Ex-Pineapple Street Execs Launch New Podcast Studio

Two former executives from the now-defunct Pineapple Street Studios have launched a new podcast production company named The Washington Square. The studio's co-founders, who were instrumental in creating hit narrative podcasts like "Wind of Change," "Missing Richard Simmons," and "The Clearing," aim to continue producing high-quality audio content. Pineapple Street Studios, a prominent name in podcasting known for its documentary-style series, ceased operations a year after its parent company, Audacy, filed for bankruptcy.

The Washington Square has already announced its initial slate of projects, signaling a strong start for the new venture. Among the confirmed collaborations are projects with notable figures in media and journalism. These include a podcast with investigative journalist Dan Taberski, known for his work on "9/11: The Lost Tapes" and "The Line." Additionally, the studio will partner with author and journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland."

Further bolstering its lineup, The Washington Square is also set to produce a podcast with acclaimed actress and producer Amy Poehler. Poehler, known for her work on "Parks and Recreation" and "Saturday Night Live," has previously ventured into podcasting with "Parks and Recreation" co-stars. The inclusion of these high-profile names suggests a strategic focus on celebrity-driven and in-depth journalistic narratives for the new studio's debut.

The establishment of The Washington Square marks a significant development in the podcasting industry, particularly following the closure of Pineapple Street Studios. The new company's leadership brings a wealth of experience in narrative podcast production, and the announced partnerships indicate a commitment to ambitious and high-profile audio storytelling. The studio's success will likely be watched closely by industry observers as it aims to fill the void left by its predecessor.