I’ve been looking to do some deep dive, multi-show reviews of the companies making the biggest investment in branded podcasts. Last week a great example presented itself, with Andreessen Horowitz getting press pickup for their posting of a job to lead their podcast network. (I’d love to talk to the folks there directly about their strategy, if anyone can help make a connection!)

I’ll use the next week or two of my review posts to cover the main shows in the a16z podcast network, and unique takeaways that are relevant to other companies looking to build out their own podcasting program.

a16z Podcast

I’ll start, naturally, with their a16z’s eponymous, flagship show. I actually reviewed the show back in February 2024 and it is now approaching 900 episodes. a16z was innovative in using podcasts and other media to build their brand and connect with founders and tech employees alike. So how do they keep the show relevant? It’s still a great place for thoughtful discussions about tech trends. I’d describe it that a16z wants to host the party, with the right experts attending, and then giving them space to tell compelling stories - a16z is confident in their reputation and value that they don’t need to overly insert the brand into the conversation.

The other shift over time is the host and product team. Sonal Chokshi led the show for a long time (more on her other shows along the way). Now a16z has brought on Erik Torenberg and his Turpentine podcast business model (more on this coming up too). He’s fit in seamlessly as the new host of not just the flagship show but also a crazy number of other shows.