iHeartPodcast Awards 2026: A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The vibrant city of Austin played host to the eighth annual iHeartPodcast Awards on Monday night, as the event took over ACL Live at the Moody Theater during the bustling SXSW festival. This year’s ceremony was a grand showcase of the podcasting industry, celebrating the top shows and creators who have made significant contributions to the medium.
Celebrating the Best in Podcasting
The highlight of the evening was the independent show “Giggly Squad,” hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, which clinched the prestigious Podcast of the Year award. This accolade capped off a night filled with excitement, laughter, and recognition of the diverse voices that populate the podcasting landscape. The event was hosted by Ego Nwodim, a cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” who brought her comedic flair to the stage, engaging the audience with jokes about mic etiquette while emphasizing the growing influence of podcasts in contemporary culture.
A Star-Studded Opening
The night kicked off with a memorable appearance by Will Ferrell, who donned Team USA speed skating gear, setting a lively tone for the festivities. His comedic entrance was a fitting prelude to an evening that celebrated not just the winners but the entire podcasting community. The blend of humor and heartfelt recognition made for an engaging atmosphere, highlighting the unique ability of podcasts to connect with audiences on various levels.
Award Winners Across Categories
The iHeartPodcast Awards recognized excellence across multiple categories, showcasing a wide array of genres and themes. The full list of winners reflects the rich diversity within the podcasting world:
- Podcast of the Year: “Giggly Squad”
- Best Business & Finance: “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett”
- Best Comedy: “Good Hang with Amy Poehler”
- Best Crime: “Wisecrack”
- Best Wellness & Fitness: “The Mel Robbins Podcast”
- Best News: “The MeidasTouch Podcast”
- Best Overall Ensemble: “The Basement Yard”
- Best TV & Film: “Watch What Crappens”
- Best Travel: “Women Who Travel”
- Best Emerging: “Smart Girl Dumb Questions with Nayeema Raza”
- Best Pop Culture: “Call Her Daddy”
- Best Food: “Eating While Broke”
- Best History: “The Rest Is History”
- Best Kids & Family: “Circle Round”
- Best Music: “All Songs Considered”
- Best Fiction: “Murder at the Patel Motel”
- Best Sports: “Pardon My Take”
- Best Science: “Hidden Brain”
- Best Technology: “Acquired”
- Best Ad Read: “My Brother, My Brother and Me”
- Best Overall Host: Caleb Hearon
- Best Political: “Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar”
- Best Spanish Language: “Chente Ydrach”
- Best Advice/Inspirational: “Thanks For Asking”
- Best Beauty & Fashion: “Naked Beauty”
- Best Spirituality & Religion: “Elevation with Steven Furtick”
- Best Branded Podcast: “The Unshakeables (Chase for Business)”
- Best International: “Shameless (Australia)”
Icon Awards: Honoring Industry Pioneers
In addition to the category winners, iHeartMedia presented three Icon Awards to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the podcasting medium. Jay Shetty received the Social Impact Award for his work on “On Purpose,” while Terry Gross was honored with the Audible Audio Pioneer Award for her influential program “Fresh Air.” Hrishikesh Hirway was recognized with the Innovator Award for his creative contributions through “Song Exploder.” These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective growth and evolution of podcasting as a vital form of media.
A Night to Remember
The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards served as a testament to the thriving podcasting industry, showcasing the creativity, talent, and dedication of its creators. As the event unfolded, it became clear that podcasting is not just a medium for entertainment but a powerful platform for storytelling, education, and connection. The blend of humor, recognition, and celebration made for an unforgettable night, leaving attendees inspired and eager for the future of podcasting.
