Gimlet Media
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital media, Podcasting |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Alex Blumberg, Matthew Lieber |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York , United States |
Key people | Alex Blumberg (former CEO), Matthew Lieber (former president) |
| Products | Storytelling podcasts |
| Parent | Spotify (since February 2019) |
Gimlet Media LLC operated as a digital media enterprise and podcast network with a focus on storytelling podcasts, based in Brooklyn, New York. Established in 2014 by Alex Blumberg and Matthew Lieber—who held the positions of CEO and president until their exits in 2022—Gimlet was purchased by Spotify in February 2019 for $230 million. In 2023, Spotify revealed plans to merge Gimlet with Parcast under the umbrella of Spotify Studios.
History
Gimlet debuted in August 2014, launching its premier podcast StartUp, hosted by Alex Blumberg. Initially named the American Podcasting Corporation, the founders opted for the name Gimlet Media following guidance from Lexicon Branding.
The company secured $1.5 million in seed capital at a valuation of $10 million, primarily funded by Betaworks, Lowercase Capital, and Knight Enterprise Fund, with the last $200,000 obtained through equity crowdfunding. By 2015, Gimlet's advertising revenue was estimated at around $2 million. That same year in December, they closed a Series A funding round of $6 million with a valuation of $30 million.
In July 2015, Gimlet diversified its income sources by launching membership programs that provided early access to pilot episodes, branded merchandise, and entry to a Slack community. Nazanin Rafsanjani was brought on board to develop additional revenue avenues through Gimlet Creative, which focused on creating branded narrative audio projects.
On August 2, 2017, Gimlet raised $15 million in Series B financing led by Stripes Group, with contributions from Emerson Collective, Graham Holdings, Betaworks, and Cross Culture Investors. The following month, British advertising giant WPP invested $5 million to acquire a minority stake.
Spotify's acquisition of Gimlet in February 2019 represented a strategic expansion into podcasting. Shortly after the acquisition, three-quarters of Gimlet's employees initiated union efforts; by April 2021, they ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement that included a minimum producer salary of $73,000. Lieber stepped down from his role as president in mid-2022 but continued as an advisor; Blumberg left later that year. On June 5, 2023, Spotify announced the integration of Gimlet and Parcast into Spotify Studios amid layoffs affecting approximately 200 employees.
People
Alex Blumberg, a radio journalist and co-creator of Planet Money, conceived the concept of a commercial podcast network after a successful Planet Money T-shirt fundraising campaign. He chronicled the establishment of Gimlet during the first season of StartUp, the company's inaugural podcast.
Matthew Lieber, co-founder and an MBA graduate from the MIT Sloan School of Management, had prior experience as a radio producer at WNYC and as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.
Lydia Polgreen held the position of managing director before moving on to work at The New York Times.
Shows
| Title | Host(s) / Cast | Genre | Debut | Last episode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science Vs | Wendy Zukerman | Science | July 28, 2016 | |
| Heavyweight | Jonathan Goldstein | Documentary | September 23, 2016 | December 21, 2023 |
| Crimetown | Marc Smerling and Zac Stuart-Pontier | Documentary | November 20, 2016 | March 11, 2019 |
| Every Little Thing | Flora Lichtman | Documentary | April 17, 2017 | October 11, 2023 |
| The Pitch |Josh Muccio |Business documentary | June 14, 2017 | Dec 9, 2020 | ||
| Mogul | Reggie Osse (season 1), Brandon Jenkins (season 2) | Hip-hop documentary | June 16, 2017 | July 28, 2021 |
| Uncivil | Chenjerai Kumanyika. Jack Hitt cohosted season 1 | History | October 4, 2017 | November 9, 2018 |
| Story Pirates | Story Pirates | Kids | November 20, 2017 | August 11, 2022 |
| Chompers | Rachel Ward | Kids | March 1, 2018 | July 30, 2023 |
| Without Fail | Alex Blumberg | Talk show | October 1, 2018 | April 20, 2020. |
| Conviction | Saki Knafo | Investigative journalism | February 4, 2019 | March 24, 2023 |
| Motherhood Sessions | Alexandra Sacks | Family life | April 11, 2019 | March 19, 2020 |
| The Two Princes | Noah Galvin, Ari'el Stachel, Christine Baranski, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Matthew Rhys, Samira Wiley | Scripted | June 4, 2019 | October 20, 2020 |
| The Journal. | Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson | Journalism | June 26, 2019 | |
| Motherhacker | Carrie Coon, Tavi Gevinson, Lucas Hedges, Pedro Pascal, and Alan Cumming | Fiction, Scripted | November 13, 2019 | June 7, 2021 |
| 'The Scaredy Cats Horror Show' | 'PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman' | "Pop Culture" | "April 30, 2020" | "June 23, 2020" |
