Podcaster Profiles: Gary Coichy Of Pod Digital Media

Multicultural is defined as relating to or constituting several cultural or ethnic groups within a society. Multiculturalism is the coexistence of multiple cultures. The word is used in sociology, in political philosophy, and colloquially. Right now in the U.S., multiculturalism has been attached to three words condemned by the present administration -- diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In today's edition of Podcaster Profiles by Ear Worthy, we talk to a man who has built his life and career around multiculturalism, and been highly successful at focusing on that devotion to build a brand, a company, and a culture of opportunity.

Gary Coichy  is the CEO/Founder of Pod Digital Media (PDM). He 
 launched Pod Digital Media in 2018 as the first full-service multicultural podcast network and agency, connecting brands with diverse creators and audiences. Before founding PDM, he spent ~16+ years in media and marketing roles at agencies including Omnicom Media Group, Laundry Service, and Mediacom, developing multicultural campaigns for major brands.

Under Gary's leadership, PDM has grown into a cultural hub representing more than 400 podcasts and securing blue-chip partners like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Merck, Fiji, and others. PDM has 30 million listeners, over 10 million show downloads, and over 70 million social media followers. 

You can watch a video about PDM here. 

Pod Digital Media is the first and largest multicultural podcast network/agency, focusing on connecting blue-chip advertisers with diverse creators, specifically within Black, Latino, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities. 

Gary Coichy explains: "The success of a media company desiring to speak to the needs of multicultural audiences depends on that company recognizing the diversity of its audience and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. PDM conducts extensive market research to identify the unique preferences, challenges and values of each cultural group. This involves studying demographic trends, cultural nuances and media consumption habits to tailor content that resonates truthfully."

 Gary continues: "PDM specializes in reaching Black, Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Concurrently, PDM maintains a diversified workforce that authentically embodies the communities that it engages, from the top down. We deliver more than quality content and tangible results—we foster a sense of belonging and connection. Engaging directly with audiences through interactive platforms, experiential activations and social media discussions creates trust and loyalty. We encourage feedback and incorporate audience input into content development, reinforcing our company’s dedication to serving its community."

Q. Can you tell me about your background? Growing up? School? Aspirations as a young man?

A. I was born and raised on the island of Haiti and moved to the United States at 15, going on 16. My family settled in Rockland County, New York, and I learned English during high school while adapting to an entirely new culture. That transition shaped my resilience and work ethic. My first job was as a drive-thru cashier at McDonald’s from ages 16 to 18—I still remember feeling “cool” the first time I was handed the headset. That early experience has come full circle, as Pod Digital Media now partners with McDonald’s on a multi-year deal.

Q. How did you get into the corporate world?

A. I studied international business at Berkeley College and spent time abroad at Regent’s College in London, which gave me a global perspective on how culture influences commerce. I entered the agency world through direct marketing and eventually digital strategy, working at firms like MediaCom, Resolution Media, and Laundry Service. Those experiences exposed me to large-scale media buying, search, and social strategy, and cross-channel campaign development before I transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship.

Q. How did you open up podcasting for more multicultural programming?

A. With Pod Digital Media, we built and continue to expand a marketplace focused on subcultures - zeitgeist leading groups like Black Gen X men, women in sports, head of household moms, and other growth audiences often overlooked or flattened in traditional buys. Media is more fragmented than ever, and reaching audiences today requires a cross-cultural lens. We created infrastructure that allows brands to show up authentically within communities, rather than speaking at them from the outside.

Q. Why start Pod Digital Media? What were your objectives—short-term and long-term?

A. The idea came from seeing a clear gap in the marketplace: diverse creators were being overlooked by mainstream media buyers. The turning point happened in 2017 while leading a campaign for Carol’s Daughter. I wanted to reach African-American and Hispanic women through podcasting, but the networks lacked culturally relevant voices. It became clear there was no centralized platform connecting blue-chip advertisers with these audiences. I launched PDM in 2018 to democratize access—short-term, to prove the model worked; long-term, to build a scalable cultural marketplace that bridges brands and underrepresented creators.

Q. With the present administration actively disrupting efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, how are you proceeding?

A. We’re moving forward with clarity and conviction. Media fragmentation, algorithm-driven feeds, the resurgence of live experiences, and the shift from traditional TV to audio and online video all demand a more nuanced, bespoke approach to audience growth. Our focus isn’t framed around labels, it's about growth and meaningful brand connection. Brands that understand culture as a growth driver, not a checkbox, will continue to win.

Building a media company for multicultural audiences comes with challenges such as navigating cultural sensitivities, combating stereotypes and addressing potential language barriers. However, these challenges have presented opportunities for growth, innovation, and societal impact. It is clear that prioritizing diversity and inclusion leads to tangible, identifiable results in a rapidly evolving media landscape. 

Gary Coichy sums up: "Creating a media company like Pod Digital Media that serves multicultural audiences, large advertisers and creators of color has been a rewarding endeavor that required vision, dedication and cultural intelligence. By embracing diversity and staying true to our mission, we at PDM have been able to not only thrive in the marketplace but also play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, empathy and unity in an increasingly diverse world."