'Podcast of infinite podcasts’ finds a home on US network

John-Luke Roberts’ podcast Sound Heap is to return after nearly three years away.

The show – which was named best sketch show at the 2022 BBC Audio Drama Awards –  is dubbed the ‘podcast of infinite podcasts’ with the comic playing  the CEO of the fictional Sound Heap network, whose aim is to make make too many podcasts.

Each episode composes clips from nonexistent shows on the network—including Describing Pretzels to Peter, Who's Never Seen a Pretzel; An Angel Ate My Car and Other Miracles Gone Wrong; and Aggressive Compliments Shouted at a Cat—performed by comedians including Tom Allen, Isy Suttie and Kevin Eldon.

The new series will be launched by the Los Angeles-based  Maximum Fun network – which is already home to Benjamin Partridge’s Beef And Dairy Network Podcast – on February 19. 

Roberts said: ‘I’m thrilled to be bringing Sound Heap to the Maximum Fun network," says John-Luke Roberts ‘In my opinion, they’re not only one of the best podcast networks in the world, but also our greatest rival. I never dreamed we’d have the opportunity to bring them down from within.’

And producer Ed Morrish added: ‘We know that America is where all the best podcasts come from, and now we’re there as well.’

The tie-up will also see hosts of other Maximum Fun guesting on Sound Heap, including US  comics Jeremy Bent, Hal Lublin and Jordan Morris.

Laura Swisher, a senior producer on the network, said:  ‘We're thrilled to bring Sound Heap to Maximum Fun. The show is laugh-out-loud funny, and we think it will be a hit with comedy fans here in the US as well as the UK.’

It will be available for free on all podcast platforms.

Published: 5 Feb 2024