New Media Show (Audio)

<div class="relative basis-auto flex-col -mb-(--composer-overlap-px) pb-(--composer-overlap-px) [--composer-overlap-px:28px] grow flex" data-voice-floating-orb-focus-background=""> <div class="flex flex-col text-sm"> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-6a0e5ad6-f47c-83ea-b14e-46a6e20fda63-3" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-6a0e5ad6-f47c-83ea-b14e-46a6e20fda63-3" data-turn-id-container="request-6a0e5ad6-f47c-83ea-b14e-46a6e20fda63-3" data-testid="conversation-turn-28" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="f1939211-df73-40b8-8284-a5373b05be4d" data-turn-start-message="true" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5-thinking"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full dark markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="60" data-end="378"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2188" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newest-New-Media-Show-665-300x300-Episode.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newest-New-Media-Show-665-300x300-Episode.jpg 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newest-New-Media-Show-665-300x300-Episode-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />In episode <strong data-start="71" data-end="78">665</strong> of the <strong data-start="86" data-end="104">New Media Show</strong>, hosted by <strong data-start="116" data-end="159">2017 Podcast Hall of Famer Rob Greenlee</strong>, Rob talks with <strong data-start="176" data-end="198">Ashley Christenson</strong>, also known as <strong data-start="214" data-end="223">Ashni</strong>, for <em>a deep conversation about one of the most important questions facing podcasting, streaming, creator media, startups, and traditional media right now:</em></p> <p data-start="380" data-end="426"><strong data-start="380" data-end="426">What does “New Media” actually mean today?</strong></p> <p data-start="428" data-end="889">The term <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>&#8220;New Media&#8221;</strong> has been around since the late 1990s, but its</span> meaning is shifting again. What once described digital media outside traditional broadcast and print is now being used by creators, VCs, startups, streaming strategists, AI companies, and professional communities to refer to something more specific: creator-led media that builds trust, influence, industry position, and direct audience relationships.</p> <p data-start="891" data-end="1454">Ashley brings a unique perspective from 13 years in online media, Twitch streaming, YouTube education, startup marketing, community building, and creator strategy. She explains <strong data-start="1211" data-end="1266"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">that she sees the <strong>creator economy</strong> as building an <strong>audience as the asset</strong>, whereas the emerging version of <strong>New Media</strong> is more about building <strong>status and position within</strong></span> an industry conversation</strong>. In her view, the key difference is not simply between consumer and professional audiences, but about what the media operation is designed to build and protect.</p> <p data-start="1456" data-end="1945">Rob brings the longer history of podcasting and digital media into the discussion, asking whether podcasting was one of the first major expressions of New Media and whether it now sits within a much larger creator-led ecosystem. The conversation explores how podcasting, YouTube, streaming video, newsletters, live shows, X, AI-generated content, and Apple Podcasts’ move toward <strong data-start="1832" data-end="1855">HLS video streaming</strong> are all blurring the old lines between podcasting, creator media, and professional media.</p> <p data-start="1947" data-end="2320">A major theme in this episode is whether podcasting is still its own category or has become a powerful format within the broader <strong data-start="2089" data-end="2111">New Media industry</strong>. Rob argues that the word “podcast” is increasingly defined by audiences and platforms, while creators may need to think more broadly as show builders, media operators, and participants in the creator economy.</p> <p data-start="2322" data-end="2654">Ashley and Rob also explore how <strong data-start="2354" data-end="2359">X</strong> is becoming a real-time professional media layer, why founders, investors, executives, and AI builders are returning to the platform, and why companies are experimenting with live streaming, clipping, launch videos, short-form content, and creator-style formats to reach professional audiences.</p> <p data-start="2656" data-end="2988">The episode also moves into AI-generated media, human-hosted content, AI clones, disclosure, and trust. Rob argues that human-created and AI-created content may both need clear labeling, while Ashley points out that long-form podcasts may remain more defensible because listeners often build real relationships with hosts over time.</p> <p data-start="2990" data-end="3396">This conversation lands on a bigger media reality: <strong data-start="3041" data-end="3091">New Media is no longer just a technology term.</strong> It is becoming a business category, a creator category, a trust category, and a professional influence category. Podcasting helped build the foundation, but the next version of New Media is broader, more video-driven, more AI-assisted, more platform-diverse, and more dependent on trust than ever before.