Podcasts

ABC News Top Stories top podcast in December

ABC News Top Stories was the most listened to podcast in Australia in December according to the Triton podcast ranker.

This is the first time an ABC podcast has topped the list since we joined Triton in November 2023.

ABC News Top Stories is a news update created specifically for digital audiences, explaining the key stories of the moment in under two minutes.

ABC Director News Justin Stevens said: “I’m delighted to see ABC News Top Stories resonating so strongly with audiences.

“ABC News Top Stories is designed to give audiences the news they need, whenever they want it, in short and insightful sessions.

“The ongoing engagement across the quiet summer period demonstrates how well we are adapting our news offering to meet the changing needs of our audience.”

Also in December, the ABC maintained the No. 3 podcast publisher and had more titles in the top 200 than any other publisher, with 27 titles making the list.

The full Triton Australian Podcast Ranker can be found here.

Audiences can enjoy all the ABC’s podcasts for free and ad free on ABC listen.

The Australian Podcast Ranker is a regular monthly snapshot of Australia’s most popular podcasts. The Ranker has been reporting podcast listening in Australia since 2019 and includes a wide cross section of Australian podcast publishers, from both radio and non-radio backgrounds.

Not Another Crime Podcast is now available on the free iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Freedman went on to detail the reasons behind her decision, writing: “One is burnout but not in the way you might think. Doing the same thing, over and over, is a form of creative burnout I struggle with periodically.”

The other reason for her departure was … maths.

She explained: “It’s simple, really. Co-hosting Mamamia Outloud (now Australia’s 3rd biggest podcast which is a daily show), writing this newsletter, being co-founder of a company that’s grown from just-me to 150+ people, plus three kids, two dogs, and one granddaughter is a lot. Something had to give, and I finally admitted I had to make some choices.”

Freedman has already locked in her replacement, with radio veteran Kate Langbroek set to take over.

Freedman revealed that she would be Langbroek’s first guest, sitting down with her on the podcast next week.

UPDATE 6/2

CRA retracts inflated podcast listenership claim

CRA has retracted a bold claim regarding Australian podcast listenership, first published in its annual Australian Podcast Report earlier this week.

The report initially stated that 63% of Australian podcasts average over 100,000 listens per month, with the accompanying press release largely centred around this claim.

Not surprisingly, this claim raised a few eyebrows, and after some soft inquiries from Mumbrella – plus a Mumbrellacast segment dedicated to the topic – we were able to gain clarification.

To their end, Commercial Radio & Audio are pointing the finger squarely at Triton, who provided the data used in the report.

CRA issued Mumbrella with a “clarification statement” that included strong disclaimers such as: “The data presented in the Australian Podcast Report originates from and is the sole responsibility of Triton Digital”; “CRA does not produce, alter, or control the reported data in any capacity”; and – in case there was any confusion – “The press release from CRA was based on the data provided on the Triton Digital report and subject to final approvals from Triton Digital.”

‘SHOULD I SPIT?’: LiSTNR LAUNCHES NEW ‘SECRETS WE KEEP’ PODCAST EXPLORING THE COMPLEX WORLD OF DNA DATA

THE DOUBLE EDGED BLUEPRINT: HOW TRACING YOUR FAMILY TREE THROUGH DNA COULD LEAD TO LEGAL AND PRIVACY TRAPS IN AN UNREGULATED WORLD

Have you ever spat into a tube in the hopes of finding out your family’s lineage and unknown history? Has someone in your family taken a seemingly simple DNA test as a fun activity, thinking not much will come of it? It turns out, there’s actually far more privacy, power and profit on the line than most people realise, and you can get caught up in DNA data’s dark side without ever having made your own donation.

The latest season of the award-winning Secrets We Keep podcast, Should I Spit?, dives into the blueprint for life – DNA – and how its exploitation has become a key player in crime, corporations and the world’s wealthiest church. Should I Spit? is available exclusively on LiSTNR from 4 February and across all platforms from 6 March.

Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit? is presented by award-winning investigative journalist, Claire Aird, who has spent four years chasing the story about the complex and chaotic world of DNA data. The series takes Claire everywhere from Salt Lake City in the US – both the centre of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the heart of the global DNA and family history industry – to the Australian Federal Police, who are also embracing Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy.

