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In October 2020, music streaming platform Spotify introduced Music + Talk, a format that blends music with spoken-word content.

Described as “blended audio experience,” programs under Music + Talk combine full songs (not snippets) and commentary all in one listening experience.

Think of modern radio but with more curated, interactive, and on-demand content.

It is a format that perfectly suits Filipino listeners as well.

For starters, it's no secret that Filipinos love, or should we say, are passionate about music.

But another medium is capturing the attention of local listeners across various demographics.

According to a report in June, the Philippines ranks sixth in terms of the fastest-growing country by podcast listening, with around 31 million listeners.

It thus makes sense for popular music streaming app to cater to this growing segment by tapping its Music + Talk format to host shows by Filipino content creators.

Pinoy listeners can now consume these exciting and insightful shows under the platform's Music + Talk format:

Makinig Ka Muna with Jim & Saab - Podcaster couple and musician husband-and-wife Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona read out letters from listeners and play music that perhaps best suit the topic.

Soundtrip with Jugs & Teddy - Itchyworms vocalist and guitarist Jugs Jugueta team up with Rocksteddy vocalist Teddy Corpuz to analyze classic OPM hits and the stories behind them.

Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast - The show features the hit-making pop-rock quartet where the band members themselves talk and discuss their favorite songs in their catalog over the past 25 years.

“We're really excited doing this collaboration with Spotify and finally we get a chance to really explore the OPM scene,” said Teddy.

For Jim and Saab, Makinig Ka Muna is a dream project as it allows them to blend their love of music and dialogues.

Because while the couple can do the latter on their original (and popular) Wake Up With Jim & Saab podcast, playing songs can be tricky for obvious copyright reasons.

“In our podcast Jim always references songs and so whenever he mentions a song, all our podcast listeners tell us they included it in their playlist,” said Saab.

“This is perfect [because] we're able to give advice to our letter senders and make a playlist for them.”

Saab added excitedly, “We merge our love for giving advice, unsolicited or not, and giving them the soundtrack of their lives.”

The Music + Talk format is also available to creators, who can create their own shows through Spotify's podcast platform, Anchor.

Listeners can look for new shows under the format by searching Music + Talk on the streaming platform. Shows are available to both premium and free listeners.

Meanwhile, take a look at these celebrity-hosted podcast shows for your listening pleasure.