Category: Podcasts

  • Crunchyroll and Sony Music present new podcast ‘Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect’

    Crunchyroll and Sony Music present new podcast ‘Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect’

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll, the ultimate anime destination for global fans, and Sony Music Entertainment are launching Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect, a weekly roundtable podcast spotlighting anime’s influence on the broader cultural zeitgeist. The Anime Effect will be available worldwide in English on all major podcast platforms beginning 16 February with new episodes every Friday.

    You can listen to the trailer and subscribe to get notified when episodes drop here:

    https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/YX4u4bla?at=1010l396Y

    As anime has exploded in global popularity, its influence can be seen on the screen and in fashion, sports, gaming, music and beyond… and not just on Crunchyroll. With coverage from the award-winning Crunchyroll News team as a throughline, Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect goes beyond specific shows and popular characters just on Crunchyroll to delve into anime’s growing impact across popular culture.

    The weekly podcast is hosted by Crunchyroll’s own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

    “The Anime Effect is a natural extension of our current Crunchyroll News program and a place where fans can dive deeper into everything anime and celebrate it regardless of what platform or service it is on,” said Crunchyroll’s chief operating officer Gita Rebbapragada. “Whether you watch anime every day or are a casual viewer, this podcast is a must-listen.”

    Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect is available at launch as an audio show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts, and as a video show on Crunchyroll and YouTube with additional platforms – including the Crunchyroll Channel –  coming in 2024. Crunchyroll Premium subscribers will also be able to watch the ad-free video show weekly on the Crunchyroll app.

    Podcast Hosts:

    Nicholas Friedman is a career journalist who lives in the anime world. As Publisher of Crunchyroll News, Nick sits at the center of the anime culture conversation, from the latest breaking updates to the deepest dives into what fans are talking about.

    LeAlec Murray is a podcaster and pop culture enthusiast. With 15-plus years of experience in the anime and gaming industry, he lives his life one pixel at a time. LeAlec currently works as a Brand Manager at Crunchyroll, helping to bring to life the anime you see every day.

    Leah President is a writer, editor and longtime acolyte of geek culture. From a background as a broadcast producer (but with a secret soft heart), they would rather be crying over shojo manga or picking only the “good” options in an RPG. Leah works as a partnerships manager, bringing fans from all over the world home to Crunchyroll.

  • Michelle Obama shares personal anecdotes in The Light Podcast on Audible

    Michelle Obama shares personal anecdotes in The Light Podcast on Audible

    Mumbai: As we celebrate the birthday of the exceptionally inspiring, Michelle Obama today, let’s take a moment to dive into her wisdom through her podcast titled ‘Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast’ available on Audible. This series is an extension to her book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times where Michelle, along with her esteemed friends, shares profound conversations during her six-city U.S. book tour, exploring themes like friendships, vulnerabilities, personal struggles, and more. Immerse yourself in the podcast’s riveting anecdotes, offering thought-provoking insights that resonate with life’s experiences. Here are a few highlights and thought-provoking insights from the podcast. To listen to the entire podcast, tune in to Audible.

    Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast

    Building meaningful friendships

    In conversation with legendary poet and teacher Elizabeth Alexander, Michelle Obama reflects on their 30 years of friendship. They discuss their shared journey of motherhood as they grew to adulthood, the twists and turns of careers, growing older, and their retreat at Camp David with other friends. Michelle emphasizes, “Whether I met you three months ago, or three decades ago, if we’ve built a meaningful friendship, I will work hard to foster our relationship and be there for you when you need me. I’ve got your back because I know you got mine. And one of those people I know without a doubt that I can count on is my dear friend, Elizabeth Alexander. It felt like a warm blanket to sit down with her for a long soulful conversation about friendship, fostering them, nurturing them, and the deep humanity that lies within them. Now I’ve known Elizabeth for 30 years, since long before the presidency was even a glimmer in Barack’s eye. She’s a distinguished poet, writer, and academic. But to me, she’s even more than that. She’s an authentic and genuine friend, and she’ll always have a spot at  my kitchen table.”

