Seven-Figure Merger Brings Together Sounds Profitable, Podcast Movement.

The podcast consultancy Sounds Profitable is merging with industry event organizer Podcast Movement in a deal said to be worth seven figures. The deal reflects not only consolidation across the industry, but an evolution of the live event business. The large crowds of thousands of newcomers looking to understand how to make a podcast have morphed into gatherings of veterans looking to improve how they do business, and grow industry revenue.

The two Texas-based companies have already had close ties, and the move will marry Sounds Profitable’s research and insights business, as well as its reach into the advertising business, with an events business that foresees deeper involvement in media industry events such as the Cannes Lions Festival, SXSW, The Podcast Show London, and Advertising Week.

Under the deal’s structure, Sounds Profitable founder Bryan Barletta and Sounds Profitable partner Tom Webster will remain shareholders in the business. Barletta will become President of Podcast Movement and the continuing Sounds Profitable brand. And Podcast Movement co-founder Dan Franks will continue as President of Event Movement, the independent production company that produces its conferences and other events.

“This merger unites two leading organizations that have, until now, independently been both champions and catalysts, supporting the growth of the entire podcasting industry,” Barletta says in the announcement. “As we take these next steps together, we’ll be able to amplify our mission to connect creators, brands, and innovators while providing an unmatched event experience in the podcast industry.”

Podcast Movement’s first event was more than a decade ago, and under its new ownership structure its flagship event will be held in New York for the first time in September 2026. Its Podcast Movement Evolutions event no longer be a standalone event, but rather it will combine with SXSW where Sounds Profitable has been programming some podcast sessions during the past couple of years.

“Over the past decade, the podcast industry has evolved in ways few could have imagined when we launched Podcast Movement in 2014,” said Dan Franks. “Sounds Profitable’s forward-thinking vision, cutting-edge research, and commitment to moving the industry forward create an incredible opportunity for Podcast Movement to grow and adapt alongside that evolution.”

Podcast Movement co-founder Jared Easley exited last December for a role at the National Association of Broadcasters, where he now works as Director of Member Content, Programming, and Education.