Audacy is adding more firepower to its already deep sports audio portfolio. The company announced it has partnered with veteran NFL analysts Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler to handle sales and distribution for their Heed the Call NFL Podcast, bringing one of the sport’s most respected independent shows under its umbrella.
The deal goes into effect September 1, with new episodes continuing to publish four times per week during the NFL season across YouTube and all major podcast platforms. The move positions Audacy to further strengthen its reputation as a go-to destination for football fans and advertisers.
“As we say on the pod: ‘There are no reverse gears in this tank,’” Hanzus and Sessler said in a joint statement. “We believe in our show and its ability to connect with a global audience of football fans. This partnership with Audacy puts us in the best possible position to serve and expand our army of Heedonists.”
For Hanzus and Sessler, the partnership represents the next chapter of a journey that began with the groundbreaking Around the NFL podcast. The two built a global following during their years with the league, and they’ve leaned into a freer, more personal style since launching Heed the Call in 2024. The program has already earned industry accolades, including a Silver Telly Award and a Cynopsis Sports Media Award for Best New Sports Show.
Audacy executives echoed that sentiment, highlighting both the audience appeal and the business potential of the show. “Dan and Marc are pioneers in sports podcasting and two of the most respected voices in the NFL media landscape,” said Leah Reis-Dennis, head of podcasts at Audacy. “Their compelling mix of expertise, authenticity, and humor has built a passionate following and we’re proud to bring ‘Heed the Call NFL Podcast’ into the Audacy family as we continue to expand our industry-leading sports audio lineup.”
The deal also gives advertisers another avenue to reach engaged NFL fans at scale, a key selling point as competition for podcast ad dollars intensifies.
Audacy has invested heavily in its sports footprint over the past several years. Its holdings now include 40 owned-and-operated sports radio stations, more than 160 streaming sports channels on the Audacy app, and over 600 sports podcasts. The company is also the flagship audio partner of Major League Baseball and produces two national sports networks, Infinity Sports Network and the BetMGM Network.
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