Categories

Shows that push the boundaries of what audio can be by leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, binaural audio, spatial sound and other innovations to enhance storytelling, production or the listener experience.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary on-mic chemistry for a podcast with at least two hosts.

Podcasts that demonstrate excellence in editing, both technical and conceptual. This category is separate from Sound Design.

Shows that utilize nontraditional techniques in concept, content, or execution to produce work that drives the medium forward.

This category recognizes a charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a podcast.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for instigating cultural and of-the-moment conversations.

Individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in Podcast hosting for Documentary format.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for their delivery and coverage of current events.

Podcasts that utilize live recording environments to enhance the concept of their show. This category additionally recognizes excellence in the technical aspects of live podcast recording including the use of or control for ambient sounds and audience interaction.

Podcasts featuring an original body of music that successfully elevates the meaning, experience and reception of the show.

A newsletter dedicated to the contents and creators of a specific podcast or to the podcast industry.

Evocative, unique and effective podcast show artwork or imagery.

Shows that set the industry standard for excellence in sound design and effects.

The best short introduction to a podcast series that both informs and builds intrigue about forthcoming episodes..

Recognizing the most compelling and vivid performance by a Voice Actor or Actors on a podcast.

A podcast that demonstrates a true talent for compelling, engaging and original script writing, whether fiction or non-fiction.

A podcast that demonstrates a true talent for compelling, engaging and original writing for comedic effect.

A podcast that demonstrates a true talent for compelling, engaging and original fiction script writing.

A podcast that uniquely utilizes audio techniques or technologies to create a wholly original listening experience.

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Shows that discuss or facilitate political change, public participation in civics, government policies/pursuits, or social activism.

Shows dedicated to guiding listeners and answering questions, including call-ins, explainers, and tutorials.

Shows featuring artists and designers who have had a unique and outsized impact on culture through their podcast.

Shows that explore the worlds of art and culture. Topics range from the creative process and artist interviews to discussions of art history, or may delve into a specific medium such as photography or the culinary arts.

Shows devoted to or hosted by Athletes who have had a unique and measurable impact on culture through their podcast.

Shows in their inaugural year of production that display excellence in vision and execution.

Shows that feature friends or where friendship and camaraderie are central the format.

Shows that examine the business world including entrepreneurship, start-ups and workplace culture.

Shows devoted to or hosted by notable business leaders and entrepreneurs who have had an unique and outsized impact on culture through their podcast.

Shows devoted to or hosted by comedians who have had an unique and outsized impact on culture through their podcast.

Shows dedicated to comedy including stand-up, narrative or interviews with and by comedians.

Shows that make great companions for a commute, publish at a regular cadence and provide a great start or end to the day.

Deep dive podcasts devoted to recapping, summarizing or discussing a piece of serialized content such as a TV show or book series. These can include interviews, talk backs, BTS, reviews and explorations of fandom.

Shows that dive into niche or of-the-moment topics, provide fascinating information or otherwise inspire great conversation.

Shows that explore the strategies, personalities, craft or latest developments in creative marketing.

Podcasts that recognize and celebrate what makes people different and unique, including but not exclusive to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, neurological differences and socioeconomic background.

Curators that shape culture through their Podcast; could be individuals or teams of curators, whose selections feature a unique point of view and a deep knowledge of their medium or genre.

Shows which are published on a daily cadence.

Shows that explore real life events, experiences and subjects.

This category honors podcasts that bring historical events, figures, and eras to life through research and storytelling.

Shows that explore the world of sports including news and analysis, fandom, interviews with athletes and sports culture.

This category celebrates podcasts that investigate and illuminate the technology shaping our world such as artificial intelligence, social media, cybersecurity, tech companies, digital culture, and the societal impact of technological innovation.

This category recognizes investigative, narrative true crime podcasts that employ journalistic rigor and compelling storytelling to examine criminal cases and justice systems. For chat or interview-style True Crime podcasts, please see the "True Crime" category.

