The Power of Branded Podcasts

Bridging the Gap Between Editorial and Commercial

Introduction

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, the competition for audience attention is fiercer than ever. Brands are constantly seeking ways to cut through the noise and connect with their target demographic. One often overlooked avenue for engagement is through editorial content. In this blog post, we'll explore how brands can effectively integrate editorial storytelling into their marketing strategies to resonate with their audience and drive commercial success.

Understanding Your Audience

To effectively engage your audience through editorial content, you must first delve deep into who they are and what makes them tick. This goes beyond simple demographics; it's about understanding their motivations, pain points, and aspirations. Conducting thorough market research, leveraging data analytics, and engaging in active listening through social media channels are all valuable tactics for gaining insights into your audience.

Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, you can tailor your editorial content to resonate with them on a more personal level. By delving deep into who their audience is, how they consume content, and what they value, brands can tailor their messaging to resonate on a more personal level.

“The majority of podcast listeners have a household income of over $100,000””

— Edison Research

Understanding your audience is the foundation of effective editorial content. By gaining insights into who they are, what they need, and how they prefer to consume content, you can create personalized experiences that resonate with your audience and drive meaningful engagement. In the next section, we'll explore how brands can seamlessly blend sales messaging with storytelling to create compelling editorial content.

Blending Sales with Storytelling

In the realm of content marketing, the age-old adage "show, don't tell" holds more truth than ever before. Consumers are inundated with advertisements and promotional messages at every turn, leading to increased skepticism and ad fatigue. To cut through the noise and capture audience attention, brands must adopt a more nuanced approach—one that blends sales messaging with compelling storytelling.

At its core, storytelling is a powerful tool for human connection. It allows brands to tap into emotions, spark curiosity, and create narratives that resonate on a deeper level with their audience. By weaving sales messages into these narratives, brands can deliver their marketing messages in a way that feels authentic and engaging, rather than intrusive or overtly promotional.

The key to successful storytelling lies in understanding the art of subtlety. Rather than bombarding the audience with blatant sales pitches, brands can embed sales messaging within the context of a larger narrative, allowing it to unfold organically.

This might involve:

• Showcasing real-life customer testimonials

• Highlighting the unique features or benefits of a product or service through storytelling

• Demonstrating how it solves a specific problem or fulfills a need.

Moreover, effective storytelling goes beyond simply promoting products or services; it's about creating meaningful connections with your audience. By aligning your brand narrative with values, beliefs, or aspirations that resonate with your audience, you can foster a sense of affinity and loyalty that transcends transactional relationships.

“Most podcast listeners are decision-makers at their company.””

— CoHost

Another key aspect of blending sales with storytelling is relevance. In today's hyper-connected world, consumers have access to an abundance of information at their fingertips. To capture their attention, brands must deliver content that is not only compelling but also timely and relevant to their needs and interests. This might involve leveraging current events, trends, or cultural references to make your storytelling more relatable and impactful.

In summary, blending sales with storytelling is a powerful strategy for capturing audience attention and driving engagement. By crafting narratives that resonate on an emotional level, embedding sales messaging within the context of larger stories, and ensuring relevance and authenticity, brands can create content that not only informs and entertains but also inspires action. In the next section, we'll explore how brands can add value to their editorial content to enhance the reader experience.

Adding Value to Editorial

Effective editorial content goes beyond just selling; it's about providing value to the audience. Brands should strive to create content that educates, entertains, or inspires their audience, giving them a reason to invest their time and attention. According to Demand Metric, content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing and generates about three times as many leads. By understanding the needs and preferences of their audience, brands can deliver content that resonates and builds trust.

In the crowded landscape of digital content, attention is a scarce commodity. To stand out and capture the interest of your audience, it's essential to go beyond mere promotion and deliver real value through your editorial content. This means providing content that educates, entertains, or inspires your audience—content that enriches their lives and leaves them wanting more.

“Podcasts lift brand awareness by 89%.

Podcasts are marketing powerhouses. They enable brands to reach new audiences and increase their brand awareness and recognition by associating them with thought leadership and a well-produced product.””

— CoHost

Adding value to editorial content involves going beyond surface-level information to provide insights and perspectives that are truly meaningful and actionable. This might include offering practical tips, actionable strategies, or thought-provoking insights that help your audience solve problems, achieve goals, or navigate challenges in their lives or businesses.

Another key aspect of adding value to editorial content is authenticity. In today's era of transparency and authenticity, consumers are increasingly skeptical of overly polished or scripted content.

They crave authenticity and genuine human connections.

By infusing your editorial content with authenticity—whether through personal anecdotes, real-life examples, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into your brand's story—you can forge deeper connections with your audience and build trust and credibility over time.

In summary, adding value to editorial content is essential for capturing audience attention, building trust and credibility, and driving engagement and loyalty over time. By focusing on quality, authenticity, and relevance, brands can create editorial content that not only informs and entertains but also inspires and empowers their audience. In the next section, we'll explore real-life examples of brands that have successfully integrated editorial content into their marketing strategies.

Case Studies

Podcast: Social Creatures

Client: Sprout Social

Sprout social is an all-in-one social media management platform that unlocks the full potential of social.

In order to continue to become ambassadors and thought leaders in the social media space, through branded podcasting they were able to leverages editorial content to connect with their audience, using compelling stories to drive engagement.

with the help of message heard, WE have now completed season two, becoming a staple peice of their marketing strategy.

Podcast: Raise her up

client: gdst

the gdst is a unique family of 25 all girls schools across england & wales. as specialist in girls’ education, they tailor our teaching to the way girls learn best.

covering topics from wellbeing to womanhood, communication to creativity, self-image to sexism, AS WELL AS MENTAL HEALTH, CAREERS, AND RELATIONSHIPS TO NAME JUST A FEW, RAISE HER FROM THE GDST GIVES YOU THE TOOLS TO HELP YOUR GIRLS FLOURISH.

