Netflix is a Joke festival is back and returning with live comedy podcasts to the event. The website is a little wonky when trying to find the podcast-specific events. Regardless, here's the list of podcasts so far with new updated additions and removals.

Netflix is a Joke Fest 2026 Returns to Los Angeles: Dates, Lineup, and Tickets

The world’s biggest comedy festival is back this May with 350+ live events.

Netflix Tudum

Tickets: https://www.netflixisajokefest.com/
Tickets go live Jan. 23rd, 2026
When: May 4-10th, 2026
Where: Various Los Angeles venues

Podcast Lineup w/ Dates:

Monday, May 4th

Rushmore Podcast - Reviews & Ratings

Legends sit down with Ari and Ben to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore.

Great PodsAri Emanuel and Ben Persky

Rushmore w/ Special Guests Larry David & Jerry Seinfeld (Sold Out) - Saban Theatre - 6:00PM - Info

Handsome Podcast Review

Handsome podcast review: “More than 40 episodes in, Handsome is as bright and jaunty as its barbershop-quartet jingle a...” Read critic reviews on Great Pods.

HeadgumHeadgum

Handsome Live - The Wiltern - 7:00PM - Tickets

Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil: “Jameela Jamil isn’t one to stay quiet on how insidious body shaming is in the...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsJameela Jamil

Wrong Turns With Jameela Jamil - Avalon Hollywood - 7:00PM - Tickets

My+One Podcast - Reviews & Ratings

Unlock the fascinating world of celebrity friendships and relationships with My Plus One podcast! 🎙️ Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the...

Great PodsMy+One Podcast

My Plus One Podcast - The Upstairs Comedy Club - 8:00PM - Tickets

Good Children - Reviews & Ratings

Childhood best friends Joe Hegyes and Andrew Muscarella spent their youth chasing gold stars—now they’re just trying to stop sucking in their stomachs. Eac...

Great PodsJoe Hegyes & Andrew Muscarella & Studio71 & Confetti Cannon

Good Children: The Podcast - The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever - 9:45PM - Tickets

Tuesday, May 5th

Pardon My Take Podcast Review

<p><p>On “Pardon My Take,” Big Cat &amp; PFT Commenter deliver the loudest and most correct sports takes in the history of the spoken word. Daily topics, g...

Barstool SportsBarstool Sports

10 Years of Pardon My Take - YouTube Theatre - 7:00PM - Tickets

The Red Flags Podcast Podcast Review

Are you a “Drive to Survive” fan? Are you new to F1? Are you an established F1 fan who is looking to spice up your stale relationship with the sport? Do yo...

Red Flags MediaRed Flags Media

The Red Flags Podcast (Sold Out) - The Peppermint Club - 7:00PM - Info

The Wayback with Ryan Sickler - Reviews & Ratings

Ryan Sickler and his guests take a seat in “The Wayback” for a nostalgic, wild ride filled with laughter, fond memories, and a touch of wistful reflection....

Great PodsThe Wayback with Ryan Sickler

The Wayback Live - The Hotel Cafe Main Stage - 7:00PM - Tickets

This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von - Reviews & Ratings

What happened this past weekend. And sometimes what happened on other days.

Great PodsTheo Von

This Past Weekend With Theo Von - The Wiltern - 7:30PM - Tickets

Tuesdays with Stories! - Reviews & Ratings

Tuesdays with Stories- a fun weekly pod hosted by NYC comedians Joe List and Mark Normand. Luckily, Joe and Mark are funny (thank God) and have an endless...

Great PodsTuesdays with Stories!

Tuesdays With Stories! (Sold Out) - Hollywood Improv - 7:30PM - Info

The Business Casual Show Podcast Review

The Business Casual Show is a comedy podcast by sketch trio Business Casual. Each week, Cory, Hunter, and Jeremy prepare surprise segments for each other w...

All Things ComedyAll Things Comedy

The Business Casual Show: Live! - The Elysian Theater - 8:00PM - Tickets

Almost Friday Podcast - Reviews & Ratings

Will Angus & Liam Cullagh are immortal wizards that have played a major role in human development for centuries and this is their podcast.

Great PodsAlmost Friday Media

Almost Friday TV Live - The Regent Theater - 9:45PM - Tickets

Wednesday, May 6th

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Podcast Review

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade podcast review: “They all marvel at the former SNL guests they encount...” Read critic reviews on Great Pods.

Dana Carvey, David Spade, & AudacyAudacy

Fly On The Wall - The Orpheum Theatre - 6:00PM - Tickets

The Bill Simmons Podcast Podcast Review

The Bill Simmons Podcast podcast review: “Unfiltered opinions, witty remarks, and encyclopedic sports knowledge collide...” Read critic reviews on Great Pods.

The RingerThe Ringer

Bill Simmons - The Wiltern - 7:00PM - Tickets

ShxtsNGigs - Reviews & Ratings

ShxtsNGigs is a weekly podcast featuring best friends James and Fuhad. They try to give their full, unfiltered opinion on anything that comes to mind. It c...

Great Podsshxtsngigs

Shxtsngigs: Daddy's Home - The United Theater On Broadway - 7:00PM - Tickets

Calm Down with Erin and Charissa - Reviews & Ratings

Calm Down With Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson is all about the conversations you would have with your friends when you think others aren’t listening. I...

Great PodsiHeartPodcasts

Calm Down With Erin and Charissa - Hollywood Improv - 7:30PM - Tickets

Smosh Reads Reddit Stories Podcast Review

<div>Tall tales from Reddit are just the starting point for these popular hour-long reaction videos. Host Shayne Topp delights and disgusts his couch of gu...

SmoshSmosh

Smosh Reads Reddit Live (Sold Out) - The Orpheum Theatre - 9:30PM - Info

Thursday, May 7th

KILL TONY Podcast Review

A weekly podcast recorded live from Austin, Texas with your hosts Tony Hinchcliffe & Brian Redban.For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartne...

DEATHSQUAD.TV & Studio71DEATHSQUAD.TV & Studio71

Kill Tony - Intuit Dome - 7:00PM - Tickets

Giggly Squad Podcast Review

Welcome to Giggly Squad. Each week, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo make fun of everything, but most importantly themselves. They discuss pop culture, fash...

hberner2@gmail.comHannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo

Giggly Squad Interviews Important People (Sold Out) - The Wiltern - 7:00PM - Info

Are You Garbage? Comedy Podcast Podcast Review

Comedians H. Foley and Kevin Ryan are self proclaimed GARBAGE. Each week a guest gets put to the test to determine if they are in fact ”GARBAGE” as well. I...

Kevin Ryan & H. FoleyKevin Ryan & H. Foley

Are You Garbage: Back on the Block - The Belasco - 7:00PM - Tickets

Girls Gotta Eat - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Girls Gotta Eat: “This podcast discusses dating, sex, and relationships in the most hilarious way...just like y...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsDear Media

Girls Gotta Eat - Palace Theatre - 7:00PM - Tickets

Tank Top Talks w/ Matt Braunger - Reviews & Ratings

Tank Tops are ridiculous, but they feel good, and the reason they feel good is that they’re ridiculous. Welcome to Tank Top Talks - a weekly conversation p...

Great PodsMatt Braunger

Tank Top Talks with Matt Braunger - The Elysian Theater - 8:00PM - Tickets

The Tim Dillon Show Podcast Review

Tim Dillon is a comedian and tour guide. He’s very excited to give you a tour of the end of the world. Each week from a porch in Los Angeles he shares apoc...

AudioboomThe Tim Dillon Show

Saving Los Angeles With Tim Dillon & The Casts Of Selling Sunset & Selling The OC - The Wiltern - 9:45PM - Tickets

Side Stories - Reviews & Ratings

Each week, Ben Kissel and Henry Zebrowski break down the latest news stories in true crime and the paranormal. TRIPLE L.

Great PodsBen Kissel & Henry Zebrowski

Side Stories - Avalon Hollywood - 9:45PM - Tickets

Friday, May 8th

Bad Friends Podcast Review

Bad Friends podcast review: “Good friends can be, well, kinda boring sometimes. Bad friends, on the other hand, are end...” Read critic reviews on Great Pods.

Bobby Lee & Andrew SantinoBobby Lee & Andrew Santino

Bad Friends - YouTube Theater - 7:00PM - Tickets

This Is Important - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of This Is Important: “This Is Important is anything but: a frivolous, ridiculous exercise in talking — to use an...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsiHeartPodcasts

This Is Important Live Podcast - Troubadour - 7:00PM

JUST SAYIN’ with Justin Martindale - Reviews & Ratings

Comedian Justin Martindale breaks down the hottest stories, gossip, headlines and trends in this weekly entertainment roundup podcast.

Great PodsGreat Pods

Just Sayin' With Justin Martindale - The Crow - 7:00PM - Tickets

Smosh Reads Reddit Stories Podcast Review

<div>Tall tales from Reddit are just the starting point for these popular hour-long reaction videos. Host Shayne Topp delights and disgusts his couch of gu...

SmoshSmosh

Smosh Reads Reddit Live (Sold Out) - Saban Theatre - 7:00PM - Info

Seek Treatment with Cat & Pat - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Seek Treatment with Cat & Pat: “It’s both comforting and hilarious to hear Pat and Cat dish the dirt on living,...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsHeadgum

Seek Treatment With Cat & Pat (Sold Out) - Pacific Electric - 9:45PM - Info

Friday May 9th

The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya Podcast Review

The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya features a pair of grizzled gay ghouls sitting on chairs, holding microphones, and discussing their fabulo...

Trixie & Katya & Studio71 & Confetti CannonStudio71 & Confetti Cannon

The Bald & the Beautiful in Conversation With Dan Levy (Sold Out) - The Wiltern - 3:00PM - Info

Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald Podcast Review

When Heather isn’t headlining theaters across the country as a top stand-up comedian or being the perfect wife and mother of three, she is diving into juic...

Heather McDonald & Studio71Heather McDonald & Studio71

Juicy Scoop Live With Heather McDonald - Avalon Hollywood - 7:00PM - Tickets

Emergency Intercom - Reviews & Ratings

Emergency Intercom is a comedy podcast by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. There is no emergency, but there is an intense need for attention, so maybe liste...

Great PodsiHeartPodcasts

Emergency Intercom - Palace Theatre - 7:00PM - Tickets

Two Idiot Girls - Reviews & Ratings

<p>Just two idiot girls talking...what more could you ask for?</p><p><br></p><p>This is a&nbsp;<a href=“https://headgum.com/” rel=“noopener noreferrer” tar...

Great PodsHeadgum

Drew & Deison Afualo: Two Idiot Girls Live (Sold Out) - Hollywood Improv - 7:30PM

No longer on the schedule or cancelled.

Just Trish Podcast Review

One thing about Trisha Paytas, she’s going to speak her mind. The viral megastar has made a career out of unabashedly spilling her heart out to millions of...

Trisha PaytasTrisha Paytas

The Viall Files Podcast Review

Welcome to The Viall Files, your go-to podcast for all things dating, relationships, pop culture, and Reality Television! Join Nick Viall, Natalie Joy, and...

Nick ViallNick Viall

Artist Friendly with Joel Madden Podcast Review

On Artist Friendly, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden gets real with today’s breakthrough artists. From chart-toppers to rising stars, guests spill the untold s...

VeepsAlternative Press

Drink Champs Podcast Review

Drink Champs podcast review: ”...it’s a lively, laughter-filled journey into hip-hop’s golden era.” Read critic reviews on Great Pods.

iHeartPodcastsThe Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts

We'll update as more information becomes available.
Special note: I did not add Pete Davidson's "podcast" or Michael Irving's "podcast" as there is no audio feed. Just video. If this changes, I will add them.

-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.

Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim: “The pace is fast and fun. Still, she’s(Ego) observant....she’s telling us things a...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsiHeartPodcasts

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.

Wisecrack - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Wisecrack: “Wisecrack defies genre definition as it code switches between stand-up comedy, true crime, hardboil...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsTenderfoot TV and iHeartPodcasts

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 Diary Of A CEO with Steven… - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett: “If you can navigate through the promotional content, the conversation...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsDOAC

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.

Giggly Squad - Reviews & Ratings

Welcome to Giggly Squad. Each week, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo make fun of everything, but most importantly themselves. They discuss pop culture, fash...

Great PodsHannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo

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.

iHeartPodcast Awards - Podcast List on Great Pods

Every podcast that won at the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards, live from SXSW. Browse the full list of winners across Comedy, Crime, Sports, News, Business, Pop Cultu

Great PodsGreat Pods

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.

The LA Times Festival of Books 2026 is heading back to USC April 18-19, 2026 for another year of the free festival.

Sifting through the schedule, they usually have a podcast or two in the lineup. Here's what we have so far, according to the LA Times Schedule.

We've noticed 6 events, 3 podcast schedules, 1 audiobook scheduled, and 2 empty spots. If podcasts are updated, we will update this page.

