Podcasting isn’t just growing – it’s shaping the conversations, trends, and ideas that define 2025.
And behind every great show is a visionary driving it forward.
In celebration of International Podcast Day, we’ve rounded up 75 thought leaders in podcasting you should have on your radar in 2025. From innovators shaping how brands connect with audiences to storytellers redefining audio content, these leaders are the voices and minds driving the industry forward.
Whether you’re a podcaster, marketer, or an audio enthusiast, their insights, strategies, and thought leadership will keep you ahead of the curve in the year to come.
Let’s get into it:
1. Fatima Zaidi, CEO and Founder of Quill Inc. and CoHost
Of course, we can’t forget about Fatima Zaidi, the Founder and CEO of Quill, an award-winning corporate audio production agency, and CoHost (us!), a podcast growth and analytics platform. She has led podcast initiatives for global companies, including Expedia Group, L'Oréal, PwC, and AAA, helping them integrate creative audio into their marketing strategies.
Fatima is a frequent speaker on media and tech trends, has keynoted alongside industry leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk, and contributes to outlets including The Globe and Mail and HuffPost, with features in Forbes and Entrepreneur.
A recognized leader in entrepreneurship, Fatima has earned multiple awards, including Top 30 Under 30, DMZ Woman of the Year, and Veuve Clicquot’s Bold Future Award, while Quill was named one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies by the Globe & Mail in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
She also teaches at the University of Toronto and serves as Board Member for Save The Children and a Co-Chair of Biz&Tech4SickKids, helping fund major research initiatives and a new pediatric emergency wing at SickKids Hospital.
2. Tom Webster, Partner at Sounds Profitable
Tom Webster is one of the driving forces behind Sounds Profitable, the leading voice for the business of podcasting.
Tom, a 25-year audio research veteran, has been instrumental in shaping the digital audio landscape through influential studies like Infinite Dial®, Share of Ear®, and The Podcast Landscape, as well as hundreds of audience research projects for top podcasts and syndicated radio shows worldwide.
3. Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable
Bryan Barletta, another Sounds Profitable partner, brings ample podcast monetization and business strategy experience, with a focus on research, consulting, and education that simplifies complex industry concepts for broader adoption. His work helps to further Sounds Profitable’s mission to empower the podcasting ecosystem through actionable insights, thought leadership, and connections, ensuring sustainable growth for the industry.
4. James Cridland, Editor of Podnews
James Cridland works at the intersection of traditional radio and new media, helping teams and organizations navigate the evolving audio landscape. He is the editor of Podnews, a leading daily newsletter covering podcasting and the global audio industry, providing news, analysis, and insights to creators, advertisers, and industry professionals.
An internationally recognized thought leader in audio, James regularly speaks at conferences, participates in strategy events, and has been interviewed by broadcasters including BBC, CBC, NPR, and more.
5. Sharon Taylor, CRO at Triton Digital
Sharon Taylor is a veteran podcasting executive, currently serving as Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, where she oversees global podcast strategy, product operations, and revenue growth. She joined Triton in 2019 following its acquisition of Omny Studio, where she had been CEO since 2016, transforming the platform into a leading global podcast hosting and publishing solution.
A frequent speaker at industry events, she advocates for innovation in podcast metrics, measurement, and programmatic advertising, and has been instrumental in scaling podcasting as a premium global advertising channel.
6. Stuart Last, CEO of Audioboom
Stuart Last is the CEO of Audioboom, the leading independent global podcast publisher. Since taking the helm, Stuart has transformed Audioboom into the most valuable pure-play podcast company. Under his leadership, Audioboom has scaled internationally, ranking as the 4th largest publisher in the U.S., 2nd in the UK and New Zealand, and 3rd in Australia, while expanding its production capabilities and launching innovative advertising technology.
A passionate advocate for audio, storytelling, and creative content, Stuart is committed to shaping the future of podcasting.
7. Kelli Hurley, VP, Global Head of Revenue Partnerships at SiriusXM
Kelli Hurley is the VP and Global Head of Revenue Partnerships at SiriusXM, where she drives podcast growth and optimization for creators and sales teams, bringing innovative ideas to enhance revenue across SiriusXM’s expansive portfolio.
A radio and digital audio veteran with 17 years of experience, Kelli previously served as SVP, Digital Partnerships at Westwood One, where she oversaw podcast talent relations, show acquisitions, partnerships, and revenue, and was an early champion in building the Westwood One Podcast Network.
8. Jordan Fox, CEO of Ad Results Media
Jordan Fox is the CEO of Ad Results Media, the leading audio-focused agency specializing in podcasts, digital audio, and vodcasting. With over two decades of experience across media, marketing, and technology, Jordan joined ARM from Laundry Service, where he transformed a social media-focused boutique into a full-stack creative, digital, and influencer marketing agency serving brands like Google, Nike, Amazon, and Meta.