</p> <p data-start="3398" data-end="3419"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Key Topics:</strong></span></p> <ul data-start="3421" data-end="4136"> <li data-start="3421" data-end="3455">What “New Media” means in 2026</li> <li data-start="3456" data-end="3489">Creator economy vs. New Media</li> <li data-start="3490" data-end="3537">Audience as an asset vs. status as an asset</li> <li data-start="3538" data-end="3586">Why podcasting helped define early New Media</li> <li data-start="3587" data-end="3663">Whether podcasters should now think more like creators and show builders</li> <li data-start="3664" data-end="3727">Apple Podcasts HLS video and the return of video podcasting</li> <li data-start="3728" data-end="3788">YouTube, Spotify, X, and the platform shift around shows</li> <li data-start="3789" data-end="3842">Why VCs and startups are using the term New Media</li> <li data-start="3843" data-end="3898">X is a professional media and live content platform</li> <li data-start="3899" data-end="3958">Traditional media is trying to become more internet-native</li> <li data-start="3959" data-end="4016">AI-generated podcasts, AI clones, and synthetic media</li> <li data-start="4017" data-end="4073">Human-hosted content, disclosure, and audience trust</li> <li data-start="4074" data-end="4136">Why long-form podcasts may remain defensible in the AI era</li> </ul> <p data-start="4138" data-end="4161"><strong>Chapter Markers:</strong></p> <p data-start="4138" data-end="4161"><span style="font-size: 14px;">00:00 Cold Open and Welcome</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">00:32 What Does New Media Mean</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">02:08 Podcasting Meets Multi Format</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">03:14 Meet Rob Greenlee</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">04:01 Introducing Ashley Christensen</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">04:53 Ashley&#8217;s Creator Economy Journey</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">08:26 AI Definitions of New Media</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">12:35 Creator Economy vs New Media</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">16:29 The Kill Switch Test</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">21:38 Is VC Rebranding New Media</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">24:10 Niche Status Media Examples</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">31:55 Traditional Media Goes Internet Native</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">34:59 Podcasting Identity and Convergence</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">41:35 Creator as a Catch-All Term</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">43:56 Naming New Media</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">46:11 Podcast Term Debate</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">51:02 X Shapes Media</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">55:35 X Video Creator Push</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:00:51 Twitter Podcast Roots</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:04:38 AI Flooding Podcasts</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:07:48 Human Trust Labels</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:11:34 Clones and Disclosure</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:17:49 Trust Factor Wrap</span><br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;">01:18:19 Closing and Where to Follow</span></p> <h2 data-start="4138" data-end="4161">Guest and Host Links</h2> <p data-start="4163" data-end="4265"><strong data-start="4163" data-end="4200">Guest: Ashley Christenson / Ashni</strong><br data-start="4200" data-end="4203" /><br /> Streaming strategist, creator economy, and new media operator</p> <ul data-start="4267" data-end="4391"> <li data-start="4267" data-end="4299">X: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://x.com/ashnichrist" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4272" data-end="4297">https://x.com/ashnichrist</a></li> <li data-start="4300" data-end="4345">YouTube: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://youtube.com/@ashnichrist" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4311" data-end="4343">https://youtube.com/@ashnichrist</a></li> <li data-start="4346" data-end="4391">Hype Partners: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://x.com/hypepartners" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4363" data-end="4389">https://x.com/hypepartners</a></li> </ul> <p data-start="4393" data-end="4415"><strong data-start="4393" data-end="4415">Host: Rob Greenlee</strong></p> <ul data-start="4417" data-end="4682"> <li data-start="4417" data-end="4461">New Media Show: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://newmediashow.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4435" data-end="4459">https://newmediashow.com</a></li> <li data-start="4462" data-end="4503">Rob Greenlee: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://robgreenlee.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4478" data-end="4501">https://robgreenlee.com</a></li> <li data-start="4504" data-end="4553">Podcast Hall of Fame: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://podcasthall.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4528" data-end="4551">https://podcasthall.com</a></li> <li data-start="4554" data-end="4623">Rob Greenlee on LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4582" data-end="4621">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a></li> <li data-start="4624" data-end="4682">Rob Greenlee Booking: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="4648" data-end="4680">https://calendly.com/robgreenlee</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>About the Host/Author:</strong><br /> <em>Rob Greenlee is a <strong>2017 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee and Chair</strong>, a global new-media leader who bridges podcasting’s human roots and its AI-driven future. As founder of <strong>Trust Factor Lab</strong> and host of the <strong>&#8220;New Media Show&#8221;</strong> and &#8220;Spoken Human&#8221;, Rob helps creators start, grow, monetize, and future-proof their content. He’s held leadership roles at Microsoft, Spreaker, Libsyn, StreamYard, and PodcastOne, and serves as Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame. <strong>Learn more at <a href="https://RobGreenlee.com">RobGreenlee.com</a></strong> and join the <strong><a href="https://robgreenlee.com/trustfactorlab/">Trust Factor Lab Creator/Podcast Services.