s growing audio habits, why podcasts still have room to grow, and the controversy surrounding a new app that removes podcast ads. Plus, we look at how brands are adapting podcasts for Japanese audiences, YouTube’s $40 billion advertising empire, and this week’s podcast pick: The Toast, a hilarious pop culture show covering celebrity news, internet drama, and everything everyone is talking about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E6 · 13 May 2026 · 4 min

Netflix’s Clips Feed, YouTube Podcast Lineups & a $100M+ AI Podcast Deal

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we break down Netflix’s new Clips feature a vertical, TikTok-style feed designed to surface bite-sized highlights and drive viewers into full shows. YouTube is also rolling out curated “top podcast lineups” across genres like Sports, Comedy, and True Crime, aimed largely at advertisers navigating the podcast boom. Meanwhile, reports suggest OpenAI has acquired the tech-focused show TBPN in a deal worth the “low hundreds of millions,” signaling just how valuable podcasting has become in the AI era. From…
S2 · E5 · 7 May 2026 · 4 min

Spotify’s Video Warning, YouTube’s Audio Takeover & Instagram’s Great Purge

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we break down Spotify’s warning for podcasters using API-based video uploads, Buzzsprout adding video distribution to Apple Podcasts, and SiriusXM becoming the exclusive seller of YouTube audio ads in the U.S. Plus, Instagram’s “Great Purge of 2026” wipes out millions of fake followers, impacting everyone from influencers to major celebrities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E4 · 21 Apr 2026 · 2 min

China Cracks Down, Netflix Bets Small & a $150M Podcast Deal

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, China tightens rules on podcast creators, Oxford Road calls out a $1B measurement problem, and Netflix bets on smaller podcasts heading to streaming. Plus, Audiochuck makes a massive $150M move into ads and video, proving podcasting is getting bigger (and more valuable) than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E3 · 23 Mar 2026 · 2 min

Acast’s NYC Studio, NPR’s Pod Club & Drew Afualo’s Viral Podcast

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover Acast opening a new studio in SoHo with Ariana Grande appearing on Shut Up Evan, NPR launching its new Pod Club recommendation newsletter, and a new hosting platform called Fountain for Podcasters. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is It’s Going DOWN in the Comments with Drew Afualo, diving into the wildest TikTok comment sections with humor and candid conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S2 · E2 · 16 Mar 2026 · 2 min

MrBallen’s SiriusXM Deal, Spotify’s TV Upgrade & AI Ads for Podcasters

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering some big moves in the podcast world. Storytelling powerhouse MrBallen has signed a major distribution and monetization deal with SiriusXM, expanding his reach across both audio and video platforms. Meanwhile, Minneapolis has a new podcast hub with the launch of AMP Studios, a unique production space located inside a financial services company, showing that even the finance world is getting into podcasting. Over on the tech side, Spotify has upgraded its Apple TV app, finally bringing video podcasts to the big…
S2 · E1 · 27 Jan 2026 · 4 min

AI Tools, Ad Insights & History’s Greatest Stories

On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule brings you the latest podcast news: Trebble just launched DeepCut, an AI editing tool that lets podcasters cut, polish, and refine episodes using plain language, plus an optional Safe Cut feature for natural-sounding edits. Oxford Road unveiled ORBIT, the first podcast ranking system based on ad performance rather than popularity, giving marketers the data they’ve been waiting for. James Corden’s This Life of Mine is now available everywhere, moving beyond its SiriusXM exclusivity to reach all listeners. And Altmetric is tracking…
S1 · E40 · 24 Nov 2025 · 4 min

Diary of a CEO in Cinemas, Golden Globes Podcast Awards & The Art Angle

On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule brings you the latest podcast news: Diary of a CEO fans can catch a special Louis Tomlinson episode in six Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland before it drops anywhere else. PodRoll launches PodRoll Video Promos on Apple Podcasts, letting creators add unskippable trailers right in their feed. Hollywood is joining the podcast party, Golden Globes just announced 25 eligible shows for its very first Best Podcast award, with six nominees to be revealed in December. And if you missed Podcast Movement 2025 in Dallas, every session is now…
S1 · E39 · 17 Nov 2025 · 4 min

Podcasts as News, YouTube AI DJs, and Drop A Pin’s Global Adventures

On this week’s Podcast Top 5, Emily Soule dives into the latest in podcasting: Podcasts are now a major news source, with 54% of U.S. adults tuning in and Republicans reportedly trusting them twice as much as Democrats. YouTube launches YouTube Labs, offering AI music hosts that bring trivia, stories, and commentary to your playlists. Over in the UK, HERA, a female-founded video podcast network, is putting women front and center in media. And Megaphone-hosted publishers on Spotify are getting a major ad tech upgrade, including video ads, clickable ads, and smarter targeting with…
S1 · E38 · 10 Nov 2025 · 4 min

