<p><strong>Welcome to episode 2</strong> of AMPLIFY!</p><p> Our guest is <strong>James Cridland</strong>, the Brisbane-based editor &amp; publisher of the industry-leading daily briefing <strong>Podnews</strong> and a self-styled “radio futurologist” with 35 years in audio innovation. From launching the first mobile radio stream in 2005 to mapping tomorrow’s on-demand landscape, James brings deep insight into where podcasts—and radio - go next. </p><h4><br></h4><h4>Main Conversation:</h4><p>We explore how an <strong>audio-first mindset</strong> can keep podcasting distinctive while embracing new platforms, formats and revenue streams.</p><p><br></p><h4>What you’ll hear</h4><ul><li><strong>James’ career arc</strong> – from award-winning radio producer and tech trail-blazer to the daily voice behind Podnews’ 7.2 bn-dollar industry coverage.</li><li><strong>“Something for your ears when your eyes are busy.”</strong> Why that simple test still defines a podcast—and why the word still matters.</li><li><strong>The video surge (and coming cooldown).</strong> Spotify, YouTube and creators chased higher CPMs; James predicts many shows will pull back once ROI reality bites.</li><li><strong>Business growing pains.</strong> Lay-offs, shuttered apps (RIP Google Podcasts) and big wins: Acast and Spotify hit full-year profit while ad spend tops $2.4 bn in the US.</li><li><strong>Niche power &amp; community monetisation.</strong> From daily “Horses in the Morning” to B2B shows, tight audiences unlock premium sponsors, subscriptions and live events.</li><li><strong>Mainstream milestone.</strong> Monthly podcast listening now exceeds 50 % of adults in the US and UK, with steady global climb rather than a hype-cycle spike.</li><li><strong>Future bets.</strong> Stadium tours, branded merch—even SIM-card services—plus smarter pricing to avoid ad overload and keep skip-buttons at bay.</li><li><strong>Radio vs. podcasts.</strong> How European broadcasters thrive by treating “radio” as every channel, and why US AM/FM’s narrower definition should be a cautionary tale.</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Connect &amp; Follow</h3><p><strong>James Cridland</strong></p><ul><li>Newsletter &amp; news hub: <a href="https://podnews.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podnews.net/</a></li><li>Personal site: <a href="https://james.cridland.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://james.cridland.net/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/</a></li></ul><p><strong>Host – Max Conrad</strong></p><ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilianconrad1000/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilianconrad1000/</a> </li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mr.max.conrad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mr.max.conrad/</a> </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Stay in the loop with <strong>DMEXCO</strong> (<a href="https://dmexco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dmexco.com/</a>) and <strong>BVDW</strong> (<a href="https://www.bvdw.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bvdw.org/</a>) for the latest in digital &amp; audio marketing.</p><p><em>This podcast is produced by </em><strong><em>Hypecast Productions</em></strong><em>—hit follow, drop a rating, and share the episode with your community!</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

AMPLIFY - Insights & Expert Talks for the Audio Industry

Maximilian Conrad

Is Audio-First Still Podcasting’s Superpower? – James Cridland, Podnews

JUL 19, 202554 MIN
AMPLIFY - Insights & Expert Talks for the Audio Industry

Is Audio-First Still Podcasting’s Superpower? – James Cridland, Podnews

JUL 19, 202554 MIN

Description

<p><strong>Welcome to episode 2</strong> of AMPLIFY!</p><p> Our guest is <strong>James Cridland</strong>, the Brisbane-based editor &amp; publisher of the industry-leading daily briefing <strong>Podnews</strong> and a self-styled “radio futurologist” with 35 years in audio innovation. From launching the first mobile radio stream in 2005 to mapping tomorrow’s on-demand landscape, James brings deep insight into where podcasts—and radio - go next. </p><h4><br></h4><h4>Main Conversation:</h4><p>We explore how an <strong>audio-first mindset</strong> can keep podcasting distinctive while embracing new platforms, formats and revenue streams.</p><p><br></p><h4>What you’ll hear</h4><ul><li><strong>James’ career arc</strong> – from award-winning radio producer and tech trail-blazer to the daily voice behind Podnews’ 7.2 bn-dollar industry coverage.</li><li><strong>“Something for your ears when your eyes are busy.”</strong> Why that simple test still defines a podcast—and why the word still matters.</li><li><strong>The video surge (and coming cooldown).</strong> Spotify, YouTube and creators chased higher CPMs; James predicts many shows will pull back once ROI reality bites.</li><li><strong>Business growing pains.</strong> Lay-offs, shuttered apps (RIP Google Podcasts) and big wins: Acast and Spotify hit full-year profit while ad spend tops $2.4 bn in the US.</li><li><strong>Niche power &amp; community monetisation.</strong> From daily “Horses in the Morning” to B2B shows, tight audiences unlock premium sponsors, subscriptions and live events.</li><li><strong>Mainstream milestone.</strong> Monthly podcast listening now exceeds 50 % of adults in the US and UK, with steady global climb rather than a hype-cycle spike.</li><li><strong>Future bets.</strong> Stadium tours, branded merch—even SIM-card services—plus smarter pricing to avoid ad overload and keep skip-buttons at bay.</li><li><strong>Radio vs. podcasts.</strong> How European broadcasters thrive by treating “radio” as every channel, and why US AM/FM’s narrower definition should be a cautionary tale.</li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Connect &amp; Follow</h3><p><strong>James Cridland</strong></p><ul><li>Newsletter &amp; news hub: <a href="https://podnews.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podnews.net/</a></li><li>Personal site: <a href="https://james.cridland.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://james.cridland.net/</a></li><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescridland/</a></li></ul><p><strong>Host – Max Conrad</strong></p><ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilianconrad1000/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilianconrad1000/</a> </li><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mr.max.conrad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/mr.max.conrad/</a> </li></ul><p><br></p><p>Stay in the loop with <strong>DMEXCO</strong> (<a href="https://dmexco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dmexco.com/</a>) and <strong>BVDW</strong> (<a href="https://www.bvdw.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bvdw.org/</a>) for the latest in digital &amp; audio marketing.</p><p><em>This podcast is produced by </em><strong><em>Hypecast Productions</em></strong><em>—hit follow, drop a rating, and share the episode with your community!</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>