</a></strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Personal/AI Disclosure Note:</strong> I used AI tools to help organize and edit this episode and generate show notes. I have many hand edits; the views, clarifications, responsibility, and industry perspective are mine and my guests&#8217;. I have been working in podcasting and platform adoption for more than two decades, and this article reflects my own position. The original word choice was mine, and so is the clarification.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/what-is-new-media-now-vs-podcasting-ashley-christenson-ashni-665/">What Is New Media Now vs Podcasting? | Ashley Christenson / @Ashni #665</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://newmediashow.com"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2100" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods.png" alt="#662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GreatPods.co" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/662-New-Media-Show-300x300-Episode-Imran-GoodPods-150x150.png 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>In episode 662 from May 6th, 2026, of the <strong>New Media Show</strong>, hosted by 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer <strong>Rob Greenlee, </strong>he talks with<strong> Imran Ahmed, founder of <a href="https://greatpods.co">Great Pods</a></strong>, for a <strong>deep conversation about one of podcasting’s longest-running controversies:</strong> <span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Discovery</strong></span>.</p> <p><strong>Podcasting has never had a shortage of content.</strong> The <strong>bigger challenge has always been helping listeners find the right shows and helping quality creators get noticed</strong>.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Charts often reward scale. </strong></li> <li><strong>Algorithms can miss the human context. </strong></li> <li><strong>Social media attention does not always create trust. </strong></li> <li><strong>But human recommendations, professional reviews, and transparency. editorial signals may still play an important role.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Imran joins Rob to discuss how Great Pods is building a podcast discovery and decision-making platform around critic reviews, ratings, attribution, podcast search, user reviews, badges, and curated discovery.</strong></p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>The conversation explores why reviews differ from basic listener comments, why constructive criticism can help creators, and how professional critics can serve as trusted filters for listeners trying to decide what to hear next.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Rob and Imran also <strong>dig into the broader evolution of podcasting, including the role of word-of-mouth discovery, the limits of podcast app charts, the rise of YouTube as a major discovery platform</strong>, and the ongoing tension around what defines a podcast in a world of audio, video, RSS feeds, platform exclusives, APIs, Netflix-style talk shows, and AI-generated content.</p> <blockquote> <p><em><strong>The episode also connects Great Pods to larger trust and transparency issues in new media.</strong> As <strong>AI-generated shows</strong>, <strong>algorithmic recommendations</strong>, and <strong>platform-controlled discovery continue to grow.</strong></em></p> </blockquote> <p>Rob and Imran discuss <strong>why human editorial judgment, clear labeling, attribution, and credible review systems may become even more important</strong> <strong>for listeners, creators, and platforms.</strong></p> <p><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></p> <ul> <li>Podcast discovery in 2026</li> <li>Why podcast charts and algorithms often fall short</li> <li>The difference between reviews, ratings, and listener comments</li> <li>Why constructive criticism can help creators improve</li> <li>How Great Pods uses professional reviews and attribution</li> <li>Why human critics can become trusted discovery filters</li> <li>The role of word-of-mouth recommendations in podcast growth</li> <li>Why YouTube has become a major podcast discovery platform</li> <li>How video, RSS, APIs, and platform exclusives are changing podcast definitions</li> <li>Why AI-generated content increases the need for labeling and transparency</li> <li>How podcasters can use reviews, badges, backlinks, and SEO to build credibility</li> <li>What creators should do to make their shows more discoverable</li> </ul> <p><strong>Guest and Host Links</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Guest: Imran Ahmed, Founder of Great Pods</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>Great Pods:</strong> <a href="https://www.greatpods.co">https://www.greatpods.co</a></li> <li><strong>Great Pods Blog:</strong> <a href="https://blog.greatpods.co">https://blog.greatpods.co</a></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Host: Rob Greenlee</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><strong>New Media Show:</strong> <a href="https://newmediashow.com">https://newmediashow.com</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee:</strong> <a href="https://robgreenlee.com">https://robgreenlee.com</a></li> <li><strong>Podcast Hall of Fame:</strong> <a