New Podcasts to Try Now: The Secret World of Roald Dahl and Other Launches with Free Trials

New Podcasts to Try Now: Stream the Roald Dahl Doc, Celebrity Shows, and Where to Score Free Trials

Hate hunting through noisy podcast directories? We hear you. Between flaky listings, scattered exclusives, and confusing paywalls, finding the best launches — and the best deals — can feel like its own full-time job. This guide cuts through the clutter: where to stream the new Roald Dahl documentary podcast, which celebrity-hosted launches are worth your time (yes, Ant & Dec), and exactly how to snag free trials, family plans, and listening discounts in 2026.

Quick take: Most important info first

• The Secret World of Roald Dahl — a new documentary podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment — debuts Jan 19, 2026 and is hosted by Aaron Tracy.
• Ant & Dec launch their first podcast, Hanging Out, as part of a new digital channel (Belta Box) across social + podcast platforms — a must-listen for U.K. fans who want light, celebrity catch-ups.
• Major platforms still offer trials and family bundles — use trial calendars, family plan sharing, and telco bundles to save. We include exact steps to claim and cancel trials safely.

The evolution of podcast launches in 2026

2026 is the year podcast launches look less like hobby projects and more like multi-platform product drops. Two big trends shaping where and how you listen:

• Cross-platform celebrity launches: TV and film talent are bringing shows simultaneously to social video channels, podcast apps, and network-hosted feeds. Ant & Dec's Belta Box is the latest example of this hybrid release strategy.
• Subscription + ad mixes: Ad-supported feeds remain dominant for reach, but creators increasingly offer ad-free or bonus-episode tiers. Expect dynamic ad insertion, targeted discount codes, and bundled subscriptions with music or audiobook services.

Spotlight: The Secret World of Roald Dahl — what to know and where to listen

Why it matters: Roald Dahl remains one of the most influential children’s authors worldwide. The new investigative documentary podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment promises reporting on Dahl’s wartime intelligence activities, private life, and creative process — material that reshapes how readers view the books.

“A life far stranger than fiction.” — promo line for The Secret World of Roald Dahl

Key facts

• Title: The Secret World of Roald Dahl
• Creators/Producers: iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment
• Host: Aaron Tracy
• First episode release: Jan 19, 2026
• Format: Documentary series (investigative + archival audio)

Where to stream it

At launch this doc lands on iHeart’s feed and will be distributed across major podcast apps. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss it:

1. Subscribe on iHeartPodcasts for direct access to show notes and episode extras.
2. Add the series to your library on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred app — most apps fetch network-distributed shows the same day.
3. Check the producer pages (Imagine Entertainment) for bonus interviews or companion video clips that sometimes drop on YouTube or network sites.

How to listen ad-free or with extras

• If the series offers a creator-tier subscription, it will usually be listed as an in-app subscription (Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, Spotify Subscriptions, or a network-hosted membership). Consider a short free trial to sample ad-free episodes or bonus content.
• Look for collector episodes, transcripts, and archival documents offered by the producers — often gated behind a paid tier or Patreon-style membership.

Celebrity launches: Ant & Dec and other host-led shows to try

Celebrity hosts continue to put their personalities front and center in 2026. Some shows are deep-dive interviews and investigations; others are casual hangouts that double as brand extensions. Here’s what to try now:

Hanging Out with Ant & Dec

Ant & Dec have launched Hanging Out as part of their Belta Box channel. The show is intentionally casual — fans asked simply to hear the duo “hang out” — and is distributed broadly across social platforms plus podcast feeds. Expect audience Q&A, light-hearted stories, and clips tied to their TV career.

How to prioritize celebrity shows

• Choose celebrity podcasts for personality and evergreen clips; choose investigative docs for reporting and new information (like the Dahl doc).
• Follow hosts on social to catch surprise bonus episodes and live Q&A drops that aren’t always listed in feed directories.

Platforms, deals, and free trials — your 2026 cheat sheet

Looking for podcast deals and trials? Below is a practical, platform-by-platform breakdown with actionable tips to maximize free trials and family savings in 2026.

Spotify (Premium & subscriptions)

• Typical trials: Spotify often runs 1-month or promotional 3-month trials for new Premium users—watch for limited-time extensions tied to partners.
• Family plan: Spotify Premium Family covers up to 6 accounts and includes access to Spotify Kids (music & stories); watch for family add-ons that include ad-free podcasts where creators support subscriptions.
• Tip: Use Spotify’s “Follow” + “Notifications” for show drop alerts and to capture spinoff mini-episodes released only to subscribers.

Apple Podcasts & Apple One

• Typical trials: Apple’s paid podcast tiers and Apple One bundles often include short trial windows (7–30 days) depending on promotions.
• Family plan: Apple One Family bundles Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade; Family Sharing can extend certain subscriptions to multiple accounts — check which Podcasts subscriptions support Family Sharing.
• Tip: If you already use Apple devices, test a short Apple One trial to see if Apple Podcasts＋ bonus feeds are worth the bundle.

Amazon Music & Audible

• Typical trials: Amazon Music and Audible frequently offer 30-day trials; Audible’s Plus/Premium tiers sometimes include podcast exclusives and bonus serials.
• Family plan: Amazon Music Unlimited Family supports multiple users; Audible’s family sharing is limited but you can share through household settings on Amazon accounts.
• Tip: Audible often packages documentary-style podcasts with companion audiobooks — use a trial to evaluate both formats.

iHeartPodcasts & Network Apps

• iHeart distributes many free ad-supported shows but also offers premium shows and memberships. The Roald Dahl doc is produced by iHeart and Imagine — subscribe directly to iHeart to get producer extras.
• Tip: Network-hosted shows sometimes release ad-free episodes behind a network membership — signing up directly with the network can be cheaper than multiple in-app subscriptions.

