The Rise of Podcasts: Why Everyone’s Listening

Podcasts have become one of the most trusted, intimate, and influential media formats in the world. What began as a niche hobby is now part of daily life for millions.

By the numbers:

• 158 million Americans listen to podcasts each month, representing more than half the U.S. population ages 12 and up.
• 584 million people worldwide now tune in regularly, and the audience continues to grow.
• Podcast hosts are considered 64% more trustworthy than other influencers.

Why people listen:

• Convenience: podcasts fit seamlessly into daily routines; in the car, on a walk, or while cooking dinner.
• Connection: hearing someone’s voice builds familiarity and trust in a way that written content rarely can.
• Learning: 83% of listeners say they tune in to learn something new, while others seek inspiration or entertainment.

Generational trends:

• Under 35: nearly half listen during their commutes, often using podcasts as a main source of news and learning.
• Ages 35–54: prefer longer, story-driven episodes that offer depth and insight.
• 55 and older: rapidly growing audience, drawn to the simplicity of on-demand listening through smart speakers and connected cars.

The bigger picture:

Growth is leveling from explosive to steady, but the influence of podcasts is only deepening. In a time when AI can replicate words but not warmth, the human voice remains one of the most powerful tools for building understanding and trust.

Are you ready for your voice to be the trusted leader of your expertise? Want to start a podcast for 2026? Let's chat.

​

From 7-Eleven & Blockbuster to Education’s Next Frontier: A Conversation with Jim Keyes

It was an honor to welcome Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to the Tech Legacies podcast. Few leaders have shaped industries on such a global scale, and few are now turning their attention to something as fundamental as the future of education.

One of his Instagram reels of 7-Eleven Japan's point-of-sale systems caught me eye so I reached out to interview him.

Across decades of leadership, Jim has seen how technology can unite systems, empower people, and transform opportunity. At 7-Eleven, he watched real-time data help local store managers serve their communities better. At Blockbuster, he saw what happens when organizations fail to adapt to change. Those experiences now inform his perspective on a new challenge: building a more connected, equitable foundation for learning.

As Jim explained, “What technology does is it enables us, as we saw in 7-Eleven, to be more nimble at each store.” That same principle, he believes, should guide how we think about education systems. “We have 13,000 school districts. That means there are 13,000 different systems, operating systems. And if you are a kid that lives in LA and you are going to move to Dallas, you have to hand carry your transcripts and pray that someone loads them in.”

That image underscores how far education still lags behind other sectors in efficiency, security, and accountability. Jim sees an opportunity to build an operating system specifically for education. Just like Apple's iOS system, there could be an EdOS (Education Operating System). The same kind of innovation that transformed retail and logistics into classrooms and school systems, creating a universal platform where every learner can move seamlessly and safely through their education journey.

For anyone passionate about leadership, innovation, or education, this conversation offers both wisdom and urgency; a reminder that the systems we build today will determine who gets to thrive tomorrow. Watch the full episode here.

​

Got Five Minutes? Get Inspired.

​
You may have noticed that Tech Legacies episodes are getting longer. That’s by design. We want to go deeper with our guests, explore their stories in full, and capture the lessons that don’t always fit into a quick sound bite.

But we also know you don’t always have time for a full hour-long conversation. That is why we created Tech Bytes, a new playlist of five- to ten-minute clips that deliver quick insights and big ideas from our guests.

Check out the playlist here.

Thank you to our Tech Legacies sponsor, CG Infinity!

Huge thank you to ​CG Infinity​ for sponsoring our podcast so we are able to feature these tech leaders with their perspectives and insights. Follow their company page to learn about their tech consulting services and #peoplefirst culture.

Looking for a heart-centered executive coach in the tech industry?

You're already knowledgeable and experienced in your career. The next level is about leadership, developing teams and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. Shaunna Black is now a sponsor of our podcast and she can help you on that growth trajectory. I highly recommend her services. Connect with her to learn more.

Shout out to our partner, Tech CXO Launchpad!

Shout out to our partners at ​Tech CxO LaunchPad​. Connect with ​Karen Bruno​ to learn more about the Program, the benefits, the outcomes, and how this Program provides a blueprint for new C-Level Execs or the path to the C-Suite for rising stars.

Now I want to hear from you, Reader

Who's a Tech C-Suite Executive that you think I should feature for the 2026 Tech Legacies season?

Fanny

​