    Striving for excellence and parenting

    Gayle King and Michelle Obama open up about parenting and striving for excellence as a pursuit. Michelle Obama encourages young people to take charge of their lives and make excellence a practice, “Excellence is a thing you practice. You practice who you want to be, every single day. I try to tell my girls this – if you want to be a professional and be on time, you have got to start doing that when you’re seven or nine. You don’t wait until you get to a position to try to show up. So I have been practicing getting things right for a long time. So I don’t know how to be late,” said Obama. When asked about parenting their two girls, she said, “I treated parenting my girls like  my parents parented me. I wanted them to be independent early. I wanted them to be able to wake themselves up, make their own beds, they had to do their own homework. There was no helicoptering because I wanted them to rise and fall on their own merits.”

    The power of small

    America’s favourite former First Lady shares that she grew up in circumstances where bars were set quite low for women of colour. She did not let these conditions overpower her, and credit due to her parents for always making her feel seen and heard at home.  She used it as an opportunity to prove to the world what she was capable of. As she goes on to detail her approach to life, Michelle uses her wit in sharing some insights. She compares knitting to taking on tasks in life and suggests instead of overwhelming ourselves with what we cannot control we must focus on the smaller tasks at hand. She goes on to share an anecdote of when she was overwhelmed while preparing a speech, she says, “I am trying to go big, I am trying to think of a big speech and I don’t have that platform in quarantine. But I can focus on what’s in my lap. Let me look at what I uniquely can control. The truth is what’s in our lap. The fact that yes, there are riots going on but there are people who are also coming out and marching. They saw brutality but the country remembered for a time they had come together around Black Lives Matter. There were all these emergency workers sacrificing themselves in this quarantine. People were giving, we were a better nation than we were being taught. But we lose sight of the beauty of what’s small because we are taught that big is better. This is where great becomes the enemy of good. And you don’t have the power to change the world until you do the thing that you can actually control, the thing in your lap. Let us now value the power of small.”

    Decoding fear

    In conversation with Ellen Degeneres, Michelle Obama elaborates why we must overcome our fears and step out of our comfort zone to get ahead in life. “There is a fear that keeps us stuck. The fear of others, the fear of somebody who is not like you, the fear of somebody who has got a different skin colour than you. That is an irrational fear. If we don’t learn to decode it and to know when our fear is keeping us safe from when it is keeping us limited and narrow and small. If we don’t start thinking about how we process fear, I know I have had to. I’ve had to learn to determine when my fear is rational and when it’s just me not wanting to do something that makes me uncomfortable.” She goes on to add, “Learning to be comfortably afraid is learning to rationally deal with your fear so that you can get to the other side. When you get to the other side, nine times out of ten there is a lot of growth, opportunity and possibility if you can decode it properly.”

    Michelle’s classic wit, candor, and compassion infused in her anecdotal learnings as she engages in an insightful yet fun banter with exceptional luminaries is bound to lighten up your world. Tune into Audible and listen to the Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast.

  • AI superstar Naina launches India’s first AI podcast titled  ‘The nAIna Show’

    AI superstar Naina launches India’s first AI podcast titled ‘The nAIna Show’

    Mumbai: India is set to witness a revolutionary moment in the digital entertainment space with the launch of ‘The nAIna Show’, a unique and groundbreaking series hosted by Naina, India’s first AI superstar. This podcast marks a significant milestone as the country’s first AI-driven podcast series, featuring in-depth and insightful interviews with some of the most celebrated personalities in the entertainment industry.  

    The guest list includes Sobhita Dhulipala, Sanya Malhotra, Richa Chadha, Saiyami Kher, Esha Deol, Hansika Motwani, Ridhima Pathak, Nargis Fakhri, Kritika Kamra and many more.

    Naina, known for her remarkable AI capabilities blended with a uniquely Indian perspective,  will engage with celebrities from various fields, including Bollywood, sports, music, etc. This platform offers an unprecedented opportunity for fans to experience their favorite stars through the lens of advanced artificial intelligence.

    The podcast series aims to delve deep into the lives, careers, and personal stories of these celebrities, providing listeners with a rare and intimate experience. Naina’s ability to analyse and ask thought-provoking questions promises to bring out the most candid and engaging responses from her guests.

    Listeners can expect a blend of insights, emotion, and humor in each episode, making ‘The nAIna Show’, not just an entertainment venture but an enlightening journey into the minds of India’s most influential figures.

    The podcast will be available on Naina’s and Pop Diaries’ YouTube channels, ensuring easy access for audiences worldwide. Its interactive format will also allow listeners to submit their questions and comments, creating an engaging experience.