Along the way she discovers the Mormon Church’s unexpected links to DNA data collection, a multibillion-dollar direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry profiting from people’s profiles, a mass DNA screening operation in rural New South Wales, a wrongfully implicated man in a murder investigation, and so much more.

This LiSTNR podcast will be a must-listen for anyone interested in security, privacy, technology, corporate greed, true crime, the safety of their family, and anyone who has ever thought about spitting into a tube.

Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit? host, Claire Aird, added: “Our DNA is the code that makes us who we are. It holds information about what we look like, where we come from, family relatedness, our propensity for disease and even mental illness. Police in Australia, as in many other countries globally, are pushing ahead with new DNA technologies, taking DNA from a basic tool of identification into a form of intelligence. This has the potential to radically change policing. What concerns me is this gradual integration of advanced DNA capabilities and search methods into our criminal justice system is occurring without a public conversation.”

LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, said: “Should I Spit? is an exceptional podcast that combines quality investigative journalism with a riveting true crime story. Listeners will discover the truth about the global DNA industry, why many Australians’ personal information is stored in a secretive mountain vault in Utah owned by the Mormon church, and how an innocent person could be dragged into a murder investigation because a distant relative wanted to explore their family tree. Both here in Australia and around the world, we’ve reached a point where you can’t afford to ignore the value and potential consequences of giving up your DNA.

This season of Secrets We Keep demonstrates LiSTNR’s ongoing commitment to publishing powerful and important journalism that engages audiences and drives change.”

Secrets We Keep: Should I Spit? is a nine-part podcast series, available on LiSTNR from 4 February, and all other podcast platforms from 6 March. Download the LiSTNR app and sign-up to listen for free.


BINDI IRWIN TO LAUNCH SEASON NINE OF LiSTNR’S A LIFE OF GREATNESS WITH SARAH GRYNBERG

“The work that you do is so incredibly important…sharing people’s stories and lives. It’s something to be so proud of and you are remarkable. So please keep up your amazing, amazing work.”Bindi Irwin on Sarah Grynberg and A Life of Greatness.

The popular LiSTNR podcast A Life of Greatness with Sarah Grynberg returns for its highly anticipated ninth season on Tuesday, February 4. Celebrated for its compelling interviews and powerful storytelling, the show continues to captivate listeners with deep dives into the lives of extraordinary individuals with high-profile celebrity guests including Matthew McConaughey, Olivia Newton-John, Jada Pinkett-Smith and thought leaders like Deepak Chopra, Esther Perel and Dr Andrew Huberman. This season kicks off with an in-depth conversation with conservationist Bindi Irwin.

In the first episode, Bindi Irwin opens up about her 10-year struggle with health issues before being diagnosed with endometriosis and undergoing life-changing surgery in the United States. Reflecting on the procedure, she shares, “…if I hadn’t gotten surgery, the next five years of my life would have been very make-or-break because I was having real problems.”

Sarah Grynberg said: “After more than 200 interviews, and hundreds of episodes of A Life of Greatness, I can truly say that season nine is our best yet. Our guests open up to share their triumphs, lessons and wisdom, so that we can all learn how to live a life of greatness. From Australian icon Bindi Irwin, to one of the biggest mindset coaches in the world, Mel Robbins, this season is going to be incredible.”

LiSTNR Original Podcasts Head of Entertainment and Culture, Sam Cavanagh, said: “Launching the ninth season of A Life of Greatness is an extraordinary feat, and Sarah continues to raise the bar with the calibre of guests and quality of conversation in every episode. A Life of Greatness deserves its place amongst Australia’s best podcasts.” ”

All previous seasons of A Life of Greatness with Sarah Grynberg are available on LiSTNR, including interviews with Rick Astley, Daniel Ricardo, Darren Hayes and Jay Shetty.

In addition, starting Friday, February 7, Sarah Grynberg debuts a new podcast, Sarah’s Thoughts, a series where she shares the content closest to her heart—personal, unfiltered, and unapologetically honest. It’s a space dedicated to raw reflections and bold ideas. In the first episode Sarah explores why we should stop idolising so-called ‘gurus’, and the importance of trusting our own wisdom.

