Sponsored by Lean & Loaf. Joining a gym is hard. Hiring Lean & Loaf is easy. They edit video for your podcasts while you loaf. See for yourself. Two days ago, we covered a company that is copying podcasts to remove the ads, and then selling access. Glenn Rubenstein at Adopter Media covers the story, suggesting it raises a question of why tools like this may gain traction. "PodcastAdBlock didn't appear because people don't want to hear ads. It appeared because some shows are starting to cross an invisible line with their listeners," and suggests a path forward that podcast networks can make to improve the listener experience. (It's one reason why we run our "Having a bad DAI" feature, where we highlight ways we can improve - try the bottom of Jan 2 for an example). We learn today that PodcastAdBlock's "24/7 support" email address is now bouncing back. Exclusive: Sounds Profitable has hired its first-ever Head of Communications, Molly DeMellier. She will oversee all global communications functions, including media relations and marketing, for Sounds Profitable and Podcast Movement. She previously worked with Sundaze PR and Acast. From Jan 1, Podnews is no longer directly connected to the Sounds Profitable group of companies. Full disclosures First look: CBC has launched its Winter 2026 slate of podcasts. Many of the broadcaster's biggest shows have new seasons planned, including Uncover, Personally and Someone Knows Something. > > > Read more of today’s podcast industry news stories on the Podnews website: and get our free daily newsletter.Classifieds - your job or ad hereHuddle With John Wordock in 2026 — Have you resolved to make your podcast or podcast network better in 2026? Need help? John Wordock lives where content strategy meets audience and revenue. All conversations kept confidential.Get featured on Pocket Casts — Join our Partner Newsletter to be the first to hear about podcast feature opportunities and stay informed with platform updates.Gold supporters: Buzzsprout, Mowpod, Mamamia, PodMatch, Sounds Profitable, The $100 MBA,