href="https://podcasthall.com">https://podcasthall.com</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee on LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a></li> <li><strong>Rob Greenlee Booking:</strong> <a href="https://calendly.com/robgreenlee">https://calendly.com/robgreenlee</a></li> </ul><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/can-human-critics-improve-podcast-discovery-imran-ahmed-great-pods-662/">Can Human Critics Improve Podcast Discovery? | Imran Ahmed, Great Pods #662</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2071" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/New-Media-Show-Episode-661-Dave-Jackson-300x300-1-150x150.png 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />On </span><b>Episode 661 of </b>The<b> New Media Show</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, host </span><b>Rob Greenlee</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 2017 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, Chairperson of the <a href="http://PodcastHall.com">Podcast Hall of Fame</a>, and longtime new media executive, is joined by </span><b>Dave Jackson</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, 2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee, founder of </span><a href="http://SchoolofPodcasting.com"><b>School of Podcasting</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and Head of Podcasting at </span><a href="http://Podpage.com"><b>Podpage.com</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, <strong>for a deep conversation about whether independent podcasters and media creators can still win in today’s rapidly changing creator economy.</strong></span></p> <p><strong>This episode centers on a question many creators are quietly asking right now: </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><b>Can indie podcasters still grow, monetize, and build trust in a market being reshaped by video, AI, platform control, and professionalized media production?</b></em></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob and Dave discuss the recent combination of </span><b>Podpage and School of Podcasting</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, <strong>why podcast education matters more than ever</strong>, and how websites, email lists, communities, video, RSS, and AI-assisted workflows are becoming essential parts of a creator’s survival strategy. <strong>Dave joined Podpage as Head of Podcasting in 2024</strong>, and School of Podcasting has been helping creators launch, grow, and monetize podcasts since 2005. </span></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>The conversation also moves into some of the biggest issues facing podcasting and new media in 2026, including AI-generated shows, human voice and video cloning, creator burnout, YouTube’s influence on podcast identity, Apple’s HLS video podcast direction, and why human trust may become the most valuable asset creators have left.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Rob and Dave bring decades of experience to this discussion.</strong> </span></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Both have seen podcasting shift through multiple technology waves, from the early RSS era to platform consolidation, video podcasting, AI tools, and the rise of creator-led media. That history makes this episode a practical and honest look at what indie creators need to do now to stay relevant, trusted, and discoverable.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <h2><b>What does this episode cover?</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can independent podcasters still succeed in a noisier, more competitive market?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What does “winning” even mean now: downloads, money, trust, community, authority, or sustainability?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why the Podpage and School of Podcasting connection matters for podcast education and creator websites</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why podcasters need a home base beyond social platforms and YouTube</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How AI is changing show notes, images, writing, research, production, and creator workflows</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why AI-generated content should not all be treated as spam, but fraud and abuse must be addressed</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How human storytelling, lived experience, and trust help creators stand apart from AI content</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why video is becoming harder to ignore, but audio-only creators should not panic</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How YouTube has changed public perception of what a podcast is</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Apple’s HLS video direction could mean for audio, video, RSS, and creator workflows</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why websites, email lists, communities, and audience ownership still matter</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How indie creators can avoid burnout while adapting to new media expectations</span></p> <h2><b>Key Takeaways:</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Indie podcasters can still win, but the definition of winning has changed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creators need more than a microphone and a media host. They need clarity, a trusted point of view, a website, a distribution plan, and a realistic path to audience growth.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">AI is not going away. The smartest creators will learn how to use it without losing their human voice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video will continue reshaping podcasting, but not every creator has to become a full-scale video studio overnight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Human-created content still has a powerful advantage when it is rooted in story, experience, transparency, and trust.