Updates from Sounds Like Impact
What's happening with the year-end list, and what's next for this newsletter.
Hi everyone,
Ayo here with a few quick updates:
I will not be releasing the Best of Impactful Podcasts 2025 this year. I aim to send in January. Trust me, I’ve been doing my listening, but this year I have dealt with so many unexpected things and had to be honest with myself about my capacity. This does mean, however, that I am expanding my eligibility criteria to include narrative shows that finished publishing in December.
Speaking of January…I’ll be announcing some changes to the newsletter (all good, I promise!).
That’s all for now, but I thought I’d close out the year by sharing some community news and some pitches I received for shows coming out early next year.
#SLICommunity
Check out the 2025 Bingey List from Samantha Hodder!
Kristen Hayford & Lisa Koolhoven launched and host Beb & Bob | Collateral Damage, a podcast that tackles difficult history head-on to better understand and acknowledge the cost of collateral damage in war.
Adriana Cargill, who was featured on Sounds Like Impact for Sandcastles, is launching a 2-part special about the Palisades Fires ahead of the 1-year anniversary (January 7th). The Palisades Fire: A Sandcastles Special will be available via Wave Maker Media’s Sandcastle podcast feed.
Coming Soon
The following are pitches I’ve received, but haven’t listened to. Therefore, I am not endorsing them but am passing them along in case there is interest. Please note that the following are spiritual/religious shows.
At a time when conversations about mental health often stay on the surface, the brand new podcast The Shadow Sessions goes deeper. The Shadow Sessions premieres January 8, 2026, with new episodes every week.
As families seek meaningful, screen-free entertainment, the Augustine Institute is launching Welcome to Hope Springs, the new multi-season audio series for children ages 8 to 12 and their families, on January 12, 2026.
Thriving sounds simple, but what does it truly involve? And how does spirituality influence that journey? With & For, the weekly psychology and spirituality podcast from the Thrive Center at Fuller Seminary and Great Feeling Studios is launching a brand new season on January 26, 2026 to unpack these meaningful questions.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season (if you celebrate any of the holidays), and Happy (early) New Year to all!
Take care,
Ayo
Publisher, Sounds Like Impact
P.S. If you have recommendations for content (not necessarily just shows) you would like to see on Sounds Like Impact next year, please get in touch at soundslikeimpact@unofficialsocialchair.com. Or, you can leave a comment.