Shows about education, learning, and teaching strategies, or which seek to educate their listeners through narrative or conversation through narrative, interviews or other formats.

Shows that examine any facet of family life or are specifically focused on child-raising.

Shows made by fans and stans about the people and things they love the most.

Shows devoted to cooking, recipes, food and drinking culture, restaurant reviews as wells as conversations with chefs, mixologists and personalities.

Individual Episodes in which hosts and guests discuss games and gaming culture or play video games/tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) for an audience.

Shows that examine nutrition, fitness, longevity, medical science, and holistic wellness practices as well as investigations into healthcare systems and medical innovations.

Shows examining or exploring recent history, ancient history, biographical work or historiography.

Shows created and produced by an individual or a group working without the support of a major network, corporate or other large-scale funding.

Podcasts which principally feature a host or hosts speaking with one or multiple guests in conversation. Two-way or round table formats both qualify.

Shows developed to entertain and/or educate young people.

Shows that celebrate, dive into or otherwise explore the LGBTQ+ community.

Shows that examine and discuss a range of personal or domestic lifestyle interests that encourage individuals to live on their own terms. Lifestyle and living topics include: fashion, gardening, home improvement, interior design, architecture, and other kindred subjects.

A show focused on journalism that covers events and issues in a specific community or geographic area.

Podcasts centered on mental health awareness, therapy, emotional well-being, coping strategies and destigmatizing the conversation around psychological health.

Shows specifically focused on financial matters including, but not limited to, the business of finance, markets, investment banking, and personal investing and personal finance.

Shows that inspire their listeners to become better people.

Shows devoted to music and music culture including artist interviews, critique and analysis.

Shows focused on news topics, political happenings, and recent updates and headlines.

Shows dedicated to stories or theories about ghosts, spirits, UFOs, cryptids, unexplained phenomena, haunted places and the occult.

Shows that discuss and analyze the culture of the moment, covering topics such as celebrity news, movies, TV, music, video games, sports and fashion.

Shows that explore the dynamics of romantic relationships, dating culture, love and intimacy, whether through personal storytelling, expert advice, listener call-ins or candid conversation.

Shows that explore topics related to religious and spiritual beliefs including theology, ethics, biblical studies and/or the personal journey of seeking meaning and connection.

Shows that make you make you crave a long road trip and demand that you keep driving.

Podcasts that explore and educate about the physical and natural world such as interviews with researchers, discussions of discoveries or explainers.

Shows that demonstrate excellence in captivating the listener with a pre-scripted fictional story to create an immersive listening experience.

A show which aims to empower its listeners to take control of their lives and make positive changes. Topics may include mental health, relationships, productivity, goal setting, self-awareness and overcoming challenges.

Shows whose topics, tone, conversations, or format are best listened to at bedtime or are created as sleep aides.

Recognizes creators who single-handedly run their entire podcast operation — from concept development and hosting to production, editing and distribution — demonstrating that one dedicated voice can build something extraordinary.

Shows that that explores the world of sports including news and analysis, fandom, interviews with athletes and sports culture.

Podcasts created by currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students.

Shows that explore the environment and humanity's impact on it. Topics include social responsibility, earth science and climate news, as well as conversations with change-makers.

Shows that examine technology in narrative form, interviews, reviews, conversations or other formats.

Shows exploring the worlds of TV and film including discussion of cultural impact or craft, critique, recaps or interviews with actors and directors.

Shows that share insights and inspire new ways of thinking from subject matter experts.

Podcasts that transport listeners to destinations near and far, exploring travel experiences, local cultures, outdoor adventure and the art of seeing the world.

Limited Series and Specials told via chat or interview format which are dedicated to exposing or retelling the stories of real-life crimes. For narrative True Crime Podcasts, please see the Documentary (True Crime) category.

