߲ݴý Launches New Outspoken Podcast Network to Spotlight LGBTQ+ Voices

JoJo Siwa to executive produce and host her own podcast as well as lead a full slate of Outspoken Podcast Network programming

Rosie O’Donnell, Raven-Symoné, Lance Bass, Laverne Cox and more join Outspoken’s star-studded creator lineup 

Fan-favorite podcasts “Celebrity Book Club with Steven & Lily” and “Woke AF Daily” with Danielle Moodie to also join ߲ݴý’s Outspoken Podcast Network

 

NEW YORK and LAS VEGAS – March 8, 2023 – ߲ݴý, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today launched Outspoken, a new podcast network distributed by iHeartPodcasts that will amplify, elevate and reflect the diversity, richness and humanity of the voices throughout the LGBTQ+ community. Announced today in advance of Podcast Movement Evolutions in Las Vegas, Outspoken will feature programming from talent including Rosie O’Donnell, Lance Bass, Laverne Cox, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, Alex Mapa, Bridget Todd and more of iHeartPodcasts’ favorite hosts, plus a new upcoming show with Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday. Additionally, JoJo Siwa will join Outspoken as a proud supporter and collaborator on a full slate of upcoming network programming as well as executive produce and host her own podcast. 

will be executive produced by Award-winning activist and media strategist Raquel Willis alongside Jay Brunson, ߲ݴý’s Creative Development and Marketing Director. As part of Willis’ work with Outspoken, she will be developing two original podcasts for the network––the first will shine a light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth living in Queer legislative battleground states; while the second will feature an extended take on her investigative work as executive editor at Out magazine that will expand the narrative on the epidemic of violence against Black trans women. 

“With Outspoken, ߲ݴý and a team of brilliant creators are building a space for LGBTQ+ talent and listeners everywhere to celebrate who they are. It’s exciting to see podcasting  becoming a medium where voices of all kinds go to be heard, and the Outspoken network will elevate the impactful culture of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “We’re also honored to have some of the biggest personalities in podcasting joining us as advocates by using their massive platforms with millions of listeners to amplify these creators and help bring a greater diversity of voices into the podcast space.”

The Outspoken Podcast Network mirrors the richness of the LGBTQ+ community, covering a wide range of topics, genres, stories and perspectives. iHeartPodcasts featured on the network include Rosie O'Donnell’s upcoming show “Onward,” set to debut later this month; Lance Bass’ “”; and “'' with Loni Love and Alec Mapa. Programming will also include “” with Fran Tirado and Rose Dommu; “” with Jonathan Bennett; initiative winning podcasts “” with Carmen Laurent and “” with Jonathan Higgins and Jordan Daniels; and “” with Bridget Todd. “,” from comedians Steven Phillips-Horst and Lily Marotta, and “” with Danielle Moodie will also join Outspoken and be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. 

Hit Big Money Players creators Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (“Las Culturistas”); and George Civeris and Sam Taggart (“StraightioLab”) as well as Laverne Cox of Shondaland Audio’s “” will also take part as supporters and advocates with their respective shows featured in the Outspoken Podcast Network programming.

Outspoken joins iHeartPodcasts’ lineup of networks created to spotlight and elevate underrepresented communities in media, giving space for a diverse group of creators and shows that connect with all audiences. These networks include , dedicated to celebrating Latinx voices, stories and content creators; Charlamagne Tha God’s , the first podcast network specifically built for the Black community, bringing together the most talented and trusted voices in Black culture for critical conversations on social justice, pop culture and more; and , an initiative which aims to empower up-and-coming creators from diverse backgrounds by giving them the tools they need to succeed in the podcast industry.

See the current Outspoken Podcast Network lineup of shows,

About ߲ݴý, Inc.

߲ݴý, Inc. (Nasdaq: IHRT) is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans in every month. iHearts broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined and has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit ߲ݴý.com for more company information.