The Lighthouse has officially entered a powerful new chapter.
In a move poised to reshape how creator-led audio content scales globally, The Lighthouse has signed a major podcast distribution agreement with iHeartMedia. The collaboration will see a growing slate of creator-driven podcasts distributed under iHeartPodcasts — with dozens of shows expected to roll out through 2026.
The announcement marks a significant moment not just for the companies involved, but for the broader creator economy, where independent voices are rapidly evolving into full-scale media brands.
Behind The Lighthouse is Whalar Group, founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Neil Waller and James Street.
Originally launched as an influencer marketing agency after winning an entrepreneurship contest, Whalar has since transformed into a multi-division, creator-first media powerhouse. What began as a marketing intermediary now operates as a creator-centric ecosystem spanning:
And at the heart of that ecosystem sits The Lighthouse.
The Lighthouse describes itself as the first-ever “creative campus and studio playground” for the creator economy.
With physical locations in:
The Lighthouse offers something rare in digital media: real-world space for online creators to collaborate, experiment, and build scalable businesses.
Unlike traditional studios, The Lighthouse is designed as:
Creators don’t just rent studio time — they gain access to strategic support, community, and infrastructure aimed at turning digital influence into long-term IP.
Now, that infrastructure has a global distribution engine behind it.
The newly announced partnership will bring Lighthouse-produced podcasts directly into the vast network of iHeartPodcasts, one of the largest podcast publishers in the world.
Greg Ashlock, President of the Influencer Network at iHeartMedia, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“The energy and originality coming out of The Lighthouse community have been remarkable. These shows showcase the core mission of our partnership with Whalar Group: to give rising voices the room to explore and develop ideas through connection, mentorship, and practical support.”
This partnership signals three major industry shifts:
By combining Lighthouse incubation with iHeart’s distribution reach, the partnership essentially creates a fast track from creator idea to global audio brand.
Leading the initial slate is “The Spirit Daughter Podcast with Jill Wintersteen,” hosted by Jill Wintersteen.
The twice-weekly astrology and spirituality show expands Wintersteen’s digital teachings into a structured audio format.
Wintersteen is widely recognized as:
Her work blends:
Through her online platforms, she has built a global following drawn to her modern interpretation of spiritual alignment and manifestation.
Now, through iHeartPodcasts distribution, her teachings move into a new medium with expanded reach.
Wintersteen described the experience as transformative:
“The Lighthouse makes it effortless to bring my vision to life. From concept to creation, the experience has been unlike anything I’ve encountered as a creator. And partnering with iHeartMedia means the teachings that have connected with millions online can now reach people in an entirely new way twice a week, wherever they are.”
According to CEO Jonathan Goss, the momentum is already accelerating.
“The Lighthouse is a creative accelerator for original ideas, formats, and IP. Our partnership with iHeartMedia was formed because we shared a belief in supporting and developing the next wave of creator talent.”
Goss revealed that within months of opening, the campus is already developing three original shows across distinct creator niches.
This rapid rollout validates a larger industry belief: the definition of a “creator” is evolving.
No longer confined to social content alone, creators are increasingly stepping into:
Prior to the formal distribution deal, iHeartMedia and Whalar Group had already begun testing collaboration models through:
The Venice and Brooklyn campuses have quickly become gathering points for established and emerging talent.
Notably, podcasters Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin have recorded episodes of their hit show “MESS with Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin” on-site.
This blend of grassroots experimentation and professional infrastructure is precisely what makes The Lighthouse model distinctive.
The creator economy is no longer a side industry — it is merging with mainstream entertainment.
Key industry trends fueling this shift include:
By partnering with iHeartMedia, Whalar Group effectively bridges the gap between:
Independent digital creators and legacy media distribution powerhouses.
This hybrid model could become the blueprint for future creator incubators worldwide.
Both companies have indicated that the initial slate is just the beginning.
Expect:
The partnership suggests long-term commitment, not a short experimental rollout.
This announcement is resonating strongly across media and marketing sectors because it touches multiple high-growth industries:
For creators, it signals opportunity.
For brands, it signals new inventory.
For audiences, it promises fresh, personality-driven programming.
The Lighthouse’s partnership with iHeartMedia is more than a distribution deal — it is a strategic bet on the next phase of digital media.
Where influencers once relied on platforms they didn’t control, they are now building:
With iHeart’s reach and The Lighthouse’s incubation model, the stage is set for a new generation of creator-led audio brands to emerge.
And if early momentum is any indicator, this is only the beginning.
