Amazon’s Wondery podcast division has secured an exclusive distribution and ad-sales deal with comedian-podcaster Dax Shepard for his “Armchair Expert” podcast, valued at approximately $80 million, The Wall Street Journal reports. After the end of Shepard’s exclusive distribution deal with Spotify, the new agreement encompasses new shows, merchandise, and expanded distribution rights.

Under the new arrangement, Wondery and Shepard’s team will codevelop and produce two new podcasts and one annual live stream. Wondery also gains a first-look option for any additional podcasts created by Shepard.

The deal, negotiated by WME on behalf of “Armchair Expert” and the Armchair Umbrella Network, grants Wondery rights to “Armchair Expert’s” full back catalog starting September 1 and distribution rights to the RSS feed. For the first time, Wondery will be able to launch video episodes of the podcast and create translated versions for a global audience.

Wondery+ subscribers will have early access to new episodes, which are available one week before wide release and without advertisements. The company has also secured exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and sell all “Armchair Expert” merchandise.

“Armchair Expert,” which Shepard launched in 2018, has featured over 600 interviews with notable figures, including former President Barack Obama, Prince Harry, and Bill Gates. The podcast operates under the Armchair Umbrella Network, offering three weekly shows featuring celebrities, experts, and fan interactions.

For Variety, Wondery CEO Jen Sargent described “Armchair Expert” as consistently delivering “relatable, thought-provoking and entertaining social commentary” from recognizable entertainment and cultural figures.

According to Variety, this move by Amazon’s Wondery comes as Spotify shifts away from exclusive platform rights, adopting a strategy of wider distribution to maximize audience reach, as seen in its recent renewal with Joe Rogan.