Shameless Media partners with KICPod & KICBump podcasts

Shameless Media has announced a multi-year partnership with the KICPod and KICBump podcasts.

Since 2022, both shows have been represented by  LiSTNR. They will move across to Shameless Media in late September.

Hosted by entrepreneurs Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith, the licensing deal between Shameless Media and KICPod/KICBump also marks the launch of Shameless Media Studios, the licensing arm of the independent media company.

The growth of Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews’ Shameless Media is an anomaly in the audio industry and in the wider media landscape.

Shameless Media says that since its launch in 2018, the network has achieved over 155 million listens and 1.8 million social media followers, along with a growing suite of newsletters.

It says this latest move reflects a seismic shift that is happening in the industry: unlike closed proprietary platforms that limit creator reach, Shameless Media’s open infrastructure means KICPod and KICBump will be available as full-length video on both YouTube and Spotify – meeting audiences where they already are.

Shameless Media co-founder Zara McDonald says “What Steph and Laura have done in the podcasting space is exceptional. They have incredible chemistry, a loyal listenership, and are deeply committed to the next era of their shows. We’re all very excited to see what the ‘Shameless Media take’ of KICPod is.”

“Up until this point, we’ve been firmly focused on launching original products,” co-founder Michelle Andrews said. “By the end of the year, when we launch our original parenting podcast, we will have five, always-on original shows. Which means we’re now officially in a place to turn our minds to the best licensing opportunities in the country – KICPod and KICBump are the perfect additions to our roster.”

Laura Henshaw said “This is a really special moment in time for KICPod and KICBump. We’re so grateful to the team at LiSTNR for everything we achieved together. Now, it’s an absolute honour to become the first licensed podcast for Shameless Media Studios – an empire which we’ve had the privilege to watch the incredibly talented Michelle and Zara build from the ground up. As an independent, women-founded media company, we couldn’t be prouder to be working together.”

Steph Claire Smith added: “Being female founders and friends, we’ve often turned to Michelle and Zara and connected on challenges, or exciting opportunities. Laura and I have always been inspired by the empire that they have created. We have really enjoyed watching and supporting them from the sidelines, and now joining forces is truly exciting.”

This deal also signals the company’s concerted tilt into the parenting space. KICPod and KICBump will be represented by the network in September, and Shameless Media’s own original parenting podcast will launch the following month.

“We have been working on our original parenting podcast for almost a year now,” McDonald said. “The prospect of having two complementary, parent-focused podcasts under our network is a real strength, given the depth of that space.”

Shameless Media says there will be further announcements to come later this year.