The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards: A Celebration of Audio Storytelling
The podcasting landscape continues to evolve, and the upcoming 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards promises to be a landmark event in this dynamic medium. Set to take place on March 16, 2026, at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, this year’s ceremony will once again honor the best and brightest in podcasting. In partnership with South by Southwest® (SXSW®), the awards will not only be a live event but will also be broadcasted on select iHeartMedia Radio Stations and the iHeartRadio app, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Emcee and Nominees
This year, the event will be hosted by Ego Nwodim, an actress and comedian known for her engaging presence and her podcast, “Thanks Dad.” The awards will span a variety of genres, including Comedy, Crime, Sports, News, Business, and Pop Culture, among others. A panel of industry leaders will determine the winners in each category, while the coveted Podcast of the Year award will be decided by fan votes. From January 14 to February 22, listeners can cast their votes at iHeartPodcastAwards.com.
The nominees for the 2026 Podcast of the Year include a diverse lineup of shows that have captured the hearts of audiences. Notable contenders are “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Breakfast Club,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” and “Call Her Daddy,” among others. This eclectic mix showcases the broad appeal and variety within the podcasting world.
Icon Awards: Honoring Trailblazers
In addition to the fan-voted awards, iHeartMedia will present three prestigious Icon Awards. The Social Impact Award will be given to Jay Shetty, recognized for his impactful conversations around mental health through his podcast “On Purpose.” The Audible Audio Pioneer Award will honor Terry Gross, the legendary host of NPR’s “Fresh Air,” for her transformative contributions to audio journalism. Lastly, the Innovator Award will be presented to Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of “Song Exploder,” for his unique storytelling approach that invites artists to dissect their creative processes.
The Cultural Significance of Podcasting
Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, emphasized the significance of podcasting as a vibrant and rapidly growing medium. He expressed excitement about returning to Austin to celebrate the storytellers who are pushing the boundaries of audio. The iHeartPodcast Awards have become a defining moment for the audio community at SXSW, reflecting the deep integration of podcasting into cultural conversations.
Previous Highlights and Celebrity Presence
The iHeartPodcast Awards have a history of featuring an array of celebrity presenters and guests. Past events have included appearances by stars like Will Ferrell, Martha Stewart, and Charlamagne Tha God. Last year, the Podcast of the Year award went to “Las Culturistas,” while “New Heights” and “Huberman Lab” took home awards for Best Sports and Best Wellness & Fitness, respectively. The event not only celebrates the winners but also serves as a gathering point for industry professionals and fans alike.
A Comprehensive List of Nominees
The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards will recognize excellence across numerous categories. Here’s a glimpse at some of the nominees:
- Best Business & Finance: “Earn Your Leisure,” “How I Built This,” “The Diary of a CEO”
- Best Comedy: “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “Distractible,” “The Basement Yard”
- Best Crime: “Crime Junkie,” “My Favorite Murder,” “Anatomy of Murder”
- Best Pop Culture: “Las Culturistas,” “Call Her Daddy,” “The Viall Files”
- Best Wellness & Fitness: “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” “Huberman Lab,” “10% Happier”
- Best History: “The Rest Is History,” “You’re Wrong About,” “American History Tellers”
- Best Kids & Family: “Story Pirates,” “Wow in the World,” “Brains On!”
The awards will also feature categories for Best Music, Best News, Best Fiction, and many more, showcasing the rich diversity of content available to listeners today.
Engaging the Audience
The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards not only celebrate the achievements of podcasters but also engage the audience in the process. By allowing fans to vote for their favorite shows, the event fosters a sense of community and connection among listeners, creators, and industry professionals. As the podcasting medium continues to grow, events like these play a crucial role in recognizing and elevating the voices that shape the audio landscape.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards is palpable, as fans and creators alike look forward to a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration in the ever-evolving world of podcasting.
