Horoscope Weekly Podcast Debuts: NYT Expands Reach Of "The Opinions" Podcast

For many people, checking their horoscope daily is a habit that can untangle the intricate knot of life's meaning as they tackle the upcoming day. Their horoscope is like a mile marker that attaches meaning to the most random of events.

So, it's not surprising that OpenMind recently announced Horoscope Weekly, a new original podcast powered by PAVE Studios. Hosted by well-known astrologer and bestselling author Aliza Kelly, Horoscope Weekly invites listeners "on a personalized cosmic journey offering detailed horoscopes with tailored insights on love, career, health, and more."

Pave also explained that Kelly will decode the latest astrological events such as meteor showers, mercury retrograde and lunar eclipses, providing a comprehensive cosmic forecast for the week ahead.

“Life’s a wild ride, but I’m here to help make astrology relevant to your everyday life, whether you’re an astrology enthusiast or a curious newcomer,” said Aliza Kelly. “I’m so excited about my new show, ‘Horoscope Weekly,’ where you’ll get your much-needed dose of cosmic clarity and discover what the universe has in store for you.”

If you don't know her, Aliza Kelly is a celebrated astrologer, bestselling author, and media personality known for her regular column in New York Magazine's The Cut and as the resident astrologer for Bumble. She has appeared on TV shows and in outlets including Vogue, The New York Times, Today Show, E! News, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Drew Barrymore Show.

New episodes are available every Monday across all podcast platforms. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, fans can subscribe to OpenMind+ on Apple Podcasts.

Max Cutler, Founder of PAVE Studios says: "Astrology has become a major influence in pop culture, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, shaping everything from fashion trends to relationships. As consumers increasingly seek content that resonates with their personal journeys, OpenMind is perfectly positioned to meet this demand. We're not just riding the wave of astrology's popularity; we're helping to shape the conversation, providing listeners with the insights they crave to navigate their lives through a cosmic lens."
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New York Times Audio Expands Reach of "The Opinions" Podcast

The New York Times Audio group has now created a trend. One event is random. Two similar events: A trend is forming.

First, The New York Times recently expanded the reach of its “The Headlines,” podcast from NYT Audio exclusivity to be available across all podcast platforms. That change began on August 5th.

In 2023, The New York Times introduced The Opinions, an audio show that brings the work of the Opinion section to life. Episodes, each clocking in at 10 minutes or less, feature columnists, guest essayists or editors who take a deeper dive into their work, helping listeners get a little closer to them and what to make of the news. 

Since its beginning last year, the show has been available exclusively to subscribers, but starting Monday, August 19, The Opinions will be available wherever you get your podcasts.

 The Times said of this move: "Since the beginning last year, these audio pieces have been available exclusively to subscribers. Listenership has steadily risen, and we know there is growing demand for the show off platform. So I take great pleasure in announcing that, starting on Monday, The Opinions will be available wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to the trailer on Apple or Spotify."

"Episodes will be released Monday through Thursday and respond to the big issues and ideas of the week, featuring the Opinion columnists you know and writers who may be new to you. We hope they will help listeners continue to shape their own opinions by listening to perspectives from across Times Opinion."

It's my opinion that The New York Times (NYT) should expand the accessibility of its podcasts and not trap them behind a subscription paywall. After all, frequent podcast listening of NYT podcasts can mean more digital subscriptions for the media company.