Note: Some panels may need a ticket, even though it is free, for entry to certain locations. Check the website for details.

The Stacks - Reviews & Ratings

<p>The Stacks is your one stop shop to talk books and reading. Guests will join the host, Traci Thomas for lively discussions about books and the ways they...

Great PodsTraci Thomas

The Stacks Podcast

Audiobook & Podcast Stage, Presented by Spotify
Saturday, Apr 18
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Mina Kimes
Imani Perry
Traci Thomas

Live & Well - Reviews & Ratings

Live & Well is your weekly catch-up with author, mother, and influencer Melissa Magsaysay and her circle of experts and icons—diving deep into the latest w...

Great PodsL.A. Times Studios

Live + Well Podcast

Audiobook & Podcast Stage, Presented by Spotify
Sunday, Apr 19
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Event Description: Live & Well is your weekly catch-up with author, mother, and influencer Melissa Magsaysay and her circle of experts and icons—diving deep into the latest wellness, longevity, beauty and fitness and issues surrounding women. Melissa will take listeners into a vibrant world where beauty, fashion, and wellness intersect with cultural moments and personal transformation. Each episode features conversations with leading + buzzy dermatologists, fitness innovators, beauty founders, and celebrities alike. Listeners can expect pro tips, product recs, juicy insider stories, and empowering perspectives that go beyond surface-level self-care—because looking good is great, but feeling good is everything.

Melissa Magsaysay
Dr. Deepika Chopra
Dr. Mindy Pelz

Crimes of the Times - Reviews & Ratings

L.A. Times reporter Christopher Goffard of “Dirty John” is back with another riveting podcast from L.A. Times Studios. In “Crimes of the Times,” Goffard go...

Great PodsL.A. Times Studios

Crimes of the Times Podcast

Audiobook & Podcast Stage, Presented by Spotify
Sunday, Apr 19
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

L.A. Times reporter Christopher Goffard of "Dirty John" is back with another riveting podcast from L.A. Times Studios. In "Crimes of the Times," Goffard goes deep behind the scenes of a new story each week, cutting through common myths and misconceptions to uncover what really happened in the most compelling cases from L.A. and beyond.

Live from the Festival of Books, join Christopher Goffard, William J. Mann, and Claire Hoffman for an unflinching look at some of California’s most haunting cases and the truths behind the headlines.

Claire Hoffman
William J. Mann
Christopher Goffard

More information can be found on the LA Times Festival of Books website.

The podcast discovery platform built on critic transparency introduces personalized profiles, weekly engagement rankings, and critic following to help listeners cut through algorithmic noise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / March 25, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA — Great Pods, a podcast discovery platform built on professional editorial criticism, today announced the relaunch of its product with a major expansion of user-facing features designed to change how podcasts are discovered, evaluated, and shared.

After three years of quietly building one of the most comprehensive databases of professional podcast criticism, with 6,300+ expert critic reviews from 132 active critics at publications including The New York Times, Vulture, The Observer, and The Times, as well as independent critics including Lauren Passell and Keelin of Mentally A Magpie, Great Pods is opening its platform to registered users for the first time. The relaunch introduces user accounts, smart discovery tools, transparent engagement-based rankings, and the ability to follow individual critics, bringing human editorial judgment back to a discovery landscape long dominated by opaque algorithms.

Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, Great Pods gets more useful the more critics write and listeners engage, building an editorial record for podcasting that has never existed before. That compounding depth is something no catalogue-driven platform can replicate.

“I’ve been making and discovering podcasts since before the algorithms existed,” said Imran Ahmed, Founder of Great Pods. “I hosted one of the first South Asian podcast shows, interviewing comedians like Hasan Minhaj and Sugar Sammy before most people knew what a podcast was. Even then, the same problem existed: great shows were impossible to find. Who is actually deciding what gets recommended? At every platform I worked at, including nearly eight years at TuneIn, the answer was always vague: ‘our editorial team.’ Podcasts deserve the same critical transparency we expect from film, television, and books. That’s what we’re building.”

What’s New in the Great Pods Relaunch

• User Accounts and Profiles — Listeners can now create accounts to save podcasts, build a personal library, and track the critics and genres they trust.
• MVP (Most Viewed Podcasts) Weekly Rankings — A new weekly chart, updated every Tuesday, ranks podcasts based on real user engagement on Great Pods, not ads, self-reported downloads, or platform favoritism.
• Follow Your Favorite Critics — Users can follow individual critics from publications including The New York Times, Vulture, The Observer, and The Times, as well as independent voices like Lauren Passell and Keelin of Mentally A Magpie, and see new reviews as they are published.
• Editorial Award Badges — Great Pods now surfaces industry award winners directly on podcast pages, including 2026 Ambie Award winners, NAACP Image Award winners, and 2026 iHeartPodcast Award winners.
• Club Collections — Editorially curated collections from media partners and industry voices, with written context explaining why each podcast was selected.
• Enhanced Search and Discovery — Smart discovery tools help listeners find podcasts across a database of 14,000+ shows, filterable by genre, critic consensus, and publication. A Listen Now button deeplinks directly to a listener’s podcast app of choice.
• PodSlide — A weekly puzzle game where listeners identify podcasts from their artwork logos, with community leaderboards tracking top scores.

Built for Integrity, Scale, and Editorial Trust

Great Pods has served more than 300,000 podcast listeners organically, without a single paid ad. Entirely self-funded, the platform has grown on the strength of its editorial model alone. With accounts now live, the company is focused on building meaningful audience growth through editorial credibility and community engagement.

The platform’s discovery tools are built around one goal: helping listeners feel genuinely confident about what they choose to hear. That means surfacing not just popular shows, but the right context around them, from professional critics and industry award recognition to community engagement signals across a database of 14,000-plus podcasts.

Great Pods complements the podcast apps listeners already use. Rather than replacing a listener’s preferred player, the platform deeplinks directly to their app of choice through a Listen Now button, keeping the focus squarely on discovery and decision, not playback. Discover. Decide. Listen.

Great Pods is backed by the USC Greif Incubator and co-organizes the SoCal Podcast Meetup, one of the largest independent podcast industry communities in the region.

“We’ve proven the model organically,” Ahmed added. “Now we’re opening it up. Every critic on Great Pods has a name, every review has attribution, and listeners can finally trust a recommendation because they know exactly who made it and why.”

About Great Pods

Founded in 2020 and officially launched in 2021 by podcast creator and audio industry veteran Imran Ahmed, with 15+ years of experience including nearly eight years at TuneIn, Great Pods is building the editorial infrastructure podcasting has always deserved. Self-funded and grown entirely through word of mouth, the platform believes every listener deserves to know exactly why a podcast is being recommended to them. Discover. Decide. Listen. Learn more: greatpods.co

Media Contact

Imran Ahmed  |  Founder, Great Pods | @greatpods

Email: imran@greatpods.co

Press Kit available upon request: images, founder bio, product screenshots.

###

Podcast: The Secret Life of TK Dutes
Genre: Personal Journal
Publisher: Keisha TK Dutes

About: The Secret Life of TK Dutes is the story of what it means to become when the system won’t let you be. One woman sets out into the world, looking for ways to get ahead as an Artist. Producer. Daughter, Sister. Partner. Together with those who bear witness, TK throws away the scripts and looks for answers, in airports, dentists offices, across borders. Each episode is a new world, pioneering the art of loose autobiography to build the picture of a life in a community of voices. What happens when you stop doing what is expected of you and start doing YOU? A better life can be a hustle. It doesn’t have to be a secret.

Some of TK’s credits include: Good Words with Kirk Franklin, HeadSpace’s HiberNation, Buzzfeed’s Thirst Aid Kit, Function with Anil Dash, Hear to Slay

Let me be honest. Initially, I couldn’t recommend this one without a proper listen, and so it happened. It was too good to pass up. However, while writing this post, two reviews popped into my view, thus giving The Secret Life of TK Dutes the proper curation for Great Pods.

I met TK Dutes at Resonate Podcast Festival week, first at the Off The Record Business Summit. The 45+ minute episodes demanded more attention than a festival hallway could give. So Quinn (Camera) and I still interviewed her, and I went home knowing I’d have to come back to this one properly.

The majority of my listening happened in LA traffic. One perfect hour drives that, for once, made me appreciate being behind the wheel. The downside? I wanted to take notes the whole time.

Here’s what you need to know about The Secret Life of TK Dutes: it’s raw, it’s open, and it’ll take you somewhere.

The episodes range from TK in the hot seat, doing the kind of work that honestly made me feel like I was the one in therapy, to TK interviewing others about their own breakthroughs. Episode one is split into two parts because you can’t do just one session. Being Black, being queer, being burnt out. Dr. Nicole Rawls, the episode producer Kristen Bennett, and TK keep it as real as it gets. TK’s voice, the anger, the tears, the emergence from it all, had me feeling things. If a podcast can evoke any emotion from me, I’m in. This one had me in from the jump.

What surprised me was the structure that I was not used to. Most of the time, it’s producers coming in at the end of the episode, but Kristen comes in between. The series moves in unexpected directions, and honestly, I respected it. Not every podcast has to fit a mould. As a creator, you get to decide how your art is experienced, and TK leans into that fully. Dang, Resonate, introducing me to the real art in podcasting for us.

In Minneapolis, she takes us to Nicole Crowder, a designer and curator who talks about how something as simple as chair upholstery can carry history, meaning, and be therapeutic. “Chairs were small enough to carry myself, but big enough to make a statement.”

That’s what this podcast is, really. A personal statement. And we get a window into it.

...her episodes are thoughtfully crafted first-person accounts about making career changes to conversations exploring mental health, boundaries, inner voice, and more...The show combines memoir, journalism, and experimental audio for an intimate listening experience...

Frank Racioppi | Ear Worthy

I may not live TK’s experience, but I felt it. Her transparency, the trust she extends to her audience, is something I aspire to do with Great Pods.

At the risk of sounding cheesy: it felt bold.

I told my sister this the other day, “BLACK WOMEN CAN TELL STORIES!”

BRB, I’m on my own God quest.

TK also has a Patreon if you would like to support, where she takes listeners behind the scenes of producing the podcasts with semi-regular updates on her journey.

Shoutout to the TK’s team:
Kristen Bennett
Tre' Jones
A. B. Nazareno (she/her/hers)
Mike Brown
Aseloka Smith
Mark Pagán
Siona Peterous

Post Production/Marketing & Art:
Manny Faces
Conscious Walker
Faybeon Mickens
Gabrielle A. Smith

Hey Poddy people!

The votes are in. The winners are here.

The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards wrapped up tonight live from SXSW and we have the full winners list. Browse every winning podcast across Comedy, Crime, Sports, News, Business, Pop Culture, Food and more.

👉 See the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards Winners on Great Pods

The iHeartPodcast Awards are back and this year they're happening live from SXSW. If you're into podcasts at all, tonight is worth tuning in.

What Is the iHeartPodcast Awards?

It's one of the biggest nights in podcasting. The awards cover everything from Comedy and Crime to Sports, News, Business, Pop Culture, Food and more. Winners are chosen by a panel of industry leaders, not just a popularity vote, which makes it actually mean something.

When and Where Is It?

The show takes place tonight, Monday March 16, at 7 p.m. CT at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin, TX as part of SXSW.
But you don't need to be in Austin to watch.

How to Watch the iHeartPodcast Awards for Free

Tonight at 7 p.m. CT - 5 p.m. PDT Free on VEEPS. No excuses.
👉 Watch live: veeps.events/iheartpodcastawards

This year the show streams live and free on VEEPS. If you haven't heard of VEEPS, you're not alone. Neither had we. But it's a legit live streaming platform and all you need is a free account to watch. Head to veeps.events/iheartpodcastawards and sign up. No cable, no subscription, no catch.

Previous years streamed on YouTube, so the move to VEEPS is new. Worth bookmarking now so you're not scrambling at showtime.

Can't watch live? The show also broadcasts on select iHeartMedia radio stations at 11 p.m. local time and will be available on the iHeartRadio app.

Who's Hosting and Who's Presenting?

Ego Nwodim, actress, comedian and host of the "Thanks Dad" podcast, is emceeing the whole thing. Will Ferrell opens the show. Holly Frey from "Stuff You Missed in History Class" is on winners correspondent duty. DJ Obscene handles the music.

Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim: “The pace is fast and fun. Still, she’s(Ego) observant....she’s telling us things a...” Read more on Great Pods.

iHeartPodcastsiHeartPodcasts

Presenters include Eric Andre, Iliza Schlesinger, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, Jennie Garth, Lele Pons, Rider Strong and more. TikTok creators Caroline Vazzana, Clifford Taylor IV and Tim Martin are also on the list.

Come Back for the Full Winners Report

We'll have a full post-show breakdown with the complete winners list dropping later this week. Bookmark this page or subscribe to the Great Pods newsletter so you don't miss it.