A Life of Greatness with Sarah Grynberg has new episodes available every Tuesday and Sarah’s Thoughts is available every Friday on LiSTNR.

Mumbrella adds that:

The new partnership will see Nova take over sales representation for Schwartz Media’s podcasts, which include the aforementioned 7am, hosted by Ruby Jones and Daniel James, and weekly Read This, a show “about the books we love and the stories behind them”, hosted by The Monthly’s editor, Michael Williams.


9PODCASTS LAUNCHES NEW PARENTING PODCAST: BABY TALK WITH TAYLA BROAD AND LANA MURPHY

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Parenting is messy, chaotic, and full of surprises—and now, there’s a podcast that embraces it all. Baby Talk, the latest from 9Podcasts, is hosted by new mums Tayla Broad and Lana Murphy, who are bringing their unfiltered, laugh-out-loud take on motherhood to a wider audience.

What started as their own two-person mothers’ group is now an open invitation to anyone navigating parenthood—whether you’re a new mum, a soon-to-be mum, thinking about motherhood, or just curious about what really goes on behind the Instagram filters. Baby Talk dives into the highs, the lows, and the inevitable messes, with honesty, humour, and zero judgment.

9Podcasts Content Manager, Richard Stansbury, said: "We’re very excited to have Tayla Broad and Lana Murphy on board to launch a very authentic and refreshing new podcast. The genuine relationship Tayla and Lana have formed since becoming mums is undeniable and, as soon as parents hear them share their often opposing experiences of parenthood, we’re certain they’ll be turning to their friends saying “that’s just like me and you.” In a world filled with so many experts and the pressures of being a modern parent, Tayla and Lana are here to be real, cut through the noise and help other mums, mum.”

Tayla Broad added: “As cliche as this sounds, Baby Talk has quickly become our child. Of course, we love our actual kids slightly more. We have created this podcast for mothers, others and friends of mothers, longing to be mothers, expecting mothers, or those curious about motherhood. Our podcast bridges the gap between Type A and Type B parenting, offering a refreshing, down-to-earth perspective on motherhood.”

“We know how lonely being a mum can be at times, and not everyone has access to a mum bestie as I do with Lana, so we thought, why not create a mother’s group that everyone can join without even leaving the house? Baby Talk offers a genuine, relatable take on parenting, filled with humour and heart.”

Lana Murphy, 9News journalist, said: “Like many, since having a baby, my world and identity has been flipped on its head. I’ve gone from being a busy career-focused girlie to… well… an even busier mum. Part of me is still in denial, and I often find myself searching for the real adult in the room. But what I have learned is that motherhood really is nothing to be afraid of. In fact—it’s actually quite fun.”

"The key is having the right people around you. The ‘village’ is a term new parents hear often. It’s imperative—not just for survival—but to thrive. I am so grateful that I have one, with family and friends who really get it. But not everyone does. Not everyone gets to stumble upon a 10/10 mum friend like Tayla.

“So—we’ve decided it’s our duty to expand our village, to create a space where people can laugh and cry and whinge and moan with ZERO judgement and ZERO PRESSURE to learn the lyrics to the Baby Sensory songs.”

BABY TALK WITH TAYLA BROAD AND LANA MURPHY OUT NOW
New episodes dropping weekly on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

What a boring name for a media company. Johns Media…surely Reg Regan Productions or Trent The Flight Steward Entertainment would’ve been better.

Should You Really Eat That - Season 2 artwork by Grace Lee

Love at First Bite? SBS podcast — “Should You Really Eat That?” returns

Join food writer Lee Tran Lam for another epic culinary podcast adventure kicking off with a curious dive into chocolate on the day of love. This Valentine’s Day, you might be tempted to gift your partner with the ultimate sweet treat, reassuring yourself that chocolate is practically a health food—but is it really?

Lam returns to host a second series of the award-winning podcast Should You Really Eat That? to unravel the cultural, social, and nutritional confusion surrounding staples in our diets.

Figuring out what’s truly good for our bodies can feel like a juggling act, with everyday Australians bombarded with conflicting advice. One moment olive oil shots are a wellness trend; the next we’re asking whether butter belongs in coffee. What about soy—an everyday ingredient or a supposed health threat for men? And on this chocolate-laced holiday, you may be wondering, where does chocolate even come from?

