Feb. 18, 2026

456. NPR Broadcaster Takes On Google’s Voice Cloning

456. NPR Broadcaster Takes On Google’s Voice Cloning
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player icon
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player icon

What happens when a tech giant is accused of copying your voice? Podcast host David Greene is suing Google, claiming his voice was used to create an AI clone inside NotebookLM without his permission and raising serious questions about how far AI tools can go when training on public content. That is just one headline in this week’s news roundup. We also look at Apple finally leaning into native video on its platform and ask the obvious question: Why now? Is this a response to YouTube and Spotify gaining ground, or a long-overdue shift in strategy? Plus, we touch on SAG-AFTRA and ongoing union conversations around AI. Big tech is making big moves, and tensions between platforms and creators continue to grow. Are we watching the start of a major reset in how voice, video, and ownership are regulated in podcasting?

Episode Highlights: 

[03:56] Newsday metrics and Apple and Spotify top five charts

[06:04] Upcoming podcasting events, conferences, and weekly meetup

[08:13] Creator money tip on 1099-K traps, tracking income, and tax prep

[17:09] Captivate hires Rob Walsh and Elsie Escobar

[25:27] SAG-AFTRA vs.Netflix and defining the Pete Davidson show as a podcast

[32:47] Concerns about union impact on indie podcasting

[38:27] NPR’s David Greene sues Google over AI voice likeness

[45:06] Apple Podcasts expands native video distribution

[49:24] Apple’s long-term video strategy and hardware positioning

Links & Resources: 

The Podcasting Morning Chat: 

www.podpage.com/pmc

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Book A Free Call With Me: 

https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall

Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠

Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=header

Podnews: 

www.Podnews.net

NPR’s David Greene Sues Google Over AI Voice Cloning:

www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/02/15/david-greene-google-ai-podcast 

SAG-Aftra and Netflix Agree on Terms for Pete Davidson Show 

https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/pete-davidson-show-sag-aftra-podcast-agreement-netflix-1236661709/

Apple Goes All In On Video: 

https://podcasters.apple.com/video-apple-podcasts?src=email

Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.

Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠

Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠

Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ 

Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!

--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠marc@ironickmedia.com⁠

Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: 

⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