*Updated 5/11/26
*Previously updated 3/9/25, 10/22/24, 8/28/24, 4/11/23, 6/30/22

Great Pods collects podcast critic reviews into one spot to help listeners, old and new, determine if they want to listen to a podcast and even discover new ones.

Podcast critics?! Who are they? How can I get my podcast reviewed by them? Good question! We are here to help. Our hope is that podcast criticism is thoughtful and supplies the podcaster with some good feedback as well as a great reason to listen to a podcast. They come from blogs to prominent publications, lists to newsletters, rather than a user bombing that may occur on other review platforms.

About this list. It combines blogs, websites, and writers who have opted in. It is an ongoing list. For those links below that only have emails, please be considerate of their time and have a press kit ready that includes a trailer, episodes, listen links, website link, logo, description, and creator(s) info. Remember that most of them are not obligated to write a review and could be free or paid. I'd love to hear how the experience goes for you.

Once published, send an email to hello@greatpods.co with the links, and we'll index them on the site!

• Audio Drama Reviews - Fiction - Request Guidelines and Submission
• Discover Pods - Pod of the Day - All Genres - Submission Form - All Genres
• Discover Pods - Spotlight - Submission Form - Possibly paid
• PodcastReview.org - Submission Form - All Genres
• Podcast Rex - Review Submission Form
• Pod Bible - No real info - Try Contact Form
• Podcast Tonight - Submission Form - All Genres - Not sure if free
• Great British Podcasts - Submission Form - Have to be a British podcast with a minimum of 3-4 episodes - All Genres
• Common Sense Media - Submission Form - All Genres but mostly kids - Dropdown list to "Request A Review"
• Mentally? A Magpie. - Submission Form - Emphasis on Narrative podcasts and occasional non-fiction with an ending
• Tea In The Sahara - Submission Form - Fiction only
• The Audiophile Blog - Email for consideration Fiction only complete seasons for serialized shows, and at least four or five episodes for anthology shows
• Podcast Geek - Email - Press releases, early episodes, and any relevant information.
• Brands In Audio - Must be a brand - Submit Podcast Email Brian for reviews
• Coming Soon - Black Podcasters Association and Afros & Audio submissions

There is no guarantee of a positive review or a review at all. You must be open to receiving criticism. Be kind.These are newsletters we deem as professional reviews to be indexed on the site. Please provide a press kit described in the above paragraph of inclusions and the following: pod.link or plinkhq link to your podcast.

• Ear Worthy - Independent Podcasts only - Email Frank for reviews

• Orecchiabile Podcast Newsletter (Italian and English pod reviews) Email Chiara/Giacomo for reviews - Email with subject line: Podcast Title.

• Devin from Podstack - Subscribe and reply to the newsletter - All Genres - Less emphasis on True Crime

• Stephen O. from Podcast Delivery - Get Featured - All Genres

• Lauren from Podcast the Newsletter - Subscribe - All Genres

• Tal from Podplane - Submission Page - Genre Specifics: Spotlighting podcasts by trans, nonbinary, and non-cis creators

• Ayo from Sounds Like Impact - Submission Page - Mostly Episode Specific - Spotlighting podcasts focused on social impact

One last note, do NOT forget niche blogs. If they are consistently writing and can articulate their opinions we can look into qualifying them. If you are a fitness podcast, reach out to fitness blogs for a potential write-up.  

If you are a critic or don't know if you consider yourself one, reach out to us at hello@greatpods.co and we'll help guide you. Finally, do not take offense if you do not get a response. Keep learning and keep trekking.

When Third Coast stopped bringing audio storytellers together, it left a gap. Even from a distance, you could feel it. I never went myself, but I knew what it meant to people.

When I first heard about Resonate a couple of years ago, I wondered if it might fill some of that space or at least create a new kind of one.

I was excited to go and to be around people who are serious about the work, but also curious, experimental, a little uncontained. And that’s exactly what it felt like: a mix of storytellers, artists, and people doing their own thing, all orbiting the same core idea of caring deeply about sound.

Resonate is less about trying to replicate something and more about pushing things outward; what audio can be, how far it can stretch. It really leans into sound as an art form, not just a vehicle for story. And in the US, I am not sure that there is much else that holds that kind of space in the same way.

Part of why I went and honestly, part of why I came to the States at all was to get myself back into a more creative headspace. To feel something shift a bit. And it did, just maybe not in the way I expected. I left feeling more reflective than anything else, but in a way that felt useful.

TK Dutes was a highlight. What she shared about burnout landed, but what stayed with me was how she’s choosing to move through it. There’s a clear intention to the way she’s working now: collaborating with a different producer on each episode, letting go of a fixed release schedule, allowing things to come out when they’re ready. It felt honest and not rushed, not performative.

Aaron Edwards followed and completely held the room. There was something confident and captivating about his presence, poised, fully there and the story he shared was unforgettable. It made you lean in.

And then Audio Flux, which felt deeply considered and carefully made. You could feel the thought behind it, the care John DeLore and Julie Shapiro put into shaping something that didn’t just showcase audio, but created a distinct experience.

More than any one session, though, what really stayed with me were the in-between moments: the conversations, the people I met, the feeling of being around others who are also trying to figure out how to do this work in a way that actually means something.

I left feeling a bit clearer. Not completely, but enough.

-Natasha Miller
You can find Natasha's award winning podcast, Bitter/Sweet on Great Pods and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

Bitter/Sweet - Reviews & Ratings

Critic reviews of Bitter/Sweet: “Bitter/Sweet makes the most of the intimacy of audio, with host Natasha Miller delivering these...” Read more on Great Pods.

Great PodsMiller Libertine

Podcasting continues to make its way around the mainstream as a media platform and is now included in the prestigious Gracie Awards.

ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 50TH ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS INCLUDING CRISTIN MILIOTI, CAST OF DESCENDANTS: THE RISE OF RED, DUNE: PROPHECY, LEGACY TALK WITH LENA WAITHE, KATHY BATES, KEKE PALMER, MEGAN THEE STALLION: IN HER WORDS, AND MORE

AWMF Introduces Three New Categories:

Podcast Writer; Audiobook Individual–Narrator/Producer; and Women’s Health News Feature/Series

A Legacy of Excellence: The Gracies Celebrate 50 Years of Honoring Women Who Shape the World Through Media

The event will be hosted by actress, comedian, and podcaster, Fortune Feimster (Handsome podcast).

Critic Podcast Reviews - Handsome

“Handsome” is a podcast from comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin. Every week, the handsome hosts field a question from a friend and attempt to answer it together, covering every subject you could think of. Along the way, Tig, Fortune and Mae tell plenty of stories and just general…

Great Pods

For quick reference, I extracted the podcast-specific winners with the links below. The full press release and list of winners are after the break.

Caroline Thornham (Kill List) – Audio Podcast - Producer

Critic Podcast Reviews - Kill List

Every day, hundreds of people go about their lives with no idea that someone has paid to have them killed. In the depths of the dark net, tech journalist Carl Miller makes a disturbing discovery: a secret “kill list” targeting hundreds of innocent people on a murder-for-hire website. When the police…

Great Pods

Charly Edsitty (Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation) – Audio Podcast Host - News

Critic Podcast Reviews - Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation

Today, the Navajo Nation has no guaranteed right to use the water that flows in and around their reservation. In this season of “Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation,” journalist Charly Edsitty follows the history of oppression and exclusion that kept the Navajo from their water -- and traces t…

Great Pods

Face-Off: The U.S. vs China – Audio Podcast - Educational

Critic Podcast Reviews - Face-Off: The U.S. vs China

FACE-OFF: US vs CHINA is an inside look at the turbulent relationship between the world’s two superpowers, the two men in charge, and the vital issues that affect us all.FACE-OFF is hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jane Perlez, former New York Times Beijing bureau chief and current fellow…

Great Pods

Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford – Original Online Programming – Video Podcast

Critic Podcast Reviews - Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford

Welcome to Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford, the podcast where we break the silence and demystify wellness conundrums! Hosted by the dynamic Melyssa Ford, every episode offers candid conversations, expert insights, and empowering stories for people navigating the challenges of wellness, intimacy, an…

Great Pods

In the Dark: Season 3 – Audio Podcast - Investigative

Critic Podcast Reviews - In The Dark

In the Dark, hosted by Madeleine Baran, is an award-winning investigative-journalism podcast that started in 2016. Its first season looked at the mysterious abduction of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota and the lack of accountability that sheriffs face when they fail to solve cases. Season 2 exam…

Great Pods

Keke Palmer (Baby, This is Keke Palmer) – Audio Podcast Host - Entertainment

Critic Podcast Reviews - Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has questions for days, about everything under the sun. From the existential to the inconsequential. From pop culture to pop science. From the meaning of life to the meaning of W.A.P. From life in outer space to “Where the eff is Tom from MySpace?“ And everything in between. Because Baby…

Great Pods

Laura Beil (Dr. Death - Bad Magic) – Audio Podcast Host - News Investigative

Critic Podcast Reviews - Dr. Death | S4: Bad Magic

When a charismatic young doctor announces revolutionary treatments for cancer and HIV, patients from around the world turn to him for their last chance. As medical experts praise Serhat Gumrukcu’s genius, the company he co-founded rockets in value to over half a billion dollars. But when a team of r…

Great Pods

Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe – Audio Podcast - Entertainment

Critic Podcast Reviews - Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe

Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe is a love letter to Black women in entertainment. Emmy-Award winning writer, actor, and producer Lena Waithe sits down with trailblazers like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jenifer Lewis, Debbie Allen, and more, to discuss their creative process, their journey, and how they became th…

Great Pods

Mayim Bialik (Mayim Bialik's Breakdown) – Audio Podcast Co-host/Ensemble

Critic Podcast Reviews - Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown

Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown is a quirky, informative, and interactive podcast breaking down the myths and misunderstandings about mental health and emotional well-being. Neuroscientist Mayim Bialik combines her academic background with vast personal experience to provide listeners with valuable practic…

Great Pods

NBA DNA with Hannah Storm – Audio Podcast - Sports

Critic Podcast Reviews - NBA DNA with Hannah Storm

Most sports fans know Hannah Storm from her skills as a host, commentator across many sports networks and as an anchor for Sports Center on ESPN. What most fans don’t know however, is her unique story and the story of her family that centers at the heart of pro basketball. Hannah grew up on basketb…

Great Pods

Rebecca Keegan (The Godfather: A Film We Can't Refuse) – Audio Podcast Host - Entertainment Special

Critic Podcast Reviews - The Godfather: A Film We Can’t Refuse

Step into the shadowy world of the Corleone family as Paramount Pictures unveils the enduring saga of The Godfather as never experienced before in this captivating Audible Original. With exclusive insights from the legendary cast, including Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Robert De Niro, and Talia Shir…

Great Pods

Suzanne Rico (The Man Who Calculated Death) – Podcast Writer

Critic Podcast Reviews - The Man Who Calculated Death

In 2013, journalist Suzanne Rico gets the call. Her mother, Gabriele, is dying. As time ticks down, Gabriele reveals an unfinished memoir about her World War II childhood–and makes a daunting last request: “Finish what I started.” When Suzanne and her sister, Stephanie, dive into their mother’s turb…

Great Pods

The Boar’s Nest: Sue Brewer and the Birth of Outlaw Country Music – Audio Podcast - Scripted

Critic Podcast Reviews - The Boar’s Nest: Sue Brewer and the Birth of Outlaw Country

In the mid-1960s, Sue Brewer’s humble living room floor was not just an after-hours clubhouse for artists looking to escape the Nashville establishment, but a creative sanctuary.Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson. Before they were household names, these budding legends called Sue’s N…

Great Pods

The Jamie Kern Lima Show Podcast – Audio Podcast - Lifestyle

Critic Podcast Reviews - The Jamie Kern Lima Show

Get Ready to Believe In YOU! Welcome to The Jamie Kern Lima Show!Imagine. . . overcoming self-doubt, learning to believe in yourself and trust yourself and know you’re enough. Imagine stepping into all of who you are, and into the person you we’re born to be. . . unstoppable. Unstoppable in your joy…

Great Pods

Alexandria Miller (Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture) – Podcast Host (Student)

Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture – Podcast (Student)

Critic Podcast Reviews - Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture

Are you passionate about Caribbean history, its diverse culture, and its impact on the world? Join Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture as we explore the rich tapestry of Caribbean stories told through the eyes of its people – historians, artists, experts, and enthusiasts who sha…

Great Pods

Full Press Release:

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 25, 2025) – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) proudly unveils the winners of the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, celebrating five decades of amplifying women’s voices, stories, and achievements in media. This landmark anniversary marks not only a reflection on past trailblazers but also a declaration of the continued power of women shaping the cultural and media landscape. The winners, including Cristin Milioti, Descendants: The Rise of Red, Dune: Prophecy, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe, Mayim Bialik, Kathy Bates, Keke Palmer, and more will be honored at the Gracie Awards Gala on May 20, 2025, at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, which will be hosted by actress, comedian, and podcaster, Fortune Feimster. Local and student award recipients will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 18 at Cipriani’s in New York City.