SPREADING THE MESSAGE WHILST BRINGING GDST TO THE FOREFRONT.

Podcast: Counter talk (internal podcast)

Client: howdens

creating an internal podcast to share the ‘Tricks of the trade’ Howdens is the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, with over 808 depots nationwide.

We worked with them to create a branded podcast that in line with their Internal Comms strategy, really capturing the essence of life in the depots.

resulting in Depots learning from each other and Employees feeling more connected to howdens.

Podcast: Objecks & tings

Client: Museumand

Objeks & tings is a co-production from Message Heard and Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum, that celebrates 75 years of Caribbean people, culture and contribution in the UK.

Embracing the concept of a "museum without walls," Museummand demonstrates how brands can effectively communicate their message through innovative storytelling.

Over 12 episodes, Museumand founders are joined by guests who each dive into the significance behind an object that represents their Caribbean heritage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the power of brands to cut through to editorials lies in their ability to understand and connect with their audience. By blending sales with storytelling, adding value to editorial content, and embracing innovative approaches to storytelling, brands can effectively engage their audience and drive commercial success. Editorial isn't the opposite of commercial; it's an opportunity to create meaningful connections and add value to the lives of your audience. So go ahead, have your cake and eat it too, by integrating editorial storytelling into your brand's marketing strategy.

Reach out to discover how you can utilise the power of branded podcasting and get your Message Heard.

The Best Finance and Investing Podcasts in 2023

For many of us, the world of finance can be confusing. From choosing stock options to understanding the terms of a lifetime ISA, it’s easy to understand why investing can feel intimidating.

Luckily, there’s a podcast for every investor’s needs. Whether you’re brand new to the game or an expert looking to learn new tricks, these podcasts will help you climb to the top of the investment ladder. 

The best finance and investing podcasts

The She-Wolf Investor

The She-Wolf Investor is a brand-new finance and investing podcast from Female Folio. Join Co-Founder Claire Barker and a powerful network of women as they discuss why knowledge and understanding of saving and investing is key to becoming a She-Wolf Investor. Each episode will feature distinguished female guests from the world of finance, playfully delving into all things to do with personal finances and empowering you to write your own investment story.

Bright Minds

Covering everything from meditation, controlling fear and other emotions, to neuroeconomics and psychology behaviour. Bright Minds brings you exciting guests from different fields who offer a new way to look at the world of trading and finance. The Host Patrick Munnelly, Experienced Manager and Market Analyst brings you the inside scoop into all this finance.

It’s Not About The Money

This podcast helps you to get in control of money, gain financial confidence, learn how to invest and save money - all at the same time. Hosted by qualified financial planner and financial money coach, Catherine Morgan, IHFS is a must-listen for millennial women all over the UK. By chatting about how to deal with financial stress and managing finances when you’re self-employed - this podcast is ideal for any young woman looking to get her finances in order. One listener rated INFS five stars and said “Catherine Morgan does such a great job of delving into the various aspects of a finance, wealth, and money mindset without using all the financial jargon, making it accessible to everyone.”

Money 101

Produced by BBC Sounds, host Bea Duncan sets out on a mission to learn about money, clear up financial confusion, and get the answers we need relating to all things finance. Kalpana Fitzpatrick is the money expert throughout the series, who provides advice and tips. Aimed at a young audience, this is an incredibly informative and relatable podcast spotlighting ordinary people and how they handle their money.

Switch Your Money On

Our hosts Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles look at what's happening in the markets. In each episode they speak to the likes of fund managers and equity analysts to discover what's driving their portfolios, and their insight on what's happening in the world of investment. Plus unique sector guides, with interviews from guests across key industries.

We Study Billionaires

We Study Billionaires podcast is hosted by Stig Brodersen, Trey Lockerbie, and Clay Finck is the flagship podcast of The Investor’s Podcast Network, with more than 100 Million downloads. On the show, they interview and study famous financial billionaires including Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Bill Gates, and they teach you what they learn and how you can apply their investment strategies in the stock market. You can leverage the lessons they learned from studying billionaires and apply them in your own investing journey.

Start your journey to financial success today with an investing podcast.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a novice just starting in the finance world, these podcasts have your back when it comes to all this money management and investing. Or if you are in the mood for even more podcasts, check out our shows.

What Podcast You Should Listen to Based on Your Astrological Sign

The Best Podcast for Your Star Sign

Life can be stressful; deadlines, work meetings, grocery shopping, laundry that needs to be folded, and relationships that need to be unfolded. We are no stranger to the complications and obligations of life. And even when you sit down at the end of a long day to relax, the decisions are not over yet. Hours are spent exhaustingly scrolling to try and decide what to watch, or in this case what to listen to.

There are so many podcasts at our fingertips that it can be stressful to pick which one is right for you. You deserve to relax and let the universe take over, and why not let the stars decide? 

Here is a list of what podcast you should listen to based on your astrological sign. 

Aries- The Superhero Complex

Aries are always ready to barrel headfirst into a new adventure or challenge. Their passionate and driven nature always ensures that a new caper is just around the corner. Arieses live life electrically and with an unmatched courage. They are competitive and fueled by optimism and determination for all you do in life. There is no challenge that is too daunting.

The Superhero Complex produced by Novel for iHeartRadio is the perfect podcast to satisfy your bold disposition toward the dangerous side of life. The Superhero Complex has everything you could need out of a podcast, complete with crime fighting, cocaine, and unitards. The story follows the civilian vigilante known as Phoenix Jones, a cage-fighter by day and superhero by night. Phoenix Jones finds himself on the wrong side of the law when he is arrested for possession of cocaine, and the ensuing story will leave you on the edge of your seat, or more likely couch. Phoenix Jones’s story will resonate with Aries in its determined passion, but also as a warning for the impulsivity and recklessness that Arieses are so often swayed by. Aries’ element is fire, and this thought-provoking study of a ‘real life’ superhero will ignite the adventurous side in you wherever you may be. 