Shows that are strange, offbeat, or bizarre. This category includes shows that pursue a fresh perspective in thought and action strong enough to start a revolution, change a behavior pattern, or advance old thinking lodged in bad habits—or that are just plain weird.

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Video podcasts that consistently demonstrate impressive technical excellence in editing (narrative or conversation). This category is separate from Sound Design.

The most compelling and impactful podcasts being published as videos today.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary on-mic chemistry for a video podcast with at least two hosts.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary guest placement on a video podcast.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a video podcast.

Celebrating original and unprecedented use of the video podcast format.

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Limited Series & Specials that push the boundaries of what audio can be by leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, binaural audio, spatial sound and other innovations to enhance storytelling, production or the listener experience.

The most engaging, entertaining and complementary on-mic chemistry in a Limited Series or Special; must feature at least two hosts.

Limited Series that demonstrate excellence in editing, both technical and conceptual. This category is separate from Sound Design.

Hosts that sets the bar for skill, quality and craft in hosting of a Limited Series or Special

Limited Series or Specials that utilize live recording environments to enhance the concept of their show. This category additionally recognizes excellence in the technical aspects of live podcast recording including the use of or control for ambient sounds and audience interaction.

Limited Series or Specials featuring an original body of music that successfully elevates the meaning, experience and reception of the show.

Limited Series or Specials that set the industry standard for sound design and effects.

Best short introduction to a Limited Podcast Series or Special that informs listeners about forthcoming content.

Recognizing the most compelling and vivid performance by a Voice Actor or Actors.

A Limited Series or Special that demonstrates a true talent for compelling, engaging and original script writing, whether fiction or non-fiction.

A Limited Series or Special that uniquely utilizes audio techniques or technologies to create a wholly original listening experience.

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Limited Series and Specials that were created to discuss or facilitate political change, public participation in civics, government policies/pursuits, or social activism.

Limited Series and Specials dedicated to guiding their listeners and answering questions, including call-ins, explainers, and tutorials.

Limited Series and Specials that explore the worlds of art and culture. Topics range from the creative process and artist interviews to discussions of art history, or may delve into a specific medium such as photography or the culinary arts.

Limited Series and Specials that examine the business world including entrepreneurship, start-ups and workplace culture.that examine the business world, including start-ups, entrepreneurship, and workplace culture, whether via narrative, interviews, conversation or other formats.

Limited Series and Specials dedicated to comedy including stand-up, narrative or interviews with and by comedians.

Deep dive podcasts devoted to recapping, summarizing or discussing a piece of serialized content such as a TV show or book series. These can include interviews, talk backs, BTS, reviews and explorations of fandom.

Limited Series and Specials that recognize and celebrate what makes people different and unique, including but not exclusive to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, neurological differences and socioeconomic background.

Limited Series and Specials that explore real life events, experiences and subjects.

This category honors limited series that bring historical events, figures, and eras to life through research and storytelling.

Limited Series & Specials devoted to the world of Sports in narrative, interview, conversational, or other documentary formats.

This category celebrates limited series that investigate and illuminate the technology shaping our world such as artificial intelligence, social media, cybersecurity, tech companies, digital culture, and the societal impact of technological innovation.

This category recognizes investigative, narrative true crime limited series that employ journalistic rigor and compelling storytelling to examine criminal cases and justice systems.

Limited Series and Specials that examine topics including relationships, building connections, fertility and/or parenting.

Shows that examine nutrition, fitness, longevity, medical science, and holistic wellness practices as well as investigations into healthcare systems and medical innovations.

Limited Series and Specials examining or exploring recent history, ancient history, biographical work or historiography.

Limited Series or Specials created and produced by an individual or a group working without the support of a major network, corporate or other large-scale funding.

Limited Series or Specials which principally feature a host or hosts speaking with one or multiple guests in conversation. Two-way or round table formats both qualify.

Limited Series and Specials developed to entertain and/or educate young people.

