Amazon Restructures Wondery, Eliminating Over 100 Jobs While Launching Creator Services and Audible Integration
Amazon eliminated more than 100 positions at its Wondery podcast studio in August 2025 while maintaining the brand. The company moved audio-only podcasts under Audible and established a new Creator Services department focused on celebrities and expanded monetization. This includes building an 'expanding universe' around the Kelce brothers' New Heights podcast with commerce integration.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAmazon eliminated more than 100 jobs from its podcast studio Wondery in August 2025, according to TechCrunch, which cited The New York Times. At the time, Amazon insisted it was not shutting down Wondery, and the company continues to use the Wondery brand. TechCrunch reported that Amazon took a sledgehammer to the Wondery studio, with audio-only podcasts now operating under Audible.
Amazon created a new department called Creator Services, which works with celebrities Dax Sheperd, Keke Palmer, and Jason and Travis Kelce. The company is creating an expanding universe around the Kelce brothers’ podcast New Heights, with monetization plans that go beyond standard podcast ads. Amazon launched a new section called Kelce Clubhouse, where fans can buy New Heights merchandise.
Fans can also watch the documentary Kelce on Kelce Clubhouse and purchase recommended products for a football-watching party. Matt Sandler, general manager of Creator Services, stated that Amazon is trying to infuse both the content and the commerce together.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-26
TechCrunch reports on Amazon's transformed podcasting business, including details on Creator Services and Kelce Clubhouse.
1 sourceTechCrunch - 2025-08
Amazon eliminates more than 100 jobs from Wondery podcast studio.
1 sourceThe New York Times via TechCrunch - 2025-08
Amazon insists it is not shutting down Wondery.
1 sourceAmazon via TechCrunch - Recent (post-2025-08)
Amazon creates Creator Services department working with celebrities like Dax Sheperd, Keke Palmer, and Jason and Travis Kelce.
1 sourceTechCrunch - Recent (post-2025-08)
Amazon launches Kelce Clubhouse for New Heights merchandise, documentary, and products.
1 sourceTechCrunch
Potential Impact
- 01
Shift in podcast operations may affect content production under Audible.
- 02
Potential growth in Amazon's commerce-integrated media revenue from celebrity podcasts.
- 03
Expanded monetization around New Heights could influence other creators' strategies on Amazon.
- 04
Job losses at Wondery may lead to talent migration in the podcast industry.
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