9. Marshall Williams, Chairman of Ad Results Media
Marshall Williams is the Chairman and Partner of Ad Results Media, bringing nearly 30 years of experience as an early adopter and advocate of direct response radio. Starting with large-scale endorsement radio buying in the U.S., he went on to found Williams Media Group in 1997, which evolved into Ad Results, Inc. Under his leadership, Ad Results merged with Brown Bear Digital and grew into the full-service audio agency it is today.
10. Brendan Monaghan, CEO of Libsyn
Brendan Monaghan is the CEO of Libsyn, where he leads growth initiatives to support both publishing and advertising partners.
Brendan brings extensive experience in scaling high-growth technology companies, having co-founded and served as CEO of Megaphone, which was acquired by Spotify for $235 million just six years after launch.
11. Andy Slater, Head of Partnerships at ART19
Andy Slater is Head of Partnerships at ART19, Amazon’s podcast hosting platform, where he helps creators and networks optimize publishing workflows and grow ad monetization. A 9-year veteran of the podcast industry, Andy previously served as SVP of Podcast Sales and Partnerships at Audacy and RVP of Sales at Stitcher (formerly Midroll).
His media career spans over 30 years across radio and online media, including leadership roles at Infinity/CBS Broadcasting, Clear Channel, and Theatermania.com.
12. Neil Mody, Co-Founder and CEO of Headliner
Neil Mody is the co-founder & CEO of Headliner, the leading platform for marketing and distributing audio content used by hundreds of thousands of podcasters, radio stations, and publishers worldwide.
With a track record of building successful media and tech ventures, Neil previously co-founded SpareMin, an early social audio platform, and nRelate, a top content recommendation company acquired by IAC/Ask in 2012. A Columbia University graduate, he has spent his career at the intersection of technology, media, and storytelling, helping creators and companies amplify their voices and reach new audiences.
13. Mattia Verzella, VP, Programmatic Partnerships at Triton Digital and Head of Business Development at Spreaker from iHeart
Mattia Verzella is the Vice President of Programmatic Partnerships at Triton Digital and Head of Business Development at Spreaker from iHeart. With over two decades of experience in the digital audio industry, he specializes in content acquisition, strategic partnerships, and programmatic advertising operations.
At Triton, Mattia leads efforts to strengthen relationships with demand-side platforms, media buyers, and ad tech providers—building a trusted ecosystem that drives value for both publishers and advertisers.
14. Bryan Moffett, COO at NPR
Bryan Moffett is the Chief Operating Officer at NPR, where he leads National Public Media, the largest sales representation firm in public media. He manages corporate sponsorship sales for NPR and regional spot sales for public media stations, having built NPR’s digital sponsorship business over the past decade. In his current role, Bryan oversees sales operations across all of NPM’s business lines and leads the Network Growth team, which focuses on expanding audience and revenue through podcasts, on-demand audio, and other innovative revenue-generating initiatives.
15. Steve Pratt, Founder of The Creativity Business
Steve Pratt is the author of Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers and the founder of The Creativity Business, which offers speaking, workshops, and consulting to help companies develop differentiated content, marketing, and messaging that earns attention.
Steve is also the co-founder of the world’s first branded podcast agency, Pacific Content, named one of Entrepreneur’s 100 Brilliant Companies. Prior to embarking on his entrepreneurship journey, Steve was the director of digital audio at the CBC, where he ran a content innovation lab, launched one of the world’s first legal music podcasts in 2005, and grew a highly engaged online community at CBC Radio 3.
16. Arielle Nissenblatt, Director of Community and Content at Pinwheel by Audily and Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective
Arielle Nissenblatt is a seasoned podcast pro, community builder, and storyteller whose work spans every corner of the audio world. As Director of Community and Content at Pinwheel by Audily, she develops podcast and video strategies that help brands tell the right story and achieve their goals. She is also the founder of Earbuds Podcast Collective, a long-running newsletter that curates the best podcast recommendations.
Since entering the podcast space in 2017, Arielle has produced multiple shows, managed studios, run marketing and PR campaigns, and organized thriving communities on platforms like Twitter, Discord, and Slack.
17. Lauren Passell, Founder and CEO of Tink Media
Lauren Passell is the founder and CEO of Tink Media, as well as the creator of Podcast the Newsletter and Podcast Marketing Magic. She writes about podcasts for Lifehacker and has spoken on podcast marketing at SXSW, Podcast Movement, Podfest, London Podcast Festival, and The Podcast Show.
Lauren has also taught podcasting classes at Harvard, Columbia, and other institutions, and serves as a judge for The Webbys, Signal Awards, The Ambies, and the International Women's Podcast Awards.
18. Paul Riismandel, President and Partner at Signal Hill Insights
Paul Riismandel is the President and Partner at Signal Hill Insights, where he leads operations and drives the development of customized market research solutions for podcasting, streaming audio, radio, and the creator economy.
