The Pod Network launches audio anthology series 'Stories @ The Pod' with 'Trese' writer Budjette Tan

 The Pod Network, the country’s leading podcast network, announces the launch of Stories @ The Pod, an audio anthology series that transforms Filipino literary works into immersive, cinematic podcast experiences.

Co-produced by award-winning audio production company Hit Productions, the limited series is designed to showcase contemporary Philippine literature through audio listening.

"I'm excited that Hit Productions’ collaboration with our partners at The Pod Network and author Budjette Tan has made it possible for his stories to reach new and wider audiences,” Hit Productions CEO Vic Icasas said.

The first season kicks off with four tales from ‘Kwentoys,’ the upcoming book by Budjette Tan, the writer behind the Netflix animated series Trese. Kwentoys is a collection of short stories he wrote over a span of 20 years, blending folklore, memory, and the magic of everyday Filipino life and features illustrations by his brother Brandie Tan. The tales are eerie, nostalgic, and deeply personal, each with an interesting backstory from the author.

"These stories deserve to be heard—literally. They're not just retold; they’re reimagined,” shared Kwentoys creator Budjette Tan.

Episodes of Stories @ The Pod feature a fully-produced audio drama adaptation from Steve and Nyx of the Book of Bad Ideas podcast and a heartfelt conversation with Budjette with Earl of the Philippine Campfire Stories podcast, diving into the inspiration, culture, and emotion behind each tale.

With narratives about lost kids, ancient myths, and childhood memories, Stories @ The Pod is a new space for Filipino authors to share their work and a chance for listeners to connect with literature through an immersive soundscape.

"We at The Pod Network are thrilled to share this collaboration with such creative minds and talents in the literature, sound, and podcast spheres,” says Inna Salazar Acuña, Head of Content at The Pod Network.

Catch Stories @ The Pod on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. For more information about The Pod Network, you may visit www.thepodnetwork.com or their Facebook page.

'Overstimulated' Pinoys drive podcast listenership for emotional refuge - study

 Filipinos are turning to podcasts for emotional refuge amidst overstimulation from digital fatigue.

This is the key finding of “The Two Faces of the Overwhelmed,” a study conducted by The Pod Network, the country’s leading podcast network, in partnership with socio-cultural research firm The Fourth Wall, which looked at the consumption behavior of the podcast listenership in the Philippines.

The study, which surveyed hundreds of digital users early this year, reveals that more Filipinos are turning to podcasts as tools to cope with feeling emotionally overwhelmed or mentally saturated, a result of today's hyperconnected digital landscape.

According to the study, there are two faces of podcast listeners: the 'mindful navigators' and 'content grazers.' The 'mindful navigators' are categorized as those aged 25 and above, balancing work, life, and family responsibilities, who turn to podcasts for relief. Their overstimulation stems from doing too much, and they seek podcasts for genuine relief, not mere distraction. With a stimulation score of +2.06 and a higher reliance on podcasts (53% identifying it as a key source of relief), ‘Mindful navigators’ spend up to six hours daily listening to narrative, reflective, or calming shows, often during commutes, chores, or end-of-day wind-downs.

Meanwhile, 'content grazers' are those under 25 who are immersed in a multi-platform world, jumping between TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube. They show a lower stimulation score (-1.63) and lighter podcast reliance (47%), listening 1-4 hours per day, often while multitasking. Unlike 'mindful navigators,' their podcast use isn't emotionally anchored but more driven by boredom or habit.

The study also reveals that while podcasts emerged as tools for calm, the emotional value they bring to consumers extends beyond just meditation apps or self-help monologues. 'Mindful navigators' prefer clear, calm, conversational content, with ideal episode lengths of 30-45 minutes, especially during evening de-stressing periods (6:00–8:00 PM). Meanwhile, 'content grazers' are drawn to humor, energy, and cultural relevance in shorter, dynamic episodes.

John Brylle Bae, Research Director at The Fourth Wall, emphasizes the implications for creators, saying, "Today's digital landscape presents a generation overwhelmed by multitasking, digital noise, and attention fatigue. Hence, podcasts are increasingly becoming a reset button for silence and mindfulness. This key finding emphasizes that engagement is not just about time, but about purpose, opening new strategic ground for creators to better connect with their audience."

Alan Fontanilla, CEO of The Pod Network Entertainment, underscores the growth and opportunities within the industry. 

"This study not only provides insights into the listenership behaviors of Filipinos but, more importantly, offers a roadmap for action for creators and brands. Podcasts are increasingly becoming emotional infrastructure. Therefore, creators must understand the importance of designing podcast shows for emotional need, while brands need to realize that podcast ads aren’t interruptions but opportunities to build emotional trust."

The "Beyond the Headphones: The Portrait of a Podcast Listener as Filipino" report, released last year, indicated over 17 million weekly podcast listenership in the country, with comedy emerging as the top genre for Filipinos.

You may access the full report via https://thepodnetwork.com/tpn-insider or visit https://thepodnetwork.com/ for more information.