When I got the email saying I’d made it onto the inaugural Sony Music Podcasting Academy course, I was so excited. For too long I had been doing creative pursuits freelance or on my own, and I’d forgotten how stimulating  it is to be involved in group projects, especially one for an established company like Sony Music Entertainment. The programme lasted six weeks and was packed with carefully thought-out and curated talks, audio workshops and delicious lunches, all put togeth

I’ve always believed that luck is what happens when  preparedness meets opportunity , and after completing the Sony Music Podcast Academy, that quote feels more real than ever. Being selected as one of just twelve participants in this year’s cohort is something I don’t take lightly. Over the years, I’ve been building my career as a broadcast journalist, working across radio and TV, and appearing on a few podcasts along the way including the BBC’s What in the World . I’m grate

What began as a moment of uncertainty after graduating university turned into a defining six-week journey of creativity, collaboration and self-belief. The Sony Music Podcast Academy gave Jenny the space, skills and confidence to explore podcasting in ways she never imagined — and helped me find direction in the process.

The most meaningful creativity isn’t flawless; it is fearless enough to reveal what we would rather conceal. ​ A valuable lesson I took from my experience on the Sony Music Podcast Academy is that our stories, struggles, experiences, and truths are creative capital, not liabilities. Embracing them gives our work honesty and resonance. In an industry built on connection, we aim to evoke real emotion. Perfection, seductive as it is, can lead us away from that purpose. What ling

Now that the programme has come to an end, we are sharing some insights from the class of 2025. Shania Manderson gives an inside look at the programme empowering emerging voices and redefining what it means to create in podcasting.

Cressida Bryant tells us about her journey from Learning the Ropes graduate to a coveted slot on the Prime Video Craft Academy...

My World Book Day Special Chat with Dermot O’Leary: Reflecting on Learnings and Legacy For World Book Day 2025 Derrick sits down with TV...

Maya Jagger - Mentee - shares her reflections on the final celebration and graduation session at  Fremantle UK Headquarters, Stephen...

As part of our series of blogs from the mentees, we're sharing this piece by Bil-Marhamah Rahman on the making of her second film All Our...

As part of our series of blogs from the mentees on 2024's Learning the Ropes  programme, we're sharing a piece by Isaac Phelan on session...

Dermot O’Leary in conversation with Andi and Miquita Oliver As part of our series of blogs from the mentees on 2024's Learning the Ropes...

As part of the wider Learning the Ropes Mentoring Programme, we are delighted that that the nation’s favourite daily weekday show This...

As part of the Learning the Ropes six-month programme the group took part in a 3-day intensive Industry Bootcamp which comprised a...

As part of the Learning the Ropes six-month programme the group took part in a 3-day intensive Industry Bootcamp which comprised a...

As part of the Learning the Ropes six-month programme the group took part in a 3-day intensive Industry Bootcamp which comprised a...