Shameless Media has secured a multi-year licensing deal with the KICPod and KICBump podcasts, poaching both shows from LiSTNR and launching a dedicated licensing arm, Shameless Media Studios, in the process.
The two shows – hosted by entrepreneurs Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith – have been distributed through LiSTNR, Australia’s largest podcast network, since 2022. They will transition to Shameless Media in late September.
The deal marks the first licensing arrangement for the independent network, founded by Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews in 2018.
Shameless Media Studios will serve as the vehicle for future licensing partnerships.
A seismic shift from radio-backed networks
Shameless Media commands 10% of Australia’s total podcast advertising revenue, according to a 2025 report by the Australian Financial Review – one in every 10 dollars spent on podcast advertising in the country.
The network has recorded more than 155 million listens and accumulated 1.8 million social media followers. It has been profitable since launch and has never taken external investment.
Under the new arrangement, KICPod and KICBump will be available as full-length videos on both YouTube and Spotify, a departure from the closed proprietary infrastructure of radio-backed networks.
“What Steph and Laura have done in the podcasting space is exceptional,” said McDonald.
“They have incredible chemistry, a loyal listenership, and are deeply committed to the next era of their shows. We’re all very excited to see what the ‘Shameless Media take’ of KICPod is.”
Parenting push
The deal also signals a deliberate expansion into the parenting content category. Shameless Media’s own original parenting podcast is slated to launch in October, the month after KICPod and KICBump join the network.
“Up until this point, we’ve been firmly focused on launching original products,” said Andrews.
“By the end of the year, when we launch our original parenting podcast, we will have five, always-on original shows. Which means we’re now officially in a place to turn our minds to the best licensing opportunities in the country – KICPod and KICBump are the perfect additions to our roster.”
McDonald said the timing was deliberate: “The prospect of having two complementary, parent-focused podcasts under our network is a real strength, given the depth of that space.”
Chief Commercial Officer Rhiannon Joyce said the addition would strengthen Shameless Media’s pitch to advertisers.
“This development bolsters our advertising offering to brand partners, unlocks new revenue in the health and wellness space, and expands our parenting offering. We expect KICPod and KICBump to have a strong impact on how Shameless Media competes for ad spend across audio and digital categories.”
Hosts on the move
Henshaw acknowledged LiSTNR’s role in the shows’ growth while framing the move as a natural next step.
“This is a really special moment in time for KICPod and KICBump. We’re so grateful to the team at LiSTNR for everything we achieved together.
“Now, it’s an absolute honour to become the first licensed podcast for Shameless Media Studios – an empire we’ve had the privilege of watching the incredibly talented Michelle and Zara build from the ground up. As an independent, women-founded media company, we couldn’t be prouder to be working together,” she said.
Smith said the partnership felt like a natural extension of a long-standing relationship with the Shameless Media founders.
“Being female founders and friends, we’ve often turned to Michelle and Zara and connected on challenges or exciting opportunities. Laura and I have always been inspired by the empire that they have created. We have really enjoyed watching and supporting them from the sidelines, and now joining forces is truly exciting.”
Top image: Shameless Media Instagram