Taurus- The Moth

 As a Taurus, you are grounded, realistic, and responsible. You have a deep sense of the world, and you value your mind and all the sublime thoughts it's able to traverse. You care deeply about your friends and family, and you are always a dependable shoulder to lean on. Security and stability are immensely important in your life, and you look for reassurance in the consistent, reliable aspects of your life. Your sign may be represented by a bull, but the stars see an insect in your future. 

The Moth Podcast is your well-founded anchor in life. With over 200 episodes, The Moth will  be your shoulder to lean on. With only a microphone and a sound stage, the podcast transports you into a vast archive of eclectic stories. People enter the hour as strangers and leave as friends. From P. Diddy to Burlesque, The Moth covers it all. Every Tuesday since 1997, The Moth stage has been bringing consistent, intriguing narratives from people of all different walks of life that you can enjoy without having to move your feet. With the whole world between your ears, Tauruses will love the familiar comfort of The Moth coming through your headphones. 

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Gemini- Twenty Twenty

The famed twins, a contradiction of seamless proportions. Gemini’s exist in opposing forces that work harmoniously in their opposing distinctions. Curious yet eccentric, fun-loving yet sensitive. Where the push and pull of life would hinder the other signs, Gemini’s thrive in the complex duality of life’s ups and downs. If Tauruses are a moth, Gemini’s are a butterfly, the social sort of course. Gemini’s flourish when surrounded by others, and their witty nature and captivating aura make it easy to talk to them for hours. Gemini’s have a quiet side to them as well, and even the most social people need a bit of a break from time to time. So, when that time comes, you can rely on this podcast to be your twin flame. 

Twenty Twenty is a deep dive into all that is pop culture. Hosts Tara Joshi and Simran Hans bring us into their world of 2000s entertainment and media. Joshi and Hans discuss everything from Big Brother to Zadie Smith bringing a refreshing new look at the start of the millennium. Joshi and Hans have a natural rapport that makes it feel like you are in the room with them, curled up with a blanket gossiping about life and all its eccentricities. Gemini’s are known for their short attention span, so the quick bouncing nature of the show will suit the fluidity and curiosity that Gemini’s long for. With new episodes every Tuesday, Twenty Twenty is the hottest spot for podcast listeners. 

Cancer- Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People

Shielded by hard shells, often people don’t see the soft center that exists in the Cancer Sign. Cancers are ruled by a nurturing spirit and deep love for their friends and family. Their gentle nature may leave them wary of committing to deep relationships, but once they do, their genuine empathy and compassion for others melts people’s hearts faster than butter at a crab bake. Cancers are natural caregivers and see the good in all aspects of life. This is nowhere better exemplified than in Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People. 

One phone call. One hour, No names, No holds barred. Chris Gethard’s Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People brings the beauty of people to the podcast world. It’s an awkward, endearing, lovable mess of human foibles and tender moments. Chris Gethard’s comedic, but engaging approach will resonate deeply with Cancers. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you might even cry, but you will feel seen. No topic is left undiscussed, and no person is overlooked. Cancer’s feel safe in cosy spaces, and Gethard expertly cultivates a personal sanctuary for all the strangers of the world to feel connected while apart. And who knows, you may even be tempted to call in yourself. 

Leo- Emergency Intercom

Leos are affectionate, outgoing, genuine people. They light up any room they walk into, and they bring their own spotlight along with them. Leo’s have a strong sense of self and an even stronger determination in their pursuit of what they want. They are the center of attention and love every minute of it. Leo’s fearless tackling of life resonates with people, and endears them to their boisterous personality. 

Emergency Intercom’s tagline goes as follows, “ There is no emergency, but there is an intense need for attention, so maybe listen up.” Those words perfectly sum up why Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips’ Emergency Intercom is the perfect podcast for Leos alike. There is little structure and lots of yelling, but in the chaotic mess of microphones and foam chairs, there is a witty comedy and lovable charm to these two friends. No thought is filtered, and no insult is too bad. This podcast makes you feel like you are catching up with old friends and laughing until your side hurts. The Vine renaissance has been brought the podcast world, and Leos will love every second of it. 

Virgo- Conflicted

Virgo, the earth sign represented by the goddess of wheat and agriculture, you live your life with a breadth of knowledge and particularity. You pay attention to the details of life, and you notice the little things with intense care and devotion. You enjoy structure and complicated design. Though Virgo’s disposition for perfection seems effortless, there is a lot of hard work and labor that goes on beyond the surface, but Virgo’s do not shy away from the complicated parts of life because Virgo’s know the payoff is worth it. 

Conflicted is the perfect podcast for the detail oriented. This podcast takes you meticulously in depth into the conflicts in the Middle East, and puts them into a global context. It may be overwhelming for some, but Virgo's close attention to particularity, and ability to master complex topics makes this the perfect podcast. As host, Aimen Dean said, “What if I tell you that everything we’re going through is actually happening according to a divine plan?” The divine plan is waiting to be picked apart for the Virgo explorer within you. 

Libra- Clever

Libra, peace and tranquility and the rippling water of a  steady stream. Libras have a strong sense of harmony based in fairness and respect, and flow with the ups and downs of life in an effortless harmony of balance and patience. Libras appreciate art, and have a keen sense of noticing the inner patterns and larger design that punctuate the great art of our lifetime. Fellow star signs can always rely on Libras to give them a keen sense of deliberated judgment and measures of justice. The scales of life remain in the forefront of a Libra’s brain, and the give and take of life is appreciated and respected by a Libra. As such, Libras are drawn to careers of decorators, stylists, interior designers, and the likes of curated beauty. 

