WebMD for Your Ears: Dan Kendall on Health Podcasting and the Future of Health Content

I met Daniel Couchman Kendall several years ago via a good friend who was an experienced veteran in the healthcare podcast space. Dan had created a network of close to a hundred healthcare podcasts and I was told he was a good guy to know. As the host of the Real Chemistry Podcast (my fourth podcast series in the last 18 years), I was looking to grow the show's listenership and uplevel the content. What I can tell you is that Dan didn't disappoint.

Five years later, I've gotten to know Dan pretty well. We've even had drinks together at events like the HLTH Conference and we hop on Zoom calls from time to time to talk shop. During one of our recent conversations, it dawned on me that I should introduce Dan and his podcast savviness to all of the people in my network. He's so smart, kind, thoughtful and the master of one of the hottest mediums in the world right now -- especially in the world of healthcare. So we agreed to do a Q&A which you'll see below. Note, we also decided to collaborate on an interview with other healthcare podcasters (keep an eye out for that later this week).

Without further ado, here we go.

1. Dan, you’ve built an impressive platform with Health Podcast Network and Health UNMUTED. Can you share how you started in podcasting and what inspired you to focus on healthcare content?

I started listening to podcasts in 2005 as a way to learn and connect with people and information I found interesting. In 2016, I couldn’t find podcasts about the work I was doing in my career in digital health, which led me to start the podcast called Digital Health Today. The success of that show led to invitations to work with organizations and share health insights through the voices of patients, caregivers and health experts. I established Mission Based Media in 2019, and we’ve developed shows with professional organizations (eg. APhA, AAOS), pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and patient advocacy and non-profit organizations. Over the past 5 years, we’ve continued to expand our content and services through our brands Health Podcast Network, Health UNMUTED, and, most recently, Health UNMUTED PRO.

2. As the founder of Mission Based Media, what’s the biggest challenge and reward in curating and amplifying health-focused podcasts? We’re working hard to make trusted health information accessible, educational, and entertaining. There are two main challenges we work to address. The first is balancing rigorous accuracy with the creativity needed to make podcasts engaging, while ensuring diversity and inclusivity in the voices and perspectives we feature. The second is securing the funding required to produce and expand our work. While we’ve received support from nonprofits, pharma companies, professional organizations, and even individual contributions, additional funding is essential to grow our impact.

The greatest reward comes from the impact these podcasts and resources have on listeners' lives. Whether it's helping someone better understand their own health, connecting healthcare professionals with valuable insights, or giving a platform to voices that might otherwise go unheard, seeing the tangible difference these podcasts make is incredibly fulfilling. It’s especially rewarding to know that the work contributes to bridging knowledge gaps, fostering understanding, and inspiring positive change in health and healthcare.

Podcasting in Healthcare

3. Why do you think podcasting is such a powerful medium for healthcare communication? How does it compare to other channels like video or written content? Written language has only been around for 5,000 years, and the printing press for about 600 years. Our species has survived for millennia by passing along stories and information in an oral tradition. Podcasting is uniquely powerful because it builds trust and connection through the human voice, creating a sense of intimacy and authenticity that other media struggle to match. Unlike video, which demands full attention, or written content, which requires time and focus, podcasts fit seamlessly into people’s lives—whether it's during a commute, a workout, or household chores. In healthcare, where audiences are often time-poor, this accessibility makes podcasts an ideal way to deliver trusted, empathetic, and evidence-based communication in a format that truly resonates.

4. What role do you see podcasts playing in educating both healthcare professionals and the general public? Are there gaps that podcasting is uniquely positioned to fill? Audio content, in the form of curated or carefully crafted podcasts, provides a unique opportunity to reach and educate people when their hands and eyes are busy, but their minds are free. In today’s world, where we’re bombarded with thousands of messages vying for attention, podcasts stand out as a medium people choose deliberately. They fill the gaps in our lives—like during a commute, at the gym, or while running errands and doing chores—allowing for screen-free or screen-light engagement.

For healthcare professionals, podcasts offer an accessible way to stay updated on the latest research, practices, and insights in a format that fits their demanding schedules. For the general public, they can demystify complex health topics, build health literacy, and foster a deeper understanding of issues that impact their well-being. This ability to educate, inform, and connect in a time-efficient, trusted, and engaging way fills a critical gap that other channels often miss.

