What makes a podcast newsletter work? Easy. Any sort of newsletter — be it daily, weekly, or monthly — needs valuable and engaging content that gives readers a reason to hit “subscribe.” Podcast newsletters have come a long way since the days of Nick Quah’s popular Hot Pod newsletter; with the rise of self-publishing platforms like Substack, the variety of podcast newsletters has expanded into various niches and genres, helping podcast listeners and creators alike find the recommendations and tips they want.
If you’re seeking out a new podcast newsletter to grace your inbox, you likely have one of these three topics in mind:
- Podcast recommendations.
- Industry news and analysis.
- Podcast production and marketing tips.
In this list of great podcast newsletters, we’ve broken our picks into categories to help you hone in on your next great read. Enjoying this list? Stay up to date with every new article from The Podglomerate by subscribing to our bi-weekly newsletter.
Newsletters for Podcast Recommendations
Exhausted the Reddit forums and podcast app recommendations? You need a podcast newsletter that will help you discover new shows. These publications offer themed lists, the lowdown on the latest shows, and even criticism of popular series.
Podcast Delivery
Podcast Delivery is a newsletter for podcast fans and creators alike. Co-founded nearly a decade ago by Stephen O’Grady, this weekly publication promises to help with discovery by highlighting new shows, sharing great series, and speaking to talented podcasters via their Q&A segment.
There are countless great podcasts out there, but they can be hard to find. Thanks to their weekly micro reviews, Podcast Delivery ensures that you’ll never be short of audio content to enjoy.
Best for: Quick weekly podcast reviews.
Hurt Your Brain
Erik Jones created his Substack newsletter Hurt Your Brain to recommend podcasts that are thought-provoking, fascinating, and may even change your mind. Each edition is lovingly compiled with handmade visuals and personal insights into what it’s like to be a true podcast fan, rather than just posting reviews.
Erik tends to recommend specific episodes, making Hurt Your Brain a great option for those already familiar with all the big names in “smart thinking” podcasting, but are seeking better curation.
Best for: Thought-provoking podcast recs.
Podstack
Podstack is created by Devin Andrade, a digital content producer who currently works at Tink Media and is the co-founder of Two Market Girls. She created Podstack to discuss her love of audio from a creativity and production perspective. The newsletter is a mixture of podcast episode recommendations and a personal diary, imbuing every edition with personality and joy.
Best for: Uplifting podcast episode recommendations.
Podcast Rex
Ready to find your next favorite podcast? Podcast Rex, and its sister newsletter the Great British Podcast newsletter, are based in the UK and provide a free weekly roundup of UK podcasts. Alongside their “Recommendation Engine,” this is a weekly digest of podcast reviews from writers including Scott Bryan and Patrick Carter.
Best for: British podcast recommendations.
EarBuds Podcast Collective
Are you looking for weekly podcast recommendations? EarBuds Podcast Collective is a listener-curated newsletter that is created by industry insider Arielle Nissenblatt. EarBuds calls itself a “podcast recommendation engine” that delivers a new list to your inbox every week.
EarBuds makes an effort to support marginalized groups in the industry, in addition to hosting events and webinars for the wider podcasting community. Want to submit your own curated list? They’re always accepting new submissions.
Best for: Grassroots listener recommendations.
Podcast Review
Established in 2018, Podcast Review is a dedicated review publication that produces a weekly podcast newsletter. Every edition includes an in depth review, several episode recommendations, and some “must read” articles from across the podcasting industry.
Created by Jack Conway, the site has always placed focus on editorial content. Podcast Review’s newsletter has 12,000+ fans who enjoy reading about the latest releases and dedicated podcast criticism.
Best for: In-depth podcast criticism.
Podcast the Newsletter
Created by Lauren Passell of Tink Media, Podcast the Newsletter is popular amongst listeners and podcasters alike. Passell’s weekly newsletter is a fun, casual affair. It’s packed with show reviews and reflections, sitting comfortably at the juncture between industry bulletin and podcast discovery newsletter. Passell manages to make every paragraph feel like a personal recommendation. She even includes a section called “Podcasts I Texted to Friends.” Does it get more authentic than that?
Best for: Weekly recommendations with a personal touch.
Potluck Podcast Collective
Written by Marvin Yueh, and AIR New Voices: AMPLIFY ‘24 Fellow, this podcast newsletter rounds up podcast episode highlights and show recommendations from the best of Asian American stories, voices, and perspectives in podcasting.
The newsletter is part of Potluck, a collective of independent Asian American podcasters who have come together to highlight stories, voices, and perspectives from the Asian diaspora. Subscribe for the latest updates.
Best for: Highlighting Asian American storytelling.
The Noise Gate
Written by Doug Fraser and produced by Podcast Movement, this vibrant newsletter publishes written Q&As with a variety of top and indie podcasters, as well as podcast recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. Fraser has a passion for audio storytelling, and his newsletter reflects his eye for detail and quality.
Best for: Interviews with podcasters.
Industry Podcast Newsletters
As podcasting grows into a leading global media, it’s become harder to keep up with the fluctuations across the industry. By subscribing to these podcast industry newsletters, you can stay informed on the latest news, research, and technological developments.
