Spotify and ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ Partner on the First-Ever Podcaster Roundtable

For the first time, Spotify has teamed up with The Hollywood Reporter to cohost a dedicated Podcaster Roundtable to spotlight top contenders for the newly introduced Best Podcast category at the Golden Globes.

This collaboration marks a new chapter for both brands and for podcasting’s place in culture. The full video conversation is now streaming on Spotify, marking the debut of a THR roundtable on our platform.

The roundtable features a notable roster of podcasting voices: Keith Morrison, Mel Robbins, Ben Shapiro, Ashley Flowers, Dax Shepard, and Jon Favreau. Together, they reflect on the state of podcasting today, from creative freedom and authenticity to how the format is expanding into new visual frontiers.

“If you feel cringey doing it, you’re probably doing it right,” said Mel Robbins, capturing podcasting’s spirit of authenticity. Dax Shepard agreed: “Those ‘cringe’ moments are what keep the format human and relatable.”

Panelists explored how video is reshaping the industry, with Robbins noting the different approaches across channels, including the Spotify Partner Program for video creators. For her, that evolution represents both a creative challenge and an opportunity: “It’s a ton of work but also fun to figure out.”

Ashley Flowers, meanwhile, is embracing a multi-format future. “We’ve got the vodcast,” she said, “but we’re also working on a pilot episode of what would be like a more traditional TV show… It’s going to become increasingly normal to see it on platforms.”

While the early days of podcasting were all about DIY experimentation, the group agreed the medium has evolved into a thriving, professionalized industry that rewards craft over clicks.

“Each of my episodes represents about 100 hours of work,” Robbins shared. “For me, it’s about impact, not virality.”

Watch the full THR Podcaster Roundtable and other roundtables, streaming now on Spotify and THR.com.