The intersection of culinary cult classics and digital media has reached a new milestone as Prince St. Pizza, the iconic New York City institution known for its pepperoni-laden square slices, officially migrates its celebrity-driven content into the world of long-form audio. In a strategic move that highlights the evolving nature of brand storytelling, TikTok and iHeartPodcasts—the world’s leading podcast publisher—have announced that “Delivering Happiness,” hosted by veteran actor Nick Turturro, is joining the TikTok Podcast Network.

This transition marks a significant moment for the "creator economy," where a restaurant brand moves beyond the kitchen to become a legitimate media producer. By leveraging the reach of TikTok and the distribution power of iHeartMedia, Prince St. Pizza is transforming the simple act of food delivery into a cultural time capsule.

Main Facts: A New Chapter in Brand-Led Media

The announcement centers on the podcast debut of “Delivering Happiness,” an original series created by Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince St. Pizza. The show, which has already built a substantial following through short-form video and social media snippets, will now offer 52 episodes of long-form content.

Hosted by Nick Turturro—best known for his roles in NYPD Blue and his frequent collaborations with director Spike Lee—the series operates on a deceptively simple premise: Turturro delivers Prince St. Pizza to various celebrities, athletes, and influencers, engaging them in unscripted, candid conversations. The series is now a flagship offering on the TikTok Podcast Network, a collaborative venture between TikTok and iHeartMedia designed to bridge the gap between viral short-form videos and deep-dive audio storytelling.

The podcast is distributed via the iHeartRadio app and all major podcasting platforms, with new episodes scheduled for release every Wednesday. To maintain the brand’s visual identity, clips and behind-the-scenes highlights will continue to circulate on TikTok, creating a multi-channel ecosystem that serves both casual viewers and dedicated listeners.

Chronology: From Nolita Roots to Digital Dominance

The journey of Prince St. Pizza from a single storefront in Manhattan to a national media presence is a testament to the power of niche branding and digital savvy.

2012–2020: Building the Cult of the Square Slice

Founded in 2012 in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood, Prince St. Pizza quickly became a "bucket list" destination for foodies. Their signature "SoHo Square," topped with spicy pepperoni that curls into small "bowls" of oil, became one of the most photographed food items on Instagram. This visual appeal laid the groundwork for the brand’s eventual pivot into content creation. Under the leadership of Lawrence Longo, the brand began an aggressive expansion, eventually growing to 19 locations across the United States and Canada.

2021–2025: The Birth of “Delivering Happiness”

The concept for “Delivering Happiness” emerged from a real-world interaction between Longo and Nick Turturro. Turturro, a lifelong New Yorker and pizza aficionado, expressed interest in being involved with the brand. Longo’s response was unconventional: if Turturro wanted to be part of the Prince St. family, he had to get on the ground and deliver pizzas.

Turturro accepted the challenge, and the team realized that the interactions occurring at the doorsteps of some of the world’s most famous people were "content gold." The series began as a video-first project, capturing the surprise and genuine joy that a hot pizza delivery brings, regardless of the recipient’s fame.

March 2026: The TikTok-iHeart Partnership

The TikTok Podcast Network was officially launched in March 2026. This partnership was designed to capitalize on TikTok’s role as a discovery engine. Recognizing that many users were already consuming "podcast clips" on their feeds, TikTok and iHeartMedia created a formal pipeline to turn creators into podcasters. “Delivering Happiness” was identified as a perfect fit for this network due to its high engagement rates and its ability to blend "street-level" New York attitude with high-profile guest stars.

Supporting Data: The Reach of the Collaborators

The scale of this move is supported by the massive market presence of the three primary stakeholders: Prince St. Pizza, iHeartMedia, and TikTok.