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Websites are becoming more important again because creators need a stable home base that is not controlled by a single platform.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast education matters because the barrier to starting is low, but the barrier to standing out is much higher.</span></p> <h2><b>Guest</b></h2> <p><b>Dave Jackson</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founder, School of Podcasting</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Head of Podcasting, Podpage.com</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">2018 Podcast Hall of Fame inductee</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Author of </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Profit From Your Podcast</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dave Jackson has been helping creators launch and improve podcasts since 2005 through the School of Podcasting. He is also Head of Podcasting at Podpage, where he supports podcasters using websites as a central hub for discovery, audience ownership, and long-term growth. (</span><a href="https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The School of Podcasting</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Guest links:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">School of Podcasting:</span><a href="https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podpage:</span><a href="https://www.podpage.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.podpage.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dave Jackson:</span><a href="https://davidjackson.org/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://davidjackson.org/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Consultant:</span><a href="https://www.podcastconsultant.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.podcastconsultant.com/</span></a></p> <h2><b>Host</b></h2> <p><b>Rob Greenlee</b><b><br /> </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Host, The New Media Show</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Hall of Fame inductee</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chairperson, Podcast Hall of Fame</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Founder, Trust Factor Lab and Adore Network</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Co-Founder, Passion Struck Network</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Host and show links:</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">New Media Show:</span><a href="https://newmediashow.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://newmediashow.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob Greenlee:</span><a href="https://robgreenlee.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://robgreenlee.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Podcast Hall of Fame:</span><a href="https://podcasthall.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://podcasthall.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Adore Network:</span><a href="https://adorenetwork.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://adorenetwork.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trust Factor Lab:</span><a href="https://trustfactorlab.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://trustfactorlab.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passion Struck Network:</span><a href="https://passionstrucknetwork.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://passionstrucknetwork.com/</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /> </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob on LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee/</span></a></p> <p><strong>Bottom Line in this Episode:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This episode answers a major creator economy question for 2026: </span><b>Can indie podcasters and independent media creators still compete as podcasting becomes more professional, more video-driven, and more influenced by AI?</b></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob Greenlee and Dave Jackson explain why the answer is yes, but only if creators evolve. The winning indie creator now needs a clear purpose, a strong human voice, trusted expertise, a discoverable website, owned audience channels, thoughtful use of AI, and a strategy that works across audio, video, search, social, and community.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The episode is especially useful for podcasters, YouTube creators, podcast consultants, media educators, creator economy leaders, podcast hosting companies, AI media startups, and independent showrunners trying to understand the next phase of podcasting and new media.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/can-indie-podcasters-and-media-creators-still-win-dave-jackson-661/">Can Indie Podcasters and Media Creators Still Win? | Dave Jackson #661</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2050" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn.png 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/300x300-NMS-660-Episode-Art-Libsyn-150x150.png 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><strong><em>&#8220;Podcast episode hosting used to be simple. You uploaded an audio file, generated an RSS feed, and distributed your show everywhere. That model still matters, but it is no longer enough for the modern creator economy.&#8221;</em></strong></p> <p><strong>In this Episode 660 </strong>of The <strong>Live New Media Show, </strong>from<strong> April 22nd, 2026</strong>, <strong>Host</strong> <strong>Podcast Hall of Famer and Former Libsyn VP Rob Greenlee</strong> shares a screen and microphone with<strong> Brendan Monaghan, President and CEO of Libsyn, to explore how podcast hosting is changing and what creators should expect from platforms in 2026 and beyond.