Compiled by Jasper Baumann
myDRIVESCHOOL and LiSTNR launch, Keep Your Wheels On
myDRIVESCHOOL, in partnership with LiSTNR and funded by the Australian Government, has revealed a new podcast, Keep Your Wheels On, which aims to educate drivers on safe driving habits and techniques.
Keep Your Wheels On is a collection of drivers reflecting on times that they have experienced unsafe driving situations, and features guidance from driver education experts who provide advice for safer driving.
Hosted by Greg Rust, from LiSTNR’s Rusty’s Garage and Lisa Skaife, founder and CEO of myDRIVESCHOOL, each podcast episode features a special guest sharing their driving history. With guests including actor Shane Jacobson, former Supercars racer and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy, and Victoria Police – Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir, Keep Your Wheels On explores important driving lessons to help listeners become safer and more aware drivers.
Todd Stevens, senior executive producer – branded podcasts, said: “The stories revealed in this new podcast series are incredible; from Samantha who crashed her car driving tired, but then became paralysed when her ambulance driver also fell asleep and crashed, to Angela who ended up $70,000 in debt by deciding to drive her new car uninsured.
9News Podcasts launch new investigative series, The Ultimate Sacrifice
The new podcast series from 9News Queensland and 9Podcasts delves into the events of December 12, 2022, when two police officers were murdered in an ambush at Wieambilla, QLD.
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold died in an execution at the property, while their colleagues, Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough, risked their lives to call for backup.
Despite sustaining injuries, they escaped and survived the ambush. Innocent neighbour Alan Dare, who sought to investigate the unfolding chaos, was also shot dead.
In four episodes dropping in the first two weeks, The Ultimate Sacrifice examines the events leading up to the deaths of six people, including the three killers.
The podcast will revisit the six-hour gun battle waged by the police officers, and explore the long-term investigation into conspiracy and religious extremism that reveals how the murderers – once respected teachers – turned to heinous violence.
The Howie Games reveals new episodes and gold medal minis
The Howie Games will be sharing exclusive conversations with some of Australia’s most decorated athletes throughout July and August as Mark ‘Howie’ Howard delves into the nation’s greatest sporting stories.
Gold Medal Minis showcases the best moments from Howie’s conversations with Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, Anna Meares, Leisel Jones, and Curtis McGrath. New episodes featuring Boomers’ coach Brian Goorjian and Matildas’ star Caitlin Foord will also be released.
Howard said: “When I’m sitting across from a gold medallist who has reached the pinnacle of their sport, it’s a real pinch-me moment. It’s a privilege to help tell the stories of these Australian legends and icons who have dedicated their hearts, minds, and souls to achieving the greatest glory on the greatest sporting stage.”
Acast strikes deal with Pionaire Network
The deal will see Acast responsible for the hosting, distribution, and monetization of all Pionaire Network podcasts, including comedy podcast The Bert Show.
“Since The Bert Show first launched as a radio broadcast more than 20 years ago, the show and broader Pionaire Network have grown massively to reach new audiences and adapt with the evolving audio landscape,” said Bert Weiss, host of The Bert Show and co-founder of the Pionaire Network.
“In searching for a new ad sales partner, we knew we needed a team like Acast that shared our understanding of the history of the podcasting industry as much as they could anticipate the future of the space. Especially for a show like ours that shares a radio and podcasting audience.”
The Bert Show is a daily production that is a blend of lifestyle advice, national entertainment news, and celebrity interviews. The show is hosted by Weiss as well as radio personalities Kristin Klingshirn, Moe Mitchell, and Abby Murphy. Past guests of The Bert Show include Michelle Obama, Zendaya, Usher, Adele, Justin Bieber, and more.
Ben Haywood takes out first prize on Find and Tell
Haywood emerged victorious in a competition that saw hundreds of entries whittled down to a final four, showcasing diverse and compelling storytelling from Australians of various cultural backgrounds.
Ben went head to head with runner-up Mark Mariano; they shared the theme “Lost In Translation”. Ben’s story focuses on the question of indigenous languages heading towards extinction, and whether it should be taught in Australian schools.
Winner Ben Haywood said: “It was such a privilege to be a part of this new emerging platform for diverse storytellers. iHeart and Blakcast have created an amazing initiative to encourage everyday Australians like me that we have what it takes to be successful in the fast-growing world of podcasting no matter your experience or background.
“I’m extremely proud of my Aboriginal heritage and so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to showcase this throughout the series. I’m still coming to terms with winning the competition which blows my mind, I never would have thought I’d be here but that is the beauty of what this production has created, encouraging people to take the leap, express their creativity and tell some beautiful and diverse stories unique to each individual. I can’t wait to see what opportunities this opens for myself, and I will be eagerly waiting for the next season of Find and Tell.”
