This Week’s Influencer: Breaking Down Pod Movement 2025; Stern Not Leaving SXM?; Podcast Spend Soars; Pod Content is Replacing TV Talk Shows & More

This week on the Media Roundtable, we’re taking you inside Podcast Movement 2025. While the major players of the industry gathered in Dallas, breaking news hit the scene: Sounds Profitable has merged with Podcast Movement.

On this episode, host Dan Granger (CEO, Oxford Road) recaps the event with team members Courtney O’Connor (Director, Podcast Media, Oxford Road), Julia Palermo (Audio Media Buyer & Planner, Oxford Road), and James Ingrassia (EVP, Strategy & Insights, Oxford Road)—plus a special guest appearance from Bryan Barletta (Founder of Sounds Profitable) and newly named President of Podcast Movement. Together, they unpack what the merger means for creators, advertisers, and the future of industry events–and everything else they took away from this year’s Podcast Movement.

Bryan shares how he plans to evolve the conferences, balance creator and advertiser needs, and bring new focus to content and measurement. Then, the team reflects on hot topics and perennial trends from the week: rising podcast consumption, video’s surge, programmatic momentum, and frequency as the new buzzword.

These topics are not going away–so get the scoop from our boots on the ground. This week’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Podscribe.

“The [podcasting] space changes every two years. It feels like a brand new industry.” – Bryan Barletta, founder of Sounds Profitable and President of Podcast Movement

The Big Merge: Sounds Profitable and Podcast Movement are now one. Bryan Barletta takes the reins as President, bringing a new vision for how the industry gathers. Confirmed: brands will have free access to next year’s event as the flagship event moves to New York in 2026, promising fresh energy, more accessibility, and a tighter focus on advertisers’ needs and struggles.

Video is Here… Forever: Simulcast isn’t new—but it absolutely dominated the hallway chatter this year. From pixels to QR codes, how we measure and monetize video impressions is the hot question everyone’s trying to answer (we’re doing our part!)

It’s About Relationships: Our panel was unanimous: the real ROI of Podcast Movement isn’t what happens on stage, it’s what happens after. Yes, the sessions bring value, but the real breakthroughs come from bumping into a partner in the hallway, hashing out a sticky issue over coffee, or striking a deal at the lobby bar at midnight. When the entire industry converges on one city, chance encounters turn into game-changing conversations—the kind no email, Slack thread, or Zoom call could ever replicate.

For more of the conversation regarding all things Podcast Movement-Dallas, join our exclusive panel at one of the links below.

Did you know that you can measure audio ads with as much or more precision as other digital channels?

Podscribe is the leading podcast and streaming audio measurement platform that helps you go beyond basic reporting, giving you critical insights on how to improve your performance.

See in real time which shows, episodes, creatives, audience segments, devices, geos and much more performed best. Quantify audio’s holistic impact with real-time incrementality, and seamlessly integrate your results into your MTA or MMM through the API.

Whether you’re a brand testing new shows to advertise on, or a publisher trying to prove ROI to clients, or just looking to diversify your media mix, Podscribe gives you a full-funnel view to turn insights into action.

Ready to see what smart audio measurement looks like? Sign up here with promo code NEW20 to get 20% off your first 3 months, or email us at partnerships@podscribe.com to get started.

The Classifieds

Fighting Fire with Fire

Network: The Daily Wire / Monthly Downloads: 750k

A lot of energizing conversations were just had at Podcast Movement, but the ones that will have the most follow-ups surround custom integrations. The Daily Wire has long distinguished itself by expanding into new media. In their latest launch, coming this September, the conservative stalwart is pulling all the stops in audio, video, social, and more. This bi-weekly opportunity will feature a rotating guest list of the top conservative voices intent on debating political and cultural topics, no matter how heated things get. For those who want to key in coverage on the news of the day, this podcast will provide diverse POVs that satisfy a curious mind. This is a great new test for anyone already seeing performance in News and Politics, or who needs a solid brand awareness play that is outside the box. If you want out of the frying pan and into the fire, hop on over to the link below.

Get The Deal

Release The Drama Files!

