In this episode of Global Podscape, we sit down with Julio Axel Ponce, a podcast operator, producer, and the voice behind the Tropical Podcasting newsletter, to unpack one of the most unique markets in the global audio ecosystem.
Puerto Rico sits at the intersection of the U.S. and Latin America, and that creates a fascinating dynamic for podcasting. Julio shares his perspective on how the industry has evolved locally, why video-first thinking is shaping creator behavior, and where monetization is still lagging behind.
We also dive into the challenges around measurement and advertiser education, the role of culture and identity in reaching Puerto Rican audiences, and why the island represents both a mature listener base and an underdeveloped ad market.
If you’re thinking about podcasting in emerging markets, or trying to understand how cross-border audiences behave, this is a conversation worth listening to.
You can follow Julio’s work and subscribe to his newsletter Tropical Podcasting for deeper insights into podcasting across Latin America and the Caribbean.