A media executive and lifelong believer in the power of audio, Paul has been at the forefront of podcast monetization, shaping advertising insights and marketing strategies across Midroll, Stitcher, SiriusXM/SXM Media, and now Signal Hill.
19. Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts
Will Pearson is the President of iHeartPodcasts, having joined iHeartMedia in 2018 following its acquisition of Stuff Media. At Stuff Media, he played a key role in expanding the podcast division, securing investment from the Raine Group, and leading its integration into iHeartMedia.
Before his time at Stuff Media, Pearson co-founded and served as President of Mental Floss, where he launched Mental Floss Magazine, published bestselling books, and grew a digital audience of over 20 million regular readers and viewers.
20. Cameron Hendrix, Co-Founder of Magellan AI
Cameron Hendrix is the Co-Founder of Magellan AI, the leading platform for podcast advertising analytics used by nine of the top ten podcast publishers, including NPR and iHeartRadio.
Prior to founding Magellan AI, Cameron held roles in strategic partnerships at Thinkful and worked in strategic sales at Goldman Sachs, bringing a strong mix of analytics, business development, and financial expertise to the podcasting space.
21. Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX
Kerri Hoffman is the CEO of PRX, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization into one of the most influential forces in audio. Under her leadership, PRX has launched groundbreaking shows and networks, including Radiotopia, Ear Hustle, The Moth Radio Hour, and Reveal, while also guiding the successful merger between PRX and PRI.
She was instrumental in the creation of Matter Ventures and RadioPublic, PBC, helping foster innovation and entrepreneurship in media.
22. Dan Granger, CEO and Founder of Oxford Road
Dan Granger is the CEO and Founder of Oxford Road, a leading independent media and marketing agency based in Los Angeles. Since founding the company in 2013, Dan has built Oxford Road into one of the most recognized agencies in the audio and performance marketing space, helping brands innovate and scale through strategic media partnerships across podcasting and radio.
23. Bart Roselli, EVP Media at Oxford Road
Bart Roselli is the EVP of Media at Oxford Road, where he leads the agency’s collective media division spanning podcast, digital, radio/SXM, YouTube, and social. Before joining Oxford Road, Bart spent over 10 years at Veritone One, where he advanced from Strategic Media Manager to SVP of Growth. A recognized industry leader and conference speaker, Bart brings deep expertise in media planning, buying, and optimization, along with a proven track record of guiding high-growth companies through an evolving media landscape.
24. Hilary Ross Shafer, SVP Podcast and Influencer Media at Oxford Road
Hilary (Ross) Shafer is SVP of Podcast & Influencer Media at Oxford Road, where she leads strategy and execution for podcast and influencer initiatives.
She joined Oxford Road in June 2025 after a decade at Veritone One, where she held multiple roles, including Vice President of Podcast and YouTube Influencer, VP of Podcast Media, and Director of Podcast Media.
25. Dan Misener, Co-Founder of Bumper
Dan Misener is one of the co-founders of Bumper, a podcast growth agency dedicated to helping enterprise podcasters overcome their biggest challenge: discoverability and audience growth.
With a decade of experience in public radio at the CBC and deep expertise in podcasting, Dan previously led audience development at Pacific Content for top brands like Slack, Adobe, and Ford. He also teaches podcasting and audio storytelling at multiple universities and hosts the award-winning independent podcast and live event series Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids, downloaded over 10 million times.
26. Jonas Woost, Co-Founder of Bumper
The other co-founder of Bumper, Jonas Woost, is a media and entertainment entrepreneur named one of British Columbia’s 40 under 40 in 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience in on-demand content. His career spans roles including Director of Strategy at Pacific Content, Head of CBC Music, and Head of Music at Last.fm, where he managed high-profile partnerships and oversaw major acquisitions.
27. Hala Taha, CEO and Founder of YAP Media
Hala Taha, widely known as the “Podcast Princess,” is the Founder and CEO of YAP Media and host of the top-ranked Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast, which has surpassed 30 million downloads and consistently ranks among the Top 100 podcasts globally.
Featuring world-renowned guests like Matthew McConaughey, Gary Vee, Mel Robbins, and Deepak Chopra, YAP has earned accolades, including a 2022 Webby Honoree and a Podcast Magazine cover feature. Through YAP, Hala has built one of the most influential platforms at the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
28. Scott Newman, Founder of work x work and On Air Fest
Scott Newman is the Founder and Creative Director of work x work, a full-service agency that amplifies leading brands through storytelling, design, and experiences. He is also the Founder and Director of On Air Fest, an innovative festival advancing the culture of audio by bringing together emerging and established voices through live podcasts, performances, art installations, and listening experiences.
