Planet Money Author Launches Food Economics Podcast via Libsyn Partnership
Libsyn, the leading podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, has announced an exclusive hosting and monetization partnership with Gastronomics, a new audio and video podcast exploring the economics of food. The show is hosted by Alex Mayyasi, author of Planet Money, a No. 3 New York Times bestseller, and a longtime contributor to NPR’s Planet Money.
What Gastronomics Covers
Gastronomics examines the economic forces shaping what we eat, where we eat, and why food trends emerge. Each episode features conversations with chefs, economists, and industry insiders who unpack the business and cultural forces behind the modern menu. The show explores compelling topics including how trend forecasters track thousands of menus to predict when restaurants should introduce items like yuzu lemonade or ube pancakes, the mechanics behind how best restaurant lists are created, and why billionaires are investing heavily in farmland.
“Alex has a rare ability to make economics entertaining, accessible, and relevant to everyday life,” said Nick Zier, Senior Manager of Creator Partnerships at Libsyn. “Gastronomics sits at the intersection of food, business, culture, and consumer behavior, creating a valuable environment for advertisers looking to reach audiences who are curious, informed, and eager to discover what’s driving the trends around them.”
A Creator-Focused Partnership
For Mayyasi, the partnership with Libsyn represents an opportunity to expand the reach of his content while maintaining creative control. “I’ve always loved how stories about food make business and economics fun, relevant, and approachable,” he explained. “Gastronomics will be a resource for food nerds, people in the food industry, and everyone looking for an entertaining guide to the economy. Partnering with Libsyn gives me the tools and reach to share these ideas, stories, and conversations with a wider audience and connect with brand partners that fit the show’s ethos and audience.”
This partnership underscores Libsyn’s commitment to supporting creators in the business and lifestyle podcast space. With over two decades of experience in podcasting, Libsyn has powered more than 250,000 shows and delivered over 75 billion downloads globally.
Advertising Opportunities
Gastronomics creates what Libsyn describes as an “attention-rich listening and viewing environment” where audiences engage with content about food economics, making it attractive for brands seeking to reach curious, engaged consumers. The partnership leverages Libsyn Ads, which offers multiple advertising formats:
- Host-Read Ads: Available for both episodic and simulcast formats, providing authentic brand integration
- Programmatic Automatic Podcast Ads: Automated ad placement across episodes
- Integrated Brand Opportunities: Custom solutions aligned with the show’s food-curious and trend-aware audience
- Libsyn Audience Network (LAN): Access to premium, brand-safe inventory across Libsyn’s broader portfolio with audience-based targeting capabilities
Multi-Platform Distribution
The show benefits from Libsyn’s comprehensive distribution infrastructure. The platform enables seamless publishing across leading audio and video platforms, including Apple’s HLS-enabled video in Apple Podcasts, Spotify’s video distribution API, and YouTube. This multi-platform approach allows Gastronomics to reach audiences wherever they consume content.
For podcast professionals and producers on Podwires, this partnership exemplifies the growing sophistication of podcast partnerships that combine creator expertise with platform capabilities. The collaboration between a respected journalist and a leading hosting platform demonstrates how strategic partnerships can amplify reach while maintaining editorial integrity.
Advertisers interested in sponsoring Gastronomics can contact ad-sales@libsyn.com for more information about available opportunities.
Source: Podwires Newsletter
