Will Ferrell to Giggly Squad: A Firsthand Recap of the iHeart Podcast Awards
-by Sabrina K.
Awards shows are the shifting tastes, norms, and politics- not to mention gossip, that mark the year on display. Everything unique to that specific point in time in the collective memory from content to aesthetic are presented for commentary. At their best, they offer an opportunity to acknowledge great accomplishments, highlight meaningful expansion, celebrate strides in representation, and in general provide a reunion.
I had been to a music awards show once at ACL Live’s Moody Theater, so I wasn’t walking in completely blind. It is a sleek, dark space that never feels crowded, but maintains a sense of intimacy. Quiet and pristine once you enter, despite being in the heart of downtown Austin. Due to SXSW traffic, I arrived one minute before the doors closed and was frazzled as it was a live filmed event. However, from the moment I was greeted by the lovely woman (with the coolest jacket that I’ve had my eye on online for a while now- Classic Rock Couture) at the press check-in it was smooth sailing. As soon as I gave her my name and company she mentioned she’s been contacting us regularly to work together. Was she smoothly flattering me by fluffing up the company ego? Maybe. Was it effective? Absolutely. I already felt more confident and excited walking in.
The staff were polite and gracious, even when they had to tell me no. I was instructed to go upstairs to the Mezzanine for seating with my pass, but the attendant up there said they had not been told that… then admired my dress. Again, effective. I happily went back downstairs with my complimentary glass of bubbly and found a place to stand in the back facing center stage. I had the perfect view because there was nobody standing in front of me and no crowding whatsoever. There was a spacious seating area for more prestigious guests with couches, tables, and what appeared to be nibbles which looked impressive when taken in with the lighting and vaulted ceilings. My eyes took in the colossal red curtains and appreciated the awe of attending the “Podcast Oscars,” as host Ego Nwodim referred to the show.
Will Ferrell walked onstage to open the evening. Clad in what appeared to be a painted on Olympic speedskating uniform he broke the ice with jokes about giving up his dream of being an Olympian and got everyone quietly focused on the show. Amusing, but not necessarily resulting in uproarious laughter, which was kind of a theme for the night for other speakers including the host. At times it felt like Ego Nwodim (and Will Ferrell) were the cool high school teachers who were each in their own way trying to get the room full of teenagers engaged and laughing, without ever being desperate. You almost felt a little bad for them because they weren’t doing anything wrong, it just wasn’t going to happen. The kids were not going to crack. But, perhaps, podcast enthusiasts are not the easiest target audience if you want vocal feedback because they essentially enjoy quietly (and passively) listening to others talk. That’s their thing.
Most presenters and winners joined in person, but some, like Amy Poehler and Jay Shetty (who received the Icon Award for Social Impact) attended via pre-recorded video. The latter’s absence ironically proved my snap judgment that he wouldn’t be there and matches my limited impression of him. Jenni Garth was a notable star and aptly described the podcast medium as “intimate” which rang very true to my ears because it is an unvarnished presentation to audiences in a way that few (if any) other mediums are able to successfully execute. Next we see Sean Hunter (Rider Strong) from Boy Meets World on the stage. I hadn’t laid eyes on him since either of us were teenagers, so that was quite the pleasant surprise. The Best Crime Podcast winner from Wisecrack was Edd Hedges who made a very meaningful statement about light and dark being possible at the same time, and how we need more light than ever because darkness is so prevalent currently.
The Best Advice / Inspirational Podcast winner Nora McInerny shouted out Chrissy Tiegen and Jay Shetty adding to the general feel of camaraderie amongst nominees. The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett was up for Best Business + Finance Award and won. The first words of his acceptance speech were to wish his mother a happy birthday and his last words were to thank her for having him. While these may be true sentiments, publicly coupled together during an acceptance speech via video, they felt a bit like PR overkill.
The evening wraps up on time and boldly with the Best New Podcast Winners being the first to call out ICE on the mic… and joyfully comment on beating fellow nominee Megyn Kelly. Right after which the person next to me shouted out, “F*ck Megyn Kelly!” Which got more of a reaction than some official speakers. Giggly Squad possibly received the loudest, most supportive cheers upon winning Podcast of the Year. Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo owned the stage in striking chartreuse dresses topping off the night in a fun and joyful way.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with a perfect comment by the comedian who caused my greatest fangirl moment as a viewer- the inimitable Iliza Schlessinger. To the successful hosts she said, “You didn’t just create a hit, you created a habit.” And, what a complement it is to be a habit that so many look forward to- cheers to all the nominees and winners.
My only regrets were to miss the Green Carpet moments, amusingly sponsored by Avocadoes from Mexico and the free complimentary Gatorade outside at the end because I was too cold since Austin weather dropped from 90 degrees to 40 degrees in one day. I enjoyed both in concept because, just like a podcast, the iHeart Podcast Awards were sponsored by something lighthearted and seemingly unrelated. You can find a list of all the winners in the link below.
Sabrina, our guest writer, Berkeley Alum living in Austin, avid two-stepper, and aspiring cat owner. She's passionate about social justice, mental health, & psychology.