The independent podcast studio is drawing attention for its bold storytelling, polished production—and a slate of compelling new releases.
In the booming podcast industry, where corporate networks and media giants often dominate the airwaves, one independent studio is quietly carving out a name for itself through fearless, original storytelling. Next Chapter Podcasts, an independent studio, has become a rising star in the world of audio content—thanks to a growing catalog that spans investigative series, scripted dramas, and genre-defying hybrids.
Led by CEO Jeremiah Tittle, Next Chapter has positioned itself as a creator-driven studio dedicated to authentic, mission-forward storytelling. Tittle, a veteran audio producer and former journalist, has described the company’s mission as “telling human stories with heart and integrity” and believes podcasting offers a powerful tool for cultural connection. “We want to platform people whose voices aren’t always heard, and bring listeners inside worlds they might not otherwise encounter,” Tittle said in a recent interview featured on the company’s website.
An Expanding Universe of Storytelling
Since its founding, Next Chapter Podcasts has grown rapidly, building a slate of original titles across diverse themes and audiences. It’s the company behind The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers, a rock-and-roll retrospective show originally launched as a Spotify Original; The Ten News, a critically acclaimed current events podcast for kids; and Play On Podcasts, an audio theatre series that reimagines Shakespeare’s plays with modern sensibilities and immersive sound design.
But where the studio has truly begun to stand out is in its nonfiction programming. Next Chapter is increasingly embracing long form investigative storytelling that explores the edges of politics, power, and the personal toll of living in the public eye.
Introducing “Targeted”
Premiering March 26, Targeted is Next Chapter’s newest release. Hosted by Zach Abramowitz, a former M&A attorney turned media strategist, the video podcast investigates the lives of individuals who have been singled out, sanctioned, and publicly dismantled by powerful interests.
Blending true crime, political intrigue, and personal interviews, Targeted aims to uncover what really happens when institutions—be they governments, corporations, or media machines—decide someone is expendable.
“These are people who’ve had their lives turned upside down,” said Abramowitz. “Some are whistleblowers. Others are activists or entrepreneurs. What unites them is that they became inconvenient to powerful players—and then the system came down on them.”
The podcast’s debut season includes stories from across the globe: Jonathan Taylor, a corporate whistleblower who was forced into hiding; Pavel Ivlev, a Russian lawyer who fled persecution; Gaurav Srivastava, a commodities investor whose business dispute soon spiraled into an all-out reputational attack; and Nathan Law, the Hong Kong democracy advocate living in exile. Each episode combines first-person testimony with commentary from legal and financial experts to unpack how red notices, media smear campaigns, and weaponized bureaucracy can destroy lives.
A Studio with a Mission
What distinguishes Targeted—and Next Chapter more broadly—is its commitment to storytelling that resonates far beyond the headlines. The studio isn’t simply chasing virality; it’s trying to make sense of a world where the lines between truth and narrative are increasingly blurred.
That approach is echoed across its productions. Whether producing youth content, reinterpreting classic literature, or delving into stories of political targeting, Next Chapter maintains a focus on thoughtful execution and high production quality.
“We’re not just trying to entertain,” said Tittle. “We aim to produce audio that challenges assumptions, fosters empathy, and resonates long after the episode ends.”
With Targeted and a growing slate of genre-spanning content, Next Chapter Podcasts isn’t just building a catalog—it’s building a voice.
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