Since launching in 2021, the network has surpassed 750 million downloads, launched 27 podcasts, including a new series hosted by journalist Dr. James Stout 

NEW YORK — August 17, 2026 — iHeartMedia today celebrates the fifth anniversary of Cool Zone Media, a progressive podcast network powered by journalist Robert Evans and managing executive producer Sophie Lichterman that chronicles the divisive truths of the past and present in order to help build a better, more informed future. Since launching in August 2021, the network has grown from an ambitious slate of original podcasts into one of iHeartPodcasts' leading destinations for investigative journalism and storytelling, producing 27 podcasts spanning more than 4,450 episodes and over 750 million downloads.

Five years later, Cool Zone Media continues to elevate emerging and established journalists, historians and creators tackling some of today’s most pressing political, historical and cultural issues, earning multiple Webby Awards and Webby People’s Voice Awards recognizing its excellence in podcast journalism and storytelling. The network’s journalists have reported on the ground from major protests, conflicts and crises around the world, including the Stop Cop City protests in Atlanta, the U.S.-Mexico border, the Darién Gap, Myanmar and Syria, while providing in-depth coverage of stories and movements often overlooked or underexplored by mainstream media.  “Better Offline,” hosted by Ed Zitron, has also emerged as a leading critical voice on artificial intelligence and the technology industry. As traditional news outlets continue to face mounting challenges, Cool Zone Media remains a home for original reporting and perspectives from journalists and thinkers including Dr. Dana El-Kurd, Steven Monacelli, Bridget Todd, Kevin Foster, Kim Kelly, Jamie Loftus, Andrew Sage, Jake Hanrahan and Carlos Berríos Polanco.

“In five years we’ve built a network that reaches millions of people every month with stories that help them understand the world we’ve all been thrust into,” said Evans, Head of Content for Cool Zone Media.

“I am deeply proud of our exceptional Cool Zone Media team and our unwavering commitment to reporting thoughtful, meaningful stories from around the world,” said Lichterman.

Anchored by flagship series "Behind the Bastards," "It Could Happen Here" and "Hood Politics," Cool Zone Media has become home to some of iHeartPodcasts' most influential and acclaimed programming. The network has continued to expand its slate with original series including "Weird Little Guys," "Better Offline," "Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff," and "Cool Zone Media Book Club."

“I’m not sure I’ve seen a podcast network with the level of loyalty that Cool Zone has built over the past five years,” said Will Pearson, President of the iHeartPodcasts Network. “With each new launch in the slate, the Cool Zone fans are ready to jump in and spread the word. It’s a testament to the incredible time and dedication Robert, Sophie and the whole Cool Zone team have put into every show in their roster.” 

Continuing that momentum, Cool Zone Media today debuts its newest original podcast, "Natural Causes," furthering the network’s mission to chronicle the defining issues shaping today's world. Hosted by journalist Dr. James Stout, the weekly podcast explores the outdoors, public lands, agriculture, colonialism and Land Back – which advocates for the return of Indigenous lands and stewardship to Native communities – through a progressive lens. Blending serious journalism with firsthand experience, the series will examine the growing threats facing public lands, from climate change and government policy to extractive industries, while inviting listeners into the fight to protect these places for generations to come. The first episode of "Natural Causes" premieres today, August 17, and is available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

“I’m beyond excited to share stories that are far too often overlooked or engaged with through tropes and stereotypes,” said Dr. James Stout. “Cool Zone Media has a great platform and following, and it means a lot to be able to share that platform with people whose voices ought to be heard. We are kicking off the show with a look into agricultural labor rights and food safety and how we can learn from and embrace Indigenous fire knowledge.” 

In addition to “Natural Causes,” Cool Zone Media will continue to expand its slate with new and upcoming original series. “Executive Disorder: White House Weekly,” featuring Garrison Davis, Robert Evans, Mia Wong, and Dr. James Stout, combines on-the-ground journalism and analysis to examine immigration, environmental collapse, the economy and the expansion of authoritarianism. Other upcoming series include “Knowledge Fight Country,” hosted by Dan Friesen, which will examine the ideas and figures shaping right-wing media through a critical and humorous lens, as well as a new weekly podcast from Robert Evans and Joe Kassabien exploring the sprawling lore and real-world history behind “Warhammer 40,000.” 

About Cool Zone Media

Cool Zone Media is a podcast network helmed by investigative journalist Robert Evans and executive producer Sophie Lichterman, with a mission to build a brighter future through storytelling from vital voices. The network is named for a phrase popularized in 2020, “The Cool Zone,” used to describe periods of history where anything appears possible - for better or worse. With more than 750 million downloads across its podcasts, Cool Zone Media chronicles the divisive truths of the past and present with a message to bring about a better, more informed future. Current slate includes: “Behind the Bastards,” “It Could Happen Here,” “Hood Politics,” “Weird Little Guys,” “Better Offline,” “Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff,” “Cool Zone Media Book Club,” and “Natural Causes.” Cool Zone Media is distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network.