During the frenzy of big-ticket talent signings, iHeartMedia largely remained on the sidelines as its executives say they have focused on podcasts that make economic sense more than shows that have headline appeal. Now a multi-year deal with Bradley Cooper adds a Hollywood A-lister to its talent ranks. The arrangement, with Cooper’s production company Lea Pictures, is more than a vanity project for the actor. It will collaborate with iHeart on several new co-produced shows.
“Sharing stories that inspire, motivate and resonate is one of the reasons I started Lea Pictures, and I’m excited to team up with iHeartPodcasts to bring them to life for millions of listeners,” Cooper said in a statement. “Our shows will feature real people telling real stories, and we knew iHeart was the perfect partner to reach as many people as possible. I look forward to dreaming up more extraordinary stories together.”
The first project in the new slate is a weekly show titled The Good Stuff Podcast that delves into inspiring stories of success and perseverance. The series, which debuted last month, is hosted by Jacob Schick, CEO of One Tribe Foundation and a third-generation Marine, and his wife Ashley Schick, a two-time Emmy Award winning-storyteller. On the show, the two showcase individuals who have made a positive impact through their acts of kindness, successful careers, businesses and military service. New episodes will post each Tuesday.
The Good Stuff Podcast is executive produced by Cooper, who will take that role for the entire slate which will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. In addition to Cooper, The Good Stuff Podcast is also executive produced by Lea Pictures film division head Weston Middleton, television division head Kristen Barnett and Rebecca Shapiro for Lea Pictures and Lyra Smith for iHeartPodcasts.
“Bradley is one of the great creators of our time, inventing and reinventing, again and again, how great stories are told – across multiple genres and formats,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Audio Group. “We could not be more proud and excited to introduce his expertise, vision and approach to the exploding podcast medium with this partnership.”
Building off the critical and financial success of his producorial work on the Oscar-nominated films “Nightmare Alley,” “A Star is Born,” “American Sniper,” and “Joker,” Cooper formed Lea Pictures in 2020 to develop and produce feature films, television, documentary films and digital content. Cooper’s first feature film under Lea Pictures, “Maestro” will be released by Netflix this Fall. Cooper produced, co-wrote, directed and will star in the film.
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