Journalist Robert Evans is partnering with iHeartMedia to launch Cool Zone Media, a new network of progressive-leaning podcasts. The lineup includes Evans own series It Could Happen Here as well as other new and existing shows. Evans will serve as Head of Content for Cool Zone Media.
“Cool Zone Media won’t mince words – we are currently living through the collapse of the known and the birth of a new unknown,” said Evans in the announcement. “This new network will chronicle the journey and provide advice and access to those voices trying to build a better future.”
The new daily series It Could Happen Here will focus on climate change and picks up where Evans’ ten-episode weekly podcast by the same name left off. The first episode launches today (Aug. 16.)
Evans will be joined by iHeartPodcast Network executive producer Sophie Lichterman, who will become Cool Zone Media’s Head of Creative, to help curate the network.
Cool Zone Media will debut its second original podcast called Assault on America in September. Co-produced by the U.K. studio Novel, the series will examine the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. It too will be hosted by Evans.
In addition to his new shows, Evans is also creator of the podcasts Behind the Bastards, which he tells the stories of some of history’s greatest villains, and After the Revolution, about a fictional Texas wracked by civil war.
Other creators joining Cool Zone Media will include rapper and author Jason “Propaganda” Petty, who will bring with him his podcast Hood Politics. It breaks down the seemingly confusing political landscape in an understandable way. And journalist and filmmaker Jake Hanrahan, will also join the network with his current podcast Q Clearance: The Hunt for QAnon. Hanrahan will also collaborate on a slate of forthcoming shows for Cool Zone Media. Additionally the network will feature upcoming projects from podcasters Bridget Todd of There Are No Girls On The Internet, and Jamie Loftus of Lolita Podcast and Aack Cast, as well as researcher Christopher Wong and journalist Garrison Davis. More podcasts and creators set to join Cool Zone media will be announced in the coming months.
“We are excited to launch Cool Zone Media to help elevate vital political voices and viewpoints that are so often overlooked,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer, iHeartPodcast Network. “With a combined 100 million plus downloads across Robert’s current iHeartRadio podcasts, the appetite for this unfiltered brand of investigative journalism is clear, and we know Cool Zone Media’s content creators will inspire thought-provoking conversation as Robert and the team work to illuminate some of the most complex issues within the rapidly changing global political landscape.”