487 - Podcasting Has Officially Surpassed Talk Radio.
In this episode of Podcast Answer Man, I talk about a milestone moment that I never thought I’d see so soon. For the first time in history, audio podcasting has surpassed AM/FM talk radio as the most popular way Americans consume spoken-word audio.
This episode is part industry insight, part personal reflection, and part behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve been building lately. I also share several important updates related to podcasting tools, events, and opportunities for creators.
Podcasting Has Overtaken Talk Radio
A close friend sent me an article this week. According to recent research, podcast listenership has officially overtaken talk radio among Americans who consume spoken-word audio.
I walk through the data, what it means, and why this shift matters so much for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone thinking about starting a podcast today. I also reflect on my own long history with radio. From childhood fascination with microphones and transmitters, to years of listening to talk radio, to the moment podcasting completely replaced radio in my own life.
Why Podcasting Continues to Grow
I break down why podcasting continues to grow year after year:
- On-demand listening instead of fixed schedules
- No fear of missing content due to live broadcasts
- The ability to choose exactly what you want to listen to
- Deep, focused engagement without constant interruption
I also talk about how radio itself helped accelerate the growth of podcasting by educating audiences on what podcasts are, even if that wasn’t their original intention.
People Really Do Listen. And They Binge.
There’s a persistent myth that attention spans are shrinking too much for long-form audio. I address that directly in this episode and share a voicemail from a listener who has been binge-listening dozens of episodes and was inspired to finally launch his own podcast as a result.
People are not just listening. They’re staying. They’re finishing episodes. And they’re building long-term relationships with the voices they trust.
Trust, Attention, and the Power of the Medium
I also comment on recent industry research around trust and podcasting. While I share my honest opinions about advertising and ad-skipping, I explain why podcasting remains one of the most powerful mediums for building trust, connection, and influence over time.
Podcasting allows for depth. It allows for nuance. And it allows for real human connection in a way that very few platforms can match.
Tools and Resources Mentioned
- CNET article on podcast listenership surpassing talk radio: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/podcasts-officially-outrank-talk-radio-for-the-first-time-in-history
- iHeartMedia State of Podcasting 2026 report: https://www.iheartmedia.com/advertise/insights/articles/the-state-of-podcasting
- Episode 477: Why I Moved Podcast Answer Man to Podpage: http://PodcastAnswerMan.com/477
- Podpage Affilate Link: http://PodcastAnswerMan.com/podpage
- Podcast Movement 2026 information and early access signup: https://2026.podcastmovement.com
- Social Media Marketing World 2026 Affiliate Link: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld/?sme=371
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at What I’m Building
Toward the end of the episode, I share an update on a personal project I’ve been working on. After attending a masterclass, I began building my own podcast-focused software using AI-assisted development.
The project is called PodBriefer, and while it’s still in private beta, it’s already changing how I personally consume, manage, summarize, and engage with podcasts. I explain what it does, why I built it, and how it’s helping me stay deeply connected with the work of clients, peers, and people I care about without being overwhelmed.
More to come on that soon.
The Path Forward
If you’re listening to this and you’re an entrepreneur, a business owner, or a solopreneur who feels isolated in the decisions you’re making, I want to speak directly to you.
Many people building service-first businesses are doing meaningful work, serving real clients, and creating genuine transformation, yet they’re doing it alone. No team. No trusted room. No consistent place to think out loud, gain perspective, and make aligned decisions.
That’s exactly why I created the Next Level Mastermind.
This is a curated, high-trust community of service-first entrepreneurs who are committed to growth, clarity, and long-term sustainability. We meet every week. We think together. We support one another. And we take action from a place of alignment rather than pressure.
If you feel like you’re carrying everything by yourself and you know it doesn’t have to be that way, I invite you to reach out.
Email me directly at cliff@cliffravenscraft.com and let me know you’re interested in learning more about the Next Level Mastermind. I’d love to explore whether this is the right next step for you.
Until next time, I encourage you to take everything you do to the next level.
Podcasting A to Z Is Back
If you want to launch a podcast but feel stuck, overwhelmed by the tech, or unsure where to start, Podcasting A to Z was created for you.
This is a live, four-week guided experience where I personally walk you through every step of launching a great-sounding podcast. You get clear instruction, direct access to me as your coach, weekly group calls, and lifetime access to the full training library.
Since 2011, nearly 700 students have launched their podcasts through this program. Many of them started exactly where you are right now.
The next session is coming up!
If you’re ready to stop thinking about starting a podcast and finally launch one with confidence, visit PodcastingAtoZ.com to learn more and register.