| 'How to Save a Planet' | 'Alex Blumberg', 'Ayana Elizabeth Johnson', 'Kendra Pierre-Louis' | "Climate journalism" | "July 31, 2020" | "October 6, 2022" |
| 'Resistance' | 'Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr.' | "Politics" | "October 14, 2020" | "December 15, 2021" |
| 'Reply All' | 'Alex Goldman', 'PJ Vogt' (2014−2021), and 'Emmanuel Dzotsi' (2020−2022) | "Internet culture" | "November 23, 2014" | "June 22, 2022" |
| 'Mystery Show' | 'Starlee Kine' | "Mystery" | "May 22, 2015" | "July 31, 2015" |
| 'Sampler' | 'Brittany Luse' | "Podcasts" | "January 20, 2016" | "October 17, 2016" |
| 'Undone' | 'Pat Walters' | "Documentary" | "November 14, 2016" | "January 23, 2017" |
| 'Surprisingly Awesome' | 'Adam Davidson and Adam McKay (2015–16); Rachel Ward (2016)' | "Documentary" | "November 3, 2015" | "April 12, 2017*" |
| 'Twice Removed' | 'A. J. Jacobs' | "Genealogy" | "December 16, 2016" | "June 16, 2017" |
| 'StartUp' | 'Alex Blumberg (Season 1−) and Lisa Chow (Season 2−)' | "Business Documentary" | "September 5, 2014" | "October 18, 2019" |
| 'The Nod' | 'Brittany Luse & Eric Eddings' | "Culture" | "July 17, 2017" | "January 20, 2020" |
| 'The Cut on Tuesdays' | 'Molly Fischer' | "Journalism" | "October 16, 2018" | "December 17, 2019" |
Originally produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before its relaunch on Gimlet in 2016.
Initially launched independently in July 2015 before joining Gimlet in 2017; it resumed independent production in 2022.
Started as an independent production since October 2013 before becoming part of Gimlet in 2017.
Science Vs
Originally produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) under its First Run digital podcast initiative, Science Vs, hosted by Australian science journalist Wendy Zukerman, transitioned to Gimlet Media in October 2015. The podcast rigorously investigates widely accepted trends that are often mistaken for scientific truths.
Heavyweight
Launched by Gimlet in September 2016, Heavyweight is hosted by Jonathan Goldstein and centers on revisiting pivotal moments when situations unraveled. Although Spotify discontinued the podcast in December 2023, Goldstein intends to continue producing it with a new partner. The series was revived in 2025 under the banner of Puskin Industries.
Crimetown
Crimetown premiered in 2016 as a documentary series delving into organized crime. Its first season, hosted by Marc Smerling and Zac Stuart-Pontier—known for their work on HBO's The Jinx and the film Catfish—focused on organized crime in Providence, Rhode Island. The second season, which debuted exclusively on Spotify in October 2018, shifted its examination toward police corruption and brutality during the 1970s in Detroit.
Every Little Thing
Debuting on April 17, 2017, Every Little Thing succeeded the podcast Surprisingly Awesome. Hosted by Flora Lichtman, a former producer for Science Friday, Gimlet repositioned the show to align with its new vision. The podcast concluded its run with the final episode airing on October 11, 2022.
The Pitch
Initially an independent production, The Pitch, hosted by Josh Muccio, became part of Gimlet Media in June 2017. In July 2022, following Muccio's repurchase from Spotify, the podcast returned to independent status. The program features entrepreneurs presenting their business ideas to a live panel of angel investors and has drawn comparisons to ABC's Shark Tank.
Mogul
A collaboration between Gimlet and Loud Speakers Network, Mogul launched on Spotify on April 27, 2017, with a broader release on June 16, 2017. This six-episode documentary series chronicles the life and career of music executive Chris Lighty. The first season ended on September 28, 2017; host Reggie Ossé passed away later that year. A second season focusing on the rise of Southern hip hop premiered on September 18, 2019, featuring new host Brandon Jenkins.
Uncivil
Hosted by journalists Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika, Uncivil offers a critical perspective on the American Civil War by revealing hidden stories of secret operations, corruption, resistance movements, and mutinies that resonate with contemporary political issues. The podcast debuted on October 4, 2017. Its premiere episode, "The Raid," received a 2017 Peabody Award for News, Radio, Podcast, and Public Service Programming—the first Peabody honor awarded to Gimlet Media.
Story Pirates
Hosted by the performance ensemble known as the Story Pirates, this podcast adapts original stories submitted by children into comedic performances featuring actors, comedians, improvisers, and musicians. It launched on November 20, 2017.
Chompers
Hosted by Rachel Ward, Chompers is a podcast released twice daily that encourages children to build strong tooth brushing routines through entertaining jokes, riddles, stories, interesting facts, and songs. It holds the distinction of being Gimlet's inaugural podcast integrated with an Amazon Alexa Skill. The series made its debut on March 1, 2018.