Designer Amy Devers takes a deep dive into the visionary beauties of the world. With an emphasis on intellectualism and authentic taste-makers, Clever takes an appreciation for the arts and design to a new level bringing the conversation to an intimate setting and handing the microphone to experts in various design fields. Libra’s inner art critic will stand pen ready to delve deep into the intricacies of decorators, visionaries, and culture-makers. Libra’s are clever and so is this podcast. 

Scorpio- Dear Sugar

Scorpios are passionate in their zealous pursuit of life and all its glories and downfalls. Scorpios are authentic and genuine in themselves. They are charismatic and people are naturally drawn to them, though they can come off as confrontational and hostile. However, Scorpio's passion for life extends to all aspects, and they are not afraid of a fight to stand up for something they believe in. Scorpios appreciate and understand the complexities of love and affection and the beauty in human foibles.

Dear Sugars understands Scorpios’ devotion to empathy and excitement for the connections we make as humans. Dear Sugars is an advice podcast that focuses on the interconnectedness of relationships and all the complications of life. Because as a Scorpio knows, the messy parts of life are the best parts. Scorpios are often viewed as having their heart on their sleeve, but there are deeper levels to their emotions that linger below the surface. This ‘radically empathetic’ podcast allows the kind exploration of the most human emotions, and Scorpios everywhere will appreciate its tender approach to the human experience. 

Sagittarius- anything goes

Sagittarius are wandering spirits discovering all the curiosities and peculiarities of life. Their adaptability and zeal for learning new things and exploring, whether that be new terrain physical or mental is unmatched. Sagittarius are born to critically discover new paths and connect with the spirits of life. Sagittarius have a captivating nature and light any room they walk into. They do not scare away from the difficult or scary parts of life because they know in those dark spaces there is room for light and discovery.

Emma Chamberlain in her podcast anything goes is a love letter to the wandering spirits who find comfort and exhilaration in the many curves and folds of the mind.  No topic goes undiscussed and Chamberlain never tires of the many ideas and conversations that pop into her head. Sagittarius are known for being spontaneous and flexible, so they will be able to ride along as Chamberlain jumps from topic to topic, and still enjoy the views along the way.  With her microphone as her companion, Chamberlain will be your guide to the wonderful moments of personal exploration and the larger than life personalities that make a Sagittarius so wonderful. 

Capricorn- Authentic: The Story of Tablo

Capricorns are not one for small talk. They much prefer diving into the deep, complex topics of life instead of frivolously speaking at the surface level. Although Capricorns may come off as reserved, and even cold and distant at times, once you engage with a Capricorn, the conversations are emotionally and intellectually rich. Capricorns possess a keen sense of perception, and forethought in their actions. They have a strong sense of ambition and drive, but not to the point of fallacy. They have a strong sense of themselves and the world around them, and think clearly even in the face of complex decisions and ideas. 

Authentic: The Story of Tablo wastes no time on vain space fillers, but instead takes you on a winding, compelling story of Tablo, a Korean hip hop star, who was on the receiving end of rumors spreading about the legitimacy and accuracy of Tablo as he presented himself to the world. Capricorns will be drawn to the questions of reality and falsity, and will appreciate Dexter Thomas Jr. 's, the host’s, genuine intrigue for the case, and his ability to go beyond the surface, and explore what is lingering to be discovered underneath.

Aquarius- Everything is Alive

Aquarius are thinkers of the malleable kind. Their thoughts take abstract shape, and they often lose themselves in the dreamscape of their own head. Aquarians are innovators with a natural inclination toward the fringes of life. They are progressive, often rebellious, outsiders who prefer to forge their own path rather than follow that of the crowd. Aquarius have a tendency to lend themselves fully to their own minds sometimes at the expense of an awareness of their surroundings. 

Everything is Alive allows for the best of both worlds by allowing for moments of lost thought within the surrounding world. This is an unscripted interview podcast where the subjects are inanimate objects. Each object tells us different things about life, and presents an interconnectedness to all the objects in our life. Aquarius’ will resonate with the unconventional structure and content of the podcast, as well as, feel a thoughtful presence of the life that exists within all things on earth. Imagine if the cup could speak to the cupbearer in the Aquarius star sign, and you’ll be on your way to understanding Everything is Alive. 

Pisces- Sentimental Garbage

Pisces, the sentimental lovers of the star signs. Buying bulk rose-colored glasses to see the world with, Pisces are forever the hopeless romantic. The depths of their heart hold immense compassion and love for others, and they feel emotions on an innate, deep level. Pisces have the tendency to lose themselves in the fantasy and romanticize life, and what better romantic ugh companion than a good podcast to listen to you while you stroll the streets with a warm cup of coffee. Like the fish they are represented by, Pisces can be very in one with their emotions like the flow of water around them, but if someone taps on their fishbowl, there can be feelings of anxiety and irritability. 

Sentimental Garbage is tailor made for Pisces. This deep dive into the lovable parts of culture that are oftentimes looked down upon. The host, Caroline O’Donoghue says it best, “We don’t know the most, we feel the most.” What better way to celebrate being a Pisces than by tapping into your most sentimental mood, and romanticizing the inner workings of our relationship with culture and the positive side of a world through rose-colored glasses. 

Trust the stars, and you will be sure to have an out-of-this-world listening experience! If you’re looking for even more podcasts to choose from- check our shows.

The Best Podcasts To Learn About AI

Since the launch of Chat GPT in November 2022, it feels like AI is everywhere. More and more of what we read online is computer-generated and it's getting harder and harder to know if what we're reading was written by a human (we promise this blog actually was!) 

Much like AI is all over the news, podcasters are also jumping into the debate. We’ve listed the podcasts that are at the forefront of the machine-learning conversation, using new formats to dive into the ethical, philosophical and business questions around the recent artificial intelligence boom. 

The Podcasters Exploring the Future of AI

Playing with reality 

We work with digital transformation experts, Sogeti, to create their podcast, Playing with Reality. From travelling back in time to exploring the depths of the Metaverse to its latest season exploring the thrilling field of artificial intelligence, Playing With Reality takes a look at technology as it happens and challenges its boundaries. 

