Wondery is splashing its latest podcast acquisition: Interview podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. It is a comprehensive ad-sales and distribution deal starting September 1. Armchair Expert is currently with Spotify, in an exclusive business arrangement that started July, 2020.
Wondery will claim control of the entire back catalog and new episodes — that’s 600-plus interviews. A sparkling roster of guests has included Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Hillary Clinton, Trevor Noah, Stacey Abrams, Bill Gates, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Jason Bateman.
The is a co-development aspect here, and the press release mentions “two new podcasts for fans,” which might hint at some level of exclusivity.
Video episodes are promised “for the first time.” Also control of merchandise.
Shepard voices enthusiasm: “The Wondery logo actually means something. They are the HBO of the podcast space.” He said the Wondery brand “imbues quality, daring, and creativity.”
Armchair Expert debuted in 2018.
From Wondery CEO Jen Sargent: “As we embark on a true collaboration with Dax and Monica, we look forward to helping the Armchair Expert brand expand its audience and reach within Amazon’s fandom-flywheel across audio, video, merchandise and beyond.”
WME negotiated the deal.
