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Podcast Guests Are Paying Up to $50,000 to Appear on Popular Shows

Critics call it “payola,” and say listeners deserve better disclosure of promotional ties.

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People will confess all sorts of things to podcasters, from their unpopular political beliefs or embarrassing romantic mishaps to their worst fears. But there’s one revelation certain guests will never disclose—namely, that they’re paying thousands of dollars just to be interviewed on the show.