5. Can you share any examples of how podcasts on Health Podcast Network or Health UNMUTED have sparked change or made a measurable impact in healthcare? The podcasts we’ve promoted on Health Podcast Network and Health UNMUTED have had far-reaching impacts, both personal and systemic. We’ve worked with pharmaceutical companies to produce internal podcasts that keep their teams informed and aligned, and to educate the public about new scientific understanding about health conditions.? We’ve also worked with professional societies and advocacy organizations to deliver timely, relevant health information to their members and stakeholders. We promote clinical research by increasing participation in clinical trials and connecting listeners to valuable resources. On a more personal level, home care nurses have shared our podcasts with their patients to help them better understand their health conditions, and senior living facilities have used them to inform and engage their residents. These examples demonstrate the unique power of podcasts to bridge gaps in healthcare communication, delivering trusted, impactful information that empowers individuals, supports professionals, and drives meaningful change.

Health Podcast Network

6. With over 100 podcasts on Health Podcast Network, what trends have you noticed in the types of content being created in the healthcare sector??

There is a clear trend toward high-quality, above-brand and unbranded content in healthcare podcasting. Historically, healthcare has lagged behind other industries in adopting new media formats, but that's changing. Now, two decades after podcasts first emerged, health brands, leaders, and organizations are increasingly investing in the “audio-first experience.”

Time spent with audio content is growing, and trust in podcasts is rising—particularly when compared to other forms of media like video and social platforms. As podcasts continue to gain traction in entertainment, news, and other industries, healthcare marketers and educators are recognizing their value. They’re leveraging this medium to connect with their ideal audiences during ‘blue-jean moments’—those times when people aren’t tied to their desks or offices but are simply going about their daily lives. This shift reflects a broader recognition of podcasts as a trusted, engaging, and effective way to extend meaningful conversations beyond traditional workspaces.

7. How does Health Podcast Network support podcasters and help them grow their audience, especially in a crowded media landscape?

Health Podcast Network provides a curated platform where high-quality, evidence-based, human-centered content can be discovered, heard, and shared. Unlike platforms like Spotify, we don’t confine listeners within a ‘walled garden’ to maximize the use of an app. Instead, we connect listeners with creators and share their bios, profiles, listening apps, and organizations, offering greater visibility and credibility.

Our rigorous vetting process of podcasts ensures only truly impactful health content creators join, setting us apart from other platforms that broadly promote ‘health content.’ Once a member joins, they gain access to tools, resources, an enterprise-grade hosting platform, and a supportive community of peers. We offer masterclasses, training seminars, one-to-one coaching, and access to events to help creators grow their audience.?

I often compare joining Health Podcast Network to joining a gym—we provide the equipment, classes, and trainers, but the success is attributed to the work of the creators. Together, we help them achieve the results they’re striving for.

Health UNMUTED and Specialized Content

8. What is Health UNMUTED??

Health UNMUTED is an audio library of miniseries, each with 5-10 episodes focusing on different aspects of living with a health condition. We partner with patient advocacy groups, nonprofits, and healthcare providers to feature patients, caregivers, and experts who share their stories and insights.

These narratives are brought together in a carefully produced, audio-first format that uses storytelling, sound effects, and music to engage, educate, and empower listeners. Episodes are under 15 minutes, and this focused length achieves completion rates around 100%—sometimes even higher! Compared to industry standards, where Apple considers a 40% listen rate as “engaged,” that’s remarkable.?

Our most recent series, Rethinking Alzheimer’s Disease, was produced with support from Eisai, and our series about Preventing Type 2 Diabetes had support from the APhA Foundation. We are currently producing a new series about diabetes with support from another major pharma company. We also enhance our audio content with videos, images, and text, offering multiple ways for people to learn about a condition. Each series takes months to create, but the result is a powerful, digestible resource that makes a real impact.

9. You described Health UNMUTED as ‘WebMD for your ears’ - can you explain what you mean by that?

WebMD does a great job providing health education with a screen-first approach, supported by some audio content. Health UNMUTED flips that model—we’re audio-first. Our goal is to deliver trusted health information in a format that doesn’t rely on staring at a screen.

