I follow companies utilizing branded podcasts ranging from lighter integrations as named sponsors, to fully independently produced.

No Free Lunch with Ndamukong Suh

This is an example of a company branching out from standalone branded podcasts to sponsorship. T. Rowe Price already had two podcasts in the Brands in Audio directory with “Confident Conversations on Retirement” and “The Angle” with discussions and interviews directly about investing.

No Free Lunch is a very different model. The show is produced by The Athletic, the sports writing and audio brand acquired by the New York Times. It’s a good fit all around - The Athletic emphasizes the business and lifestyle around sports as much as wins and losses, and T. Rowe Price is building their brand around how to smartly manage your money. The newly launched show has a former NFL star Ndamukong Suh talking to other athletes and interviewees all about the business of sports. It’s a unique and entertaining variant on the many sports commentary and interview shows.