A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Fifteen years ago this week, in 2010, I launched what would become one of the most enduring experiments of my professional life: the Minter Dialogue podcast. What began as an attempt to create more meaningful conversations in the digital age has evolved into over 600 episodes, well over one million downloads, and an incredible tapestry of insights from some of the world’s most brilliant minds.
When I recorded that first episode, podcasting was still very much a niche pursuit. Today, as we celebrate this 15-year milestone, I find myself reflecting not only on the journey of the show but also on the remarkable transformation of podcasting itself—a medium that has fundamentally changed how we consume ideas, learn from experts, and connect with thought leaders across the globe.
The Podcasting Revolution: A 15-Year Perspective
When my podcast launched in 2010, podcasting was still finding its footing. The medium had been coined as a term only six years earlier by journalist Ben Hammersley, and Apple had integrated podcast support into iTunes in 2005. In 2006, only 22% of American adults even knew what a podcast was. The landscape was sparse—forecasters at the time were predicting the industry might reach 12 million listeners by 2010. I don’t have the stats for how many listeners there actually were in 2010, but suffice to say, podcasting took off and didn’t look back, although a lot has changed.
Fast forward to 2025, and the transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary:
| Year | US Monthly Podcast listeners | Global Listeners | Industry Value |
| 2010 | ~ 12 million (projected) | ~ 20-80 million | ~ $300 million |
| 2014 | 40 million | ||
| 2019 | 88 million | ~ 275 million | ~ $1 billion |
| 2025 | 158 million | 600 million estimated | $39.6 billion |
Sources: The History of Podcasts – https://www.descript.com/blog/article/history-of-podcasts & 33 Podcast Statistics 2025 (Number of Podcasts & Viewership) https://podcastatistics.com
The catalyst for mainstream adoption came in 2014 with the launch of Serial, the first podcast to reach five million unique downloads on iTunes. This single investigative journalism show demonstrated the storytelling power of the medium and sparked an explosion in both production and listenership. Spotify’s aggressive entry into podcasting in 2019, acquiring Gimlet Media and Anchor for $340 million, signalled that podcasting had arrived as a serious media channel.
Today, 55% of Americans listen to podcasts monthly—up from just 32% in 2019. The time people spend listening to podcasts has increased by 355% over the last decade. Video podcasting has emerged as a dominant trend, with more than half of shows now posting full video on YouTube. And AI is beginning to reshape production, with the AI-in-podcasting market valued at $2.2 billion and expected to reach $26.6 billion by 2033. Among the tools I personally use, I had a great ride with Flowsend.ai before it was purchased by Castmagic.io, which I’m now enjoying immensely.
Through all these shifts—from iPod-centric downloads to smartphone streaming, from amateur audio blogs to professional networks, from text-based RSS feeds to AI-powered recommendations—my podcasting has remained committed to its original mission: elevating the debate and inserting more meaningfulness into our conversations. (I also have a French language podcast on the same theme)
The Luminaries Who Shaped the Show
Over 633 episodes, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across (or more truthfully, across screens) from remarkable individuals who have challenged assumptions, shared wisdom, and inspired listeners worldwide. Among the highlights:
Seth Godin, the marketing visionary behind The Purple Cow, who helped redefine how we think about standing out in a crowded marketplace. Chris Voss, the former FBI lead hostage negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference, who taught us that negotiation is fundamentally about emotional intelligence. Esther Dyson, investor, journalist, and trained cosmonaut, whose eclectic career exemplifies the power of intellectual curiosity. Dr. Vivienne Ming, the neuroscientist pushing the boundaries of human potential through technology. Brian Solis, the author and digital anthropologist who has been charting the intersection of technology and humanity for decades.
The list continues: Dorie Clark (author of The Long Game), Craig Newmark (founder of Craigslist), Kevin Ryan (former DoubleClick CEO and founder of Business Insider and GILT), Alan Trefler (CEO of Pega Systems), Rohit Bhargava (Non-Obvious Trends), and Leonydus Johnson (author of Raising Victims). Each guest brought unique perspectives on leadership, brand strategy, and transformation—the three pillars around which the show has always revolved.
2025: A Year of Extraordinary Conversations
This milestone year has been particularly special, with guests who exemplify the breadth and depth of topics we explore on the show.
- John Vervaeke, the cognitive scientist, author, and philosopher from the University of Toronto, joined me to explore what he calls “the meaning crisis”—the widespread sense of disconnection and lack of purpose in contemporary society. Our conversation delved into the importance of wisdom, the nature of self, and how we might cultivate genuine meaning in an increasingly fragmented world. His insights on facing both our finitude and our capacity for transcendence offered a philosophical foundation for authentic leadership. Listen here.