Hosted by Menno Van Doorn, Research Director at Sogeti, as he takes a deep dive into technology with experts from the industry. This season, Menno is asking the biggest questions about AI, including discovering what effect it will have on the creative sectors, and whether there could ever be a general AI that transcends the boundaries of human intelligence.

Hard Fork 

A technology podcast from The New York Times, on Hard Fork, Hosts Kevin Roose and Casey Newton explore stories from the bleeding edge of tech. What’s real? What’s hype? Hard Fork is here to help you make sense of it. 

In their most recent episode, they're exploring how a conversation with Bing AI (aka Sydney) turns romantic and bizarre. The two embark on a journey to discover why Microsoft’s AI search tool appears more powerful — and unsettling — than we thought.

Data Skeptic 

Data Skeptic is your source for a perspective of scientific skepticism on topics in statistics, machine learning, big data, artificial intelligence, and data science. Their weekly podcast and blog bring stories and tutorials to help you better understand our data-driven world.

In their episode, Ad- Tech: Debiasing GPT-3 Job Ads, we hear about the impeccable achievements of GPT-3 models, but with such accomplishments such large generative models come with their bias as well. On the show, Conrad Borchers, a Ph.D. student in Human-Computer Interaction, discusses the bias in GPT-3 for job ads and how such large models can be de-biased. 

Eye on AI 

Eye on AI tracks new development in artificial intelligence research, hosted by longtime New York Times journalist Craig S. Smith. In each episode, Craig discusses aspects of AI with some of the people making a difference in the space, putting incremental advances into a broader context. This podcast knows that AI is going to change the world, and they are paying attention.

In the most recent episode Yann LeCun talks about what’s missing in large language models and about how new joint embedding predictive architecture may be a step toward filling that gap. 

Talking to Machines: LISP and the Origins… 

Creating a machine that thinks may have seemed like science fiction in the 1950s. But John McCarthy decided to make it a reality. And he started with a language he called LISP. Colin Garvey describes how McCarthy created his first language for AI. Sam Williams covers how early interest in thinking machines spread from academia to the business world, and how- after certain projects didn’t deliver on their promises- a long AI winter eventually set in.

Ulrich Drepper explains that the dreams of AI went beyond what the hardware could deliver at the time. This podcast episode covers much more, as well, including discussion of the processing power to handle the resource requirements of AI, and the language of AI beyond LISP- evidence of the different kinds of tasks AI is now being prepared to do. 

The Times Radio: Stories of our Time 

One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Their daily news podcast takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and reporting. Published for the start of your day and hosted by Manveen Rana and David Aronovitch. The episode “Artificial intelligence: Bright new future or the end of humanity?” aired on February 22, 2023.

The episode explores what experts are now describing as a golden age of AI. If machines could be our surgeons, our judges, our artists, what would it then mean to be human? This episode talks with philosophers trying to save humanity from the matrix.

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The Best Pop Culture Podcasts

While there’s definitely no shortage of pop culture podcasts in the world, not all of them are created equal. From book reviews to analysis of mental health moments in film and tv, here’s a rundown of some of our personal favourite pop culture podcasts.

The Best Pop Culture Podcasts

Celebrity Memoir Book Club

Celebrity Memoir Book Club has hosts Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton reviewing memoirs and books written by celebrities. The pair read excerpts from each book, with recent reads including Jeanette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died and Matthew Perry’s anticipated Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Episodes are released every Tuesday and are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Pop Culture Universitea

Pop Culture Universitea is the brainchild of a TikTok star @PattyPopCulture and is a continuation of his TikTok series of the same name. The podcast currently has a whopping 111 episodes so far, with releases every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Recent episodes have focused on Taylor Swift’s Midnights album release coinciding with Kanye West’s worst week and toxic and questionable age gaps in celebrity relationships.

Pop Culture Therapists

Pop Culture Therapists examines mental health moments and representation in film and television. The hosts of this podcast are actual mental health professionals, only adding to the credibility and allure of this show. The show has episodes from June 2018 to March 2020, but it is unclear whether or not it will return. Episodes have focused on A24’s 2018 horror film Midsommar, and Channel 4’s The End of the F****** World.

Twenty Twenty: A Pop Culture Podcast

Our very own Twenty Twenty podcast expertly combines storytelling and commentary, revisiting major pop culture moments from the early 2000s. The podcast has ten episodes, with subjects including Destiny’s Child, High Fidelity and Gilmore Girls. The podcast description says the show “explores these moments with the added benefit of twenty years’ hindsight”. Listen to it here.

Pop Culture Junkie

Pop Culture Junkie releases episodes on a weekly basis. Hosts Hayley, Nicole, Montae, and Shauna debrief what’s coming up in music, cinema, and television. Recent releases have been deep dives into the careers of Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves, and Samuel L Jackson.

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The Rewatchables

The Rewatchables comes from the team at Ringer, with each instalment focusing on a new film. Each episode provides commentary on the film of the week, behind the scenes info, fun facts, and general film trivia. Recent episodes have included Pitch Perfect, 90s nostalgia-filled Singles, and war epic Saving Private Ryan. Commentary guests have included praised filmmakers Quentin Tarantino and Aaron Sorkin.

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Pop Culture Happy Hour

This podcast featuring employees at NPR are formatted as roundtable discussions of recent movies and TV shows that help listeners catch up–and get recommendations–for the newest in must-watch media. The episodes are 30 minutes long, keeping them bite-sized enough if you don’t want to miss out but are short on time!

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Night Call

Pop culture writers Molly Lambert, Tess Lynch and Emily Yoshida discuss the interests currently dominating the internet, including weird celebrity conspiracy theories and inexplicable Internet rabbit holes. The show also covers TV, movies, music, Instagram trends, and whatever else is brought up in their weekly "night call" from real listeners.

