Todd Cochrane, Blubrry CEO and Podcast Pioneer, Dies at 61 – Industry Tribute
Todd Cochrane, a pioneering figure in the podcasting industry and the founder and CEO of Blubrry Podcasting, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 61 while traveling with his family. His sudden passing marks a significant loss for the podcasting community, where he played a transformative role in shaping the medium.
Early Life and Career: From the U.S. Navy to Podcasting Visionary
Todd Cochrane’s career spanned over 25 years in the U.S. Navy, where he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Leveraging his technical background from the military, Cochrane made a seamless transition into civilian life, recognizing early on the potential of on-demand audio content.
Military Service: Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer with over 25 years in the Navy
Technical Expertise: Applied his Navy experience to innovate in podcast technology and advertising
Entrepreneurial Leap: Founded RawVoice in 2005, focusing on podcast advertising
Cochrane is widely recognized for striking one of the first-ever podcast advertising deals with GoDaddy, establishing a new revenue model for podcast creators.
Blubrry Podcasting: Building One of the Largest Independent Podcast Platforms
In 2006, Cochrane launched Blubrry Podcasting, expanding from advertising into hosting, analytics, and services for podcasters. Over the next two decades, Blubrry grew to support more than 150,000 podcasters worldwide, cementing its position as one of the largest independent podcasting companies.
Key Features of Blubrry
Hosting solutions for both beginners and professional podcasters
Podcast statistics and analytics
Monetization tools and advertising opportunities
Sponsorship and event support for podcast creators
Blubrry’s success reflects Cochrane’s vision of empowering independent podcasters with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly growing digital media landscape.
Todd Cochrane’s Contributions to Podcasting
Cochrane’s influence on podcasting extends beyond his company. He was a trailblazer, educator, and advocate who helped define the modern podcasting industry.
Early Podcasting: Launched one of the first podcasts, Geek News Central
Advertising Pioneer: Negotiated early advertising deals, opening revenue streams for podcasters
Industry Advocacy: Championed independent creators and promoted podcasting events globally
Technological Innovation: Leveraged analytics and hosting solutions to professionalize the medium
Recent Engagements and Industry Presence
Even in his final days, Cochrane remained deeply involved in the podcasting community. Social media updates highlighted Blubrry’s sponsorship of the upcoming Afros & Audio Podcast Festival and participation in Podcast Days in Madrid, reflecting his ongoing commitment to supporting creators.
Tributes and Testimonials
Blubrry leadership and colleagues shared heartfelt tributes:
Barry Kantz, Blubrry Chairman and CFO, said: “Todd was a pioneer and a tireless advocate for podcasters. His vision, leadership, and dedication shaped the modern podcasting landscape. His impact on our company, our team, and the entire podcasting community is immeasurable.”
Ray Cochrane, Todd’s son, added: “Blubrry wasn’t just my dad’s work — it was his dream. He was grateful every day for the team that shared his passion and helped build something meaningful.”
Honoring Todd Cochrane’s Legacy
Blubrry Podcasting announced that further details about services and ways to honor Cochrane’s memory will be shared in the coming days. The company emphasized that, despite the loss, Cochrane’s vision, leadership, and dedication will continue to guide Blubrry.
Legacy Highlights:
Pioneering podcast advertising deals
Founding Blubrry Podcasting and supporting over 150,000 creators
Mentoring and empowering independent podcasters worldwide
Advocating for podcast technology and analytics innovation
Cochrane’s dedication and vision leave an enduring mark on the podcasting industry, ensuring that his influence will continue to inspire creators for years to come.
Conclusion
Todd Cochrane’s passing at 61 is a profound loss to the world of podcasting. From his early days in the U.S. Navy to pioneering podcast advertising and building one of the largest independent podcasting platforms, Cochrane’s contributions were transformational.
His vision, dedication, and unwavering support for independent creators shaped podcasting into the thriving global medium it is today. The industry mourns his loss, yet his legacy will continue to guide and inspire podcasters worldwide.