</strong></p> <p><strong>This</strong> <strong>conversation gets to the heart of a major shift happening across podcasting and new media.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><strong><em>Hosting companies are no longer judged only by whether they can deliver a clean RSS feed and reliable file storage. Creators now expect monetization, analytics, video support, workflow efficiency, AI-assisted publishing, broader distribution, and real help with audience growth. </em></strong></p></blockquote> <p><strong>That larger shift frames the entire discussion between Rob and Brendan.</strong></p> <p>Brendan explains that <strong>Libsyn still carries the legacy of being one of podcasting’s earliest and most important hosting platforms, but the company is now operating in a far more complex environment.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Brendan points to Libsyn’s evolution from a technology-led hosting company into a broader creator platform that includes advertising and monetization infrastructure, especially after the company acquired businesses such as AdvertiseCast and Pair Networks. He argues that the modern hosting business must combine publishing, monetization, measurement, and simplicity for creators at every stage of growth.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Rob pushes the conversation further by asking the bigger industry question:</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>What should a podcast hosting company become now? That leads into a wide-ranging discussion about platform aggregation, creator workflows, newsletters, live events, merchandise, and the growing expectation that creators should be able to manage more of their media business from one place. Brendan makes the case that the future belongs to companies that can keep creators at the center while simplifying the growing complexity around distribution and monetization.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>A major part of the episode focuses on AI. </strong></p> <p><strong>Brendan breaks AI into three areas: how Libsyn uses it internally as a business, how AI can assist creators with production and publishing workflows, and how fully AI-generated content may affect the medium&#8217;s future. </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Rob adds a deeper perspective by arguing that AI podcasting is already becoming more competitive than many in the industry want to admit. The two discuss whether the market will ultimately decide what AI content succeeds, why “AI slop” may be too broad a label, and why trust and disclosure may become much more important as synthetic media becomes harder to distinguish from human-created work.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>The episode also dives into one of the most important strategic tensions in podcasting right now: RSS versus API publishing</strong>.</p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Rob and Brendan both acknowledge that most creators care more about simple distribution than the underlying protocol, but they also recognize that this shift has major implications for openness, platform control, and long-term creator independence. </strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Their exchange about Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and the shift toward more controlled video delivery models reflects a broader market reality:</strong> <strong>creators increasingly want to be everywhere</strong>, but the <strong>mechanics of getting there are becoming more fragmented and platform-specific.</strong></p> <p><strong>Another strong section of the conversation centers on video.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Brendan says Libsyn intends to be a leader in video, while Rob raises a practical concern many creators are just beginning to feel: a show that works well on YouTube may not automatically translate well to an audio-first experience, and a show built for traditional audio may not fully satisfy video-driven discovery environments. That raises the possibility that creators will need to think more deliberately about format, audience expectations, and whether a single production workflow can truly serve all platforms equally well.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>The conversation becomes especially valuable when the two discuss metrics:</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Apple’s HLS direction, and what streaming-style delivery might mean for podcast measurement and advertising. They point to a future in which the industry may move closer to actual listening signals rather than relying so heavily on download-based assumptions. If that happens, it could affect CPMs, ad sales, programmatic video advertising, and the broader economics of the medium.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Rob also frames one of the biggest unresolved questions in new media today:</strong></p> <p><strong>If AI-generated shows become easier, faster, and more polished, what will human creators need to do to remain distinct and trusted? </strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>The answer that emerges from this episode is not panic. It is focus, transparency, stronger format thinking, and a deeper commitment to serving audiences with clarity and value. That makes this episode less about Libsyn alone and more about the future structure of podcasting itself.