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Podcasts That Were Turned Into TV Shows

With streaming services requiring a never-ending stream of content, it’s no surprise that giants Netflix and Disney Plus are increasingly turning to podcasts for new show ideas. But why are so many podcasts being turned into TV shows? And which podcasts have already been adapted for the silver screen?

Why are so many podcasts being turned into TV shows?

Like books, podcasts provide TV executives with great storylines many of which have been largely ignored by the popular press. But as well as providing plotlines, podcasts also come with another set of benefits. Many have their own fanbase who are likely to follow the concept from one medium to another. Chief Content Officer at Wondery, Marshall Lewy, also notes that podcasts also provide a ‘proof of concept’ for television, proving the concept will work over a series of episodes.

Podcasts that have been turned into TV shows

Joe vs Carole/ Tiger King 

We all remember the unbelievable story of Joe Exotic and his bizarre rivalry with Carole Baskin, but did you know that a podcast predated the viral Netflix hit? Wondery actually released their podcast Joe vs Carole one month prior to the hit show and the podcast became the source material for the fictional adaptation starring Kate McKinnon. 

Fake Heiress/ Inventing Anna

Julia Garner’s performance as faux-heiress Anna Delvey soon became the most meme-worthy character of 2022. But before it was snapped up by the iconic TV producer Shonda Rhimes (Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder), the story was a serialised podcast produced by BBC4 under the title Fake Heiress.

Song Exploder

In the Song Exploder podcast, Hrishikesh Hirway sat down with artists to understand the components behind their work. It might be surprising that a theme that revolved so neatly around audio would work for TV. But in the Netflix show of the same name, released in 2020, Hrishi conducts a filmed interview with the artist and recreates the magic of the studio sessions in which the songs were created.

The Dropout

Scam podcasts have been having their moment in the past two years, and perhaps one of the most popular of these was The Dropout hosted by Rebecca Jarvis and produced by ABC News. The show told the story of Elizabeth Holmes and the rise and fall of her fraudulent blood-testing company, ‘Theranos.’ The TV adaptation starred Amanda Seyfried who received rave reviews for her awkward interpretation of the fallen entrepreneur.

Sweet Bobby

Sweet Bobby is an investigation into a prolific catfisher that took the podcasting world by storm in 2021. The series is soon to be adapted for TV and the show’s creators, Tortoise Media, have signed a ‘first-look’ deal with Sky Studios to adapt their audio content into series and features. 

2 Dope Queens 

2 Dope Queens was a comedy podcast by Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson that aired between April  2016 and November 2018. The show was taped live at Union Hall in Brooklyn and featured a range of female comedians, comedians of color, and LGBT comedians. The podcast landed the hosts two HBO specials of the same name.

The Shrink Next Door

The story of a ‘cult of one,’ The Shrink Next Door from Wondery and journalist Joe Nocera tells the story of Isaac Herschkopf, a psychiatrist who abused his relationship with his patients for personal gain. After topping the Apple Podcasts charts for three weeks straight, the show was soon picked up by Apple TV and turned into a limited series in 2021.

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Looking for more podcasts to add to your listening rotation? Check out our shows. 

When Should I Upload My Podcast?

Much like with social media, coming up with a consistent posting schedule is crucial to gaining and maintaining an audience for your podcast. But when is the best time to release new episodes and what else should you consider to make your show a success?

What day should I release my podcast?

Research suggests that Wednesday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (in that specific order) are the best days for podcast episodes to be released. However, it all depends on your personal schedule and that of your target audience’s.

If you’re a branded podcast creator aiming to target young professionals, consider when they’re most likely to listen to your show (perhaps their commute or their lunch hour). If your podcast is aimed at new parents, they may be more likely to listen to your show in the evenings (once their kids have gone to bed).

What time should I release my podcast?

When it comes to a specific time to publish a new podcast episode, early mornings (and we mean early) are the most effective. Posting between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM increases the chances your podcast will be the first shown in your listener’s daily feed on their app of choice. It’s also a good idea to post on social media to remind your listeners that a new episode is up (and also direct your listeners to follow you on social at the end of each episode).

Marketing is everything here! You can make sure you’re doing everything to promote your show with our ultimate marketing checklist.

How long should my podcast be?

The average podcast has a runtime of about 36 minutes, although the suggested runtime from industry experts is anywhere between 20 and 40. Shorter podcast episodes, understandably, have higher consumption rates. For longer episodes, consumption tends to drop off at around 70%.

However, it’s important to remember to tailor your podcast length to your audience’s needs. Complex narrative shows may require longer episodes than daily news podcasts. Podcasts for kids and teenagers may need to be shorter than podcasts aimed at adults. Our fictional children’s podcast, The Old Man in the Boat, has episodes of around 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Conflicted, our long-standing Middle-eastern history show, has episodes that last up to 90 minutes.

Not all podcasts are created equal, and not all shows are alike. It’s important that regardless of each episode's runtime, your show remains engaging and fun for you and your audience. 

How often should I release podcast episodes?

Broadly speaking, once per week is what listeners tend to expect. However, as is the case with everything related to podcasting, this is not a hard and fast rule, nor does it apply to every show.  Depending on how long production and distribution takes, you may space episodes out to be released every two weeks, or even once a month.

All of this is up to personal preference and capabilities. Podcast production is a long process and a big undertaking, so it depends on how much time you have to put in.

Should I release my podcast in seasons?

Podcast seasons are a great way to make sure you have enough time to plan and market upcoming episodes. they also provide you with time to take a break from your show if you’re finding your regular release schedule too demanding. Podcast seasons also give you the opportunity to:

• Source guests and plan interviews for upcoming episodes.

• Create a PR strategy around your show’s next season.

• Create additional assets like videos, audiograms and social media graphics.

• Pitch your show to Apple and Spotify.

While there’s definitely value in keeping your podcast ‘always on,’ seasons definitely give you a wide range of marketing opportunities.