Previously, Scott led the Scott Newman Agency, providing strategic and creative services for media, tech, fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle brands, including producing original documentaries. He also served as Creative Director at Westwood One, overseeing brand development, visual identity, digital strategy, and event design for events like the Super Bowl and GRAMMYs.
29. Brian Conlan, President of DAX US
Brian Conlan joined DAX in 2014 and currently serves as President for DAX US. He is responsible for managing the DAX US organization. Brian has gained a well-rounded knowledge of the digital audio landscape over the years, which allows him to provide clients with insights into new product offerings and trends in the market.
As the former EVP of Operations for DAX, Brian has always taken a client-first approach in managing the business to help build long-lasting relationships with our advertising partners.
30. Tony Novia, Advisor at Southern Cross Austero
Tony Novia is a multimedia executive with a dynamic career spanning music, audio, television, digital media, and emerging technologies. He brings decades of expertise in programming, content development, and cross-platform strategy, driving growth across traditional and new media channels.
With leadership roles across broadcast radio, music marketing, web series production, and digital innovation, Tony has built a reputation for advancing audience engagement and revenue opportunities. Beyond his executive work, he advises and mentors entrepreneurs, evaluates investments in media and consumer tech, and continues to champion the future of audio and entertainment.
31. Charles Steinhauer, COO of GeminiXIII
Charles Steinhauer is the Chief Operating Officer of Gemini XIII, a leading provider of premium content, production, and marketing services for podcasting and radio. In his role, he helps oversee Gemini XIII’s diverse portfolio.
Prior to Gemini XIII, Charles spent over two decades at Westwood One, where he served as Chief Operations Officer and EVP of Operations, playing a key role in building one of the largest audio networks in the U.S.
32. Chris Peterson, VP of Business Development at Red Seat Ventures
Chris Peterson is the Vice President of Business Development at Red Seat Ventures, where he leads M&A and partnerships across the creator, podcast, and media landscape. With more than 15 years of experience in audio and media, Chris has been at the forefront of podcast growth and investment.
At iHeartMedia, he launched the iHeart Podcast Network, acquiring HowStuffWorks and building it into the world’s most listened-to podcast network. He also founded DWNLOAD Media, a platform dedicated to investing in the future of audio.
33. Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast
Greg Glenday is the CEO at Acast and a 25-year veteran of the media industry. Before joining Acast, Greg was CEO of Lightbox Video Network, where he drove a successful transformation through rebranding, tech innovation, and record revenue, culminating in an acquisition.
His career spans leadership roles in audio and media, including Global Chief Revenue Officer at Shazam, CRO at Undertone, and Founder & President of iHeartMedia’s award-winning Connections division, which built strategic creative partnerships with the world’s biggest brands.
34. Mark Asquith, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Captivate
Mark Asquith is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Captivate, a growth-oriented podcast hosting, analytics, and distribution platform, now part of Global Media & Entertainment. Since its acquisition, he has continued to scale Captivate while helping expand Global’s podcasting division.
A longtime entrepreneur and podcaster, Mark has built multiple companies serving creators, including Podcast Websites and Poductivity, and is also the co-host of several shows. Known for his focus on audience growth and creator-first tools, Mark has become a leading voice in the industry, empowering thousands of podcasters worldwide with practical education, community support, and technology designed to simplify and scale podcasting.
35. Jeff Umbro, Founder and CEO of The Podglomerate
Jeff Umbro is the Founder and CEO of The Podglomerate, a leading podcast production, distribution, and monetization company. The Podglomerate has launched chart-topping shows across every major platform, with its podcasts and hosts featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Forbes, Vulture, Food & Wine, and Variety.
Before founding The Podglomerate, Jeff worked across audience growth and business development at companies including Serial Box, VotePlz, Product Hunt, Talkshow, and Goldberg McDuffie Communications.
36. Tamara Zubatiy Nelson, Co-Founder & CEO of Barometer
Tamara Zubatiy Nelson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Barometer, which consumes premium media, like podcasts, and vets it with AI. This helps companies looking to advertise go beyond keywords to confirm a podcast's topic, tone, target audience, and more, ensuring it's an appropriate match for advertising.
Her awards include a Cynopsis Top Women in Media in 2023 and AdTech Innovator Honoree in 2023, as well as SXSW Pitch Winner of FastPitch in the AI category.
37. Sean King, CRO and GM, Commercial at Veritone One
Sean King is the Chief Revenue Officer and GM of Veritone One’s Commercial division, where he leads all sales and marketing activities while overseeing SaaS technologies and managed services.
With over 20 years of experience in sales management, technology operations, and strategic partnerships, Sean has played a key role in establishing Veritone Licensing as North America’s premier AI-powered content licensing firm and in growing Veritone One into a top AI-driven audio and influencer advertising agency.
