Former Pineapple Street Leaders Launch 'Please and Thanks' Podcast Studio

A New Chapter for Narrative Audio

The podcasting industry is witnessing a significant evolution as two former leaders of the acclaimed Pineapple Street Studios have officially announced the launch of their new venture, Please and Thanks Productions. This move comes roughly one year after the dissolution of Pineapple Street, which shuttered following parent company Audacy’s bankruptcy filing. The new studio aims to pick up the mantle of high-quality narrative storytelling that defined the founders' previous work.

Known for producing cultural touchstones such as Wind of Change, Missing Richard Simmons, and The Clearing, the duo behind the new studio is poised to leverage their deep industry connections to maintain a high bar for creative excellence. By establishing Please and Thanks Productions, they are providing a fresh home for audio journalists and storytellers looking to craft long-form, immersive experiences in an increasingly fragmented digital media landscape.

Star-Studded Development Slate

What makes the launch of Please and Thanks Productions particularly noteworthy is the immediate strength of its project pipeline. The studio has already confirmed partnerships with some of the most influential names in entertainment and investigative journalism. These collaborations suggest that the company is not merely interested in standard podcasting, but rather in high-stakes narrative projects that could easily translate to other media formats.

Key upcoming projects include:

• Collaborations with Dan Taberski: The investigative journalist and host, famous for his deep-dive storytelling, will bring his unique perspective to new audio series under the banner.
• Amy Poehler Partnership: The legendary comedian, actor, and producer is set to work with the studio, signaling a push into narrative comedy and high-profile storytelling.
• Patrick Radden Keefe Projects: The acclaimed author and journalist, known for his meticulous research and gripping prose, will develop new audio investigations, promising to bring the same rigor to Please and Thanks that he brought to his bestselling books.

The Podcast Industry Pivot

The collapse of Pineapple Street Studios in 2025 served as a wake-up call for the podcasting sector. As major media conglomerates struggled with the economics of audio, many boutique studios found themselves caught in the crossfire of corporate restructuring. The launch of Please and Thanks Productions represents a return to the 'boutique' model, where a smaller, focused team can prioritize creative autonomy over mass-market volume.

Industry analysts suggest that this shift is part of a broader trend: creators and executives are moving away from large corporate umbrellas to regain control over their intellectual property and production processes. By focusing on a lean, high-output, and high-quality strategy, Please and Thanks is positioning itself to be a leading player in the premium audio space.

Why Narrative Storytelling Still Matters

Despite the rise of AI-generated content and short-form video, listeners continue to crave long-form narrative series that offer depth, context, and emotional resonance. The founders of Please and Thanks Productions believe that the audience for 'prestige' podcasts remains untapped. By investing in rigorous reporting and high-end production values, they are betting that listeners will remain loyal to platforms that deliver a cinematic audio experience.

Looking Ahead: A Competitive Landscape

The market for audio content is more competitive than ever. With major networks, streaming platforms, and independent creators all vying for listener attention, the launch of Please and Thanks Productions will be closely watched by talent agencies and distribution platforms alike. If the studio can replicate the critical success of their past work while navigating the modern monetization challenges of the podcast medium, they are likely to become a dominant force in the industry by the end of the decade.

As the studio begins its operations, the industry waits to see how these high-profile collaborations will manifest. With the combined star power of Poehler, Keefe, and Taberski, the studio is well-equipped to capture the attention of both subscribers and advertisers looking for premium, brand-safe, and highly engaging content.