Network: Libsyn / Monthly Downloads: 200k

It’s not just new shows that are focusing on larger integrations. Reliable top performers are also finding unique ways to engage with their audiences, and Nick Viall and Natalie Joy certainly know how. Viall (The Bachelor, The Bachelorette) has been a reality TV star for some time, but through his podcast and subsequent new production network, he has strongly endeared himself to fans and drama lovers alike. Each week, the show recaps recent episodes of classic franchises such as Love Island, Love is Blind, and Vanderpump Rules. In accordance with the show’s popularity, many personalities have graced the podcast for exclusive interviews, including recent high-profile guests such as director James Gunn, RHOSLC Monica Garcia, and Perfect Match’s Daniel and Lucy. While host reads are always available for new tests, longer integrations and social extensions are now available for the right advertiser or brand. Get in line and file down below for more information.

Get The Deal

In Case You Missed It

Magellan AI’s Latest Benchmark Report Shows Spend Is Up

Magellan AI’s quarterly benchmark report shows the podcast market is accelerating: with overall spend rising 28% year-over-year and 17% quarter-over-quarter. Financial services was the top-spending category, followed closely by Business Services & Software and Consumer Services & Software. Advertisers spent an average of $318K per month on podcasts ranking in the top 500, and mid-tier shows (ranked 501–3,000) averaged ~$39K in monthly revenue. Ad load also continues to increase, with Q2 averaging 8.13%. This is evidence that growth isn’t confined to the top shows. For marketers, the report findings underscore the need for balance when planning. While top shows provide scale and diversity across mid- and upper-mid-tier shows, smaller shows can improve efficiency while still tapping into passionate, intent-rich audiences.

Read More

Talk Shows Are Out, Podcasts Are In

Podcasting is seeing a decline in narrative-style productions, while chat-driven shows, usually in a video-first format, are increasing in dominance. Personalities like Theo Von, Mel Robbins, and various political commentators are climbing the charts, pushing out shows with more structured conversational formats. This shift reflects the waning allure of traditional talk shows on TV and the rise of podcasts as their replacement, sometimes complete with live events and sell-out audiences. Podcasting will continue to evolve, but in 2025, it’s the casual talk-show style format that’s capturing consumer attention. For marketers, take note of this trend.

Read More

No More “Bye Bye Booey”?

Howard Stern has reportedly signed a new deal with SiriusXM, even as speculation swirled about his potential retirement. The agreement reportedly secures Stern’s continued presence in the audio landscape, underscoring the enduring power of legacy talent to anchor platforms and drive advertiser interest. While terms were not disclosed, the news quells uncertainty in the short term for SiriusXM and advertisers who rely on Stern’s loyal audience. We covered The Sun story about Howard’s cancellation, although with a caveat that we would wait for confirmation. For now, it looks like Howard is sticking around, and the chatter about his future might boost interest in his show–we’ll know for sure when he comes back from vacation next week.

Read More

#SaveTheLiveReads

EarnIn with the Brohios

This week’s EarnIn shoutout by the Brohio podcast Bros, Delicious Nickilicious, and Rob Dawg, is a perfect example of how authenticity and relatability can transform an ad into a moment of real connection. From the very start, the Bros paint a vivid picture of a universal struggle—running low on cash before payday—and immediately pull listeners in with humor and honesty. Their storytelling is lively and specific, making EarnIn’s value feel both practical and urgent. What elevates the read is the balance of personality and clarity: a natural tone makes the message fun to hear while the straightforward breakdown of EarnIn’s features—$150 a day, $750 between paychecks—entices the audience. It’s not just informative; it’s entertaining, memorable, and leaves listeners with a sense of empowerment. By closing with a straightforward call to action that also supports the show, this ad culminates in a win-win moment that motivates listeners to cash in right away

Listen Here

Contact us for a Consultation 

OXFORd In The News

The State of Audio 2025: Chaos, Clarity, and the Frequency Fight Ahead

Audio is having its chaotic-teenager moment in 2025: growing fast, experimenting wildly, and leaving brands scrambling to keep up. Oxford Road’s new State of Audio Advertising report doesn’t just document the madness, but calls it out; calling out the shaky measurement, fuzzy definitions, and video muscling its way into the podcast space. Our hot take? The industry needs a backbone of clarity and authenticity; otherwise, budgets and brands will drift. Audio is ready to roar, but only if the industry starts dialing in its frequency with a little more clarity and a lot less guesswork.

Read More