38. Grant Durando, Director at Right Side Up
Grant Durando is a Director at Right Side Up, where he leverages over a decade of experience in growth marketing and media to drive innovative, high-impact campaigns. A pioneer in podcast advertising, Grant has helped define industry standards and demonstrated its business value for hundreds of companies, including Blue Apron, MeUndies, and ZipRecruiter, guiding many to acquisitions, IPOs, and unicorn status.
39. Krystina Rubino, GM, Offline Practice at Right Side Up
Krystina Rubino is the General Manager of the Offline Practice at Right Side Up, where she leads a team of growth marketing specialists helping VC-backed tech companies scale across paid channels, SEO, CRO, email marketing, analytics, and more. Krystina also hosts the Growth Talks podcast, has contributed to TechCrunch, speaks at major industry conferences, and advises multiple companies in ad tech and marketing analytics.
40. Emily Rasekh, SVP, Global Business Development & Operations, Podcast Division at Sony
Emily Rasekh is the SVP of Global Business Development & Operations, Podcast Division at Sony Music Entertainment, where she focuses on driving the strategic expansion of Sony Music’s partnership, distribution, and monetization in the podcast space.
Prior to Sony Music, Emily was Vice President of Digital Partnerships at Audacy, where she oversaw digital content distribution strategy across digital, mobile, and emerging platforms.
41. Steve Ackerman, EVP and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony
Steve Ackerman is the EVP and Head of Global Podcasts at Sony Music Entertainment, leading the company’s podcast division since its acquisition of Somethin’ Else in 2021. He brings over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and media executive in the UK and USA, having transformed Somethin’ Else from a small audio company into an award-winning content powerhouse recognized with BAFTAs, Cannes Lions, and British Podcast Awards.
He was named one of Hollywood Reporter’s “40 Most Powerful People in Podcasting” in both 2023 and 2024.
42. Rosemary Scalabrino, Director of Business Development at Oxford Road
Rosemary Scalabrino is the Director of Business Development at Oxford Road, the leading podcast advertising agency. With over eight years of experience in audio media, she brings a strong background in sales and media buying. She started her Podcast career at Cadence13, a media company that creates, distributes, and monetize podcasts, where she served as the Manager of West Coast Sales. Throughout her trajectory, Rosemary has remained a passionate advocate for creator-driven media and the power of spoken word as a platform for brand storytelling.
43. Ashley Carmen, Reporter at Bloomberg
Ashley Carman covers the business of music, podcasts, and audiobooks at Bloomberg News, focusing on major tech platforms including Spotify and Amazon. She writes on trends, live events, and industry strategies, and shares insights through her weekly newsletter, Soundbite.
Based in New York City, Ashley has been reporting for Bloomberg since 2022, engaging with the latest developments in streaming, content monetization, and media innovation.
44. Mike Kadin, Co-Founder of RedCircle
Mike Kadin is the CEO and co-founder of RedCircle, a podcast platform that empowers independent creators to distribute, grow, and monetize their shows. Since its launch in 2018, RedCircle has delivered millions in revenue to podcasters worldwide, while enabling brands and agencies to run advertising campaigns.
Prior to RedCircle, Mike worked at Uber, where he scaled the Communications Platform team from 3 to 40 engineers, building infrastructure for email, SMS, voice, push notifications, and in-app messaging. He also played a key role in launching Uber for Business.
45. Jeremy Lermitte, Co-Founder of RedCircle
Alongside Mike Kadin, Jeremy Lermitte co-founded RedCircle and now serves as the company’s COO. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Jeremy served as a Founding Product Manager on Uber’s Communications Platform team, where he led development of platform APIs, vendor integrations, data pipelines, reporting and analytics, translations, and internal marketing and content management tools.
46. Chelsea Bradbury, Associate Director of Strategic Podcast Partnerships and Partner Growth at Spotify
Chelsea Bradbury is the Associate Director of Strategic Podcast Partnerships and Partner Growth at Spotify, where she leads initiatives to expand podcast partnerships and drive growth across global markets.
With prior experience as Head of UK & Nordics Publisher Partnerships at Spotify and roles in partnership development at Global, Chelsea has a strong background in podcast strategy, monetization, and building relationships with digital audio partners.
47. Allyson Marino, Head of Audio and Podcast Business Development at Moonbug
Allyson Marino is a podcast industry veteran and audio strategist specializing in building and scaling revenue-driven content ecosystems. She currently serves as Head of Audio & Podcast Business Development at Moonbug, leading global initiatives across children’s IP such as CoComelon and Blippi.
Allyson has held leadership roles at SiriusXM, iHeartMedia, and Hartbeat and founded the women-led podcast network Lipstick & Vinyl, which was acquired in 2021. Her work has been featured in Forbes, KTLA, and Golden State Magazine, and she continues to shape the future of podcasting at the intersection of storytelling, monetization, and innovation.