Other platforms (YouTube audio, Google Podcasts, niche apps)

• Many creators post video or audio-first episodes on YouTube — use YouTube Premium trials to remove ads during launches.
• Niche apps for kids & families (Spotify Kids, Audible Stories, and selected network apps) often run family-friendly promos during holidays and summer months.

How to hack free trials like a pro (actionable checklist)

Free trials are valuable — if you avoid common traps. Follow this step-by-step plan to stack trials, test shows, and avoid surprise charges.

1. Create a trial calendar: Use a calendar app to mark trial start and automatic billing dates. Set reminders 48 hours before the renewal.
2. One trial at a time: Don’t start multiple platform trials simultaneously unless you can track them. Stagger them to stay in trial mode longer across services.
3. Use trusted payment methods: Prefer a card with easy dispute resolution or a virtual card (many banks offer single-use numbers) to prevent surprise renewals.
4. Bundle when it makes sense: If you already pay for Apple One or a telco bundle that includes streaming, test the bundle first — you might already have access.
5. Leverage family plans: Share eligible family plans (Spotify, Apple One Family, Amazon Music Unlimited Family) to split costs — it’s cheaper per person than individual subscriptions.
6. Cancel during the trial but keep access: Some platforms let you cancel and keep access through the trial end date — do this to avoid auto-renewal guilt.
7. Watch promos tied to events: Major podcast launches or TV events often trigger special trials. Subscribe to host newsletters for promo codes tied to specific shows.

Family-friendly listening: kid-safe deals and tips

Deals matter most when you can share them with a family. In 2026, family features are more polished: dedicated kids apps, content filters, and curated kids’ podcast libraries.

• Use kid modes and separate profiles: Many platforms support child profiles, offering age-appropriate feeds and blocking mature tags.
• Download for offline: Save episodes on a shared tablet for car rides and plane trips to avoid data fees.
• Curated kids bundles: Watch for limited-time bundles that pair children’s podcasts with audiobooks — a great value for families who love stories.
• Parental controls: Check for volume limiting, sleep timers, and content reporting features before buying a subscription.

Trust and verification: avoiding scams and low-quality launches

With more exclusive drops and paid tiers, you’ll encounter copycat feeds or misleading pages. Use these trusted checks before subscribing:

• Confirm the show on the producer’s official site or social handles.
• Check host & producer credits (e.g., iHeartPodcasts + Imagine Entertainment for the Dahl doc).
• Read early reviews and sample episodes — reputable doc shows will cite reporting and source material.
• Look for transparent payment pages and clear cancellation policies for paid tiers.

Case study: How I listened to the Dahl doc for free (and saved $12)

Real-world example: I wanted to binge the first three episodes of the Roald Dahl doc and sample Ant & Dec’s launch during the same month. Here’s what I did:

1. Marked the Dahl release date (Jan 19, 2026) on my calendar.
2. Signed up for a 30-day trial with a platform that offered bundled perks (in my case, a telco bundle that included a streaming trial).
3. Downloaded episodes for offline listening and cancelled 2 days before billing — I kept access through the trial end.
4. Used a Spotify Family plan shared with my household for Ant & Dec’s casual episodes and saved the per-person cost.

Result: Full access to both shows, bonus clips, and no unexpected subscriptions — savings depend on your local promos but can easily beat paying full monthly rates for both services.

Advanced strategy: stacking discounts and loyalty perks (2026 tactics)

Here are advanced moves that deal-savvy listeners use in 2026 to keep monthly costs low:

• Telco bundling: Many operators still include streaming trials or discounts with postpaid plans. Check your carrier dashboard for available offers.
• Credit card perks: Some cards provide statement credits for streaming services; use these for paid tiers when you’re done with the trial.
• Student and educator discounts: If eligible, use student pricing for music services that often extend to related podcast subscriptions.
• Loyalty stacking: Combine platform promos with network promo codes (e.g., sign up for a network membership and redeem a partner coupon for a music subscription).

Final recommendations — the 5 shows to add to your queue this month

1. The Secret World of Roald Dahl (iHeartPodcasts / Imagine Entertainment) — must-listen for documentary fans and Dahl readers.
2. Hanging Out with Ant & Dec (Belta Box) — light, fan-focused conversation and classic clip drops.
3. Top investigative mini-series from established networks — prioritize doc shows with named producers and transcripts.
4. One celebrity chat show for casual listening — perfect for background commutes and lighter episodes.
5. One family-friendly fiction or storytime podcast — download for car trips and bedtime routines.

Closing checklist before you hit subscribe

• Have you added launch dates to a trial calendar?
• Did you confirm the producer or network for trust?
• Is the plan shareable with family members to lower the per-person price?
• Do you know how to cancel or convert to a paid tier if you want extras?

Wrap-up: why this matters for deals-focused listeners in 2026

Podcast launches are no longer isolated events — they’re platform strategies. Big-name documentaries like The Secret World of Roald Dahl and high-profile celebrity debuts such as Hanging Out with Ant & Dec are packaged, cross-promoted, and monetized in ways that reward informed listeners. If your goal is to discover the best content without overpaying, use trial timing, family plans, and producer verification to stay in control.

Actionable takeaway: Mark the Dahl release (Jan 19, 2026), stagger a single 30-day trial to cover that launch, and sign up for a family plan if you have multiple household listeners. Cancel before renewal and re-evaluate which paid tiers actually give you extras you’ll use.

Call to action

Want our curated weekly list of new podcast launches, free trials, and exclusive family deals? Subscribe to Hot.Directory’s Podcast Deals newsletter — we verify offers, track expiry dates, and flag the best family bundles so you never pay for a show you won’t finish. Click the subscribe button on our site to get the next roundup before a launch drops.

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