“I can’t say enough good things about Headspace, and their podcast is no exception. Smart, thoughtful content that is well-produced. The length is perfect for my morning commute. It’s the only podcast I listen to regularly, multiple times a week. I’ve recommended it and the app many times.
Only recently they started running ads. Because of the short format, I feel like the ads are just as long as the show. But the worst part is some of the ads feature the hosts of the show peddling products and apps that feel salesy and insincere. Headspace has done a great job building high levels of trust with their meditation teachers and audience, and the ads compromised that for me.
I’ve used the Headspace app almost everyday for nearly ten years. As a subscriber to the app, I can get the podcasts ad-free in the app, but it’s a few extra steps, and I can’t access it alongside other podcasts I listen to.
I acknowledge the reality of financially sustaining a company like Headspace. Now that Apple offers subscriptions to bypass ads, I might consider paying a small price for no ads, in my normal podcast app—the content is that good.
But please don’t underestimate the credibility the hosts have with a very loyal audience—and how easily that’s lost by inauthentic ads selling inane products. For a company changing the world through mindfulness and meditation, it feels icky and self-serving.”
fmcausby via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/23/24