Media Confidential Goalhanger co-founder: ‘I’ve stepped in to stop Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart arguing’
Nov 3, 2025
Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger and former TV exec, shares insights on the robust growth of podcasts during the pandemic. He reveals how chemistry testing among hosts makes shows like *The Rest Is Politics* successful. Tony discusses how niche subjects keep audiences engaged and the myth of young listeners preferring short content. He also emphasizes the importance of membership revenue, which elevates quality, and recounts intervening in heated debates between Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, showcasing the art of managing host dynamics.
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Chemistry Beats Format
- Tone of voice and chemistry between hosts drive podcast success more than radical format changes.
- Goalhanger replicates this formula across genres to scale audience engagement.
We Have Ways Led To Bigger History
- Tony started with a niche WWII podcast in 2019 and found a large untapped audience.
- That success led to expanding into broader history with Tom Holland as the entry point.
Trust Lets Hosts Explore
- Loyal audiences follow trusted hosts across varied topics, reducing audience churn.
- Hosts can be brave with subjects because listeners trust their storytelling and accuracy.