LinkedIn Launches Gen Z Focused Podcast via iHeartRadio

LinkedIn is launching the first podcast of its partnership with iHeartRadio, with the Gen Z focused “Let’s Talk Offline” being added to the platform’s expanded podcast offering.

Hosted by LinkedIn Career Development editor Gianna Prudente and LinkedIn Community Manager Jamé Jackson Gadsden, the show will provide insight into the evolving world of work for younger listeners.

As per LinkedIn:

“The weekly chat show, launching next week, is about what it takes to thrive in the early years of your career — without sacrificing your values, sanity or sleep. Each week, Jamé and Gianna will be having honest conversations, while also answering your unfiltered questions about work, life and how they overlap. You know, those questions you might not feel comfortable asking your manager or co-workers. In other words, Let’s Talk Offline.”

LinkedIn’s been working to build out its slate of original podcast content, after initially launching its own Podcast Network, back in 2022, which has now grown to include a range of LinkedIn branded podcasts that focus on professional development and career skills.

Last year, LinkedIn also launched its own Podcast Academy to provide support for creators looking to branch into audio content, while this new collaboration with iHeartRadio will also provide expanded reach and exposure via iHeartRadio’s network, which already facilitates over 160 million podcast downloads every month.

Podcast listenership overall has been on a steady rise over the past decade, with some 460 million people now tuning into podcasts regularly. And given LinkedIn’s focus on providing active, on-the-go insights and learning, podcasts fit very well with its broader offering, and could become a more significant element of the platform over time.

It’ll be interesting to see what sort of additional opportunities this new partnership brings, and how LinkedIn then looks to build on that (or not) with more podcasts distributed via iHeartRadio.