We recommend giving yourself more time than you need for the first few episodes in case you can’t keep up with a schedule. As always, consistency is key!

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Are you ready to get started on your own brand’s podcast with MessageHeard? Get in touch today. We are here to get your message heard and we can help with many aspects of your next great podcast project.

The Best Podcasts of 2022

2022 has been a bumper year for podcasts. From sharing juicy everyday gossip to investigating a prolific social media stalker, there’s been a show for every taste. So we decided to ask the Message Heard team, what was your favourite thing you listened to this year?

The 12 Best Podcasts of 2022

Normal Gossip

Normal Gossip

“Making use of some most masterful storytelling, you’ll want to talk about Normal Gossip with literally everyone you meet. This was the first podcast in a long time that made me devour its back catalogue like it was a full time job - perfect for all you messy gossip lovers out there wanting to scratch the itch. Truly proving that water cooler moments need not be reserved for the big narrative blockbusters!”

Bea Duncan, Producer

Can I tell you a secret?

Can I tell you a secret?

“This podcast totally gripped me with how easily someone can destroy a total stranger’s life using only social media.”

Louise Clarke, Operations Manager

Shamelesss Acquisition Target

Shameless Acquisition Target

“A great balance between irreverance and informative.”

Jake Warren, CEO

Scam Goddess

Scam Goddess

“I love that this is a true crime show that’s on the side of the scammer. It might sound morally dubious but Laci Mosely makes the case for using scams to make your way in an unjust world without being disrespectful to fraud victims. It’s also one of the only podcasts that makes me laugh out loud on the tube.”

Beth Watson, Marketing Lead

Case 63

Case 63

“This is the first fictional podcast I’ve listened to and had me gripped from start to finish. The short episodes and sound design were very clever, and drew me in in a way no other podcast has done before.”

Will Thompson, Business Development Manager

Who killed Daphne?

Who killed Daphne?

“This podcast is both an incredible piece of investigative journalism and a well-stylised narrative. A rare treat!”

Sandra Ferrari, Head of Production

The Superhero Complex

The Superhero Complex

“Really compelling character study where the reveals could only work in an audio-only format.”

Lincoln Van der Westhuizen

Cities and Memory: Remixing the World

Cities and Memory

“Wonderful hybrid of real field recordings from around the world, and artists’ interpretations of these recordings through remixing them into musical pieces and soundtracks.”

Ivan Eastley, Sound Engineer

Revisionist History

Revisionist History

“Another top notch series of Malcolm Gladwell’s investigative anthology podcast that always seems to uncover the most obscure but consequential events of the last century. Special mention to the three parter on the Minnesota Starvation Experiment which recounts one of the most extraordinarily bizarre and harrowing stories of medical manipulation I’ve ever heard.”

Harry Stott, Producer

Bad Friends

Bad Friends

“The chaotic dynamic Bobby and Santino have gets me through every Monday.”

Hannah Southern, Content Strategist

The 11th

The 11th

“An ode to slow audio, I love that you never know what to expect with this show. It’s obvious it was made with a lot of love and care.”

Talia Augustidis, Junior Producer

All About Sound

All About Sound

“I think the world is beginning to appreciate sound more and more and this series does an amazing job at driving that interest further. Had no idea there was a sound collection at the British Library so that’s an extra treat!”

Tom Biddle, Sound Lead

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Want more podcast recommendations? You can find even more of our favourite shows in the Message Heard blog. Or check out our podcasts here.

The 10 Best Investigative Journalism Podcasts

We all know the feeling. You’ve found an investigative journalism podcast with endless twists and turns. You’re so caught up in the surprising tale that you end up bingeing the whole show in just a few days. What are you going to listen to now?

Luckily we’re here to help! We’ve selected our favourite investigative journalism podcasts so you never get caught short again.

The Best Investigate Journalism Podcasts

Untold Legends: Ora

While everyone knows the story of Venus and Serena Williams, not everyone knows Ora Washington, an African-American athlete who excelled in tennis and basketball and won 201 trophies and titles throughout her career. However, Washington managed to fade into obscurity due to her race.

In this podcast from the BBC, former basketball player Renee Montgomery seeks to tell Washington’s previously untold story. Each instalment fuses research and narrative storytelling to tell Ora Washington’s incredible story that has unfortunately been forgotten.

The Catch

One of our very own productions, The Catch is Presented by Raphael Rowe, a journalist who himself spent 12 years locked up for a crime he didn’t commit.

This series delves into the story of a group of fishermen living on the Isle of Wight who were convicted of one of the largest, most audacious drug-smuggling plots in British history. Now fighting to clear their names, this show delves into both sides of the case, exploring each twist and turn, to piece together the real Freshwater Five story. 

Listen now on Audible.

Finding Natasha

In the early 1970s, a promising young British ballerina was chosen to study at Russia’s prestigious ballet academy. A dream come true quickly became a nightmare that led to the teenage dancer having to escape the country, thanks to a woman she’d never see again. Finding Natasha seeks to reunite the ballerina and her unlikely hero across six riveting episodes.

The Trojan Horse Affair

In 2014, an inexplicable and confusing letter appeared on a city councillor’s desk in Birmingham, England, detailing an elaborate plan by Islamic extremists to infiltrate the city’s schools. The story soon blows up in the news and kicks off a national panic, leading to multiple investigations, revamped schools, and extra counterterrorism efforts.

In this podcast, hosts Brian Reed and Hamza Syed team up to investigate: Who wrote the Trojan Horse letter? They quickly discover that it’s a question those in power do not want them asking or answering.

Harsh Reality: The Story Of Miriam Rivera

The series is hosted by transgender actress Trace Lysette and focuses on the show There's Something About Miriam, a British reality show, and the life of Mexican transgender model Miriam Rivera.

