Welcome to This Week in Podcasting, where we recap some of the latest updates and news from the world of podcasting – from exclusive deals to exciting tours – let’s get into it!
1. Audio Production Awards 2025 Nominees Announced
The UK’s Audio Production Awards (APAs) have revealed their 2025 shortlist, marking the event’s 15th anniversary. This year introduces new categories like The Changemaker Award, highlighting the breadth of creative work across the industry. Winners will be announced on 27 November at London’s BFI – you can grab your tickets here!
2. MrBallen Signs Exclusive Deal with SiriusXM
True-crime creator John Allen – MrBallen Podcast – has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with SiriusXM, giving the platform distribution and ad-sales rights for both his podcast and YouTube channel. It’s another sign of major platforms betting big on established creator brands.
3. Podcast Ad Spend Stalls Over Measurement Gaps
A new survey from ad agency Oxford Road finds advertisers are holding back nearly US $1 billion from podcast budgets due to poor measurement and attribution. Brands say they need better data—especially for video podcasts—before unlocking more spend. You can read more about the findings here.
4. ShxtsNGigs Announces UK & Ireland Tour
This week, Viral UK podcast duo ShxtsNGigs announced their UK & Ireland Tour. In May and June 2026, James Duncan and Fuhad Dawodu will bring their Daddy’s Home Tour to Bristol, London, Dublin, and more cities, with tickets now available here. And don’t forget, in January 2026, the duo will be in South Africa, too!
And that’s it for this week in podcasting! While you’re here, don’t forget to download all our past issues of The Podcast Sessions Magazine – happy reading!