48. Brian Sykora, SVP, Product Strategy and Corporate Development at Jun Group
Brian Sykora is the SVP of Product Strategy and Corporate Development at Jun Group, where he leads innovation and corporate development initiatives that drive the company’s growth in mobile advertising and technology. Since joining Jun Group in 2021, Brian has played a central role in shaping the product roadmap and advancing strategic opportunities, building on his expertise in digital media, data strategy, and emerging technologies.
Before Jun Group, Brian served as VP of Product Strategy and Corporate Development at HyprMX Mobile, and earlier co-founded Pleasant Pops, a Washington D.C.–based food startup.
49. Brittany Clevenger, Senior Director of Growth Marketing at BetterHelp
Brittany Clevenger is the Senior Director of Growth Marketing at BetterHelp, where she manages the world’s largest podcast advertising budget for a leading DTC brand dedicated to making mental health more accessible and affordable.
She has extensive experience in podcast marketing, having previously served as Integrated Media Manager–Podcast at BetterHelp and as an Account Manager at Ad Results Media, where she oversaw multi-million-dollar podcast campaigns, optimized performance, and maintained strong relationships with clients, shows, and networks. Brittany’s expertise lies in driving growth through strategic podcast advertising and integrated media campaigns.
50. Thomas Mancusi, Chief Growth Officer at QCODE
Thomas Mancusi is the Chief Growth Officer at QCODE, a premium scripted podcast network and content studio. Previously, Thomas held senior leadership roles at Audioboom, driving record revenue, optimizing ad monetization, and leading sales and development across host-read, embedded, and programmatic podcast advertising.
He also serves as an advisor to Podscribe and Magellan AI, bringing deep expertise in podcast advertising, attribution, and analytics.
51. Steve Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer at QCODE
Steve Wilson is the Chief Strategy Officer at QCODE, overseeing strategic initiatives for the network since December 2020. With a 15 year tenure at Apple, Steve led marketing and editorial partner relations for Apple Podcasts, building expertise in content strategy, partnerships, and audience growth.
He also serves on the Board of Governors at The Podcast Academy, contributing to industry standards and strategic development for the broader podcast ecosystem.
52. John Goforth, VP/GM of Gamut Podcast Network
John Goforth is the VP/GM at Gamut Podcast Network, where he oversees everything from vision and strategy to monetization and day-to-day execution. Over his career, John has driven podcast revenue and audience growth for major media brands, built and led high-performing sales and ops teams, and helped shape the modern podcast advertising landscape.
He previously led revenue at Magellan AI, a leading podcast analytics and measurement platform.
53. Sim Sarna, CEO of Cloud10 Media
Sim Sarna is the founder and CEO of Cloud10 Media, a podcast network hosting over 80 shows across categories like True Crime, Comedy, Wellness, Society & Culture, and TV & Film. Under his leadership, Cloud10 has secured a multi-year creative partnership with iHeartMedia, the world’s largest podcast publisher.
Before founding Cloud10, Sim was a film producer and the co-creator, executive producer, and co-host of the award-winning celebrity podcast Anna Faris is Unqualified. Sim also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, teaching the innovative course “Creating the Hit Podcast”, now in its seventh year.
54. Jeremy Enns, Founder of Podcast Marketing Academy
Jeremy Enns is the founder of Podcast Marketing Academy, a high-intensity accelerator program designed to help ambitious creators and brands grow their podcasts with strategy, systems, and impact.
Based in Vancouver, he has worked with dozens of podcasters and online business owners across niches, helping them launch shows, improve production, develop marketing strategies, and build loyal audiences.
55. Scott Porretti, President of Katz Digital
Scott Porretti is the President of Katz Digital – the nation’s largest media sales organization, reaching more than 230 million consumers monthly through a combination of traditional and digital assets.
At Katz Digital, Scott leads digital audience sales, operations, and strategy across podcasting, broadcast, CTV, programmatic audio, and first-party data-enabled marketplaces.
56. Heather Osgood, Founder and CEO of True Native Media
Heather Osgood is the Founder & CEO of True Native Media, a podcast representation agency. With a background in radio advertising and a passion for podcasting, she has built, operated, and sold multiple successful businesses, including Simply Clear Marketing and The Podcast Broker.
Since founding True Native Media in 2016, Heather has focused on helping podcasters and advertisers maximize revenue through innovative creative solutions, client-centric service, strategic planning, adaptable campaigns, competitive pricing, and personalized support.
57. Kattie Laur, Editor of Pod The North
Kattie Laur is a Canadian podcast producer and growth specialist. She’s the Editor of Pod the North, the biweekly newsletter connecting and amplifying the Canadian podcasting ecosystem.
With over a decade of experience in both professional and independent podcasting, Kattie has built a career advocating for a sustainable, equitable, and world-class podcast industry in Canada. She has produced award-winning work with Vocal Fry Studios, Canadaland, Shayla Oulette Stonechild, BetaKit, and more, and now applies her expertise as a Podcast Growth Specialist at Bumper, helping shows expand and engage their audiences.