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Topic Chapters and Timestamps</strong><br /> 00:00 Podcast hosting is no longer simple<br /> 01:00 What creators now expect from hosting platforms<br /> 02:00 Brendan Monaghan introduction and background<br /> 03:00 Why Libsyn’s legacy still matters<br /> 05:00 Hosting, publishing, monetization, and measurement<br /> 07:00 How Libsyn expanded its monetization business<br /> 08:00 Why creators should not need to leave Libsyn to scale<br /> 09:00 How monetization changed podcasting<br /> 10:00 Lowering barriers for creators to earn revenue<br /> 12:00 What the future hosting platform should become<br /> 13:00 Newsletters, live events, merchandise, and creator tools<br /> 15:00 AI and creator workflows<br /> 16:00 Brendan’s three-bucket view of AI<br /> 18:00 AI-generated content and the “AI slop” debate<br /> 20:00 Why the market may decide what AI content wins<br /> 23:00 RSS versus API publishing<br /> 25:00 Simplicity and multi-platform distribution<br /> 26:00 Why RSS matters less to end users now<br /> 28:00 Open versus closed ecosystems<br /> 29:00 RSS innovation and slow adoption<br /> 31:00 Apple HLS and changing audio-video delivery<br /> 32:00 Platform control and the walled garden debate<br /> 41:00 Measurement, streaming, and actual listening data<br /> 43:00 Programmatic video ads and creative formats<br /> 45:00 Why video creators may need to think more like audio creators<br /> 47:00 Can AI help bridge the gap between formats?<br /> 49:00 Audio loyalty versus video momentum<br /> 50:00 The growing pressure on creators to win everywhere<br /> 51:00 AI Algorithms, the first audience for human content<br /> 53:00 Are AI-generated shows driving growth?<br /> 55:00 AI clone content and rising competition for humans<br /> 56:00 Why AI labeling may become essential<br /> 59:00 What Libsyn will focus on over the next 24 months<br /> 01:01:00 Audio, video, audience growth, and execution<br /> 01:03:00 Staying focused on core creator needs<br /> 01:05:00 Closing thoughts</p> <p><strong>This episode answers key industry questions that creators, executives, and media strategists are increasingly asking:</strong><br /> -What is Libsyn doing next under Brendan Monaghan?<br /> -How is podcast hosting changing in 2026?<br /> -Will video become a required part of podcast distribution?<br /> -What does Apple’s HLS move mean for audio and video podcasting?<br /> -Is RSS still the future, or are APIs taking over?<br /> -How will AI-generated content affect podcasting, trust, and monetization?<br /> -What should creators expect from modern hosting platforms now?<br /> -Those questions are directly addressed in this discussion, making this episode highly relevant to search, social discovery, AI answer engines, and recommendation surfaces.</p> <p><strong>Guest and Show Links</strong><br /> <strong>Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn</strong><br /> <a href="https://libsyn.com">https://Libsyn.com</a></p> <p><strong>Host Rob Greenlee and Show Links</strong><br data-start="2697" data-end="2700" />New Media Show: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://newmediashow.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2716" data-end="2741">https://newmediashow.com/</a><br data-start="2741" data-end="2744" />Rob Greenlee: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://robgreenlee.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2758" data-end="2782">https://robgreenlee.com/</a><br data-start="2782" data-end="2785" />Trust Factor Lab: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2803" data-end="2830">https://trustfactorlab.com/</a><br data-start="2830" data-end="2833" />Adore Creator Network: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2856" data-end="2881">https://adorenetwork.com/</a><br data-start="2881" data-end="2884" />Podcast Hall of Fame: <a class="decorated-link" href="https://podcasthall.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2906" data-end="2930" data-is-only-node="">https://podcasthall.com/</a><br data-start="2930" data-end="2933" />Rob Greenlee YouTube: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2955" data-end="2987">https://youtube.com/@robgreenlee</a><br data-start="2987" data-end="2990" />Rob Greenlee LinkedIn: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3013" data-end="3048">https://linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee</a><br data-start="3048" data-end="3051" />Rob Greenlee Instagram: <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3075" data-end="3109">https://instagram.com/robwgreenlee</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/libsyns-next-chapter-podcast-hosting-video-monetization-rss-and-api-brendan-monaghan-660/">Libsyn’s Next Chapter: Podcast Hosting, Video, Monetization, RSS and API | Brendan Monaghan #660</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2036" src="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-300x300.jpg 300w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-150x150.jpg 150w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-768x768.jpg 768w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor-1320x1320.jpg 1320w, https://newmediashow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/659-New-Media-Show-Episode-Sharon-Taylor.jpg 1400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><em><strong>Podcasting is entering a new phase, and this episode goes straight into the infrastructure, business models, and platform shifts shaping what comes next.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>On episode 659 of The New Media Show</strong>, Host and <em><strong>Podcast Hall of Famer <a href="https://robgreenlee.com">Rob Greenlee </a></strong>shares the microphone with<strong> Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at <a href="https://tritondigital.com">Triton Digital</a> (<a href="https://spreaker.com">Spreaker</a> &amp; <a href="https://omnystudio.com">Omny Studio</a>)</strong></em>, for a deep conversation about where the podcasting market is heading right now.