Without Fail
Gimlet's initial interview podcast, Without Fail, features CEO Alex Blumberg conducting conversations with individuals who have undertaken notable professional risks. The program delves into the reasons behind these choices and their subsequent impacts. The first season launched on October 1, 2018, showcasing guests such as Sophia Amoruso, Andre Iguodala, and Andrew Mason.
Conviction
On February 4, 2019, Gimlet introduced the first season of its investigative true crime podcast, Conviction, releasing all seven episodes simultaneously. Hosted by Saki Knafo, the series centers on his investigative work involving NYPD officers and some of their detainees. Designed to present a new narrative each season, the show was produced in collaboration with The New York Times Magazine and Type Investigations.
Motherhood Sessions
In April 2019, Gimlet unveiled Motherhood Sessions, a podcast that explores the difficulties faced by mothers. Psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks hosts the show, which discusses issues including divorce, career challenges, and financial pressures affecting new or expectant mothers.
The Two Princes
Released on June 4, 2019, The Two Princes is an LGBTQ-themed fantasy scripted podcast from Gimlet. Created by Kevin Christopher Snipes and directed by Mimi O'Donnell, it features voice talents such as Noah Galvin, Ari'el Stachel, Christine Baranski, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Samira Wiley, and Matthew Rhys.
The Journal. Gimlet launched The Journal., a business-oriented podcast co-produced with The Wall Street Journal, in June 2019.
Motherhacker
In November 2019, Gimlet debuted Motherhacker, a scripted series written by Sandi Farkas and executive produced and directed by Amanda Lipitz. The story follows Bridget, a stay-at-home mom whose husband is undergoing rehabilitation, as she becomes involved in vishing for a questionable identity theft company to provide for her family. Although the second season premiered in June 2021, the series was not continued beyond that.
The Scaredy Cats Horror Show
Launched in May 2020 by the co-hosts of Reply All, this spin-off features Alex Goldman—an avid horror movie fan—screening frightening films for co-host PJ Vogt as he attempts to conquer his fear of horror.
Resistance
Released in October 2020 and hosted by Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr., Resistance shares narratives from activists at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasizing their ongoing efforts for social change.
Reply All
Premiering on November 24, 2014, Reply All is a podcast centered on technology and culture hosted by Alex Goldman and Emmanuel Dzotsi (who replaced PJ Vogt). The program gained recognition for its storytelling focused on internet culture and was associated with a planned film adaptation of the episode "Man of the People," set to be directed by Richard Linklater and star Robert Downey Jr., produced by Annapurna Pictures and Team Downey. Co-producers included PJ Vogt, Tim Howard, and Chris Giliberti.
Emmanuel Dzotsi joined as co-host in October 2020. Early in 2021, allegations arose concerning resistance to staff unionization efforts and reports of a toxic workplace environment involving Vogt and producer Sruthi Pinnamaneni; both apologized publicly and subsequently departed. Goldman and Dzotsi continued hosting until the final episode aired on June 23, 2022.
Mystery Show
Gimlet's third podcast, Mystery Show, debuted on May 22, 2015, with host Starlee Kine tackling everyday enigmas that eluded online searches, drawing inspiration from listeners and acquaintances. The series explored questions about lost items, missing persons, and other practical puzzles. Its inaugural season wrapped up in July 2015. On October 6, 2016, Alex Blumberg revealed on StartUp that the podcast had been discontinued.
Sampler
Launched in January 2016, Sampler was hosted by Brittany Luse and aimed to highlight notable moments from the wider podcasting landscape by presenting clips and interviews with creators outside of Gimlet's roster. The show concluded after its final episode aired on October 17, 2016.
Undone
In November 2016, Gimlet introduced Undone, a documentary series hosted by Pat Walters, formerly a producer for Radiolab. Walters announced during the season finale that the series would not continue for another season.
Surprisingly Awesome
Starting November 3, 2015, Surprisingly Awesome initially featured hosts Adam Davidson and Adam McKay. Producer Rachel Ward occasionally substituted and eventually assumed hosting duties after Davidson and McKay left in October 2016. The show ended in January 2017, making way for Flora Lichtman's Every Little Thing. Its premise was to uncover captivating narratives behind topics often seen as ordinary.
Twice Removed
Debuting December 16, 2016, this family history podcast included appearances by public figures such as Abbi Jacobson, Ted Allen, and Dan Savage. Gimlet concluded production with a final episode on June 16, 2017.
StartUp
Premiere date September 5, 2014, StartUp is hosted by Alex Blumberg alongside co-host Lisa Chow starting from episode twelve of season one. The podcast chronicles the creation of Gimlet Media and features profiles of various startups and entrepreneurs including Dov Charney and Arlan Hamilton. It earned both a Gracie Award and a Gerald Loeb Award for excellence in business journalism. Its concluding season covered Gimlet's acquisition by Spotify and ended on October 18, 2019.