• iHeartMedia’s Dominance: According to Podtrac, iHeartPodcasts remains the No. 1 podcast publisher globally. In the United States, iHeart reaches nine out of ten Americans monthly through its various audio platforms. Its infrastructure provides “Delivering Happiness” with immediate access to a massive, diverse audience and sophisticated monetization tools.
• TikTok’s Ecosystem: TikTok has moved far beyond its origins as a music and dance app. It is now a primary news and entertainment source for Gen Z and Millennials. The TikTok Podcast Network allows the platform to retain users for longer durations (long-form audio) while using its algorithm to push short-form "hooks" to potential new listeners.
• The Guest Pedigree: The success of the series is driven by its high-profile roster. Previous and upcoming guests include:
  • Spike Lee: Legendary filmmaker and NYC icon.
  • Alex Rodriguez: MLB superstar and entrepreneur.
  • Dana White: UFC President.
  • Bill Burr: Renowned comedian.
  • Ice-T: Rapper and actor.
  • Seth Rollins: WWE Superstar.
  • Lele Pons: Social media mogul (who also hosts her own show on the network, Suite 305).

This variety of guests ensures that the podcast appeals to multiple demographics, from sports fans and comedy enthusiasts to film buffs.

Official Responses: Voices Behind the Venture

The leadership teams of all three organizations have expressed high expectations for the podcast’s integration into the TikTok Podcast Network.

Lawrence Longo, CEO of Prince St. Pizza, emphasized the psychological connection people have with food. “Pizza has always been the great connector,” Longo stated. “People let their guard down around pizza. They tell stories they weren’t planning to tell. They laugh harder. The conversations become real. What started as an experiment turned into something much bigger than we expected.”

Dan Page, Global Head of Global Media and Licensing Partnerships at TikTok, highlighted the importance of authenticity in their new podcasting venture. “We’re building the TikTok Podcast Network around voices and formats that feel original and culturally relevant, and Delivering Happiness is a great example of that,” said Page. “Nick Turturro and Prince St. Pizza have created something that’s entertaining, approachable and uniquely their own.”

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, noted Turturro’s unique skill set as a host. “Great podcasts create moments people want to be part of… Nick Turturro has a way of turning a simple pizza delivery into an authentic conversation you can’t script.”

Implications: The Future of Brand-as-Creator

The move of “Delivering Happiness” to a major podcast network carries several implications for the future of marketing, the restaurant industry, and digital media.

1. The Rise of the "Media-First" Brand

Prince St. Pizza is no longer just selling food; they are selling a lifestyle and an entertainment product. This "media-first" approach allows brands to build deep emotional loyalty that transcends the product itself. When a consumer listens to Nick Turturro joke with Spike Lee over a square slice, the brand becomes a character in the consumer’s life, rather than just a transaction.

2. The Evolution of Celebrity Interviews

Traditional "junket" interviews often feel rehearsed and sterile. By using the delivery format, “Delivering Happiness” breaks the "fourth wall." The transition from the car to the front porch to the kitchen table creates a natural narrative arc that traditional talk shows struggle to replicate. This "unscripted" feel is exactly what modern audiences, particularly those on TikTok, crave.

3. The Synergy of Short and Long-Form Content

The partnership between TikTok and iHeartMedia solves a perennial problem for podcasters: discovery. By using TikTok as the "top of the funnel" to drive traffic to the long-form podcast on iHeart, the network creates a sustainable model for creator growth. GEICO’s involvement as an exclusive launch partner further suggests that major advertisers see significant value in this integrated, creator-led model.

4. Expansion of the NYC "Slice Shop" Identity

Prince St. Pizza is leveraging its New York roots to create a "global New York" brand. By featuring icons like Turturro and Lee, the brand exports a specific New York aesthetic—gritty, authentic, and humorous—to listeners in California, Toronto, and beyond. This cultural branding is essential as the company continues its physical expansion into new markets.

As “Delivering Happiness” begins its residency on the TikTok Podcast Network, it stands as a blueprint for how modern businesses can navigate the digital landscape. In an age of ad-blockers and fragmented attention, Prince St. Pizza has found a way to ensure their message is not just heard, but welcomed—one delivery at a time.