    Naina’s foray into podcasting is not just a technological marvel but a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the potential of AI in reshaping media and entertainment. This series is a  testament to India’s growing prowess in the field of artificial intelligence and its application in creative industries.

    Stay tuned for the first episode of ‘The nAIna Show’, where Naina, the AI superstar, takes the art of conversation to a new level, redefining the way we engage with media and technology.  The podcast promises to be a trailblazer in the digital era, seamlessly integrating AI innovation with the rich tapestry of Indian culture and celebrity stories.

  • Rose Audio Visuals ventures into audio storytelling launching RosePod

    Rose Audio Visuals ventures into audio storytelling launching RosePod

    Mumbai: Rose Audio Visuals, founded by Goldie Behl, is expanding the storytelling realm by boldly fostering into the audio podcasting segment with the launch of RosePod. This innovative move introduces a range of meticulously crafted audio tales, spanning gripping mysteries, heartwarming dramas, enthralling love stories, and timeless mythologies, Rose Audio Visuals leverages AI-generated visuals to enhance the immersive experience. The launch features an interesting lineup of 100 original fiction shows and premium non-fiction shows along with Hindi Audiobooks, pushing creative boundaries and leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of listeners.

    Encompassing several kinds of audio stories ranging from love, mythology, mystery, drama, and more promising an unmatched auditory experience in Hindi followed by Tamil and Telugu. RosePod is making this accessible on 30 plus major streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Jio Savaan, Amazon Music, Gaana, and Hungama.

    Talking about the vision of RosePod, founder Goldie Behl said, “Jumping into audio storytelling is a natural evolution, driven by our love for timeless stories and myself being a consumer of audio stories. In the world of sound, we’re not just expanding creatively but building a close connection with our listeners. While the audio space has its divisions, from informative to entertaining content, we’re reaching out to everyone through our wide range of stories since it’s a reasonable and accessible form of entertainment. Our content is for all kinds of listeners, making this journey more than growth—it’s a harmonious rhythm, weaving universal stories that bring us together.”

    Join Rose Audio Visuals on this exhilarating journey as they unveil RosePod, orchestrating a sonic revolution that sets a new standard in the world of audio storytelling.

    Rosepod India

    Rosepod India

     

  • Beauty and wellness gurus to stars share their top tips on Audible

    Beauty and wellness gurus to stars share their top tips on Audible

    Mumbai: This new year, if your goal is to achieve a celebrity-like appearance and prioritise your health and skin, Audible has you covered! You can explore titles from leading experts such as Dr Jaishree Sharad (skincare specialist to Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez), Vasudha Rai (Mira Kapoor’s beauty and wellness confidante), Munmun Ganeriwal (nutritionist behind Taapsee Pannu’s impressive physique), and Dr Siddhant Bhargava (nutrition consultant to Alia Bhatt and Sara Ali Khan). They share invaluable tips on health, beauty, and wellness through their audiobooks and podcasts on Audible. Check out some interesting tips from their titles highlighted below:

    Skincare

    The Skincare Answer Book by Dr Jaishree Sharad

    She has worked with celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez. With over two decades of mastery in cosmetic dermatology, she unveils the coveted beauty secrets (especially for the winters) that have left celebrities glowing on and off the screen.

    . Tip 1: Choose the right moisturiser based on your skin type. “You can choose your moisturiser based on your skin type (dry, oily, combination or sensitive) and the climate. If you have oily skin, choose a water- or gel–based, non-comedogenic moisturiser. If you have dry skin, you need a cream-based moisturiser. If you have acne-prone skin, opt for a water-based moisturiser. If you have sensitive skin, you will need a moisturiser with minimal preservatives and no fragrance” shares Dr. Jaishree.

    . Tip 2: Seasonal dryness or oiliness? Use cleansers, choosing a suitable sunscreen, and considering supplements. Addressing concerns like skin peeling despite moisturiser use, Dr. Jaishree sheds light on an essential winter skincare routine saying, “Use non-foamy soap-free cleansers. Avoid washing your face more than once or twice a day. Apply a skin repair cream which contains glycerine and ceramides, thrice a day. Use a mineral sunscreen; Avoid using all active serums till your skin heals. Take supplements of Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids while avoiding exfoliation too.”

    Beauty

    The Book of Holistic Beauty by Vasudha Rai

    She is trusted by none other than Mira Kapoor for that radiant glow! She is a seasoned author and columnist boasting over two decades of expertise in the industry. In this audiobook, Vasudha shares tips on beauty routines and how meditation, nutraceuticals, and gut health affect our skin.

    . Tip 1: Take special care of the beauty blind spots – your neck and elbows. “Treat the neck like a second face, using extra serum and creams separately. Apply leftover creams and serums on forearms to elbows. Massage the neck regularly with 25 upward strokes daily. Afterward, massage the sides from under the ear towards the collarbone with a couple of downward strokes for lymphatic drainage.”

    . Tip 2: Keep those beach vibes alive! Say no to chemical exfoliants on sun-kissed skin. Vasudha recommends using simple yet effective practices. She asserts, “use a loofah twice a week in the shower to exfoliate the body. Choose oil or body lotion to moisturise while still damp. For rough texture on hips and upper thighs, apply glycolic acid toner before bed. Prescription retinoids also work well, but avoid scrubbing if using chemical exfoliants. If regularly going to the beach, avoid using chemical exfoliants on these areas.”

    Nutrition

    Yuktahaar by Munmun Ganeriwal

    She is an award-winning nutritionist and exercise consultant behind the brilliant physique of stars like Taapsee Pannu and Nayanthara. Over the last 19 years, she has worked to combine traditional Indian foods, ancient Indian yogic practices and Ayurveda principles with gut microbiota study to understand and help fight obesity and other diseases.

    . Tip 1: Emphasise the importance of mindfulness in every bite! “What matters most about food is not calories or nutrients, but whether it has been cooked by a human being or a corporation.” Munmun’s wisdom extends beyond mere dietary advice; In her audiobook, she advocates for a mindful and stress-free eating environment. “You have to sit down to eat. This means you can’t eat while walking or standing, and the worst I have come across is lying down and eating. Eat in a clean place that is free from clutter. Avoid taking meals at your work desk, on the bed, on the couch and in your car (you got that right, you shouldn’t drive while eating)” she advises.

    . Tip 2: Eat an early dinner. Ensure 12 hours of fasting between that last meal of your day and the first of the next day. Aligning with both ancient wisdom and modern science, Munmun shares her circadian rhythm insights. “Our circadian rhythm expects us to eat during the day when the sun is shining. The first light of morning resets the master clock in our brain, and similarly, the first meal of the morning resets all other organ clocks. By having a hot, herbal drink soon after you wake up, you reinforce the message that it is morning to the clocks in our liver and digestive system,” she explains.

    Kya Lifestyle Hai by Dr Siddhant Bhargava

    He is the go-to nutrition expert for celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Sara Ali Khan, has not only cracked the code to personalised nutrition but has also transformed the lives of over 4,500 individuals.

    . Tip 1: Rev up your metabolism and curb hunger. Aim for 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. Dr Siddhant Bhargava, in his Audible podcast, simplifies the intricacies of nutrition. Addressing the often-overlooked macro-nutrient protein, he stated, “For every kilogram of your body weight, you are required to consume a minimum 1 gram of protein. Incorporate paneer, pulses, chicken, eggs, fish, soya, milk, curd, etc.  in your diet. If you don’t consume enough protein, your body will use your muscles for the same, resulting in muscle loss and a dip in your metabolic rate. If your metabolic rate decreases, losing weight will become tougher because the calorie deficit will also decline.” He concludes with a powerful mantra for boosting metabolic rates, “the more you eat protein, the less it will make you hungry.”

    . Tip 2: Master the synergy of nutrition and exercise to unlock optimal results for weight loss. Dr Siddhant shared, “Whenever you’re trying to lose weight, to burn calories, do not do only cardio. You have to be doing a combination of cardio and strength training like gym, yoga, pilates – anything where you’re working against resistance because if you don’t do this, your body will again start burning muscle. Whenever a calorie deficit is created, your body needs to get the required calories from your body itself to burn. Your body can burn either fat or muscle and since fat is a reserve, it is simpler for your body to burn muscle.” He ends by saying that preventing muscle loss is an important part of one’s weight loss journey.

  • Delhi’s popular RJ Sarthak gets asked “If he is original?”

    Delhi’s popular RJ Sarthak gets asked “If he is original?”

    Mumbai: People who don’t appreciate English music are subhumans. They shouldn’t be allowed to wear clothes. They should be made to sing ullullu like the aboriginal tribes,” said RJ Sarthak, trying to drive home his point about the appeal of music. Sarthak, Delhi’s loved and listened-to radio jockey went ballistic about Vidya Balan’s portrayal of an RJ in Munna Bhai MBBS and Karthik Aryan in Dhamaka as unrealistic portrayals of RJs. He was baring his soul to Sumedha on her popular podcast “Bluntly Streaming” where she grilled the RJ on various counts.

    In a two-part series, the volatile guest even ends up demanding that Sumedha NOT call him an RJ, but a radio host or radio presenter. “Radio jockey” is the wrong phrase. It should be Radio Disc jockey,” he snorts. Sumedha Bluntly Streaming dives deep into the vibrant life of RJ Sarthak, a personality with a beard as colourful as his journey. The RJ is known to be one of the most loved ones on radio waves. Also considered original for his content. He quotes a famous saying that states that “There are only three original ideas in the world and the rest are interpretations,” to which Sumedha, with a straight face, asks him, “Are you original?” Offended by her blunt question (what else do you expect from Bluntly Streaming?), he mocks her for her question, but not before attacking her with, “What do you think is being original” Are you an original?” The conversation takes amusing turns as both end up making peace with each other about whether or not radio jockeys are loyal to the Jockey, a popular lingerie and innerwear brand.

    “Everything begins with my hunger for attention,” Sarthak confesses to Sumedha. What about your hunger for auditions, asks Sumedha who called the chair he was sitting on a “casting couch”. The conversation veered towards other topics such as his relief package for later risers who missed out on his early morning show, the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, his tryst with MK’s Gandhi’s book, “My Experiments with Truth” and more.

    The RJ also gets grilled on why he chose French or Sanskrit, his stint on TV with Headlines Today and about his most memorable callers on the show. The RJ who is into his 25 year on the radio waves shared a heart-touching anecdote about a caller who would be the first one to call his show every fortnight. “We even had special music for the first caller. Later, I got to know, after about a year of radio interactions, that he, his wife and disabled child committed suicide after he faced losses in his business and could not recover from it financially.

    Sumedha also explores the intriguing world of RJ Sarthak’s nepotism and under-the-table dealings. “If you want to win me over, get me food,” he states. The conversation then touches on some uncomfortable chords. Sarthak then blows off the lid on sex, drugs and rock n roll by decoding the concept of choreographed music. “These days, music is not straight from the heart. Rather is researched and designed to give a music spike every 30 seconds. No wonder that the old-timers like Metallica could still beat the Taylor Swifts of this era,” he states. The Rolling Stones and U2 are still on the top and headlining shows in venues like Sphere in Las Vegas because they are not into the nonsense called template music.  

    He then reveals his fondness for underground music, citing bands like Gogo Penguin, Coco Roco, and Fyah, whose audience may be limited to around 25 people. He appreciates music that emanates from the heart, emphasizing the connection it creates.

    As the conversation shifts to streaming, CDs, and vintage vinyl records, Sarthak highlights the significant effort required not only to create music but also to delve into its nuances. He expresses frustration that, in the present era, there seems to be no premium placed on knowledge. Recalling his past, he vividly remembers taking a bus to the British Library, borrowing books, and immersing himself in reading about Eric Clapton. He laments the contrast with today’s easy access to information, stating that the effort he invested in acquiring knowledge in the 90s is now condensed into the first line of Clapton’s Wikipedia page. He concludes his episode of Bluntly Streaming with a stern reminder, “Don’t mistake information for knowledge,” before Sumedha concludes the conversation. 

  • Introducing the Iconic Women Podcast stories of dreams, perseverance, and triumph

    Introducing the Iconic Women Podcast stories of dreams, perseverance, and triumph

    Mumbai: A platform for women to open up about their lives, the Iconic Women Podcast is officially live.  Season 1 unveils the extraordinary stories of inspiring women from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their resilience, determination, strength and triumphs.  Each episode encapsulates heartfelt conversations, learnings and grit, ending with a creative tribute to legendary women, where the host Kadambari Misra styles the guest as a woman who has been her strength.

    A brainchild of industry veterans Eternative Design co-founder  Kadambari Misra), BrandStory Digital founder Bala Kumaran, and Ebony & Ivory PR founder Nidhi Agarwal, IWP was born when they came together with a shared passion to create a platform that is committed to the stories of women past and present.

    Now streaming weekly, the inaugural season features the narratives of real-life sheroes like Nisha Millet, Susan Thomas, Sahar Mansoor, Shwetambari Shetty, Amrita Samant, Sonu Venugopal, Alicia Souza, and Sonali Swami. The episodes delve into topics like mental health, fitness in one’s 40s, and the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges, among many others.

    IWP traces its roots back to Kadamabari’s time in Mexico, where she discovered the rivetingly beautiful works of artist Frida Kahlo, her art a revelation of her pain and suffering. These moments of connecting deeply with one woman’s quest for self-realisation left an indelible mark on Kadambari. What started as a casual post on her Instagram handle transformed into a passion project.  Over the years, she has researched several inspiring women from various walks of life, spotlighted their achievements, and effortlessly brought their personalities to life by transforming herself into each of them.

    Speaking of her project-to-podcast journey, Kadambari said, “What remains common is that these are real women overcoming real challenges. The Project was about women from history inspiring the women of today; I am one of them! And we hope that through the Podcast, today’s inspiring women will inspire the women of tomorrow.”

    On co-founding the podcast, Bala Kumaran said, “Brandstory Productions is dedicated to amplifying the remarkable stories of iconic women, sparked off by my life’s journey alongside strong and inspiring women. We aspire to inspire women to break barriers and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

    Reflecting on the power of authentic narratives, Nidhi Agarwal said, “The podcast format of storytelling is transformative! In just three weeks since launch, the love we have received is very humbling. We believe in the power of forging genuine connections, and are super excited to create a safe space to foster real conversations that inspire women and communities at large.”

    Season 1 was released with Nisha Millet, an Olympic Swimmer on December 16th and every following week with Ms Susan Thomas IRS Office and ex-NIFT Director, Alicia Souza- Illustrator, Shwetambari Setty, Fitness Entrepreneur on IWP’s YouTube channel and will also be available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast.

    Catch these compelling narratives that have propelled women to follow their dreams no matter what.

    https://www.youtube.com/@IconicWomenPodcast 

  • Spotify launches Spotify Audience Network

    Spotify launches Spotify Audience Network

    Mumbai: Continuing its investment in the advertising business, Spotify announced the launch of the Spotify Audience Network in India, as well as in Sweden, Brazil, Mexico and Japan. The audio-first advertising marketplace will bring scaled, audience-based podcast buying to brands in India for the first time, and presents a unique opportunity for podcast publishers and creators in the markets to effectively monetize their content. The first publishers in India that will leverage the Network to monetise content through advertisers, include Audio Pitara and Ideabrew Studios.

    The Spotify Audience Network launched in the U.S. in 2021 and is now available in more than a dozen global markets across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Over the past 12 months, advertisers participating in the marketplace have grown over 45 per cent while opted-in podcast publishers have increased more than 70 per cent.

    “In Q3, our global advertising revenue grew 16 per cent YoY and podcasts played a critical role. Building on the same success and keeping in mind that India is a significant growth market for podcasts, we are unlocking this growing marketplace for  local advertisers and publishers. This expansion is the latest in a series of investments Spotify has made to take podcast and audio advertising to the next level by enabling brands to reach these uniquely engaged listeners at scale”, said Spotify head of sales – India, Arjun Kolady.

    “We are always looking for new ways to bring in advertising that not only drives greater revenue but also provides personalised and valuable messaging for our listeners. The Spotify Audience Network will be a critical addition to our monetization efforts by bringing us incremental, unique demand that helps ensure more of our impressions are filled by high-quality and brand-safe ads,” said Audio Pitara co-founder Tapan Gupta.

    “Podcasts are an immersive medium, and so, while we focus on finding innovative avenues to integrate advertising, we also want to ensure that the brand and the messaging is relevant to our audience. The inclusion of the Spotify Audience Network is pivotal to our growth strategy, as it adds distinctive demand”, explained Ideabrew Studios co-founder & CEO Aditya Kuber.

    Here’s what the Spotify Audience Network means for advertisers and publishers:

    1.    Beginning today, advertisers in India will be able to reach podcast listeners at scale across the Spotify Audience Network.

    2.    Our audio-first advertising marketplace connects advertisers with listeners using audience-based targeting tools, while they listen to their favourite podcasts from leading third-party podcast publishers like Audio Pitara and Ideabrew Studios.

    3.    Through this offering, advertisers across India will be able to target podcast listeners – at scale – both on and off Spotify.

    4.    For eligible and opted-in podcast creators, the Spotify Audience Network enables them to monetise impressions generated by listeners in the market.

    5.    From major podcast publishers with a global audience to smaller independent podcasters with a fiercely loyal fanbase, opting into the Spotify Audience Network will give all publishers scaled access to advertisers in-market that are interested in reaching your audience.

  • Red FM introduces podcast series: Survivors of 26/11: Courage & Beyond

    Red FM introduces podcast series: Survivors of 26/11: Courage & Beyond

    Mumbai: 93.5 RED FM, a private radio and entertainment network is proud to announce the release of its latest podcast series, “Survivors of 26/11: Courage & Beyond.” The podcast delves into the stories of those who lived through the tragic events of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

    In this six-episode podcast, survivors recount their unimaginable experiences, vividly describing the near-death encounters and the life-altering impact of that night. Each episode of the series unfolds a different facet of the survivors’ journeys. Listeners will be taken on a journey through the invincible human spirit displayed by these individuals in the face of adversity.

    https://linktr.ee/survivorsof26_11

    RED FM, and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan stated “At Red FM, we believe storytelling has the potential to evoke emotions and establish empathy. One such story that we believe deserves to be told is that of the survivors of the Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008. Survivors of 26/11: Courage & Beyond is our way of celebrating the indomitable human spirit that prevailed over all odds. With the firsthand accounts of these survivors, we are honored to be presenting gripping narratives, and heart-wrenching testimonials and share the profound lessons learned from that dark chapter in our history.”

    The podcast is available on all leading podcast platforms. Red FM invites its audience to join in this emotional journey of the survivors of 26/11.

  • RED FM and HarperCollins introduce ‘Main Hoon Villain’ podcast

    RED FM and HarperCollins introduce ‘Main Hoon Villain’ podcast

    Mumbai: 93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest podcast ‘Main Hoon Villian,’ in collaboration with HarperCollins. The podcast delves into the world of Bollywood villains, and their journey through the ages.

    As the iconic dialogues echo in our minds, we find ourselves in awe of the performances that have defined these villains and their roles in Bollywood. Red FM believes in celebrating the appeal of Bollywood’s antagonists. In this podcast, cinephile host Mohit Chhabra invites the National Award Winning author of the book ‘Pure Evil – The Bad Men of Bollywood’ – Balaji Vittal to explore the ever-evolving nature of villainy in Bollywood.

    The podcast features six episodes exploring different archetypes of villainy in Bollywood, including The Smugglers, The Dacoits, The Psychopaths, The Scheming Relatives, and The Foreign Villains, and a special episode with filmmaker Sriram Raghavan, examining why villains continue to fascinate us.

    Reflecting on this announcement, RED FM and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan stated “From dramatic dialogues to portrayals of nuanced emotions, our villains have gone through it all. ‘Main Hoon Villain’ our latest podcast explores the evolving social fabric over the decades and how it gave birth to diverse villains in Bollywood. As leading podcast curators, we believe it is our prerogative to introduce unique concepts as topics of conversation; joining forces with HarperCollins’ was a collaboration prodigy where we could explore the intriguing world of villains in Bollywood.”

    Speaking on the announcement, HarperCollins India general manager, marketing Aman Arora said, “Our collaboration with 93.5 RED FM on the ‘Main Hoon Villain’ podcast is a testament to our mutual love for storytelling. We are delighted to share that our beloved author, Balaji Vittal, will be featured in the show to discuss his remarkable book, Pure Evil: The Bad Men of Bollywood. This podcast promises to take its audience on a journey into the intriguing conversations around Indian cinema’s ‘Bad Men,’ and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this fascinating exploration.”

    Tune in to ‘Main Hoon Villian’ on Red FM and other leading podcast platforms to immerse yourself in the world of the bad men and women who have left an indelible mark on Bollywood.