The show examines Miriam’s early life in Mexico to her years in the US, and her experience on a dating show who’s premise was to hide her trans identity.​​ The podcast dissects gender, sexuality, and the decision to make this TV show in the first place. This is a must listen podcast for anyone interested in the ethics of reality TV.

Sweet Bobby

Sweet Bobby is a multi-part investigation story in search of one of the world’s most sophisticated and notorious catfishers. It’s a story about who we act as online, and how social media can easily be weaponised as a tool of abuse and coercion.

With seven episodes (six plus a bonus one!), the story of Kirat Assi, the British woman at the centre of a web of lies that controlled and destroyed 10 years of her life is told for the first time. The show is hosted by investigative journalist Alexi Mostrous and dives into the fifty aliases created to abuse, coerce, and gaslight Assi for a decade.

The Dropout

The Dropout tells the story of the infamous Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and how she managed to fool the entire world into believing in her medical technology company.

This compelling show is hosted by Rebecca Jarvis, a correspondent for ABC News, who interviews people who knew Elizabeth Holmes and follows her story from childhood to her recent trial. The podcast serves as the inspiration for, and shares a name with the 2022 Hulu miniseries of the same name, starring Amanda Seyfried as Holmes.

Pieces of Britney

Pieces of Britney from BBC Radio 4 is hosted by Pandora Sykes and seeks to dissect the treatment of women in the public eye through a case study on Britney Spears, who’s life and struggles have been at the forefront of the public eye.

This eight part series chronicles Spears’ life and conservatorship and includes interviews with psychologists and cultural historians. While there have been dozens of podcasts about Spears and her conservatorship, Pieces of Britney serves as an analytical edition that does not sensationalise the details of her abuse.

Dark House

Dark House serves as the incredibly niche cross section of interior design, the paranormal, and true crime. In each episode, hosts Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Fiorentino, a twisted backstory of an infamous American home is explored, including The Watcher House in New Jersey and the Boise Murder House of Idaho. While the podcast can be incredibly dark at times, this show is a fun dive into the paranormal homes we’ve always wondered about.

The Walker’s Switch

The final podcast on our list is something a little different. Describing itself as ‘Serial, but for crisps,’ The Walker’s Switch is an investigation into whether Walkers switched the colours of their Cheese & Onion and Salt & Vinegar crisp packets. 2 out of 3 people are convinced they changed. But Walkers deny it ever happened. Over six episodes, Lauren Peters and Augustine Cerf try to discover the truth.

Want more captivating podcasts?

Whether you’re a lover of history podcasts, investigative journalism, current affairs or more, discover more shows from Message Heard.

The Best Digital Marketing Podcasts

Digital marketing can be a tricky space to navigate, with trends, best practice and even whole channels changing in an instant (think Twitter and Elon Musk). However, podcasts can help you stay on top of an ever-changing market with insights from experts and sneak-peeks into viral campaigns. Here’s a list of some of our favourites.

The Best Digital Marketing Podcasts

Social Pros Podcast

Social Pros interviews experts and professionals in the social media industry in typically under-50 minute long instalments. The hosts, Jay Baer and Adam Brown, have been praised for their discussions of social media strategies that listeners call in-depth and actionable. Case studies also appear on this podcast’s roster, with subjects including ride-sharing app Lyft, indie cosmetic brand Glossier, and American restaurant chain Chili’s.

Social Creatures

On our very own Social Creatures Head of Marketing at Sprout Social, Cat Anderson, sits down with some of the most innovative minds in the social space to find out how they achieve success. Favourites include the TikTok viral Black Country Living Museum and an in-depth interview with the PR agency behind the controversial Heinz Baked Beans and Weetabix campaign.

The Science of Social Media

The Science of Social Media was developed by Buffer, a social media toolkit designed for small businesses. Their excellent library of content that they transfer into podcast form. While they may gear their own work towards small businesses, we think anyone can learn from their podcast that helps explore what exactly works on social media.

Casual Fridays

Casual Fridays target those in entertainment, tourism, and hospitality industries. Episodes are conversational and always include a discussion on current trends, strategy moves, and useful tactics. With over 200 episodes available, there’s no shortage of tips and tricks from host Tyler Anderson.

Everyone Hates Marketers

In this cheekily named podcast hosted by Louis Greiner, marketing isn’t put on a pedestal. Greiner understands the honest truth that people don’t want to be marketed to, which is why Greiner’s goal with the podcast is to discuss and share ethical marketing tips and tricks that are in good taste and no-nonsense. Episodes are released on a weekly basis, with interviews or Greiner’s own opinion sharing their thoughts on the sometimes “shady” marketing tips.

Duct Tape Marketing

Duct Tape Marketing is the marketing podcast made for small businesses specifically. Since 2005, host John Jantsch has interviewed thought leaders, experts, and authors to share their stories and secrets to make it in the business world. Recent episodes have explored data usage, communication tips from the world’s greatest salesman, and ways to double sales.

The Agents of Change

Through fascinating and engaging interviews with expert marketers, The Agents of Change podcast promises to help increase your brand’s online visibility, drive more qualified traffic to your site and convert that traffic into consumers. Host Rich Brooks talks to internationally known marketers to get their inside insights that cover tips and tricks on SEO, social media, and mobile marketing. There are over 400 episodes, and they’re available weekly, with each episode running about 30-45 minutes, so there’s plenty of content for you to binge!

Copyblogger

Copyblogger is the ultimate copywriting, content marketing, freelance writing, and social media marketing podcast. Quality copywriting is at the centre of quality marketing, so this podcast has you covered on all the tips and tricks to write the catchiest of content. In each episode, ​​a variety of experts analyse copywriting, content marketing, conversion optimization, and more. Start listening here.

We hope that’s helped you find a digital marketing podcast to keep you on top of the trends, in the meantime make sure to check out Social Creatures for more insights into the bizarre world of viral marketing. Or contact us to find out how to use a podcast to grow your brand!