International Podcast Day: the $60 billion dollar question
What's your favourite podcast?
It's one of those questions that pops up when you're talking with friends, colleagues at work, or even someone you just met when you want to get a conversation (or debate) going.
Along with the books and box sets you consume, your choice of podcast listening says a lot about you.
Those personal picks are often judged by others, and can be seen a badge of honour or a sign of poor taste.
The fact is that podcasts have become a cultural phenomenon since the first one was downloaded almost 20 years ago.
In that time the format has expanded from a niche way for techy types to experiment with sharing info, to a booming media category with serious commercial earning potential
Analysts have valued the global podcast market at almost $10 billion - and expect it to grow to $60 billion in the next five years.
That's why as well as listening to podcasts, everyone is making them too. Or appearing on them. Or advertising around them.
So it's boom time for podcasts, and as a PR agency we help clients create series, secure appearances on episodes and negotiate deals to sponsor shows.
They are a staple feature in publicity campaigns now, and it's fascinating to be involved up close and see how quickly podcasting is evolving - both as an artform and a promotional tool.
Given that we work with podcasts and listen to them we thought it was only right that on International Podcast Day we asked Team 3×1 to share their favourite recommendations with you.
Some are serious, some are guilty pleasures.
Don't judge us, just tune in and enjoy!
Katrine Pearson, managing director: CIPR Engage Podcast and Dressed: The History of Fashion
Graeme Cleland, director: RugbyPod and Stories and Strategies for PR with Doug Downs
Catherine Barrett, account director: Power Hours by Adrienne Herbert and RunPod
Lewis Mearns, digital strategist: Dissect
Nicola Strachan, policy and public affairs strategist: Outrage and Optimism by Christiana Figueres
Amy Carpenter, social media manager: The Girls in Marketing and Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Naomi Cameron, account manager: Marketing Week and Social Minds
Robert Mair, account executive: Welcome to the Roundtable and The Road to Nowhere European Football Podcast