- Natasha Skolny, a leadership coach based in Toronto who works with high-achieving women, brought her figure skating background to bear on questions of authentic leadership. We explored how sports cultivate self-knowledge, the challenge of balancing authenticity with professional expectations, and why genuine connection matters more than conformity. Her concept of “dropping the corporate armour” resonated deeply with my own work on authentic leadership in You Lead. Listen here.
- Miles Spencer, co-founder of Reflekta.AI, presented perhaps the most thought-provoking conversation of the year. His platform uses artificial intelligence to allow people to reconnect with deceased loved ones—a concept he calls “Soul Tech.” We discussed how AI might preserve family legacies, provide emotional comfort, and address society’s need for meaningful connections across generations. Listen here.
- Ravi Kathuria, a management consultant and author, shared profound insights on spirituality’s relevance in modern business. His definition of spirituality as simply “experiencing one’s own life force” made these concepts accessible regardless of background or beliefs. We explored how balancing ambition with inner peace leads to better decision-making in both business and life. Listen here.
- Dr. Jack Kreindler, physician, entrepreneur, physiologist, and polar adventurer (and friend), proved to be one of the most exhilarating and thoughtful episodes of the year. Fresh from an Antarctic expedition studying male and female physiology in hyper-endurance environments, Jack brought a rare combination of scientific rigor and adventurous spirit to our discussion about what it means to truly live. We explored how modern society’s aversion to risk has paradoxically made us more fragile, why embracing discomfort is essential for building genuine resilience, and how the amplitude of our experiences—the peaks and troughs—defines the richness of life itself. His parting wisdom captured it perfectly: “Don’t die dull”. Listen here.
- Petra Velzeboer, a psychotherapist, author, and mental health consultant. We explore her journey from growing up in a religious cult to becoming a leading voice in workplace well-being. Petra shares insights on digital detoxes, the importance of self-awareness, and aligning well-being strategies with business objectives. Listen here.
- Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, former Chief of the General Staff of the British Army. We explored his journey from a young rugby player to a seasoned military leader, discussing the geopolitical shifts he’s witnessed throughout his career. Sir Mark shared invaluable insights on leadership, emphasising the importance of character, trust, and empowering others. Listen here.
Recognition Along the Way
The show has been fortunate to receive recognition from the industry over the years. In 2025, Minter Dialogue was ranked as the #2 Brand Strategy podcast worldwide by Feedspot—and #1 in the UK. We’ve also been listed as #22 among all Leadership podcasts globally. Previous accolades include being named a Top 50 Leadership Podcast by LeadersHum for 2022 and Top 50 Marketing Blog/Podcasts by LinkedIn.
These honours reflect not just my efforts but the generosity of guests who share their time and wisdom, and the community of listeners who engage with these conversations, week after week.
What Podcasting Has Taught Me
Fifteen years of weekly interviews have reinforced several convictions:
- Preparation matters. The best conversations emerge from deep familiarity with a guest’s work, not just surface-level research. Every guest deserves the respect of genuine engagement with their ideas.
- Listening is leadership. The temptation to fill silences or redirect conversations to familiar territory is constant. The discipline of truly listening—allowing guests to complete their thoughts, following unexpected threads, sitting with ambiguity—yields the richest insights.
- Meaningfulness requires intentionality. In a world saturated with content, depth stands out. Hour-long conversations may seem anachronistic in an age of short-form video, yet they continue to find audiences hungry for substance.
- Technology serves connection. From early Skype calls to current high-definition remote recordings, technology has evolved dramatically. But the core purpose remains unchanged: facilitating human connection and the exchange of ideas.
The Road Ahead
As podcasting continues to evolve—with video becoming increasingly central, AI reshaping production and discovery, and new platforms emerging—Minter Dialogue will continue its mission. The questions I explore around leadership, brand strategy, and transformation remain as relevant as ever, perhaps more so as organisations and individuals navigate accelerating change.
Each Sunday morning, I release a new episode designed for your jog, walk, or a relaxing moment in the hammock. The show is now a proud member of the Evergreen Podcasts Network, extending our reach while maintaining the independent spirit that has characterised the show from the beginning.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve been listening for years, thank you. Your engagement—whether through reviews, social media shares, or simply pressing play each week—sustains this work.
If you’re new to Minter Dialogue, I invite you to explore. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you prefer to listen. With 600+ episodes spanning leadership, strategy, transformation, and everything in between, there’s likely a conversation waiting that speaks to wherever you are in your journey.
Subscribe, rate the show, and let me know what resonates. After fifteen years, the dialogue continues—and the best conversations may still be ahead.
Find the Minter Dialogue podcast at minterdial.com/podcast or subscribe through your favourite podcast platform.
