True-Crime Podcast Stars Gather for Golden Globes Nomination Discussion

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Ashley Flowers, known for her hit true-crime podcast ‘Crime Junkie,’ was visibly starstruck when she arrived at the Sun Rose Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. Flowers, the head of the Audiochuck network, met well-known Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison during the taping of The Hollywood Reporter‘s first Podcasters roundtable.

Flowers summoned the courage to request a video message from Morrison in his iconic voice for her followers. ‘It felt like an anointment,’ she said, reflecting on their unexpected encounter.

The taping also included notable figures like self-help author Mel Robbins and comedian Dax Shepard, both of whom have enjoyed prior success through their own podcasts. The discussion highlighted their journey and the budding relationship between politics and podcasting.

Among the intriguing interactions, Flowers and Morrison reminisced about their early podcast beginnings. ‘You couldn’t pay me to listen to my first episodes,’ Flowers admitted, feeling a world apart from her former self.

Morrison seemed to recall his unique voice, humorously quipping, ‘I am 412 years old. That didn’t come along until I was about 300.’ The synergy between the guests was palpable as they shared both laughter and their awkward beginnings in the podcast landscape.

Political podcasters Ben Shapiro and Jon Favreau joined the dialogue, swapping anecdotes about their contrasting ideologies yet finding common ground. ‘There’s a responsibility we have to report accurately and truthfully,’ Shapiro emphasized.

As the night went on, the podcasters grappled with the significant shift in podcasting from audio to video formats, noting the pressures of maintaining audience engagement. ‘If you take a break, your audience may feel lost,’ said Flowers.

The conversation took an insightful turn as they reflected on juggling entertainment and responsibility in podcasting. ‘We’ve got a team of 100 running down stories,’ Flowers stated, speaking on her professional evolution.

With past podcasting norms broken down, the group pondered the future of the medium. As they looked ahead to the Golden Globes nominations, the podcasting stars recognized their role in shaping a new era of content creation.

‘We are part of an ongoing conversation,’ Shepard concluded. Each voice, as unique as their backgrounds, drives the future of not just their podcasts, but potentially the entire industry.