Over the past 50 years, the Gracie Awards have stood as a beacon for excellence, equity, and empowerment—honoring those who challenge conventions, redefine narratives, and create space for voices that must be heard. Previous honorees include Ava DuVernay, Carol Burnett, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Marlo Thomas, Michelle Obama, Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey, Sandra Oh, Savannah Guthrie, Shonda Rhimes, Taylor Swift, among many other trailblazers.

This year’s winners continue that legacy, spotlighting the storytellers, journalists, producers, and creators driving meaningful change in media. The 50th anniversary celebration will highlight the profound impact of women’s voices across television, audio, streaming, and digital platforms.

“For 50 years, the Gracie Awards have honored the storytellers who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible,” said Becky Brooks, President of AWMF. “This is more than an awards show—it is a movement that has championed inclusion, representation, and truth in the media. The women we celebrate today are shaping the next 50 years, ensuring that our narratives are not just seen or heard, but felt and remembered. And we are excited to have Fortune Feimster join us as the host for our Golden Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, bringing her incredible wit and energy to this unforgettable celebration.”

Feimster is currently gearing up for her Takin’ Care of Biscuits U.S. tour. Her latest special Crushing It can currently be found on Netflix, along with her previous specials Good Fortune and Sweet & Salty, both of which garnered Critics Choice nominations. She’ll next be seen in season two of the hit Netflix comedy Fubar alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and will voice “Nibbles” in Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2. On the audio front, she hosts the popular podcast Handsome alongside Tig Notaro and Mae Martin; and What A Joke with Papa and Fortune on SiriusXM.

The Gracie Awards Gala will be produced by female-owned production companies, and all-female production teams from Do Great Projects and Mythical Creators with Kristin Whalley serving as Executive Producer. The Gracie Awards Gala will feature a powerful lineup of presenters, performers, and honorees, making this golden anniversary a night of celebration and reflection. The evening will not only recognize individual achievements but will serve as a call to action for continued progress in ensuring diverse voices remain at the forefront of media.

The Gracie Awards are proudly sponsored by CNN, Hallmark Media, iHeart/Premiere, Katz Media Group, and NCTA: The Internet & Television Association, among others.

50TH ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS WINNERS

TELEVISION/STREAMING NATIONAL WINNERS

2024 Paris Olympics on NBC
NBCUniversal
Sports Program
[TV - National]

Amber Sealey (Out of My Mind)
Disney+ / Disney Branded Television
Director - Made for TV Movie
[TV - National]

Caitlin Hu
CNN Worldwide
Producer- News
[TV - National]

Carolina Miranda (Mujeres Asesinas)
ViX
Non-English Individual Achievement- Actress
[TV - National]

CBS Mornings: Cost of Caregiving with Lisa Ling
CBS NEWS
News Feature Series
[TV - National]

Claudia Uceda (From the Senate to Shame)
TelevisaUnivision
Non-English Individual Achievement- Producer/Writer
[TV - National]

Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
HBO | Max
Actress in a Leading Role - Made for TV Movie or Limited Series
[TV - National]

Descendants: The Rise of Red
Disney+ / Disney Branded Television
Ensemble Cast- Family Programming
[TV - National]

Diarra Kilpatrick (Diarra From Detroit)
BET+
Actress in a Breakthrough Role - Drama
[TV - National]

Dominique Pélicot Investigation
CNN Worldwide
Hard News Feature
[TV - National]

DORA
Nickelodeon
Family Series
[TV - National]

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant (Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild)
Hearst Media Production Group
On-Air Talent - Lifestyle, Entertainment
[TV - National]

Dune: Prophecy
HBO | Max
Drama
[TV - National]

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Natalie Hewit (Endurance)
National Geographic Documentary Films
Director- Documentary
[TV - National]

Fentanyl: The Silent Toll
Scripps News
News Feature Series - Hard News
[TV - National]

Francesca Sloane (Mr. & Mrs. Smith)
Prime Video
Producer- Entertainment
[TV - National]

Hadas Yaron (We Were the Lucky Ones)
Hulu, 20th Television
Actress in a Supporting Role - Made for TV Movie or Limited Series
[TV - National]

Haley Watson (Motorcycle Mary)
ESPN Films
Director- Documentary Sports
[TV - National]

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
Hallmark Media
Ensemble Cast - Made for TV Movie
[TV - National]

INSIDE EDITION
CBS Media Ventures / INSIDE EDITION
News Magazine
[TV - National]

Issa López (True Detective: Night Country)
HBO | Max
Writer Scripted - Drama
[TV - National]

Jac Schaeffer (Agatha All Along)
Marvel Television
Director- Fantasy
[TV - National]

Jenny Taft (FOX Sports' "Big Noon Saturday" and "Summer of Soccer")
FOX Sports
On-Air Talent - Sports
[TV - National]

Jill Martin - Unexpected Friendship During Breast Cancer Treatment (TODAY with Jenna and Hoda)
NBCUniversal
Interview Feature
[TV - National]

Kat Coiro (Matlock)
CBS Studios
Director- Drama
[TV - National]

Kathy Bates (Matlock)
CBS Studios
Actress in a Leading Role - Drama
[TV - National]

Katie Walsh (Simone Biles Rising)
Religion of Sports
Director- Sports
[TV - National]

Kristen Vaurio (June)
Paramount+
Producer- Documentary /Unscripted / Non-Fiction
[TV - National]

Little Wing
Paramount+
Made for Television Movie
[TV - National]

Liz Heldens (Will Trent)
ABC
Showrunner Fiction
[TV - National]

Margo Martindale (The Sticky)
Prime Video
Actress in a Leading Role - Comedy or Musical
[TV - National]

Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words
Prime Video
Documentary
[TV - National]

Molly McNearney (Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
ABC
Writer Unscripted
[TV - National]

Molly Solomon (2024 Paris Olympics on NBC)
NBCUniversal
Showrunner Non-Fiction
[TV - National]

Mujeres Asesinas
ViX
Non-English Program- Scripted
[TV - National]

NBC News Daily
NBC News NOW
News Program
[TV - National]

Norah O'Donnell (CBS NEWS)
CBS NEWS
On-Air Talent - News or News Magazine
[TV - National]

Phoebe-Rae Taylor (Out of My Mind)
Disney+ / Disney Branded Television
Actress in a Breakthrough Role- Made for TV Movie
[TV - National]

Quinn Shepherd & Geeta Vasant Patel (Under the Bridge)
Hulu, 20th Television
Director - Series
[TV - National]

Rachel Scott (ABC News)
ABC NEWS
Reporter/Correspondent
[TV - National]

Sara Sidner's Breast Cancer Journey
CNN Worldwide
Women's Health News Feature/Series
[TV - National]

Say Nothing
FX/Hulu
Limited Series
[TV - National]

SC Featured: The 6-Year Plan
ESPN
Sports Feature
[TV - National]

Secrets of the 2x2 Church (IMPACT x Nightline)
ABC News Studios
Investigative Feature
[TV - National]

Shannon Kane (Reasonable Doubt)
Hulu, 20th Television, and Onyx Collective
Actress in a Supporting Role - Drama
[TV - National]

Sister Senators
CBS News Sunday Morning
Soft News Feature
[TV - National]

St. Denis Medical
NBCUniversal
Comedy
[TV - National]

Stephanie Koenig (English Teacher)
FX/Hulu
Actress in a Supporting Role - Comedy or Musical
[TV - National]

Stephanie Koenig (English Teacher)
FX/Hulu
Writer Scripted - Comedy
[TV - National]

Stories from the Stage
WORLD
Non-Fiction Entertainment
[TV - National]

The "Other" Border
TelevisaUnivision
Non-English Program- News
[TV - National]

The Daily Show
The Daily Show/Comedy Central
Talk Show – Entertainment
[TV - National]

The Midwife's Confession
BBC World Service
Documentary- Historical
[TV - National]

The Playing Field: The Battle Over Transgender Athletes (CNN FlashDocs & The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper)
CNN Worldwide
Documentary- News/Investigative
[TV - National]

The Sing Sing Chronicles
NBC News Studios, MSNBC Films, Trilogy Films
Documentary Series
[TV - National]

The Voice
Warner Bros. Unscripted Television
Non-Fiction Entertainment - Competition
[TV - National]

Total Eclipse Special
MSNBC Reports
Special or Variety
[TV - National]

Yessi Hernandez (Acceso Total)
Telemundo
Non-English Individual Achievement- On-Air Talent
[TV - National]

RADIO NATIONAL WINNERS

Amy Brown (Women of iHeartCountry)
Premiere Networks/iHeartMedia
Weekend Host / Personality
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Angela Yee (Way Up with Angela Yee)
Premiere Networks/iHeartMedia
Host/Personality
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Breaking: Don't Call It Break Dancing
ABC NEWS
Feature/Special
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Cheri Preston (ABC News)
ABC NEWS
Outstanding News Anchor
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett with Café Mocha Radio (Hosts: Loni Love, Yo-Yo)
Miles Ahead Broadcasting
Interview Feature
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Devorah Klahr (Justice for Ethan Bherwani: Fentanyl Poisoning in America)
SiriusXM
Producer - Talk
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Esther Dillard (Daughters Beyond Incarceration/The Black Perspective)
Black Information Network, iHeartMedia
News Feature
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Jill on Money
CBS News Radio
Talk Show
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Kristen Farrah (Radio Health Journal)
American Urban Radio Networks
Producer - Talk - Health
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Kristin Klingshirn (The Bert Show)
The Bert Show
Co-host
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Megan Swan (From the Top)
From the Top
Producer - Entertainment
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

“Please Save My Sister”: A North Korean Escapee’s Plea
Radio Free Asia Korean Service
Non-English Program
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

Trump Assassination Attempt
CBS News Radio
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Commercial]

A Year in the Life of a Mom and Baby from Gaza
NPR
Interview Feature
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Code Switch
NPR Code Switch
Feature/Special
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Colleen Ross (White Coat, Black Art)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Producer
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Election Officials on their duty and risk for democracy (On Point)
WBUR
Public Affairs
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

How Stockholm Stuck
WNYC New York Public Radio
Documentary
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Music is Weapon (Thousand Miles Talks About Music)
Taipei Broadcasting Station
Non-English Program
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Navigating Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (White Coat, Black Art)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Series
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Nayeema Raza (Should We Address the Gender Wage Gap?)
Open to Debate
Host
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Sarah Qari (Radiolab)
WNYC  New York Public Radio
Reporter /Correspondent
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

Secretive Land Buys in Hawaii (All Things Considered)
NPR
Investigative Feature
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

The Taliban's Crackdown on Women's Rights (On Point)
WBUR
News Feature
[Radio - Nationally Syndicated Non-Commercial]

AUDIO NATIONAL WINNERS

Julia Whelan (The Women)
Macmillan Audio
Audiobook Narrator - Fiction
[Audio – National]

Michele Norris (Our Hidden Conversations)
Simon & Schuster Audio
Audiobook Narrator - Non-Fiction
[Audio – National]

DIGITAL MEDIA NATIONAL WINNERS

A Queen's Journey
ABC Owned Television Stations
Original Online Programming – Video Series
[DM - National]

ALL ARTS
The WNET Group
Blog/Vlog/Newsletter
[DM - National]

An invisible wound: Abuse in Maternal Care
Noticias Telemundo
Non-English Program - Documentary
[DM - National]

Carolina Guillen (ESPN Deportes & ESPN International)
ESPN Deportes & ESPN International
Non-English Individual Achievement
[DM - National]

Caroline Thornham (Kill List)
Wondery, Novel
Audio Podcast - Producer
[DM - National]

Charly Edsitty (Reclaimed: The Lifeblood of Navajo Nation)
ABC Audio
Audio Podcast Host - News
[DM - National]

Exposed
Univision Noticias Digital
Website - News
[DM - National]

Face-Off: The U.S. vs China
Airwave
Audio Podcast - Educational
[DM - National]

Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford
Forged Path Productions
Original Online Programming – Video Podcast
[DM - National]

In the Dark: Season 3
The New Yorker
Audio Podcast - Investigative
[DM - National]

Keke Palmer (Baby, This is Keke Palmer)
Wondery
Audio Podcast Host - Entertainment
[DM - National]

Laura Beil (Dr. Death - Bad Magic)
Wondery
Audio Podcast Host - News Investigative
[DM - National]

Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe
Hillman Grad and Lemonada Media
Audio Podcast - Entertainment
[DM - National]

Mayim Bialik (Mayim Bialik's Breakdown)
ICON PR
Audio Podcast Co-host/Ensemble
[DM - National]