Vulture 1.5x Speed
Since Nicholas Quah moved to Vulture, he has penned 1.5x Speed, a podcast newsletter that covers the wider business of podcasting, including show acquisitions, new celebrity-fronted shows, major podcast series, and the future of the industry.
As a magazine writer and podcast fan, Quah takes a broad approach to his topic, making 1.5x Speed a great read for those working in media or want a cultural perspective on the podcasting landscape.
Best for: Professionals working (or interested) in new media.
Bloomberg Soundbite
Soundbite is a podcast newsletter from Bloomberg created by Ashley Carmen. As an expert in podcasting, audiobooks, and music, Ashley is a verified source for all things audio. She writes in-depth pieces on developments in the industry, making Soundbite essential reading for those in the business of podcasting, but seek wider context on the big headlines.
Best for: Unpacking the biggest podcasting shifts.
Podcast Business Journal
Podcast Business Journal is another essential podcast newsletter subscription from the folks at Podnews. Since 2018, this weekly publication has been covering the business of podcasting with stories and news from the world of audio. Packed with essential data insights and original reporting, be sure to read this newsletter every Friday.
Best for: The latest podcasting industry data.
Pod the North
Interested in Canadian podcasting? Pod the North is a bi-weekly Substack from Kattie Laur, an aficionado of the medium and a Growth Specialist with Bumper. Pod the North aims to lift up Canadian podcasters by building a community to share the work of talented producers and creators.
Best for: Canadian podcast talent.
The Audio Insurgent
The Audio Insurgent is Eric Nuzum’s sporadic and fascinating Substack that explores the evolution of the podcast medium. Eric tackles the existential questions facing the industry today, such as the changing media landscape, the influence of video, and whether “podcasting” is still an appropriate label for the medium. Subscribe for Eric’s insights delivered to your inbox every month.
Best for: Podcast existentialists.
The Influencer
Oxford Road’s The Influencer is a weekly LinkedIn newsletter packed with insights from this leading podcast advertising agency. The content is curated by Oxford Road’s team of experts, ensuring that every edition is overflowing with insightful opinion pieces and smart predictions for this ever-expanding media industry.
Best for: Podcast business and monetization insights.
The Podglomerate
Our team curated a bi-weekly podcast newsletter that’s read by folks from companies like Apple, NPR, The New York Times, Spotify, Netflix, and more. We share free podcasting tips from our blog to support podcast production and audience growth, as well as job opportunities and updates on everything that’s happening at The Podglomerate.
Better yet, we share the latest episode of our award-winning show, Podcast Perspectives. If you’re new to the podcast, our founder/CEO Jeff Umbro speaks to industry leaders about their journeys. Every episode is packed with wisdom from the likes of Hyperfixed’s Alex Goldman, Wonder Media’s Shira Atkins, and many more.
Best for: Smart podcast industry insights.
Sounds Profitable
Sounds Profitable has become a vital voice in podcasting. Created by Bryan Barletta with support from Tom Webster, Sounds Profitable conducts research, produces industry reports, and shares insights on podcast monetization and beyond. Subscribing to Sounds Profitable gives you access to free education every Wednesday and Friday, as well as the option to receive The Daily Download, a daily news brief on the business of podcasting.
Best for: In-depth podcast industry research.
Podnews
If you’re not reading Podnews, you’re missing out on the latest updates from the world of podcasting. Which show just signed a million dollar deal? Who moved to another network? What job opportunities have just opened up? If you’re interested in these topics, a subscription to daily podcast newsletter Podnews will go a long way to keeping you up-to-date on our exciting industry.
Best for: The latest industry news on a daily basis.
Eurowaves
While many of the podcast newsletters on this list are focused on US audiences, Eurowaves aims to connect podcasters across Europe and the UK. Created by Andreea Coscai, Eurowaves is a relatively new publication that includes interviews with industry voices across the continent, in addition to podcast recommendations and the industry latest news.
As the podcast market continues to expand in Europe, newsletters like Eurowaves will become increasingly vital in the global conversation.
Best for: Podcasters based in (or interested in) the European market.
Sounds Like Impact
Sounds Like Impact is a weekly podcast newsletter created by Ayo Oti that bridges the gap between audio and action. Published every Wednesday, each edition brings you a themed podcast playlist accompanied by calls to action related to the list’s theme. Sounds Like Impact aims to put creators in the spotlight, highlighting opportunities within the community for growth and action.
Best for: Real world impact.
BlkPodNews
BlkPodNews is written by Corey Gumbs and is the official newsletter of the Black Podcasters Association. Their mission is to shine a light on Black podcasting news, releases, and community. With a new post every other day, BlkPodNews is a go-to source for the latest information and insights from the Black creatives and professionals within the podcast industry.
Best for: The latest from the Black podcasting community.
AIR Newsletter
The Association of Independents in Radio (or “AIR” for short) is the professional association dedicated to supporting independent creators in the audio industry. AIR’s creative community spans the United States and dozens of countries worldwide made up of journalists, podcasters, story editors, audio producers, documentarians, engineers, sound designers and media entrepreneurs.