Amazon Streams Jason & Travis Kelce, Spotify Tackles AI, and The Last Invention Podcast

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover Amazon Prime Video streaming New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce in the U.S. (international fans, you’re on YouTube for now). Steven Goldstein weighs in on how the term “podcast” now means personality-driven, on-demand content, no matter the platform. Spotify is testing AI transparency tools for music, and NPR confirms that podcasts are outpacing radio in revenue, proving your earbuds are officially valuable. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is The Last Invention, a gripping dive into the history,…
S1 · E37 · 3 Nov 2025 · 3 min

MrBeast Drama, PodAnalyst Launch, and Heavyweight’s “What Ifs”

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into MrBeast’s recent controversy over alleged misleading YouTube ads aimed at kids and questionable privacy practices. PodAnalyst launches a new analytics tool unifying Apple, Spotify, and YouTube data, free for shows under 1,000 listeners. Big ad spenders like Amazon and GoDaddy are shaking up the podcast marketing world, while research shows listeners remain cautious about AI in podcasting. Plus, this week’s podcast pick is Heavyweight with Jonathan Goldstein, taking you on heartfelt road trips and awkward…
S1 · E36 · 27 Oct 2025 · 3 min

Podcast Scams, Canada’s Listening Boom, and Adam Carolla’s 4,000th Episode

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we cover the latest podcast scams targeting unsuspecting guests, don’t click that “big-name podcaster” email just yet. Canada’s podcast scene is booming, with 46% of listeners tuning in monthly, and Adam Carolla celebrates a milestone 4,000th episode with none other than Jay Leno. Descript is shaking up subscriptions with new pricing based on media minutes and AI credits. Plus, Emily highlights this week’s must-listen: Pardon My Take, your go-to podcast for sports, laughs, and unpredictable moments.…
S1 · E35 · 20 Oct 2025 · 4 min

Brazil’s Podcast Boom, Apple Podcasts 26, and YouTube Shorts for Podcasters

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re exploring Brazil’s massive rise as a podcast powerhouse and why creators ignoring the country are missing out on a huge audience. Apple Podcasts 26 is here with AI-powered dialogue enhancement, per-show playback speeds, and a refreshed interface. Amazon Ads and SiriusXM team up to bring programmatic audio advertising to the masses, while YouTube rolls out tools to turn your long-form podcasts into Shorts, plus AI editing and dynamic ad slots. And this week’s featured podcast? 10 to Life with Annie Elise, a…
S1 · E34 · 13 Oct 2025 · 3 min

YouTube Listeners vs. Watchers, Podhome Launches, and Why First Impressions Matter

On this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we uncover fresh insights from Sounds Profitable showing that nearly half of YouTube podcast users actually listen more than they watch—while Spotify audiences lean the other way. Emily also spotlights the launch of Podhome, a new app with transcripts, chapters, and live podcast features, plus key takeaways from The Podcast Study: Growth on why the first 60 seconds of your show can make or break your audience. And don’t miss the gear news: RØDE’s new Wireless Micro receiver is simplifying life…
S1 · E33 · 6 Oct 2025 · 4 min

Podcast Fans Are Listening Longer, Spotify Animates Audiobooks, and Captivate’s Big Upgrade

This week on The Podcast Top 5 hosted by Emily Soule, we dive into the latest shifts shaking up the podcasting world. From new data showing fans are spending over 6 hours a week with their favorite shows, to Spotify’s Follow-Along feature turning audiobooks into multimedia experiences, there’s no shortage of innovation. Captivate rolls out powerful growth tools, Variety shuts down Emmy dreams for video podcasts, and the Golden Globes steps in with a new podcast award. Plus, Emily spotlights Unicorn Girl, a gripping investigative series about ambition, deception, and the fine line…
S1 · E32 · 29 Sep 2025 · 3 min

Podcast Movement’s Big Merger, Libsyn’s PodRoll & Australia’s Podcast Boom

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering a major shake-up: Podcast Movement and Sounds Profitable have merged in a seven-figure deal, with Bryan Barletta stepping in as President and the 2026 flagship event heading to New York City. Libsyn is helping creators get discovered with PodRoll, a brand-new tool that promotes shows directly in podcast feeds. Wondercraft introduces “Wonda,” the world’s first AI agent for content creation, while fresh data from Australia shows millennials, Gen Z, and even blue-collar workers are tuning in more…
S1 · E31 · 22 Sep 2025 · 4 min