With a new menu to interrogate, host Lam continues to probe the mixed messaging around the food and drinks we consume, supported by a platter of chefs, dietitians, and other foodie guests.

“I’m thrilled there’s an appetite for a new season of the show, and it’s been great exploring the food history, cultural context, and nutritional debate around ingredients we reach for – such as salt, olive oil, soy, butter, Indigenous foods and, of course, chocolate,” Lam said.

“Regardless of your relationship status, it’s hard to avoid all the chocolate that’s around on Valentine’s Day or when it creeps up for Easter! Now seems like a good time to explore whether chocolate is as ‘healthy’ as people think, and dig into its cultural role, from its 4000-year-old contested history in Mexico to sweet treats being used to showcase Indigenous ingredients in Australia.”

In the opening episode, Lam talks to nutrition expert Saman Khalesi, chef Juan Carlos Negrete Lopez and proud Wiradjuri woman Fiona Harrison, chocolatier and founder of Australia’s first Indigenous chocolate company Chocolate On Purpose, to unwrap chocolate at its origin. The rest of the episodes will be rolled out on a weekly basis.

The second season of Should You Really Eat That? returns following a slate of awards and nominations in 2024 for its first season, including the Webby Awards (Winner, People’s Voice); Signal Awards *(*Silver, Food & Drink); Publisher Podcast Awards (Nominee, Best Food & Drink Podcast); and Australian Podcast Awards (Nominee, Factual).

Australia’s #1 sport podcast, LiSTNR’s The Howie Games, gives fans an exclusive, behind the scenes look with Collingwood Football Club legend Scott Pendlebury, in an innovative eight-part series, Pendlebury: Beyond 400.

The first episode of ‘Pendlebury: Beyond 400′ is available now on LiSTNR. Episodes will be released on Monday and Tuesday across the next four weeks.

ABC audio on demand has a record-breaking summer

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December to February was the ABC’s strongest summer on record for listeners across our on demand audio content.

Engagement with our audio on demand content has grown throughout January with the first two weeks of February the strongest ever for on demand content. There were 2.38 million stream starts in the week commencing 2 February and 2.37 million in week commencing 9 February via the listen app, according to our internal measures*.

ABC SPORT was a significant driver of audiences across December and January. Audiences peaked in the week commencing 29 December during our coverage of the Australia v India test series with 744,000 live stream starts. Across the summer period there were a total 59.7 million streaming minutes for ABC sport content**.

ABC and Australian exclusive Bluey Listen Along, audio-only versions of favourite Bluey episodes delivered 1.76 million listening minutes via the ABC listen app across January*.

ABC Director Audio, Ben Latimer said: “The ABC prioritised original, distinctive Australian content for our audience across the traditional non ratings summer period. We’re delighted our content has connected with more Australians than ever.”

The latest Triton results***, released today also demonstrate the strength of the ABC’s podcast offering. The ABC continues to be Australia’s 3rd most listened to podcast network adding 140,000 listeners for 2.5 million listeners across January, up 275,000 listeners when compared to January 2024.

The ABC has more titles in the top 200 than any other publisher, with 27 of our titles featuring in the January ranker. ABC News Top Stories was the second most listened to podcast in January and we had 3 podcasts in the top 10 for the first time since October 2024, with Conversations improving by one rank to #6 and ABC News Daily climbing three ranks to #8.

Other highlights from our podcast slate were The ABC Tennis Podcast which returned to the ranker at #85 thanks to our partnership with the Australian Open and ABC SPORT Daily up 44 places to #36. Radio National Breakfast also jumped 31 places to #104 and added 15,000 listeners.

The full Triton Australian Podcast Ranker can be found here.

Audiences can enjoy all the ABC’s podcasts, live radio and sport content for free and ad free on ABC listen.

*Source Snowplow.

**Summer period defined as (15/12/24 – 25/01/25).

*** The Triton Australian Podcast Ranker is a regular monthly snapshot of Australia’s most popular podcasts. The Ranker has been reporting podcast listening in Australia since 2019 and includes a wide cross section of Australian podcast publishers, from both radio and non-radio backgrounds.