A Limited Series or Special that celebrates, dives into or otherwise explores the LGBTQ+ community.

Journalism that covers events and issues in a specific community or geographic area.

Limited Series & Specials centered on mental health awareness, therapy, emotional well-being, coping strategies and destigmatizing the conversation around psychological health.

Limited Series and Specials specifically focused on financial matters including, but not limited to, the business of finance, markets, investment banking, and personal investing and personal finance.

Limited Series and Specials that inspire their listeners to become better people.

Limited Series and Specials devoted to music and music culture including artist interviews, critique and analysis.

Limited Series and Specials that were created to discuss or facilitate political change, public participation in civics, government policies/pursuits, or social activism.

Limited Series & Specials that explore the dynamics of romantic relationships, dating culture, love and intimacy, whether through personal storytelling, expert advice, listener call-ins or candid conversation.

Limited Series and Specials that examine science and education in narrative form, as well as interviews, and conversation.

A Limited Series or Special that demonstrates excellence in captivating the listener with a pre-scripted fictional story to create an immersive listening experience.

Limited Series and Shows devoted to performing scripted dramatic work for entertainment.

Recognizes creators who single-handedly run their entire podcast operation — from concept development and hosting to production, editing and distribution — demonstrating that one dedicated voice can build something extraordinary.

A Limited Series or Special that explores the world of sports including news and analysis, fandom, interviews with athletes and sports culture.

Podcasts created by currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students

Limited Series and Specials that explore the environment and humanity's impact on it. Topics include social responsibility, earth science and climate news, as well as conversations with change-makers.

Limited Series and Shows exploring the worlds of TV and film including discussion of cultural impact or craft, critique, recaps or interviews with actors and directors.

A show that shares insights and inspires new ways of thinking from a subject matter expert or experts.

Limited Series & Specials that transport listeners to destinations near and far, exploring travel experiences, local cultures, outdoor adventure and the art of seeing the world.

Limited Series and Specials told via chat or interview format which are dedicated to exposing or retelling the stories of real-life crimes. For narrative True Crime Podcasts, please see the Documentary (True Crime) category.

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Video podcasts that consistently demonstrate impressive technical excellence in editing (narrative or conversation). This category is separate from Sound Design.

The most memorable, entertaining, informative, and engaging Limited Series or Special Video Podcast

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary on-mic chemistry for a video podcast with at least two hosts.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary guest placement on a video podcast.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a video podcast.

Celebrating original and unprecedented use of the video podcast format.

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Individual episodes that push the boundaries of what audio can be by leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, binaural audio, spatial sound and other innovations to enhance storytelling, production or the listener experience.

The most engaging, entertaining and complimentary on-mic chemistry for a podcast episode with at least two hosts.

Individual episode of a podcast that demonstrates excellence in editing, both technical and conceptual. This category is separate from Sound Design.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary guest placement on an individual podcast episode.

This category recognizes a charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a podcast.

Podcasts that utilize live recording environments to enhance the concept of their show. This category additionally recognizes excellence in the technical aspects of live podcast recording including the use of or control for ambient sounds and audience interaction.

Best short introduction to a Podcast Episode that informs listeners about forthcoming content.

The most memorable, entertaining, informative, and engaging individual video podcast episode.

Recognizing the most compelling and vivid performance by a Voice Actor or Actors on a podcast.

A podcast episode that demonstrates a true talent for compelling, engaging and original script writing, whether fiction or non-fiction.

A podcast episode that uniquely utilizes audio techniques or technologies to create a wholly original listening experience.

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Individual Episodes created to discuss or facilitate political change, public participation in civics, government policies/pursuits, or social activism.

Individual podcast episodes dedicated to guiding their listeners and answering questions, including call-ins, explainers, and tutorials.

Individual Episodes that explore the worlds of art and culture. Topics range from the creative process and artist interviews to discussions of art history, or may delve into a specific medium such as photography or the culinary arts.

