Chris Peterson

2025 in Podcasting: A Year of Reckoning2025 was a year of big shifts and even bigger headlines. We saw companies close, new ventures launch, and familiar players rebrand or pivot. Video podcasts continued to grow, bringing shows to streaming platforms, theaters, and even the Golden Globes stage. Revenue models evolved, AI loomed large, and creators explored new ways to connect with audiences, from premium content to live events and derivative IP.Despite all the change, the podcasting community remains vibrant, and many companies reported record revenues. Optimism is high, and opportunities for creators are abundant—whether you’re experimenting with video, exploring new formats, or building the next breakout show. Our guests had some thoughts of their own.

As we look towards the New Year, we’ve gathered some of the brightest minds in podcasting to reflect on a transformative year. From indie creators to network executives, our guests share their most humbling lessons, unexpected wins, and the moments that made them rethink everything. Plus, they reveal what’s keeping them up at night – and what’s getting them excited – as we head into 2025.

Chris Peterson is betting big on the podcast industry in 2024. The ex-iHeart executive founded DWNLOAD Media, a podcast roll-up aimed at buying and operationalizing existing podcast companies to compete with the giants in the space. He’s currently in the early stages of development, pitching investors and audio companies on the idea.To promote his venture, Chris recently released the 2024 DWNLOAD Report, a white paper arguing that podcasting is undervalued and will continue to grow. Chris and I dive deep into the arguments he makes in the report, clarifying why he’s so bullish on podcasting, and how DWNLOAD media would help create a sustainable and thriving industry.