Libsyn’s $112M Payout, Gen Z’s YouTube Shift & Taylor Swift’s Podcast Takeover

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re covering Libsyn’s massive milestone — over $112 million paid to creators since 2017, with new tools to help podcasters monetize from day one. We’ll dig into fresh data showing Gen Z’s podcast habits are driven by YouTube and social media, plus the wild ripple effect of Taylor Swift’s appearance on New Heights, which sent streams and views skyrocketing. Then, we’re looking at tough truths from The Podcast Study: Growth — 41% of listeners won’t give a show a second chance if…
S1 · E30 · 15 Sep 2025 · 3 min

Age Checks, Game Day Hype & London’s Podcast Boom

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule breaks down the latest in podcasting. Spotify is rolling out age checks in the UK with facial recognition and ID scans, stirring up conversations about safety and privacy. Football fans are diving into The Players Lounge, a new game from the team behind The Rest is Football. Meanwhile, London is becoming a hub for video-first shows as Podshop Studios expands. Plus, the 2025 Ear Worthy Awards spotlight indie creators with their latest nominations and winners! And don’t miss this week’s pick: The Kinda Funny Podcast — a…
S1 · E29 · 2 Sep 2025 · 2 min

Apple’s Privacy Promise, Spain’s Podcast Block & Spotify’s Audiobook Bonus

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re unpacking Apple’s latest move to keep your podcast listening habits private, even adding “noise” to mask your data. In Spain, public broadcaster RTVE is blocking RNE shows from third-party apps, sparking concerns about the future of open RSS. Spotify is testing a new Audiobooks+ add-on with 15 hours of monthly listening time, and FOX News just inked a licensing deal with the conservative podcast Ruthless. Plus, this week’s featured show is Get Better at Beach Volleyball, the perfect pod for…
S1 · E28 · 21 Aug 2025 · 2 min

Acast’s Big Ad Deal, Apple’s Audio Glow-Up & Joe Budden’s Million-Dollar Mic

In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule , we’re breaking down Acast’s new global partnership with Magnite — a major move that could boost discoverability (and revenue) for podcasters everywhere. Apple is also leveling up its audio game with an “Enhance Dialog” feature for crisper sound and an Automix tool for music lovers. TIME just revealed its 100 Best Podcasts of All Time, but some major names were left off the list — including Joe Rogan. Meanwhile, Joe Budden is flexing podcast power, earning over $1 million a month on Patreon…
S1 · E27 · 14 Aug 2025 · 4 min

Podcasts on TV, Gen Z Kills the Dial & Amazon’s Wondery Spin

On this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule, we’re diving into Edison Research’s new UK report showing podcast listening on TV has doubled — with Spotify and BBC Sounds pulling ahead of Apple. In the U.S., Gen Z and young millennials are now listening to podcasts just as much as radio, a massive shift from a decade ago. Amazon’s Steve Boom insists Wondery’s big reorg is nothing to worry about, while South Africa’s DStv learns the hard way that mixing raw podcast energy with network TV can get messy. And this week’s podcast pick? The…
S1 · E26 · 7 Aug 2025 · 4 min

Apple’s Exclusive List, Amazon’s Podcast Shake-Up & a Brazilian Mix-Up for the Ages

In this episode of The Podcast Top 5, hosted by Emily Soule , we’re diving into Apple Podcasts’ ultra-selective “Best So Far” list — and why most of the world didn’t make the cut. Then, we break down Wondery’s corporate shake-up as Amazon lays off 110 staff and restructures its podcast empire. Plus: a hilarious case of mistaken identity between two nearly identical Brazilian podcasts, a new tool that turns your episodes into books, and a chilling true crime pick set in the remote wilds of Alaska. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E25 · 21 Jul 2025 · 4 min

Global Shifts & Industry Rifts: Podcasting’s Power Moves from Paris to the Pacific

This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the big waves and bold moves in podcasting across the globe. France is calling for podcasting to be officially recognized as a cultural industry (oui, please), a new player enters the scene with the launch of Mission Media AI, and Audacy shuts the doors on Pineapple Street Studios in yet another shake-up. Oh, and in case you missed it, New Zealand says audio > video. You heard that right. Tap in for what’s changing, what’s closing, and what’s next in the podcast world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
S1 · E24 · 14 Jul 2025 · 4 min

Spotlights, Sponsors, and Squad Goals: What’s New in Podcasting

This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule takes you inside the buzziest headlines in the podcast world: The Astra Podcast Awards are officially on the horizon, Acast signs the ever-viral Giggly Squad, and advertisers are finally putting their money where the mic is. Plus, PodWoman is back and this year it’s in person! From big brand love to celebrating powerhouse women in audio, this episode covers the major moves shaping podcasting right now. Let’s get into it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E23 · 7 Jul 2025 · 4 min

From Fewer Feeds to Funny Fests: What’s Up in Podcasting This Week

On this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule breaks down the latest shifts in podcastland, from a noticeable drop in new episode uploads this June (is podcast burnout a thing?) to The Podcast Standards Project officially certifying new players in the space. Plus, we’ve got a comedy podcast festival going global and former footballer Jermaine Jenas stepping into the audio arena with a brand-new company. Fewer episodes, more innovation—this one’s got all the twists. Tune in for the five stories shaping your feed this week. See omnystudio.com/listener…
S1 · E22 · 21 Jun 2025 · 4 min

Podcast Breakups, Brutal Crimes, and Discovery Drama

This week on The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the latest podcast power moves and plot twists. From Spotify losing Trevor Noah to Marc Maron calling it quits after 16 years of WTF, the industry’s getting a shake-up. Plus, YouTube dominates news podcast listening in the US, and Spotify rolls out new podcast discovery features (but… how do they actually work?). And for Podcast of the Week, we’re spotlighting Devil in the Desert—a gripping true story of betrayal, brutality, and a manhunt that spans the globe. You’ll be on the edge of your seat. News,…
S1 · E21 · 7 Jun 2025 · 5 min

Layoffs, Lawsuits & Listening Loyalty: A Wild Week in Podcasting

On this week’s episode of Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule dives into the chaos and charm of the podcasting world! From pink slips at Spotify’s podcast division to podcast ads earning way more trust than social media, this episode’s got it all. We break down the latest research from Sounds Profitable that shows why your listeners actually believe what they hear (take notes, Instagram). Plus, a lawyer from Radio-Canada sends out cease-and-desist letters without fully understanding how RSS feeds work. Classic. Also: our Podcast of the Week is The Best People with Nicolle…
S1 · E20 · 29 May 2025 · 5 min

Flipping Fortunes, Apple Drops Podcast Stats, and a New Era for Video Pods?

This week, we’re diving into the biggest podcasting buzz: Apple Podcasts just had its best year ever and for the first time, their team actually took the stage at a podcast event! Plus, we’re talking flipping houses and flipping expectations with our Podcast of the Week, The Science of Flipping. Also in the mix: Is video podcasting about to get way better for indie creators? Apple’s UK podcasting dominance (88 of the top 100 shows are UK-made!) And how real estate investing might just be your next remote gig. All that and a peek at mowPod Charts, the no-fuss way to track…
S1 · E19 · 5 May 2025 · 4 min

Spotify’s Big Wins, Pod Pods Dreams, and the Future of Podcasting Tech

In this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule from mowPod dives into the latest in podcast and audio news We’re talking Spotify’s massive Q1 profits and their bold moves in Mexico with the first-ever Mexico Podcast Awards. We also dive into POD Pods—yes, earbuds designed just for podcast lovers (if only they were real). Plus, we break down the launch of PodHeroes, the world’s first expert podcasting marketplace, and Descript’s very real transcription fails. From fantasy tech to financial flexes, this one’s for the podcast power users.…
S1 · E18 · 16 Apr 2025 · 4 min

Spotify’s Audiobook Ambitions, Descript’s Major Glitch, and Rolling Stone’s First-Ever Audio Awards

In this week’s episode of The Podcast Top 5, host Emily Soule from mowPod dives into the latest in podcast and audio news—starting with Spotify’s big bet on non-English audiobooks and what that actually means for creators. Then, we talk Descript’s transcription tool… or lack thereof (spoiler: users aren’t thrilled). And finally, Rolling Stone’s new “audio awards” are here—with familiar mic brands taking home the gold… and possibly some undisclosed affiliate links along the way. Whether you’re here for the drama, the…

About The Podcast Top 5

“The Podcast Top 5” is your 5 minute weekly rundown of the most awesome things happening in podcasting. Hosted by Emily Soule of mowPod, each episode breaks down the top five stories shaping the industry from new podcast launches and platform updates to fun trends and insights. Whether you’re a podcast creator, listener, or industry pro, join Emily as she dives into the must-know news in a quick format that keeps you up-to-date and in the loop!

The Podcast Top 5 is a English business podcast from mowPod. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: mowPod
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 4 min
Latest episode: 30 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1780522639

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