Mexico’s Migrant Crackdown | Start Here
Al Jazeera Digital
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video - Hard News
[DM - National]

NBA DNA with Hannah Storm
iHeartPodcasts,  NBA
Audio Podcast - Sports
[DM - National]

Nina Melendez Ibarra (Catalyst)
LinkedIn News
Online Producer
[DM - National]

Plaza Sésamo: Las Aventuras del Reportero Abelardo
Sesame Workshop
Non-English Program - Family
[DM - National]

Rebecca Keegan (The Godfather: A Film We Can't Refuse)
Audible, Paramount Audio & Spoke Media
Audio Podcast Host - Entertainment Special
[DM - National]

Roblox Has a Predator Problem
Bloomberg
Original Online Programming – News/Documentary
[DM - National]

Sandra Gathmann (Start Here)
Al Jazeera Digital
Online Video Host, Correspondent
[DM - National]

Suzanne Rico (The Man Who Calculated Death)
Discount Sushi
Podcast Writer
[DM - National]

The Boar’s Nest: Sue Brewer and the Birth of Outlaw Country Music
Audible and Fresh Produce Media
Audio Podcast - Scripted
[DM - National]

The Jamie Kern Lima Show Podcast
Life is Love
Audio Podcast - Lifestyle
[DM - National]

This is Working with Dan Roth
LinkedIn News
Original Online Programming – Standalone Video - Soft News
[DM - National]

Variety Power of Women
Variety
Website - Entertainment
[DM - National]

ZIP Codes with Imaeyen Ibanga
AJ+
Original Online Programming – Video Series - News
[DM - National]

TELEVISION LOCAL WINNERS

3 Decades, 3 Cancers
WABC
Women's Health News Feature/Series
[TV - Local]

Criminal Injustice: The April Wilkens Story
KFOR-TV
Hard News Feature
[TV - Local]

Dream School: A Journey to Higher Ed
WGCU Public Media
Documentary
[TV - Local]

Emily Judem (Never Cried)
GBH-News
Producer - Scripted / Edited / Live
[TV - Local]

Failure to Protect: A Domestic Violence Investigation
WBBM-TV
Investigative Feature
[TV - Local]

From Asphalt to Glory
WXIA-TV
Sports Feature
[TV - Local]

Gerri Constant ("Profiles in Resilience")
KCAL News, CBS Los Angeles
Director
[TV - Local]

Heartstrings
WKYC / Tegna
News Magazine
[TV - Local]

In Focus - Governor Kathy Hochul: Protecting our Children
SPECTRUM NEWS NY1
News Program
[TV - Local]

Jana Shortal (Breaking the News)
KARE 11 Minneapolis
On-Air Talent
[TV - Local]

Jenese Harris (WJXT)
WJXT-TV
On-Air Talent - Meteorologist
[TV - Local]

NH Chronicle: All-Female Tuna Crew
WMUR
Soft News Feature
[TV - Local]

The Cost of the Harvest
Univision Communications
Non-English Program
[TV - Local]

The Scotland Story
WUSA9
Series
[TV - Local]

TURN TO TARA: When Home Hurts
News 12 Networks
Investigative Feature
[TV - Local]

Veronica Betances (Accesso Total)
Telemundo
Non-English Individual Achievement
[TV - Local]

You Stand, I Sit
News 12 Networks
Interview Feature
[TV - Local]

RADIO LOCAL WINNERS

AEW stars Skye Blue and Kyle Fletcher with Iridian Fierro
WGN Radio AM 720
Interview Feature - Sports
[Radio - Local]

Alabama (The Alabama Show)
iHeartMedia
Host Morning Drive - Medium Market
[Radio - Local]

Amanda Dickson (KSL NewsRadio)
Bonneville International, Salt Lake City
Host Morning Drive - Medium Market - Morning News
[Radio - Local]

Argelia Atilano (El Show de Omar y Argelia)
Entravision Communications
Non-English Individual Achievement - Co-host
[Radio - Local]

Carly Rush (Cliff & Carly Mornings)
Griffin Media
Co-host (Music DJ/ Personality) Medium Market
[Radio - Local]

Carol Miller (Q104.3)
iHeartMedia
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Major Market
[Radio - Local]

Chris Rollins (Chris & The Crew)
Townsquare Media
Host Morning Drive - Small Market
[Radio - Local]

Christina Musson (Broeske & Musson)
KMJ Fresno - A Cumulus Radio Station
Co-host (Talk/Personality) Small/Medium Market
[Radio - Local]

Christine Nagy (The Cubby and Christine Morning Show)
iHeartMedia
Co-host (Music DJ/Personality Major Market
[Radio - Local]

Deborah Honeycutt (Deb & Matt in the Morning)
Cumulus Media Broadcasting
Co-host (Music DJ/Personality) Large Market
[Radio - Local]

Enterate Con Neida Sandoval
Latino Media Network
Non-English Program
[Radio - Local]

From Spirituals to Opera: The Inspiring Journey of Jubilee (Seattle's Morning News)
KIRO Newsradio
Soft News Feature - Historical
[Radio - Local]

Giving Back
Audacy New York City
Public Service Announcement
[Radio - Local]

Gretta Monahan on Exceptional Women with Sue Tabb and Kendra Petrone
Audacy Boston
Interview Feature
[Radio - Local]

Hurricane Helene Aftermath Coverage
Asheville Media Group - Saga Communications
Crisis Coverage/Breaking News
[Radio - Local]

Insight - Hosted by Loraine Ballard Morrill
iHeartMedia Philadelphia
Public Affairs
[Radio - Local]

Itzi Ortega (Elevating Voices, Empowering Communities)
Latino Media Network
Non-English Individual Achievement
[Radio - Local]

Katrina B (HOT 97)
MediaCo
Producer
[Radio - Local]

Kristie Kemper (Qfm96)
CBus Media Group - Saga Communications
Host Non-Morning Drive (Talk/Personality) Large/Major Market
[Radio - Local]

Letty Peniche (Brown Bag Mornings)
Meruelo Media
Host Morning Drive- Major Market
[Radio - Local]

Marga Patterson (New Hampshire in the Morning with Neal and Marga)
WZID Saga
Co-host (Music DJ/ Personality) Small Market
[Radio - Local]

Michelle Southern (Southern Rock)
Guaranty Media - Eagle 98.1
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Small Market
[Radio - Local]

Ricochet (KYW Newsradio)
Audacy Philadelphia
Hard News Feature
[Radio - Local]

Rita Cosby (Cats & Cosby)
77WABC Radio
Co-host (Talk/Personality) Large/Major Market
[Radio - Local]

Round Table Discussion: Domestic Violence
KTMY-FM
Interview Feature - Hard News
[Radio - Local]

Stories from the Journey (KYW Newsradio)
Audacy Philadelphia
Feature/Special
[Radio - Local]

Talking Golf with Ann Liguori
WFAN-NY
Talk Show - Sports
[Radio - Local]

The Cats & Cosby Show
77WABC Radio
Talk Show
[Radio - Local]

Toshamakia (KS107.5)
Audacy
Host Non-Morning Drive (Music DJ/Personality) Medium Market
[Radio - Local]

Veronica Waters (95.5 WSB)
Cox Media Group
Outstanding News Reporter
[Radio - Local]

All Of It - Alison Stewart
WNYC
Interview Feature
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Angie Perrin (Sugarcane)
KCRW
Producer
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

April Baer (Stateside)
Michigan Public
Host/Anchor
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Behind the Scenes of DJs: Women Setting the Vibe (MPR News with Angela Davis)
Minnesota Public Radio News
Feature/Special
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Intersex Advocacy with Pidgeon Pagonis (Audacious with Chion Wolf)
Connecticut Public
Portrait/Biography
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Notes from Mothers
Louisville Public Media
Series
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Rebecca Smith
KBIA
Reporter/Correspondent
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Revisiting "In Their Footsteps" In Honor of Dr. "Lucki" Allen
WLIW-FM and Infinite Variety Productions
Documentary
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Staffing Shortage Impact on Special Education
Texas Public Radio
News Feature
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

The Sound of Ideas
Ideastream Public Media
Talk Show
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

Why are you Pumped about Women's Hockey? (Ontario Today)
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)
Talk Show - Sports
[Radio - Non-Commercial Local]

TELEVISION STUDENT WINNERS

BYU Office of First-Year Experience
Brigham Young University
Hard News Feature
[TV - Student]

Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Brigham Young University
Soft News Feature
[TV - Student]

Kathryn Bruch (WVU News)
West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media
On-Air Talent
[TV - Student]

Olivia Remusat (Hofstra Votes Live 2024)
Hofstra University
Director
[TV - Student]

Pathway to Education: Breaking Ground in Ghana with Sydni Merrill
Brigham Young University
Interview Feature
[TV - Student]

Producing Team (Hofstra Votes Live 2024)
Hofstra University
Producer
[TV - Student]

The Savior Stood Before Mine Eyes
Brigham Young University
Documentary
[TV - Student]

WVU News
West Virginia University College of Creative Arts and Media
News Program
[TV - Student]

RADIO STUDENT WINNERS

Allison Bruce (Rowan Radio News)
Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM
Host/Personality
[Radio - Student]

Asphalt Oceans: How Durham is Working to Make Roads Safer
WUNC Youth Reporting Institute
News Feature
[Radio - Student]

Bittersweet Memories of the 'Brooklyn' Dodgers
WFUV
News Feature - Sports
[Radio - Student]

Hofstra Morning Wake Up Call
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Talk Show
[Radio - Student]

Let the Music Play: The Burney Sisters Bid Farewell to Columbia
KBIA
Interview Feature
[Radio - Student]

Libby Liburd (Fight Fair)
Libby Liburd
Producer
[Radio - Student]

Newsline
WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University
Public Affairs
[Radio - Student]

DIGITAL MEDIA STUDENT WINNERS

Alexandria Miller (Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture)
Brown University
Podcast Host
[DM - Student]

Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture
Brown University
Podcast
[DM - Student]

Miori Kennedy (The Universe)
Brigham Young University
Online Producer
[DM - Student]
Reese Leatherman (Inside Swoop Compilation 2024)
Inside Swoop University of North Florida
Online Video Host or Correspondent
[DM - Student]

The Viking Times
Winthrop High School
Blog/Vlog/Newsletter
[DM - Student]

The complete list of this year’s winners and event details may be found at www.allwomeninmedia.org.

About The Gracie Awards

The Gracie Awards is the largest fundraiser of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation which advances women in media through educational programs and scholarships. The Gracie Awards honors exemplary programming and individual talent created by, for, and about women. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has created partnerships and joint initiatives with the Emma Bowen Foundation, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), NCTA - The Internet & Television Association and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation. For more information about The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and the Gracie Awards please visit allwomeninmedia.org and follow us on X (@AllWomeninMedia), (#TheGracies), Instagram (@allwomeninmedia),  Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Sam Sanders to Receive Impact Award at The Ambies 2025

Big news in the podcasting world! The Podcast Academy has announced that award-winning journalist, radio host, and podcaster Sam Sanders will be honored with the Impact Award at the Fifth Annual Ambies. This prestigious award recognizes individuals or podcasts that have made a significant, positive impact on listeners. Past winners include Ira Madison III (2024) and Teenager Therapy (2020).

The Ambies, known as the Oscars of podcasting, will take place on Monday, March 31, at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago. The ceremony, hosted by the hilarious Tig Notaro, will be live-streamed on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST. As previously announced, Ira Glass will also be honored with the Governors Award.

Why Sam Sanders Deserves This Honor

Sam Sanders isn’t just a podcaster—he’s a storyteller, a culture critic, and a voice of clarity in today’s media landscape. From his early days at NPR to launching game-changing shows like Into It, Vibe Check, and The Sam Sanders Show, he’s built platforms that celebrate joy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations.

“Sam Sanders doesn’t just cover the news, he makes sense of it, humanizes it, and welcomes us into the conversation,” said Christy Mirabal, chairperson of The Podcast Academy. “His ability to challenge perspectives, celebrate culture in all its complexity, and make audiences feel truly seen is what sets him apart.”