The series served as inspiration for the ABC sitcom Alex, Inc., which premiered on March 28, 2018.
The Nod
Focused on Black culture, The Nod launched in July 2017 with hosts Eric Eddings and Brittany Luse. The show ended in early 2020 as the hosts moved on to a new daily short-form program on Quibi.
The Cut on Tuesdays
Produced in partnership with New York Magazine, this podcast featured Molly Fischer discussing topics related to politics, fashion, and pop culture from a female viewpoint. It aired from October 2018 until December 2019.
Limited-run shows
| Title | Host(s) | Genre | No. of episodes | First episode | Last episode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homecoming | Catherine Keener, Oscar Isaac, David Schwimmer | Radio drama | 12 | November 16, 2016 | August 23, 2017* |
| Sandra | Alia Shawkat, Kristen Wiig | Radio drama | 7 | April 18, 2018 | April 18, 2018** |
| The Habitat | Lynn Levy | Documentary | 7 | April 18, 2018 | April 18, 2018** |
| We Came To Win | Nando Vila | Documentary | 10 | April 25, 2018 | June 15, 2018 |
| The Horror of Dolores Roach | Daphne Rubin-Vega, Bobby Cannavale | Radio drama | 13 | October 17, 2018 | October 16, 2019** |
| The Clearing | Josh Dean, April Balascio | True crime documentary | 8 | July 18, 2019 | August 29, 2019 |
* Season one aired weekly from November to December 2016; season two ran July to August 2017.
** Entire series released at once for binge listening.
Homecoming
Introduced in November 2016 as Gimlet’s inaugural fictional podcast, Homecoming is a psychological thriller featuring performances by Catherine Keener, David Schwimmer, and Oscar Isaac. The second season was released in mid-2017.
In December 2016, Universal Cable Productions secured the television rights, and Amazon subsequently commissioned two seasons of the series, casting Julia Roberts in place of Keener. The Amazon adaptation, produced by Sam Esmail of Mr. Robot fame, premiered on November 2, 2018, with its second season arriving on May 22, 2020.
Sandra
Gimlet’s second scripted podcast centers on Helen (portrayed by Alia Shawkat), who operates behind the scenes at a company that creates Sandra (voiced by Kristen Wiig), an artificial intelligence product. It debuted on April 18, 2018.
The Habitat
This documentary series, hosted by Lynn Levy, follows a year-long Mars simulation mission where six participants live isolated in Hawaii. It premiered on April 18, 2018.
We Came to Win
Gimlet’s initial sports-focused podcast covers soccer and the FIFA World Cup. Hosted by Nando Vila, it launched on April 25, 2018.
The Horror of Dolores Roach
A scripted horror fiction podcast starring Daphne Rubin-Vega and Bobby Cannavale as Dolores Roach, who returns to her neighborhood after incarceration. The first season aired on October 17, 2018, with the second released on October 16, 2019. Additional voice talent includes Abigail Spencer and Margaret Cho.
As of February 2022, Amazon and Blumhouse Productions are developing a television adaptation featuring Justina Machado.
The Clearing
Hosted by Josh Dean alongside April Balascio, this podcast investigates the serial murders committed by her father Edward Wayne Edwards and explores potential other crimes. Co-produced with Pineapple Street Media, it aired between July and August 2019.
Gimlet Creative
Established in 2016 as Gimlet’s branded content division, Gimlet Creative specializes in producing sponsored podcasts separate from editorial programming. Notable branded podcasts include:
- Open for Business, in partnership with eBay
- DTR, created with Tinder
- The Venture, produced with Virgin Atlantic
- .future, developed alongside Microsoft
- The Secret to Victory, in collaboration with Gatorade
- Why We Eat What We Eat, featuring Blue Apron
- Fortune Favors the Bold, made with MasterCard
- Flipping the Game, produced with Reebok
- Casting Call, created with Squarespace
- Pick Me Up, developed with Lyft
- Earning Curve, in partnership with Interac
- Wireframe, produced alongside Adobe
- Dress Codes, created with New Balance
Additionally, Gimlet Creative manages the production of in-house advertisements broadcast across Gimlet’s podcasts.
Gimlet Pictures
Formed in 2017 as a division within Gimlet Media, Gimlet Pictures is dedicated to transforming Gimlet’s podcast content into television shows, films, and other visual formats. The expanding popularity of podcasts has generated substantial opportunities for licensing and cross-media adaptations.
GimletFest
In 2018, Gimlet introduced GimletFest, a festival held over June 16–17 in Brooklyn, New York. The event showcased live podcast performances and panel discussions featuring hosts, enhancing listener engagement and reinforcing brand visibility.