58. Charles Chiu, Head of International Podcast Partnerships at YouTube
Charles Chiu is Head of International Podcast Partnerships at YouTube, where he leads the platform’s global podcast expansion. With over 14 years at the company, he oversees market analysis, engagement strategies, investment planning, and go-to-market initiatives.
Charles also drives industry adoption of YouTube’s podcast features and guides key US partnerships to transition podcasts into video formats.
59. Larry Liniesky, Principal Business Development Executive at Amazon Ads
Larry Liniesky is Principal Business Development Executive at Amazon Ads, where he focuses on developing and launching consumer-facing products while creating innovative monetization opportunities.
With 25 years of experience in digital entertainment, Larry specializes in integrating digital solutions into traditional media, building long-term partnerships, and leveraging data-driven strategies to drive audience and revenue growth at scale.
60. Jonathan Dianora, Director of Revenue Partnerships (Audio) at Warner Bros Discovery and CNN Audio
Jonathan Dianora is the Director of Revenue Partnerships for CNN Audio and Warner Bros. Discovery, where he leads business development and manages strategic partnerships to drive audio revenue across both networks.
Jonathan brings extensive experience in advertising sales, ad tech, integrated marketing, and media buying, having held leadership roles at Acast and iHeartMedia.
61. Lisa Namerow, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships at CNN
Lisa Namerow works in Business Development & Strategic Partnerships at CNN, where she blends audio innovation, media strategy, and emerging tech to scale, expand content distribution, and lead high-performing teams. She is also a key member of the podcast division at Warner Brothers.
Before CNN and Warner Bros, Lisa was the Head of Podcast Content Strategy and Partnerships at Pandora, where she developed the go-to-market podcast content strategy for the launch of their podcast platform, executed key entertainment partnerships, and drove audience and revenue growth.
62. Glenn Miller, Agent at Creative Artists Agency
Glenn Miller is an Agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), representing top podcast creators and production companies such as Help I Sexted My Boss, Fin vs History, Tortoise Media, Audio Always, Mindhouse, Lemonada, Helena Merriman, and Telltale. He rejoined CAA in 2018 after serving as Head of Entertainment Partnerships for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Facebook.
Glenn has been recognized on Billboard’s Pride List (2021 & 2023), Billboard 30 Under 30, and Variety’s Hollywood New Leaders for his contributions to the entertainment and podcasting industries.
63. Oren Rosenbaum, Partner & Co-Head UTA Creators at United Talent Agency
Oren Rosenbaum is a Partner & Co-Head at United Talent Agency (UTA) in Los Angeles, specializing in emerging digital platforms as well as virtual and augmented reality projects. He leads UTA’s VR initiatives, with notable work including placing director Jeff Nicholas with Hulu/Live Nation’s VR concert series and facilitating a partnership between Turner Networks and Wattpad stories.
His client roster spans high-profile names such as DJ Khaled and the music platform Musical.ly. Oren was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 – Hollywood & Entertainment (2017) for his work in digital media and entertainment innovation.
64. Oskar Serrander, Co-Founder of Wondercraft
Oskar Serrander is a Swedish-American entrepreneur and the co-founder of Wondercraft, an AI-powered content creation platform for audio and video storytellers. Wondercraft, launched in 2024, empowers marketers and creators to produce professional storytelling at scale, with a $3M seed round backed by Y Combinator, Steven Bartlett, ElevenLabs, and Will Ventures.
Previously the COO at Acast and an early Spotify team member, Oskar has a long history in the creator economy, building podcast tech, marketplaces, and global teams.
65. Pat Shah, Global Head of Content Acquisition, Strategy & Partnerships at Audible
Pat Shah is the Global Head of Content Acquisition, Strategy & Partnerships at Audible. He has extensive experience across the music and audio industries, previously serving as Head of Music Strategy & Licensing at Twitch, Head of Original Content Licensing at Spotify, and VP of Digital Business Development at Universal Music Group.
He is skilled in business development, corporate strategy, start-up fundraising, private equity investing, and building strategic alliances, with a focus on scaling content opportunities in the digital entertainment space.
66. Bryon LaBumbard, VP of Podcast Partnerships at Vox Media
Bryon LaBumbard is the Vice President of Podcast Partnerships at Vox Media, where he leads monetization efforts across the Vox Media Podcast Network, one of the top 10 U.S. podcast publishers.
He focuses on developing strategic client partnerships across CPG, entertainment, financial services, and technology sectors. Bryon has over 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising, holding senior leadership roles at Federated Media and Yahoo!