A Look at Sanders’ Career Highlights

• Co-host of Vibe Check (Stitcher Podcasts) alongside Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford

Critic Podcast Reviews - Vibe Check

A weekly podcast where Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford make sense of what’s going on in news and culture – and how it all feels. Vibe Check is your favorite group chat, come to life. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now…

Great Pods

• Host of The Sam Sanders Show (Produced with KCRW, distributed by PRX)

Critic Podcast Reviews - The Sam Sanders Show

The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW is your guide to entertainment. Find out what makes your favorite artists tick, dissect the trends that shape our culture, or just make sense of that random meme you can’t stop thinking about. Join us every week to unpack the pop culture we love.Sign up for Sam’s News…

Great Pods

• Founder of Into It at Vulture and New York Magazine—named one of the best podcasts of 2022 by Spotify and VOGUE

Critic Podcast Reviews - Into It: A Vulture Podcast with Sam Sanders

Join host Sam Sanders as he guides you through the biggest pop culture stories, trends, and ideas we can’t stop thinking about. With help from Vulture friends and the occasional celebrity, Into It is answering all of the important questions. What summer blockbusters are worth your time? Do we really…

Great Pods

• Creator of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute, where he interviewed icons like JLo, Maya Rudolph, Beto O’Rourke, and Malcolm Gladwell
• Founding host of the NPR Politics Podcast during the 2016 election
• Multiple award-winner, including honors from the Ambies, iHeart Podcast Awards, LA Press Club, and the National Association of LGBTQ+  Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists
• Published in top outlets like New York Magazine, Politico, The Washington Post, and Columbia Journalism Review
• Harvard Kennedy School grad with a Master’s in public policy

The Ambies 2025: What to Expect

This year’s Ambies will shine a spotlight on 199 nominees across 28 categories, recognizing the best in podcasting. The winners are selected by voting members of The Podcast Academy. Expect an evening filled with celebration, humor, and some of the biggest names in the industry.

Want to check out the full list of nominees? Find them here.

Final Thoughts

Sam Sanders’ impact on podcasting is undeniable. Whether he’s breaking down pop culture, making politics accessible, or amplifying underrepresented voices, his work resonates deeply with listeners. This Impact Award is well deserved, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for him.

ABOUT THE PODCAST ACADEMY
Founded in February 2020, The Podcast Academy is a not-for-profit professional membership organization that celebrates excellence in podcasting and elevates awareness of podcasts as an indispensable medium for entertainment, information, and creative expression. It values individual and organizational creators alike, of all backgrounds and means, and defines achievement through the values of quality, creativity, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Podcast Academy provides community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming. For more information about The Podcast Academy, please visit www.thepodcastacademy.com and follow/like/subscribe on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin. Visit our donation page to support our mission.

Sponsor support for The Podcast Academy includes Wondery, The Hollywood Reporter, Audible, Dolby, Airwave, The Podcast Show, Castbox, Outfront Media, Twitch and NPM/NPR.

The Podcast Academy's Fifth Annual Award for Excellence in Audio (The Ambies) announced that Ira Glass (This American Life) will be honored with the evening's Governors Award.
This is someone who has been a staple in audio from radio to podcasts for over three decades and I'm happy for this well earned recognition.

Critic Podcast Reviews - This American Life

Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most pop…

Great Pods

When: March 31st, 2025
Time: 6PM - 7:30PM CST
Where: Twitch w/ host Tig Notaro
More information below.

NEW YORK, NY, February 27, 2025—The Podcast Academy, the preeminent professional podcast organization, announced today that Ira Glass, host and creator of the public radio program This American Life, will receive the esteemed Governors Award, which recognizes a podcast or individual for the compelling influence they’ve had on the industry. Glass joins the illustrious list of Governors Award recipients including Malcolm Gladwell (2024), Stuff You Should Know (2023), Serial (2022), and WTF with Marc Maron (2021). The honor will be bestowed upon him at the Fifth Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio (The Ambies), which will be hosted by previously announced multi-hyphenate comedian Tig Notaro, on Monday, March 31, at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago. The ceremony will be LIVE streamed by Twitch from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST.

The Ambies celebrate excellence in podcasting and elevate awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling and expression. The ceremony will highlight 199 nominees across 28 categories with winners to be selected by every voting member of The Podcast Academy (TPA). A full list of the 2025 nominees may be found here.

“Ira Glass has been a cornerstone of podcasting, revolutionizing the way stories are told and connecting audiences with deeply human narratives,” said Christy Mirabal, chairperson of The Podcast Academy. “His work on This American Life set the gold standard for storytelling, proving that curiosity, craft, and a well-told story can change how we see the world. This award is a celebration of his profound and lasting impact.”

Glass is the host and creator of the public radio program This American Life. The show is heard each week by over three million listeners on public radio stations and podcasts. Glass began his career as an intern at National Public Radio’s network headquarters in Washington, DC in 1978, when he was 19 years old. He put This American Life on the air in 1995. He also served as an editor for the groundbreaking podcasts Serial, S-Town, and Nice White Parents. Under Glass’s editorial direction, This American Life has won the highest honors for broadcasting and journalistic excellence, including seven Peabody awards and the first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded for audio journalism. In 2021, This American Life episode “The Giant Pool of Money” was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, the first podcast ever so honored.

ABOUT THE PODCAST ACADEMY

Founded in February 2020, The Podcast Academy is a not-for-profit professional membership organization that celebrates excellence in podcasting and elevates awareness of podcasts as an indispensable medium for entertainment, information, and creative expression. It values individual and organizational creators alike, of all backgrounds and means, and defines achievement through the values of quality, creativity, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Podcast Academy provides community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming. For more information about The Podcast Academy, please visit www.thepodcastacademy.com and follow/like/subscribe on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin. Visit our donation page to support our mission.

Sponsor support for The Podcast Academy includes Wondery, The Hollywood Reporter, Audible, Dolby, Airwave, The Podcast Show, Castbox, Outfront Media, Twitch and IMDb.

# # #

The Podcast Academy (Great Pods is a proud member), announced the 5th Annual Awards for Excellence in Audio...The Ambies. I pride myself in at least hearing about a new podcast even if I haven't listened, but 50% of this list is new to me. So that argument that there are no great podcasts, this list proves me wrong.

The Podcast Academy also nabbed the awesome Tig Notaro to host the evening's event. You can catch Tig on the podcast Handsome with co-comedians Mae Martin and Fortune Feimster, or on various comedy tours and TV shows.

The usuals are there like Conan or SmartLess, but the podcast, Celebrity Pets, I didn't know about. So ya...this is good.

The event will be held right before the Podcast Evolutions conference begins.

When: March 31st, 2025
Where: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago
Time: LIVE streamed by Twitch from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST
Host: Tig Notaro

If you want a selling point for Tig, the series with Alexa (Amazon Alexa) and Funny or Die is where Tig genuinely doesn't know the celebrity guest is grand.

The FULL nominee list is below:

THE AMBIES 2025 FULL LIST OF NOMINEES:
Podcast of The Year (Sponsored by Outfront Media):
● 99% Invisible: Not Built For This
● Beyond All Repair
● Cement City
● Dragon Age: Vows & Vengeance
● Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
● Faraway
● Fire Escape
● Hot White Heist 2
● Hysterical
● Throughline
Best Business Podcast:
● Good Bad Billionaire
● How I Built This Podcast with Guy Raz
● Lever Time with David Sirota
● Money Stuff
● NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
● Rapid Response
● The Best Idea Yet
Best Comedy Podcast:
● Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
● Hot White Heist 2
● Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
● Scam Goddess
● SmartLess
● We're Here to Help
● Who Replaced Avril Lavigne? Joanne McNally Investigates
Best DIY Podcast:
● abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast
● Black Is America
● Books & Boba
● Everyday Trans Activism
● Mind the Force
● The B* Word
● The Integrated Schools Podcast
Best Documentary Podcast:
● Extrasensory
● Lost Patients
● Silence in Sikeston
● Snap Judgment
● Tested
● The Final War
● Uganda's Hidden Rainbow
Best Entertainment Podcast (Sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter):
● Infamous
● Lemme Say This
● Rattled & Shook
● Scamfluencers
● Split Screen: Kid Nation
● The Road to Joni
● The Wonder of Stevie
Best Fiction Podcast
● Dragon Age: Vows & Vengeance
● Tales of Fists & Fireballs
● The Coldest Case The Past Has a Long Memory
● The Justice
● The Last City
● The Seneschal: A Rebel Moon Story
● Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter
Best History Podcast:
● American Experience Presents: Joseph McCarthy
● Don't Drink the Milk - The Curious History of Things
● Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
● Hollywood Exiles
● Into America: Uncounted Millions
● Tested
● Throughline
Best Indie Podcast:
● Sightings
● The Insurgence: Sheriffs
● The Man Who Calculated Death● The Nightingale of Iran
● The People's Recorder
● The TMI Project Story Hour
● What Happened in Skinner
Best Indie Podcast Host or Hosts:
● Dallas Taylor – Twenty Thousand Hertz
● Deja Perkins and Purbita Saha – Bring Birds Back
● Jill Jonassen – The Cost of Extremism
● Kate McCoy and Kevin Corbett – Horrorwood: True Crime in Tinseltown
● Lisa Phillips – From Now On
● Lisa Woolfork – STITCH PLEASE
● Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson – 80s TV Ladies
Best Interview Podcast:
● American Masters: Creative Spark
● Apple News In Conversation
● Overlooked: Women's Health Can't Wait
● Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim
● The Assignment with Audie Cornish
● The Integrated Schools Podcast
● Tomorrow's Cure
Best Knowledge, Science or Tech Podcast:
● 99% Invisible
● Click Here
● Climate Rising
● Merging Into Life
● Short Wave
● The Wild with Chris Morgan
● Unexplainable
Best News Podcast:
● The Journal
● The Take
● The Ten News
● Today, Explained
● Trump's Trials
● What Next
● World Report
Best Original Score and Music Supervision:
● Dan Leone – Ripple
● Daniel Lloyd-Evans, Louis Nanke-Mannell and Toby Matimong – Extrasensory
● Deron Johnson – Dungeon Masters
● Jonathan Pfarr, Carson Graham and Bobby Mota – Celebrity Pets
● Peter Nashel, Ross Hopman, Gio Lobato, Dana Hom, Brad Fischer, Jordan Lieb, Lucas
Villemur and Lindsay Dievert – Hammerless: A True Crime Podcast in a Fantasy World
● Skyler Gerdeman, Martin Lynabel, Nicholas Alexander, Max O'Brien and Caroline
Thornham – Kill List
● Stro Elliot and Eric Gersen – Historical Records
Best Performance in Audio Fiction (Sponsored by Audible):
● Bowen Yang, Cynthia Nixon, Shannon Woodward, Jane Lynch, Jesse James Keitel,
Sarah Steele, Ian McKellen, Raul Esparza, Sara Ramírez, Joel Kim Booster, Bianca Del
Rio, Cheyenne Jackson, Abbi Jacobson, Stephanie Beatriz, Katya Zamolodchikova,
Trixie Mattel, Yvie Oddly, Jane Krakowski, Sandra Oh, and Tony Kushner – Hot White
Heist 2
● Caitlin Stasey, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, David Yow, Caroline Morahan, Guinevere
Turner, Elizabeth Halpern, Travis Harmon, Brad Griffith, James Bacon, Jameson Cush,
Jonathan Shockley and Ayla Glass – The Skies Are Watching
● Fredi Bernstein, Cody Wilkins and Dana Domenick – The Box
● Mikki Hernandez, Toby Meuli, Geri-Nikol Love, Rachel Kylian – Ominous Thrill
● Ruth Righi – Winnie Taylor's 4th & Inches
● Sanaa Lathan – The Justice
● Tisha Campbell – Snoriezzz
Best Personal Growth / Spirituality Podcast:
● 10% Happier with Dan Harris
● A Fine Mess
● A Quiet Life in 7 Steps
● A Slight Change of Plans
● Anomalie
● How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality
● The TMI Project Story Hour
Best Podcast for Kids:
● Culture Kids
● Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest
● Historical Records
● Mysteries About True Histories
● PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase
● Skylar & Bones - Funny Stories For Kids!
● Wow in the World
Best Podcast Host or Hosts:
● Diallo Riddle and Blake 'LUXXURY' Robin – One Song
● Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle – We Can Do Hard Things
● Jon Stewart – The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
● Rainn Wilson – Radio Rental
● Ronald Young Jr. – Weight For It
● Sam Sanders – The Sam Sanders Show
● Wesley Morris – The Wonder of Stevie
Best Politics or Opinion Podcast:
● Autocracy in America
● Citizen Elon (by the Elon, Inc podcast)
● Master Plan
● The NPR Politics Podcast
● Vibe Check
● Vibes Only
● What Could Go Right?
Best Production and Sound Design (Sponsored by Dolby):
● Casandra Tinajero and Andrés Bahena – Nocturno: Tales From The Shadows
● Jeremy S. Bloom – Hot White Heist 2
● Kenny Kusiak and George Drabing Hicks – The Confessions of Anthony Raimondi
● Michelle Macklem – Girl v. Horse
● Realm – Narcosis
● Sagafilm and Skybound Entertainment – Impact Winter Season 3
● Ted Bonnitt – Hindsight: The Day Before
Best Reporting:
● Chenjerai Kumanyika – Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
● Dan Taberski – Hysterical
● Ken Bensinger and Jessica Garrison – Chameleon: The Michigan Plot
● Leon Neyfakh and Arielle Pardes – Backfired: Attention Deficit
● Madeleine Baran, Samara Freemark, Parker Yesko, Natalie Jablonski, Rehman
Tungekar, and Namak Khoshnaw – In the Dark Season 3: The Killings in Haditha
● Nicky Woolf – Fur & Loathing
● Sarah Holder, Caleb Melby and Polly Mosendz – Big Take
Best Scriptwriting, Fiction:
● Anderson Cook and Sydney Butler – Academy
● Anthony Del Col – Don't Listen To This
● Matthew Castellanos and Brett Melnick – Faraway
● Mac Rogers – Give Me Away
● David Singer and CK Pahlow – Incoming
● Ed Sellek – Money Gone
● Matthew Starr – The Best Man's Ghostwriter
Best Scriptwriting, Nonfiction:
● Erin Anderson, Jeanne Marie Laskas, and Michael Benoist – Cement City
● Anna Sussman – Fire Escape
● Mary Celenza, Jayda Williams, Julie Berke, Ann Lew, Lisa Ammerman and Candice
DeLong – Killer Psyche
● Johnny Kaufman and Shaun Raviv – Noble
● Ethan Brooks – Radio Atlantic: Scripts
● Ashley Cleek and Al Letson – Reveal
● Liz Mak and James Boo – Track Change
Best Society and Culture Podcast:
● Hysterical
● In Retrospect with Susie Banikarim and Jessica Bennett
● Inheriting
● Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong'o
● My Divo
● Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)
● Weight For It
Best Spanish Language Narrative Podcast:
● ¡No Vengan!
● Greal: El Secreto de las Ocho Llaves
● Hechos Reales
● HUMO: Murder and Silence in El Salvador
● No quieren que sepas
● Pantallas & Mentiras [Screens & Lies]
● Pétrea
Best Sports Podcast:
● 30 for 30 Podcasts
● Broomgate
● Good Game with Sarah Spain
● Pablo Torre Finds Out
● Shadowball: The Rise of the Black Athlete
● The Raven
● The Rich Eisen Show
Best True Crime Podcast:
● Beyond All Repair
● Fire Escape
● Lords of Death
● The Burden
● The Official Jinx Podcast
● Who Killed Jennifer Judd?
● Wrongful Conviction
Best Wellness or Relationships Podcast:
● An Arm and a Leg
● Overlooked: Women's Health Can't Wait
● Silence in Sikeston
● The Midlife Truth Project
● Therapy for Black Girls
● Untold: The Retreat
● Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer
NOMINATIONS BREAKDOWN BY PODCAST
● ¡No Vengan! – 1
● 10% Happier with Dan Harris – 1
● 30 for 30 Podcasts – 1
● 80s TV Ladies – 1
● 99% Invisible – 1
● 99% Invisible: Not Built For This – 1
● A Fine Mess – 1
● A Quiet Life in 7 Steps – 1
● A Slight Change of Plans – 1
● abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast – 1
● Academy – 1
● American Experience Presents: Joseph McCarthy – 1
● American Masters: Creative Spark – 1
● An Arm and a Leg – 1
● Anomalie – 1
● Apple News In Conversation – 1
● Autocracy in America – 1
● Backfired: Attention Deficit – 1
● Beyond All Repair – 2
● Big Take – 1
● Black Is America – 1
● Books & Boba – 1
● Bring Birds Back – 1
● Broomgate – 1
● Celebrity Pets – 1
● Cement City – 2
● Chameleon: The Michigan Plot – 1
● Citizen Elon (by the Elon, Inc podcast) – 1
● Click Here – 1
● Climate Rising – 1
● Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – 1
● Culture Kids – 1
● Don't Drink the Milk - The curious history of things – 1
● Don't Listen To This – 1
● Dragon Age: Vows & Vengeance – 2
● Dungeon Masters – 1
● Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD – 3
● Everyday Trans Activism – 1
● Extrasensory – 2
● Faraway – 2
● Fire Escape – 3
● From Now On – 1
● Fur & Loathing – 1
● Girl v. Horse – 1
● Give Me Away – 1
● Good Bad Billionaire – 1
● Good Game with Sarah Spain – 1
● Greal: El Secreto de las Ocho Llaves – 1
● Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest – 1
● Hammerless: A True Crime Podcast in a Fantasy World – 1
● Hechos Reales – 1
● Hindsight: The Day Before – 1
● Historical Records – 2
● Hollywood Exiles – 1
● Horrorwood: True Crime in Tinseltown – 1
● Hot White Heist 2 – 4
● How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality – 1
● How I Built This Podcast with Guy Raz – 1
● HUMO: Murder and Silence in El Salvador – 1
● Hysterical – 3
● Impact Winter Season 3 – 1
● In Retrospect with Susie Banikarim and Jessica Bennett – 1
● In the Dark Season 3: The Killings in Haditha – 1
● Incoming – 1
● Infamous – 1
● Inheriting – 1
● Into America: Uncounted Millions – 1
● Kill List – 1
● Killer Psyche – 1
● Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang – 1
● Lemme Say This – 1
● Lever Time with David Sirota – 1
● Lords of Death – 1
● Lost Patients – 1
● Master Plan – 1
● Merging Into Life – 1
● Mind the Force – 1
● Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong'o – 1
● Money Gone – 1
● Money Stuff – 1
● My Divo – 1
● Mysteries About True Histories – 1
● Narcosis – 1
● NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast – 1
● No quieren que sepas – 1
● Noble – 1
● Nocturno: Tales From The Shadows – 1
● Ominous Thrill – 1
● One Song – 1
● Overlooked: Women's Health Can't Wait – 2
● Pablo Torre Finds Out – 1
● Pantallas & Mentiras [Screens & Lies] – 1
● Pétrea – 1
● PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase – 1
● Radio Atlantic: Scripts – 1
● Radio Rental – 1
● Rapid Response – 1
● Rattled & Shook – 1
● Reveal – 1
● Ripple – 1
● Scam Goddess – 1
● Scamfluencers – 1
● Shadowball: The Rise of the Black Athlete – 1
● Short Wave – 1
● Sightings – 1
● Silence in Sikeston – 2
● Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) – 1
● Skylar & Bones - Funny Stories For Kids! – 1
● SmartLess – 1
● Snap Judgment – 1
● Snoriezzz – 1
● Split Screen: Kid Nation – 1
● STITCH PLEASE – 1
● Tales of Fists & Fireballs – 1
● Tested – 2
● Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim – 1
● The Assignment with Audie Cornish – 1
● The B* Word – 1
● The Best Idea Yet – 1
● The Best Man's Ghostwriter – 1
● The Box – 1
● The Burden – 1
● The Coldest Case The Past Has a Long Memory – 1
● The Confessions of Anthony Raimondi – 1
● The Cost of Extremism – 1
● The Final War – 1
● The Insurgence: Sheriffs – 1
● The Integrated Schools Podcast – 2
● The Journal – 1
● The Justice – 2
● The Last City – 1
● The Man Who Calculated Death – 1
● The Midlife Truth Project – 1
● The Nightingale of Iran – 1
● The NPR Politics Podcast – 1
● The Official Jinx Podcast – 1
● The People's Recorder – 1
● The Raven – 1
● The Rich Eisen Show – 1
● The Road to Joni – 1
● The Sam Sanders Show – 1
● The Seneschal: A Rebel Moon Story – 1
● The Skies Are Watching – 1
● The Take – 1
● The Ten News – 1
● The TMI Project Story Hour – 2
● The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart – 1
● The Wild with Chris Morgan – 1
● The Wonder of Stevie – 2
● Therapy for Black Girls – 1
● Throughline – 2
● Today, Explained – 1
● Tom Slick: Mystery Hunter – 1
● Tomorrow's Cure – 1
● Track Change – 1
● Trump's Trials – 1
● Twenty Thousand Hertz – 1
● Uganda's Hidden Rainbow – 1
● Unexplainable – 1
● Untold: The Retreat – 1
● Vibe Check – 1
● Vibes Only – 1
● We Can Do Hard Things – 1
● Weight For It – 2
● We're Here to Help – 1
● What Could Go Right? – 1
● What Happened in Skinner – 1
● What Next – 1
● Who Killed Jennifer Judd? – 1
● Who Replaced Avril Lavigne? Joanne McNally Investigates – 1
● Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer – 1
● Winnie Taylor's 4th & Inches – 1
● World Report – 1
● Wow in the World – 1
● Wrongful Conviction – 1
NOMINATIONS BREAKDOWN BY PRODUCTION/CO-PRODUCTION/STUDIO/NETWORK
● 134 West – 1
● AAA Northeast – 1
● ADHx2 – 1
● Agencia Catalan de Turismo / Normmal / Smart Locuciones / Yes We Cast – 1
● Al Jazeera Digital – 1
● All-American Ruins – 1
● Apple News – 1
● Apple, Futuro Studios – 1
● AT WILL MEDIA – 1
● Atomic Entertainment & Starglow Media – 1
● Audacy Podcasts – 2
● Audible and At Will Media – 1
● Audible and Broadway Video – 1
● Audible and Fabula Contenidos MX – 1
● Audible and Joy Road Productions – 1
● Audible and Prologue Partners – 1
● Audible, Higher Ground and Pineapple Street Studios – 2
● Audible, James Patterson Entertainment, and Broadway Video – 3
● Audible, Skybound Entertainment, and Anonymous Content – 1
● BBC Studios – 2
● BirdNote – 1
● Blanchard House & Apple – 2
● Bloomberg Podcasts – 3
● Boom and Rádio Novelo – 1
● Broadway Video – 4
● Bucket of Eels – 1
● Bucket of Eels, CBC Podcasts, NPR’s Embedded – 1
● Busboy Productions – 1
● Campside Media and Sony Entertainment – 2
● Campside Media and WAVLAND – 1
● Canadian Broadcasting Corporation – 1
● CBC Podcasts – 1
● CBC Podcasts, BBC World Service, BBC Audio Wales – 1
● Cement City Productions / Audacy Originals – 1
● CNN Audio – 1
● COURIER – 1
● Culture Kids Media and Airwave – 1
● Cumulus Podcast Network – 1
● Danielle Dardashti & Galeet Dardashti – 1
● DAVID The Agency – 1
● Defacto Sound – 1
● Deutsche Welle (DW) – 1
● Discount Sushi – 1
● Earwolf, Team Coco, SiriusXM – 1
● Electronic Arts | Pod People – 2
● ESPN Podcasts, 30 for 30 Podcasts – 2
● Evergreen Creative – 1
● Evoke Media and The Podglomerate – 1
● Fermata Audio – 1
● Financial Times – 1
● GBH – 1
● Gideon Media – 1
● Goldhawk Productions – 1
● GZM Shows – 1
● HappyEcstatic Media – 1
● Hartbeat – 1
● Harvard Business School – 1
● Hatch – 1
● Headgum – 3
● Horrorwood: True Crime in Tinseltown – 1
● ID and Ark Media – 1
● iHeart & The Meteor – 1
● iHeartPodcasts – 2
● iHeartPodcasts, Big Money Players – 1
● iHeartPodcasts, Cool Zone Media – 1
● Integrated Schools – 2
● James Patterson Entertainment / Friendly Heights / Origin Story Entertainment – 1
● Jeff Schmidt Productions, LLC – 1
● KCRW & Sam Sanders Producers – 1
● Kelly&Kelly, CBC Podcasts, USG Audio, Pacific Electric – 1
● KFF Health News and WORLD – 2
● KUOW Public Radio and The Seattle Times – 2
● LA PHILLIPS MEDIA – 1
● LAist Studios – 1
● Lava for Good – 1
● Mazama Entertainment – 1
● Meadowlark Media – 1
● Mind the Force LLC – 1
● MSNBC – 1
● Naked Productions Ltd – 1
● Narratively & VPM – 1
● NerdWallet and Airwave – 1
● NPR – 5
● ohitsBigRon studios LLC – 2
● Orbit Media – 1
● Owls Education Company – 2
● Parents of Trans Youth – 1
● Past Tense Future Perfect/Next Missiun – 1
● Pinna – 1
● PJ Library – 1
● Political Research Associates & Cuentero Productions – 1
● Posta & Amnistía Internacional – 1
● Posta & SKY Airline – 1
● Project Brazen – 1
● PRX – 2
● Public Road Productions, KFF Health News, Scripps News, and the Baltimore
Banner – 1
● Pushkin Industries – 1
● QCODE – 1
● Radio Pictures and MHP – 1
● Radio Workshop – 1
● RadioGold Productions – 2
● Rainbow Creative – 1
● Realm – 1
● Recorded Future News – 1
● Red Wine & Blue Studios – 1
● Reveal, PRX – 1
● Reverb – 1
● School of Humans and iHeartPodcasts – 1
● SiriusXM – 2
● Slate – 1
● Small But Mighty Media and Next Chapter Podcasts – 1
● SmartLess Media / SiriusXM – 1
● Snap Studios – 1
● Snap Studios, Wondery – 3
● Sonoro – 3
● Sonoro, iHeart Media / My Cultura Network – 1
● Spark Media – 1
● Spotify and the Wall Street Journal – 1
● Stitcher Studios, SiriusXM – 1
● Story Mill Media – 1
● Story Pirates/Two One Five Entertainment/Jon Glickman/iHeart Podcasts – 1
● Talkhouse / SHEROES – 1
● Team Coco, SiriusXM – 1
● Tenderfoot TV – 4
● Tetra Stories – 1
● The Atlantic – 2
● The Kids Podcast Channel – 1
● The Lever – 2
● The New Yorker and Condé Nast Audio – 1
● The Progress Network and The Podglomerate – 1
● The WNET Group – 1
● TMI Project – 2
● Treefort Media, Wondery – 1
● TrueStory – 1
● truth.media – 1
● Vox & Vox Media – 2
● WaitWhat – 1
● Warner Bros. Discovery – 1
● WBUR & ZSP Media – 2
● Western Sound & APM Studios – 1
● What’s The Story Sounds – for BBC Sounds and CBC – 1
● Wolf At The Door Studios – 1
● Wondery – 4
● Wondery & Crooked Media – 3
● Wondery & Novel – 1
● Wondery & Pineapple Street Studios – 3
● Wondery, Built It Productions, NPR – 1
● Wondery, Nick & Jack Studios – 1
● Wondery, Tinkercast – 1
● Working Women Productions – 1