AIR’s newsletter rounds up career advancement opportunities for audio professionals including job postings, live events and virtual webinars, and discounts on industry tools, and conferences. They even provide trainings on SoundPath, a digital platform where you can grow your career.
Best for: Advancing your podcast career.
Podcast News Daily
Written by Frank Saxe, Podcast News Daily publishes five times a week with the latest podcast news. Besides keeping you up to date with industry developments, Saxe also sends a weekly email with all the new podcasts of the week. Though not accessible in Europe, this is a great option for those residing in the US.
Best for: Up-to-the minute industry updates.
All Hear
Written by Talia Augustidis in collaboration with Transom.org, All Hear is a free monthly newsletter featuring audio opportunities with upcoming deadlines from across the industry and around the world. If you’re interested in grants, residencies, fellowships, awards, calls for pitches and events spanning journalism, podcasting, radio, audio drama, oral history, sound art, then All Hear should be your next podcast newsletter subscription.
Best for: Finding your next podcast opportunity.
Podcast Newsletters for Producers and Marketers
If you’re building your podcast audience on a budget, podcast newsletters are a useful (and free) resource for producers and marketers to learn how to DIY their strategies.
Scrappy Podcasting
Created by Jeremy Enns, Scrappy Podcasting is a podcast newsletter about scrappy ways to develop a podcast and market it for success. With a focus on actionable courses and “micro-lessons”, Jeremy’s newsletter intended to help creators navigate the podcasting creative process. This newsletter has a big following, and will appeal to creatives beyond the podcast industry (and all of you multi-hyphenates out there).
Best for: Inspiring your creative practice.
Podcast Marketing Magic
Another podcast newsletter from podcast growth agency Tink Media. Podcast Marketing Magic is an industry-focused newsletter that retains the same charm as Podcast the Newsletter, but with a greater interest in how to grow podcast audiences.
Every edition shares tips or strategy ideas for scaling a show, making this weekly newsletter a fantastic free resource for those DIY-ing their own podcast growth strategy.
Best for: Free podcast marketing tips.
Podcast Strategy Weekly
Podcast Strategy Weekly is a free Substack created by Chris Stone that aims to help readers derive value from their podcasts. This popular podcast newsletter is regularly recommended by those within the industry for its thoughtful posts on a diverse range of topics, from launching a podcast to hiring within the industry.
Best for: Podcasters on a monetization journey.
Sound Judgment
Elaine Appleton Grant’s Sound Judgement is a Substack packed with tips and tricks on becoming a better storyteller. Also distributed in the form of a podcast, Sound Judgement has been called an “online master’s degree in audio storytelling,” “a masterclass in podcasting,” and “required listening for our profession.” Every Sunday, the newsletter drops with analysis, tips, and recommendations from audio producers, hosts, editors and other storytellers and growth experts.
Best for: Developing your audio craft.
Bingeworthy
Bingeworthy is a podcast newsletter by Samantha Hodder, a producer and critic who specializes in the art of podcasting. Her newsletter celebrates narrative podcasting in all of its forms. Bingeworthy dissects what makes a series truly great, highlighting the production, craft, and writing that goes into every “must-listen” show.
Best for: Celebrating narrative podcast series.
Podcast Bestie
Courtney Kocak writes Podcast Bestie, a Substack that helps podcasters market their content. A subscription to her podcast newsletter contains useful tips on creating valuable brand collaborations, making the most of video, and how to drive real download numbers to your podcast. If you have a great project, Podcast Bestie will help it be heard.
Best for: Small creators seeking marketing advice.
The Branded Podcast
From podcast agency Quill, The Branded Podcast is a newsletter about optimizing your branded podcasts. (Hint: Read this if you have questions about branded podcasts). With years of experience in this sector, Quill shares tips and best practices on how to make the most of your branded audio and video projects.
Best for: Brands starting their own podcasts.
Bumper
Bumper, a data-driven podcast growth agency, publishes a regular newsletter packed with the latest news from their network, along with tips on podcast marketing and growth. Never miss their latest blog articles.
Best for: In-house podcast marketers.
Over the Transom
You might already be aware of Transom, the long-running organization that fosters the art of audio storytelling. But did you know that they have a newsletter that highlights workshop updates, new articles, and technical tips straight to your inbox? Stay up to date on their latest news, and be part of their passionate community. Radio on!
Best for: Podcast producers who live for storytelling.
The Amplify Thought Letter
Podcast content and marketing experts Amplify Media write about audio transformation in their regular newsletter, The Amplify Thought Letter. Using their experience in the industry, they curate a thoughtful takes on podcasting, including useful ideas to navigate the changing landscape. You can catch up with previous thought leadership on their excellent blog.
Best for: Professional podcasters interested in growth.
While our list is by no means exhaustive, these excellent podcast newsletters have consistently published great content and built an audience of engaged readers. If you have your own suggestions for must-read podcast newsletters, be sure to leave a comment on our LinkedIn.
Have questions? Interested in having The Podglomerate produce and market your podcast? Email us to learn more about our video podcast production services, and make sure to sign up for our free newsletter.