67. Bikram Chatterji, CEO of Maximum Fun
Bikram Chatterji is the CEO of Maximum Fun, a pioneering podcast network based in Los Angeles known for its award-winning shows and dedicated community of listeners. Under his leadership, Maximum Fun has been repeatedly recognized in Apple’s Best-of-Year lists, Time, Fast Company, and other outlets, and in 2023, he helped lead Maximum Fun’s transition to a 100% worker-owned cooperative.
Before Maximum Fun, Bikram was a strategy consultant at AlixPartners and worked at an energy storage startup, bringing analytical and operational expertise to the podcast industry.
68. Greg Wasserman, Head of Relationships at RSS.com
Greg Wasserman is the Head of Relationships at RSS.com, where he brings his deep experience in advertising, startups, and podcasting into a people-first approach that drives both growth and community. Greg has built a career connecting people and opportunities, from exceeding sales quotas and managing teams at Yahoo! to leading partnerships and creating innovative revenue streams at startups.
At RSS.com, he focuses on supporting podcasters, building community, and forging strategic partnerships that enhance the platform’s ecosystem, all while keeping the human connection at the center.
69. J.D. Crowley, Former Chief Digital Officer and President, Podcast & Streaming at Audacy
J.D. Crowley is the former Chief Digital Officer and President of Podcast & Streaming at Audacy, a leading multi-platform audio and entertainment company.
During his tenure, he oversaw Audacy’s digital portfolio, including the Audacy app, Cadence13, Pineapple Street Studios, 2400Sports, and Podcorn, driving strategy and innovation across podcast creation, distribution, and branded content. Before Audacy, Crowley held senior digital leadership roles at CBS.
70. Katie Long, Executive Producer, Limited Series and Development at Crooked Media
Katie Long is an award-winning podcast producer and editor based in Los Angeles. She currently serves as Executive Producer for Development and Limited Series at Crooked Media, where she oversees the creation and production of acclaimed docuseries and limited-run podcasts, including This Land, The Wilderness, Stuck with Damon Young, and Another Russia.
Before joining Crooked Media, Katie produced and edited podcasts for Wondery and Marketplace, contributing to shows like American Scandal, Business Wars, and the Marketplace Morning Report. She has also written and produced for Slate, New York Magazine, and WNYC.
71. Lauren Russo, EVP Managing Partner, Innovation & Performance Audio at Horizon Media
Lauren Russo is EVP and Managing Partner for Innovation & Performance Audio at Horizon Media, where she leverages more than 20 years of experience in broadcast and digital media to drive high-performing audio campaigns.
Recognized by Ad Age as a Leading Woman in 2025 and Cynopsis Top Women in Media in 2020, Lauren is also an IAB Outstanding Contributor for Audio Media 2025. She serves on the IAB Audio Board, RAB Advisory Committee, and Nielsen Audio Alliance Advisory Board, and her work has been honored by top media organizations, including MediaPost, RAB, and Adweek.
72. Karissa Jhangiani, VP of The Chernin Group
Karissa Jhangiani is Vice President at The Chernin Group (TCG), one of the largest owners and investors in podcast networks. She brings a strong background in finance and technology, having previously worked as an execution associate at Accel-KKR, a software and tech-enabled services private equity firm, and as an investment banking analyst at Moelis & Company, where she focused on M&A across consumer, media, and healthcare sectors.
73. Catherine Browne, Vice President of Night/The Roost Podcast Network
Catherine Browne is the Vice President of Revenue & Partnerships at Night/The Roost Podcast Network, a pioneering video-first podcast company known for creator-led shows like Theo Von, Phil DeFranco, and The Yard.
With a background at Amazon and Wondery, she specializes in driving growth for both creators and brands, helping them navigate multi-platform distribution, monetization, and audience engagement.
74. Blad Norman, Global Head of Marketing and Communications at Amazon/Wondery
Blad Norman is the Head of Global Marketing and Communications at Amazon/Wondery, where he leads advertising, marketing, and audience development initiatives for one of the world’s leading podcast networks.
With over 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising across major global organizations, Blad specializes in creating authentic, community-driven campaigns that connect fans with creators and brands.
75. Yale Yee, Partner at Telos Advisors
Yale Yee is a Partner at Telos Advisors in San Francisco and a leading M&A advisor to the podcast industry. He specializes in strategic advisory and investment banking for digital media, Internet, eCommerce, and SaaS companies. Since 2000, he has completed over $15 billion in M&A transactions, public offerings, and private equity and debt financings.
He focuses on helping companies raise capital, execute mergers and acquisitions, and develop long-term strategic growth initiatives in the tech and digital media sectors.
Happy International Podcast Day!
There you have it – our picks for the top 75 thought leaders in podcasting this year!
A huge thank you to the thought leaders, creators, and audio enthusiasts who continue to push the medium forward and make podcasting what it is today.
Keep the celebrations going all year round by subscribing to Tuned In, our bi-weekly newsletter dedicated to podcasting’s newsmakers, expert backed tips, and content designed to keep you ahead of the curve.
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