A new podcast app just for kids

• A new podcast app for kids has been launched. KidsPod includes more than 300 shows, and an in-app coloring book. It’s claimed to be the first of its kind to present over 300 kids’ podcasts in a visual, intuitive and safe way.

• Acast is to work with Danish podcast studio Podster. The first show they’re working on, a true crime podcast called Forhøret, has already been a success in Sweden.

• A takedown order against The Trial, a true crime podcast in New Zealand from Stuff Limited, has failed in the country’s High Court. It’s the first time a takedown order had been sought against a podcast in the country. Justice Jonathan Eaton said he was not satisfied the podcast was likely to create a real risk of prejudice; a retrial is scheduled on Aug 21.

• Voltage has launched two new high-profile podcasts on Substack. “Two of the biggest obstacles facing independent podcasters are audience engagement and monetization,” suggests JE Petersen, “and Substack is fantastic at both things”.

• YouTube announced easier access to the YouTube Partner Program, with lower eligibility criteria. It unlocks monetisation options

• PRX is to distribute two radio shows and podcasts to more public radio stations: KCRW’s Left, Right & Center and No Small Endeavor.

• In Singapore, media organisation Mediacorp is holding a podcast talent hunt competition, with a SGD$5,000 top prize, for people aged 15 to 25.

• The Australian ABC writes about Meghan and Harry’s podcast deal, and has all the best industry commentators.

• Entale, a visually augmented podcast app, no longer seems to have a working website, and its app is not available. The company was acquired by DMGT in Nov 2021; none of its socials have been updated since.

Moves and hires

• Shanta Covington has been named Co-Executive Producer for Our Body Politic. She joins from WNYC Studios.

Tips and tricks

• Rebecca Sananès is hosting an eight-part masterclass, Master The Art Of Podcasting, on the Riverside website. She was the co-producer and executive producer of Archetypes, Meghan Markle’s podcast; she gives an inside look at how she creates and develops some of the world’s most popular podcasts, and teaches podcasters how they can apply pro techniques to their own shows.
• Just posting a podcast transcript isn’t enough to promote your show, says Podreacher’s Amanda Jackson.

Podcast News

Vox Media’s Criminal has launched Criminal Plus, a subscription product that will offer additional benefits including a quarterly subscriber-only virtual event, free and discounted merchandise, and more.

Rap Radar has Joe Budden as a guest. Budden, who is called 'the podfather’ throughout the show, says he turned down a $20mn Spotify deal; thought “The Joe Budden Podcast was the dumbest name for a podcast in the world”, and that “a misconception about podcasts is that everyone is just swimming in money”.

Nikki Boyer created the podcast Dying For Sex, which was named Podcast of the Year by The Ambies. In Near Death she’s introducing us to Reverend Peggy, who has been present for the final moments of nearly 2,000 people. A lead chaplain at one of the world’s most renowned hospitals, Peggy shares with Nikki the most riveting end-of-life stories from her 20-year career in spiritual care, with one goal in mind: to help everyone be a little less afraid of death.

The Two Matts is new this week - featuring the founder of The New European, Matt Kelly, and Matt d’Ancona, The New European’s Editor at Large. It will focus on news and media current affairs and promises to shed light into dark corners of politics and publishing. Fittingly, it’s produced by a third Matt - Matt Hill, of Rethink Audio.

SmartLess Media and Wondery have launched a Will & Grace rewatch podcast, Just Jack & Will with Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Will & Grace, Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack, two of the stars, will co-host the new podcast to revisit this groundbreaking series. They revisit jokes, share never before heard stories, reunite with their fellow cast members and fabulous guest stars, and showcase the team who helped Will & Grace win an astounding 18 Emmy Awards.

Shred With Shifty is new from Double Elvis, Volume and Premier Guitar. It’s hosted by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and longtime member of the Foo Fighters, Chris Shiflett, who sits down with a legendary guitarist and aims to answer a singular question: “How did you do that?” Each guitarist will give rare insight into the art of the guitar solo.

Podcast promotion in the wild

Above, before the bands started at the Boston Calling Music Festival, the Tivoli Audio Stage hosted a live taping of Disgraceland After Party (bonus Disgraceland episodes that release every Thursday) with host Jake Brennan and Chris Shiflett discussing the new show Shred with Shifty.