ABOUT TIG NOTARO
Tig Notaro is an Emmy, Grammy, WGA and SAG Award-nominated comedian, actor, writer, director, producer and podcast host originally from Mississippi, and named by Rolling Stone one of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time. She appears in Season 3 of THE MORNING SHOW on Apple TV+ alongside Jennifer Aniston and Jon Hamm, and STAR TREK: DISCOVERY on Paramount Plus with Michelle Yeoh. Tig recently starred in the Netflix films YOUR PLACE OR
MINE with Reese Witherspoon, WE HAVE A GHOST with Anthony Mackie, as well as Zack Snyder’s ARMY OF THE DEAD. Prior to that, she starred in the heartwarming Paramount film INSTANT FAMILY alongside Mark Wahlberg and Octavia Spencer. Tig wrote, produced and starred in the semi-autobiographical Amazon Prime Video series ONE MISSISSIPPI, also directing the premiere episode of Season 2. The show yielded critical acclaim and several award nominations, including WGA, GLAAD and The Critics' Choice Awards. Tig hosts
HANDSOME, a critically acclaimed comedy podcast, alongside fellow comedians and co-hosts Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin.

ABOUT THE PODCAST ACADEMY
Founded in February 2020, The Podcast Academy is a not-for-profit professional membership organization that celebrates excellence in podcasting and elevates awareness of podcasts as an indispensable medium for entertainment, information, and creative expression. It values individual and organizational creators alike, of all backgrounds and means, and defines achievement through the values of quality, creativity, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Podcast Academy provides community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming. For more information about The Podcast Academy, please visit www.thepodcastacademy.com and follow/like/subscribe on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Linkedin. Visit our donation page to support our mission.

Sponsor support for The Podcast Academy includes Wondery, The Hollywood Reporter, Audible, Dolby, Airwave, The Podcast Show, Castbox, Outfront Media, Twitch and IMDb.

Anderson Cooper, Seth Meyers, Anna Sales, Krista Trippet, Penn Badgley, Sam Sanders, and more!

On Air Fest is back for 2025. We have the details below. It's a great time to meet and greet other podcasters in a smaller setting vs. a large conference. A little cramped, but 2024 was great. Looking forward to 2025.

You can catch videos from 2024 Behind the Mic series on our Instagram here.

Learn more about On Air Fest 2025, and find tickets HERE

This time it's multiple locations within 5 minutes of each other. That may resolve my cramped issue. Here's what we know so far!

Lineup:

On Air Fest will mark its next era on February 19-21, 2025 when it returns to Brooklyn for a dramatically expanded edition of its annual flagship event. Set to take place in 6+ locations across Brooklyn (including its returning headquarters at Wythe Hotel). On Air Fest 2025 will branch out its programming and physical presence to dive even deeper into audio and the creative mediums that are changing culture through storytelling. Described as “the Coachella of podcast festivals” (Fast Company), On Air Fest’s expanded footprint next year is set to continue its eight-year tradition of bringing together artists, storytellers, and industry leaders for intimate talks, performances, exhibitions, and live podcast tapings, while tapping into its (and the audio industry at large’s) biggest audience yet.

Across three days and four nights, On Air Fest is set to feature 200+ voices and 80+ hours of programming across its 6+ locations. In addition to Wythe Hotel, On Air Fest’s Brooklyn takeover will also feature events for the first time at 74 Wythe’s rooftop (Official Party presented with iHeartPodcasts), The XX Venue (Experience Hall for interactive programming), National Sawdust (Music and Storytelling), Dolby 88 (VIP Film Screening), and more.

Announcements: Debbie Millman as 2025 Recipient of Audio Vanguard Award, Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers live with Dan Taberski, Keynote with Taylor Lorenz, Hysterical, SubwayTakes' Kareem Rahma, Laughter Meditation with Laraaji, Lemme Say This with Peyton Dix & Hunter Harris, Death, Sex & Money with Anna Sale, Vibe Check with Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones & Zach Stafford, NPR's Throughline & It's Been a Minute with Brittany Luse, TED's How to Be a Better Human, Pushkin's Broken Record, Pioneers of AI, Twenty Thousand Hertz

On February 20th and February 21st, KCRW and On Air Fest will present: KCRWWW, a pop up radio lounge live streaming music, talks, and sonic experiments from the festival. Featuring KCRW’s (On Air Fest 2025’s official radio partner) newly appointed Music Director, Alejandro Cohen, plus musicians, artists, poets, performers, and more, the pop-up will be free and open to the public via dedicated microsite underscoring On Air Fest and KCRW’s commitment to accessible public programming that fuels music discovery, culture, and connection.

Presenting Sponsors for On Air Fest 2025 include iHeartPodcasts, Patreon, Dolby, ESPN 30 for 30, PAVE Studios, Shure and Bumper.

Learn more about On Air Fest 2025, and find tickets HERE

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Jimmie Johnson and New York Times bestselling author (of NEVER SETTLE) Marty Smith are launching a podcast with SiriusXM which will naturally play into SiriusXM's radio strategy as well.

Launching February 12th.

Listen Link:

Critic Podcast Reviews - Never Settle with Jimmie Johnson and Marty Smith

NEVER SETTLEWhat do all the greatest athletes, entertainers and business minds in the world have in common? They continue to evolve. They stay uncomfortable. They hate complacency.They NEVER SETTLE.Join NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Jimmie Johnson and New York Times bestselling author (of NEVER SETT…

Great Pods

Trailer:

Press Release:

Jimmie Johnson and Marty Smith Team Up for New SiriusXM Podcast

“Never Settle” debuts February 12, during Daytona 500 Week

Listeners can hear the podcast every week on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and on all major podcast platforms

NEW YORK – February 6, 2025 – SiriusXM announced today that seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion driver Jimmie Johnson and veteran journalist and best-selling author Marty Smith are teaming up for a new SiriusXM podcast, “Never Settle.”

The podcast debuts on February 12, during Daytona 500 Week. Johnson, who will be competing part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series this season in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, will attempt to qualify for a spot in the Daytona 500 field that week.

Listeners can hear “Never Settle” every week on all major podcast platforms. New episodes of the podcast will debut every Wednesday and the show will also air Wednesdays (2 pm ET) on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel (ch. 90).

Each week, Johnson and Smith will discuss the headline stories in NASCAR, and will share stories and perspectives gleaned from Jimmie’s many successful years competing on the track. Marty and Jimmie will take the discussion beyond the world of motorsports, too, discussing lifestyle matters, music, and sharing experiences and lessons learned staying true to the motto “never settle” as they navigated through success and challenges in their lives and careers.

“It’s crazy that this podcast has finally come to life,” said Johnson. “Marty and I have known each other for 20 plus years and he is one of the all-time best storytellers out there. He’s also hilarious and the two of us have had a lot of fun together throughout the years. We’re excited to work with SiriusXM and we can’t wait to share some entertaining stories with listeners and have some great guests in their 2.0 version of life on the show with us. It’s going to be wild.”

“Jimmie and I have had so many great conversations through the years about life on the track and off it, and we’re thrilled to team up with SiriusXM to create a podcast that will invite listeners into those conversations with us,” said Smith.  “From racing to fatherhood to business and more, we’re excited to get into it all, and hopefully we’ll enlighten and inspire some people along the way.”

Jimmie Johnson is not only one of the greatest racecar drivers of the modern era, he is also one of the most accomplished professional athletes in sports. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Johnson remains the only racecar driver in history to be named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2009). Johnson was a 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Throughout Johnson’s storied career, he and the No. 48 team of Hendrick Motorsports recorded 83 wins in 686 starts. He shares the record of seven championship titles with NASCAR Hall of Fame legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. After Johnson’s final full-time season in NASCAR, he spent two seasons in the INDYCAR Series competing for 16-time INDYCAR champions, Chip Ganassi Racing.

Johnson and wife Chandra are co-founders of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF), which focuses on K-12 public education. The JJF has contributed more than $13 million to organizations and schools in need across the U.S., since its inception in 2006.

Marty Smith has been a reporter and host for ESPN since 2006. He has been a mainstay on the network’s NASCAR and college sports coverage and also hosted the interview show “Marty Smith’s America.”  Prior to ESPN, Smith covered motorsports and college sports as a journalist at the Roanoke Times, The Washington Post and The News & Advance. He has authored two books - the New York Times bestseller “Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soul” (2019) and “Sideline CEO: Leadership Principles from Championship Coaches” (2023)

###

About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. Reaching a combined monthly audience of approximately 160 million listeners, SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

Exactly Right Media (My Favorite Murder) announce new slate of shows from the top true crime podcasters while celebrating MFM's 9th anniversary. iHeartPodcasts also announced they would co-produce new shows together.

Press Release:

IHEARTMEDIA AND EXACTLY RIGHT MEDIA PARTNER TO BRING “MY FAVORITE MURDER” AND THE FULL ERM LINEUP OF SHOWS TO IHEARTPODCASTS

The deal will expand iHeartMedia’s podcast network with exclusive co-production, sales representation, marketing and distribution of 14 ERM shows as well as a roster of new podcasts

NEW YORK – February 5, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced a partnership agreement with Exactly Right Media (ERM), the audio production company co-founded by “My Favorite Murder” creators Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff. The agreement makes iHeartMedia the exclusive sales, marketing and distribution partner for Exactly Right Media’s full slate of premium podcasts including the flagship show and fan favorite “My Favorite Murder,” as well as “Buried Bones,” “Ghosted! by Roz Hernandez,” “This Podcast Will Kill You” and more.

This partnership comes on the heels of the 9th anniversary of “My Favorite Murder,” a milestone that marks nearly a decade of global success for the show. “My Favorite Murder” has approximately two billion lifetime downloads, and hosts Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff have sold out more than 100 live shows around the world. “My Favorite Murder” has gone on to win several industry recognitions including as an iHeartPodcast Awards recipient of the Audio Pioneer Icon Award, a Silver Spotify Creator Milestone Award and Webby People's Voice Winner in Podcasts: Best Co-Hosts – showing that Exactly Right Media has built an unwavering community of listeners.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Exactly Right Media, especially as we celebrate the incredible success of ‘My Favorite Murder’ on its 9th anniversary,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Exactly Right’s bold approach to storytelling and their passionate, engaged listener base make them an exceptional partner for us. We’re proud to have their existing shows joining our family and can’t wait to create new podcasts with them.”

In addition to sales, marketing and distribution of ERM’s 14 current shows, the deal will include the creation and co-production of new shows, further expanding the breadth of content available to millions of podcast listeners worldwide. These new shows will leverage Exactly Right Media’s world-class production capabilities powered by their new audio and video studio, which opened in May 2024.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with iHeartMedia to amplify our shows and reach even more listeners,” said Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, co-founders of Exactly Right Media. “The 9th anniversary of ‘My Favorite Murder’ is the perfect time to join forces with iHeartMedia. We’re looking forward to working together to create even more compelling, thought-provoking content.”

For a full list of shows visit exactlyrightmedia.com.

About My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since its inception in January 2016, the show has broken global download records and sparked an enthusiastic and dedicated community of listeners.

Visit MyFavoriteMurder.com for more information.

About Exactly Right Media

Founded in 2018, the Exactly Right podcast network provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. Created by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, hosts of the hit podcast My Favorite Murder, the Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics and voices, serving the highly engaged listenership of My Favorite Murder and beyond. Visit ExactlyRightMedia.com for more company information.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information