We then supplement the audio with on-screen resources like websites, videos, PDFs, and newsletters. I like to say Health UNMUTED unlocks the “glass jail cell” of static information trapped in screens and liberates it to engage the “soft tissue between your ears.” It’s about delivering education in a way that fits seamlessly into people’s lives—whether they’re commuting, exercising, or running errands.

10. You’re also creating CME and CE content for Health UNMUTED PRO. Why is this an exciting development for the healthcare podcasting landscape? Health UNMUTED started as a resource for patients and caregivers, but we quickly saw healthcare professionals (HCPs) sharing it with patients. That inspired us to create content specifically for HCPs.

CME and CE podcasts allow us to deliver information on new science, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and clinical studies in a format that fits into the time and activities when HCPs have the opportunity to listen and learn—whether commuting, exercising, or between appointments. Audio also provides a unique way to demonstrate productive, sensitive patient conversations that HCPs can model in their own practice.? Offering CME and CE credits adds significant value for HCPs and helps increase the uptake of our content, ensuring it reaches and resonates with the people it’s designed to support.

The Future of Podcasting in Healthcare

11. What do you think the future of podcasting in healthcare looks like? Are there emerging technologies or trends that excite you? The future of podcasting in healthcare isn’t about ‘if’ brands or organizations participate in podcasting—it’s about ‘how’ they engage with an audience increasingly embracing an audio-first experience. And to be clear, I said “audio-first,” not “audio-only.” Podcasts can serve as the cornerstone of a broader strategy that includes video, websites, PDFs, and text to engage and educate.

As for trends, the rise of tailored, on-demand content and the integration of podcasts into broader omnichannel strategies excites me. The ability to use podcasts to build trust and reach audiences where they are, in a deeply personal way, is what makes this medium so powerful—and its role in healthcare will only continue to grow.

12. With the rise of AI and immersive audio technologies, how do you see podcasting evolving in the next 5–10 years? AI has already transformed the way we produce podcasts. It helps us organize, edit, and refine content with speed and precision that was unimaginable a few years ago. As AI becomes more advanced and accessible, it will improve the efficiency and quality of podcast production, freeing up creative resources to focus on crafting compelling stories and meaningful content.

Interestingly, the more powerful AI becomes, the more valuable authentic, human perspectives will be. Real voices, real stories, and real connection will stand out even more. I don’t think these changes will take 5–10 years—they’re already happening. Within the next two years, we’ll see even greater opportunities to enhance the listener experience and make content more engaging and accessible.

13. For companies in healthcare—whether pharma, medtech, or health tech—what’s your advice for integrating podcasting into their communication and marketing strategies? Focus on the basics of authenticity, accuracy, creativity and storytelling. Podcasts are not ads or casual conversations—they’re companions that people invite into their lives, whether during a commute, a workout, or downtime at home. That’s a powerful privilege, and it comes with responsibility.

The key is to deliver real value in a way that feels genuine. The style, content, length, and format will vary depending on your audience, but if you prioritize authenticity and build trust, you’ll create lasting connections. Remember, podcasts are about forming relationships, not just broadcasting messages. Invest in content that educates, inspires, and resonates, and your audience will reward you with their time and loyalty.

Personal Reflection and Vision

14. If you could interview anyone in healthcare or beyond for a podcast, who would it be and why? A few months ago, I visited the California Science Center to see a special exhibition about Leonardo da Vinci, and I was blown away. He wasn’t just an artist—he bridged art, science, and invention with incredible curiosity and creativity. I’d love to know how he connected disciplines, worked to understand the human body, and pushed boundaries in everything he did. I think we could all learn from his ability to think big and innovate fearlessly.

15. What’s the one message you’d like decision-makers to take away about the power of podcasting in healthcare? Podcasting is more than just a medium—it’s a bridge. It connects health information and organizations with audiences in a way that’s personal, trusted, and engaging. Unlike other forms of media, podcasts fit seamlessly into people’s lives, meeting them where they are and when they’re ready to listen.

The power of podcasting lies in its ability to build trust through authenticity and storytelling. Educators, marketers and leaders should see audio as a strategic tool—not just for delivering information, but for establishing and growing meaningful, long-term relationships with their audiences. That’s the real opportunity in healthcare podcasting.

Thank you Dan for sharing. I know it took a while to pull together these answers, so I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule!