The Trendcast

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The Trendcast is a five-episode podcast series from SiriusXM Media, reflecting on the hottest podcast trends this year, as showcased in the 2025 Podcast Trends Report.

16 APR

The Measurement Gap

Podcasting has made major strides in measurement—but proving its full impact isn’t always straightforward. In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore how new tools are closing the gap between perception and proof, and why podcasting’s true value goes beyond clicks to deeper listener connection. Special thanks to our guests: Paul Riismandel, Joe Macarack, Sona Cerdiquist, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

16 min
15 APR

The AI Question

AI is transforming podcasting—from how shows are created to how they’re targeted and monetized. But as technology accelerates, what happens to the human element that defines the medium? In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore the balance between automation and authenticity—and why the future of podcasting may depend on both. Special thanks to our guests: Oskar Serrander, Nick Fletcher, Matt Mohun, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

14 min
14 APR

The Brand Gaze

As brand safety tools evolve, so does the way advertisers show up in podcasting. This episode explores the balance between control and creative freedom, and how brands can navigate safety, suitability, and authenticity in a medium built on trust. Special thanks to our guests: Tamara Zubatiy, Angel Livas, Stacey Hultgren, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

19 min
13 APR

The Scale Myth

Does bigger really mean better in podcasting? This episode unpacks why reach isn’t everything, and how niche shows drive powerful engagement and results. From celebrity hits to indie voices, we explore why relevance—not just scale—wins. Special thanks to our guests: Melissa Keische, Jeremy Lermitte, Molly Fuard, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

18 min
9 APR

The Video Shift

Podcasting has gone visual. In this episode of The Trendcast, we explore how video is reshaping discovery, engagement, and monetization—and what it means for creators, audiences, and brands. Is video replacing audio, or expanding it? Industry experts weigh in on the future of a now hybrid medium. Special thanks to our guests: Jenny Barish, Tom Webster, Katie Nolan, Gabe Tartaglia, and to Advertising Week for their partnership. Want to dive deeper into podcasting trends? Check out the Podcast Trends Report.

22 min
SEASON 2 TRAILER

Trendcast Season 2: Coming Soon

A new era of podcasting is here. The Trendcast Season 2 explores the key questions shaping what comes next.

1 min
20/12/2024

The Collab

Sophie zeroes in on how perfectly targeted ad placements not only bring brands closer to their audiences, but deliver real results not typically found in other forms of media. She deep dives into this trend and discusses the effect that data driven, and sometimes AI powered solutions, has on a show and the audience, itself. This episode features Tamara Zubaity, co-founder and CEO of Barometer, Paul Riismandel, President at Signal Hill Insights, and Shankar Vedantam, Executive Editor and host of Hidden Brain.

12 min
20/12/2024

The Feedback Loop

Sophie dives into the ever-important host-listener relationship, and how the breaking down of the fourth wall brings the audience in as contributors, taking them from listeners to part of the show. With her guests, she discusses the use of social media, how hosts will take the extra step to make their fans feel seen and heard, and just how advertisers can align themselves with this trend. This episode features Alie Ward, host of the comedic science podcast Ologies, and Matt Shapo, Director of Digital Audio and Video at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

9 min
20/12/2024

The Shake Up

Podcast creators are here to shake up the industry make-up, representing a whole host of races, genders, and cultures which allow for a richer, more diverse medium. In this episode, Sophie discusses how the industry has expanded into the multi-cultural phenomenon we know today along with the uncharted territory brands have to advertise have within the space. This episode features Jack Hobbs, CEO of Revolver Podcasts, Jordi Olivares, co-founder and general manager of Pitaya Entertainment, and Gabriel Soto, Senior Director of Research at Edison Research

15 min
20/12/2024

The Binge

Bingeable podcast creation has led to a rise in listener-creator engagement. In fact, two-thirds of listeners are taking in multiple episodes back-to-back in a single session, as they seek connections with not only the story, but the storytellers themselves. In this episode, Sophie discusses how the bingeable model engages listeners while also benefiting advertisers pursuing a way to tell their own brand's story while speaking to devoted audiences. This episode features Tom Webster, partner at Sounds Profitable, and Delia D’Ambra, host and producer of three hit shows, Counterclock, Park Predators, and Dark Arenas.

9 min
20/12/2024

The Mainhustle

As we dive into what it means for creators to turn their podcasts into their mainhustle, and main source of income, we also explore the benefits advertisers can find in the space. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Mike Davis, co-founder Dirty Mo Media, Sarah Bolton, Advertiser Perceptions, and Cameron Hendrix, CEO of Magellan.

10 min

TRAILER

Trendcast Season 2: Coming Soon

A new era of podcasting is here. The Trendcast Season 2 explores the key questions shaping what comes next.

S2

•

1 min

Rotten but still a little sweet! Rotten Mango is a true crime + all things spooky podcast. We love doing deep dives into the darkest crimes and we tend to not leave out any details - which can get a little rotten at times. If you want deep dives in the psychology of killers, no holding back storytelling of crimes, and stories of lesser known criminals from around the world this is the place for you. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Rotten Mango ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

4.8 (614)

TRUE CRIME
You can change your life and Mel Robbins will show you how. The Mel Robbins Podcast is the #1 podcast on the globe for a reason: Mel’s simple, research-backed advice has changed millions of people’s lives, and in every episode, she’s giving you all her hard-fought secrets, science-backed tools, and deeply personal stories, so you can change yours too. If you’re a new listener, you’re in the right place. Every episode will empower you to create a better life and help you take a step toward the life you want. Want more? Follow along at @melrobbins Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Mel Robbins Podcast ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

4.7 (32)

SELF-IMPROVEMENT
This is not a podcast. This is me telling my husband about all the most unhinged scandals from all over the world. The moral of the story is - well, there is none. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Moral of the Story ad-free with early access. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

4.9 (46)

COMEDY
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that. Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

5.0 (79)

COMEDY
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories is a true crime and mystery podcast that presents strange, dark and mysterious content delivered in story format. The program is hosted by John Allen a.k.a. MrBallen. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes 7-days early and ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

4.9 (34)

TRUE CRIME
Welcome to the Joel Osteen Daily Podcast. Joel & Victoria Osteen inspire people to reach their dreams, find fresh beginnings and live their best life. Both he and Victoria live in Houston, TX. Visit Joel’s website at joelosteen.com. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of the Joel Osteen Podcast ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

4.5 (99)

RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

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The Trendcast is a five-episode podcast series from SiriusXM Media, reflecting on the hottest podcast trends this year, as showcased in the 2025 Podcast Trends Report.