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Thought Leadership So What is a Podcast? We Polled Over 4,000 People, Launched a Docuseries, and May Have Started a Revolution.

What’s a Podcast?: The Revolution Redefined

Twenty years ago, “What’s a podcast?” was an innocent question—asked with curiosity, maybe confusion. Today, it’s a loaded one, with real consequences for creators, platforms, advertisers, and the future of the medium itself.

“ Why does the definition of a podcast even matter? If we don’t define it clearly, we leave it to others to decide.”

That’s why we’re taking the question head-on with two major releases this week:

In collaboration with Edison Research we surveyed over 4,000 Americans, and interviewed 30+ creators, executives, and thought leaders to propose a clear, inclusive, and actionable definition of podcasting. This is more than semantics—it’s about protecting the open, intimate, creator-first medium we all believe in.

Download the White Paper Here

In this new three-part documentary series, hosted by Allyson Marino (Founder, Lipstick & Vinyl), we trace the evolution of podcasting from pirate radio roots to today’s billion-dollar ecosystem. 

️Episode 1: The Genesis – The Accidental Revolution (2004-2013)

From MP3 uploads by the great Robin Williams to Adam Carolla’s marketing test runs, we explore the DIY spirit that launched a media movement.

Featuring Ira Glass, Adam Carolla, Leo Laporte, and more.

Episode 2: The Explosion – Mainstream and the Pod-Demic (2014-2022)

Serial broke podcasting wide open—and brands, platforms, and creators flooded in. Then came the COVID boom, and eventually, a sobering correction.

Featuring  Bryan Barletta, Pete Birsinger, the Meiselas brothers, and more.

Episode 3: The Crossroads – Identity Crisis and the Future (2023-Present)

With the rise of video podcasts and closed platforms, the power has shifted. Can we protect the creator-led, listener-first DNA of podcasting while embracing growth?

 Featuring Guy Raz, James Cridland, Dan Franks, AJ Feliciano, and more.

Watch Here

Listen Here: Spotify

Listen Here: Apple

Help Shape the Future

We’re not here to gatekeep—we’re here to rally. Podcasting has always thrived when creators, platforms, and advertisers build together.

So we’re inviting YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and others to help create a shared definition, an open attribution framework, and a future where the medium remains open, inclusive, and built to last.

Sign the Petition Here

Podcasting has never been just another media channel. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s ours to protect.

“This is what made podcasts special. And this is what we must preserve—lest we find ourselves defined out of existence.”

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