</p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon brings years of experience from Omny Studio, Triton Digital, and Spreaker, making her one of the best people to help unpack what is changing across hosting, monetization, video, AI, advertiser demand, and measurement.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We talk through why podcasting is not simply becoming video-first, even as video becomes a bigger part of how shows are discovered and monetized.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon makes a strong case that audio remains at the center of the medium, but the future is clearly becoming more multi-format. That means creators, publishers, and platforms need to think differently about how they distribute content, measure audience behavior, and build sustainable business models for both audio and video.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>A big part of this conversation focuses on Triton Digital’s role in the market today and why its combination of Omny Studio, Spreaker, and broader ad tech infrastructure makes it an important player in podcasting’s next chapter.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>Sharon explains the unique roots of Omny Studio as a platform built for large-scale broadcast and enterprise publishing needs, while Spreaker helped pioneer early podcast programmatic monetization for creators. That combination gives Triton a unique perspective on both professional publishing and creator-driven growth.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We also spend time on Apple’s HLS video move and what it may mean for podcasting’s future. Sharon shares how Triton had already been preparing for a broader video environment and why Apple’s support for HLS is such a meaningful shift.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>We discuss how HLS could improve flexibility around delivery, ad insertion, and measurement, while still raising important questions about RSS, open distribution, and whether major platforms may slowly pull podcasting into more platform-specific publishing models over time.</strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>Another major topic in this episode is trust.</strong></p> <blockquote><p><em><strong>From programmatic advertising to AI-generated content to labeling and transparency, Sharon and I explore how podcasting can continue to grow without losing the authentic connection that made the medium valuable in the first place. </strong></em></p></blockquote> <p><strong>We both agree that podcasting still has enormous strength as an audio-led medium, but the industry is now balancing openness, innovation, and monetization in ways that will define the next few years.</strong></p> <p>This is a wide-ranging and important discussion for anyone watching the evolution of podcasting, video, ad tech, platform power, and the future of open media.</p> <h3>Topics covered</h3> <p>&#8211; Why Triton Digital matters in podcasting right now<br /> &#8211; Sharon Taylor’s path from Omny Studio to Triton CRO<br /> &#8211; What Triton is seeing in audio versus video audience behavior<br /> &#8211; Why podcasting is becoming multi-format, not simply video-first<br /> &#8211; How Omny Studio and Spreaker fit different parts of the publishing market<br /> &#8211; What Apple’s HLS video move changes for publishers and hosting platforms<br /> &#8211; Why advertiser confidence and better measurement matter more than ever<br /> &#8211; The future of RSS, open podcasting, and platform fragmentation<br /> &#8211; How AI-generated content is affecting publishing growth and industry trust<br /> &#8211; Where Sharon sees the next big opportunities for podcast growth</p> <h3>Guest</h3> <p><strong>Sharon Taylor</strong> is the <strong>Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital</strong>. She was appointed to the CRO role in August 2025 after helping lead Triton’s podcast and content delivery efforts. Before joining Triton, Sharon was CEO of Omny Studio and played a key role in building it into one of the leading enterprise podcast platforms before its acquisition by Triton Digital.</p> <p>Triton Digital: <a href="https://www.tritondigital.com/">https://www.tritondigital.com/</a><br /> Spreaker: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/">https://www.spreaker.com/</a><br /> Omny Studio: <a href="https://omnystudio.com/">https://omnystudio.com/</a></p> <h3>Host</h3> <p><strong>Rob Greenlee</strong> is a <strong>2017 Podcast Hall of Famer</strong>, <strong>Chairperson of the Podcast Hall of Fame</strong>, and leader behind Trust Factor Lab and Trust Creators Community at M3Linked.</p> <p>New Media Show: <a href="https://newmediashow.com/">https://newmediashow.com/</a><br /> Rob Greenlee: <a href="https://robgreenlee.com/">https://robgreenlee.com/</a><br /> Podcast Hall of Fame: <a href="https://podcasthall.com/">https://podcasthall.com/</a><br /> Trust Creators Community: <a href="https://m3linked.com/">https://m3linked.com/</a></p> <p><strong>Supporters:</strong></p> <p><strong>Get a $10 StreamYard Video Recording and Live Streaming tool Discount</strong> using this <strong>LINK &#8211; <a href="https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5606177711325184">https://streamyard.com/pal/c/5606177711325184</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Podcasting pros use Podpage</strong> – Build a podcast or video show website that updates itself and showcases your show beautifully. <strong>Start for just $12/month! &#8211;&gt;<a href="https://podpage.com?via=adore">podpage.com?via=adore</a></strong></p><p>The post <a href="https://newmediashow.com/podcastings-multi-format-future-sharon-taylor-659/">Podcasting’s Multi-Format Future | Sharon Taylor #659</a> first appeared on <a href="https://newmediashow.com">New Media Show</a>.</p>