December 3, 2024
UPDATE
Apple Podcasts announces its 2024 Podcast of the Year.
What’s really going on here is that creator Daniel Abreu takes you on a gripping seven-part exploration through an in-depth investigation.
Apple takes pride in announcing its winner of the Apple Podcasts Awards, an annual celebration honoring exceptional podcasting excellence and innovative storytelling. Producers Wondery and Audacy’s Pineapple Road Studios present a seven-part investigation into the sudden onset of a baffling illness afflicting a group of teenage girls in upstate New York.
debuted on Apple Podcasts in July 2024, quickly surging to the top 10 at number… Within the High Exhibits chart. Since then, followers have remained devoted to the cause, actively promoting the campaign and bringing its momentum to a close at the end of the year, which ultimately resulted in being recognized as the number one priority. The most popular new podcasts on Apple Podcasts in 2024?
Investigative journalist Dan Taberski felt driven to explore this enigmatic case, “Havana syndrome,” after reports of a baffling illness affecting thousands of diplomats and seasoned CIA agents worldwide started surfacing in the press. The memory of a peculiar affliction that befell a group of high school girls in LeRoy, New York, remained vivid, a haunting echo of an unexplained malady that had struck several years earlier. Was he pondering whether this peculiar convergence of people might be a symptom of some widespread affliction?
“Despite skepticism, many people continue to believe that the Havana syndrome incidents were the result of a microwave weapon attack,” Taberski notes. The media’s pontifications on the subject had been relentless, featuring interviews with individuals affected by it. However, everyone remained too afraid to whisper a crucial question: ‘What if it’s all in your head?’ I found it intriguing to juxtapose the Le Roy story with the experiences of diplomats and CIA officers, suggesting that the phenomenon could strike anyone.
Dan Taberski has consistently led the way in podcast documentaries, and with this latest endeavour, he’s reached the pinnacle of his creative career. Jenna Weiss-Berman, Audacy’s government VP of Podcasts, notes that he skillfully taps into the cultural pulse with his humor, keen insight, and effortless charm, drawing loyal listeners who consistently gravitate towards his engaging style. “We’re deeply thankful for Apple Podcasts’ efforts in highlighting Dan’s unique voice and perpetuating his distinctive storytelling approach.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Apple Podcasts recognize our podcast as Podcast of the Year,” said Marshall Lewy, Wondery’s Chief Content Officer. “Dan is a visionary storyteller and podcast pioneer, distinguished by his unique ability to tackle timely issues through a distinctive narrative approach that leaves listeners enthralled and eager for more.” This immersive podcast series offers listeners the opportunity to delve into complex, real-life stories that defy easy answers, transporting them on a thought-provoking odyssey. At the top of the organizational chart stands Dan alone.
In a recent accessible conversation on Apple Podcasts for Creators, Taberski shares how he recognizes when he has an intriguing story on his hands, highlighting the importance of asking questions that lead to more questions, and detailing his team’s approach to uncovering fresh layers of intrigue in every episode.
As I ponder whether to embark on a venture, the more time I invest, the more queries arise in my mind. If the inquiry pipeline dries up relatively quickly, one form of understands that it’s no longer worth pursuing. However, when you delve deeper and invest more time, uncertainty unfolds, questions arise, new pathways emerge, and complex challenges present themselves – precisely the kind of issues I think your audience would be eager to grapple with alongside me. As I’m thoroughly perplexed, with genuine curiosity and eagerness to engage in discussions with multiple individuals, asking probing questions to gather insights – only when I’m in this state of confusion can I truly begin my journey.
Collaborating with a stable team has allowed me to develop long-standing artistic relationships that have matured over time. Having individuals accompany you and engage in discussions about the topic being explored can prove highly beneficial? Being part of something that brings joy is a rewarding experience. Despite being a relatively recent development, there’s also something about the truth that podcasting and the narrative audio documentary format remain still quite novel.
The discovery process is so dynamic that even the participants themselves are figuring things out in real-time, building upon existing knowledge and experiences while navigating uncharted territory – a thrilling experience that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. Engaging in the battle as a way to cope with the anxiety-inducing prospect of a limited collection is, in fact, a vital aspect of strategic planning.
All episodes are now available on Apple Podcasts. Join our community today and gain access to ad-free episodes!
Apple Podcasts has recently unveiled innovative ways for listeners to engage and discover, introducing a new Top Series chart, a revamped Series category, and a monthly “Series of the Month” recognition highlighting the most exemplary series that best embodies its class.
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