“They just give anybody a microphone these days,” is a common statement since the rise of podcasts. Covering everything from relationships and gender empowerment to entertainment, fiction, and true crime, these episode-based audio productions (sometimes in video form) are everywhere.
Podcasts stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and YouTube. Hosts range from radio personalities and influencers to everyday people and, even more now, A-list celebrities.
From Michelle Obama’s IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, to Kerry Washington’s Street You Grew Up On, and Shaquille O’Neal’s The Big Podcast with Shaq, I hear some of my favorite popular voices tackle tough topics and share laughs.
To promote new episodes, snippets are posted on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, sometimes going viral and drawing comments like, “I’m so tired of seeing celebrities with podcasts.”
I’ve said those exact words myself, because not all are as positive or chill as those I mentioned. However, I understand why more will likely emerge.
Podcasts have become many celebrities’ go-to for sharing their personal opinions and life experiences
As a freelance journalist, I see firsthand that many celebrities dislike interviews because their words are often twisted into viral clickbait stories. Throughout my early career, I’ve been lucky enough to talk to some of the nicest celebrities, including Ice Cube, Muni Long, and Essence Atkins.
My goal has always been to avoid super invasive questions because I respect their art and believe they deserve to keep their personal lives private. Unfortunately, not every journalist, writer, or editor thinks that way, and in some cases, the tough questions need to be asked.
Modern cozy home office setup with microphone, notebooks, and plants on desk. Warm lamp lighting with colorful neon wall signs, creating stylish workspace for gaming, podcasting, or content creation.
(Kiwis via Getty Images)
Yet, as a result, I believe celebs are choosing their own outlets to address situations, share behind-the-scenes facts, and tease upcoming projects to get press. Quotes from their podcasts are used in stories/articles regardless, but at least they’re the source.
There’s a lot of money in the industry, which means another source of income
Just because we see them on the big and small screens, on stage at concerts/festivals, and starting businesses doesn’t mean celebrities aren’t looking for new sources of income. According to Owl & Co., the global estimated revenue for the podcasting industry was $7.3 billion in 2024.
My method when choosing a new podcast to listen to
Again, not all podcasts, even with celebrity hosts, are worth listening to. Sometimes the subjects are the same, annoying social media chatter topics like “Would you go 50/50 with your significant other?” So, to escape these podcasts, I simply don’t listen to them or interact with their content on social media. Sometimes I even block the account, hoping my algorithm will notice I’m not interested in that subject and won’t recommend anything similar.