Podcasts that examine the business world including entrepreneurship, start-ups and workplace culture.

Individual Episodes dedicated to comedy including stand-up, narrative or interviews with and by comedians.

Individual Episodes that make great companions for a commute, publish at a regular cadence and provide a great start or end to the day.

An episode of a deep dive podcasts devoted to recapping, summarizing or discussing a piece of serialized content such as a TV show or book series. These can include interviews, talk backs, BTS, reviews and explorations of fandom.

Individual Episodes that dive into niche or of-the-moment topics, provide fascinating information or otherwise inspire great conversation.

Limited Series and Specials that explore the strategies, personalities, craft or latest developments in creative marketing.

Individual Episodes of a podcast that recognize and celebrate what makes people different and unique, including but not exclusive to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, neurological differences and socioeconomic background.

The best episode of a podcast published on a daily cadence.

Episodes that explore real life events, experiences and subjects.

Individual Episodes that demand you keep listening until the end, whether in your drive-way or at your door.

Individual Episodes that examine topics including relationships, building connections, fertility and/or parenting.

Shows that examine nutrition, fitness, longevity, medical science, and holistic wellness practices as well as investigations into healthcare systems and medical innovations.

Individual Episodes examining or exploring recent history, ancient history, biographical work or historiography.

Best Individual Podcast Episode created and produced by an individual or a group working without the support of a major network, corporate or other large-scale funding.

Individual Episodes of a podcast which principally features a host or hosts speaking with one or multiple guests in conversation.

An individual Episode of a show developed to entertain and/or educate young people.

An Individual Episode of a show that celebrates, dives into or explores the LGBTQ+ community.

Individual Episodes that examine lifestyle content, interviews, and conversation touching on the personal side of life by providing information and resources that allow people to live on their own terms. Lifestyle and living topics include: fashion, gardening, home improvement, interior design, architecture, food & drink, cooking and like subjects.

Journalism that covers events and issues in a specific community or geographic area.

Individual episodes centered on mental health awareness, therapy, emotional well-being, coping strategies and destigmatizing the conversation around psychological health.

An Individual Episode of a podcast that explores insights, considerations and discussions on personal finance, investing, business, and related areas.

Individual Episodes that inspire listeners to become better people.

An Individual Episode of a show devoted to music and music culture including artist interviews, critique and analysis.

Individual episodes focused on news topics, political happenings, and recent updates and headlines.

An Individual Episode of a show that discusses and analyzes the culture of the moment, covering topics such as celebrity news, movies, TV, music, video games, sports and fashion.

Individual episodes that explore the dynamics of romantic relationships, dating culture, love and intimacy, whether through personal storytelling, expert advice, listener call-ins or candid conversation.

An Individual Episode that explores topics related to religious and spiritual beliefs including theology, ethics, biblical studies and/or the personal journey of seeking meaning and connection.

Individual Episodes devoted to science and education in narrative form, as well as interviews and conversations.

An Individual Episode of a show that demonstrates excellence in captivating the listener with a pre-scripted fictional story to create an immersive listening experience.

An Individual Episode of a show which aims to empower its listeners to take control of their lives and make positive changes. Topics may include mental health, relationships, productivity, goal setting, self-awareness and overcoming challenges.

Shows whose topics, tone, conversations, or format are best listened to at bedtime or are created as sleep aides.

Recognizes creators who single-handedly run their entire podcast operation — from concept development and hosting to production, editing and distribution — demonstrating that one dedicated voice can build something extraordinary.

An Individual Episode of a show that explores the world of sports including news and analysis, fandom, interviews with athletes and sports culture.

Podcasts created by currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students

An Individual Episode of a show that explores the environment and humanity's impact on it. Topics include social responsibility, earth science and climate news, as well as conversations with change-makers.

Individual Episodes exploring the worlds of TV and film including discussion of cultural impact or craft, critique, recaps or interviews with actors and directors.

A podcast episode that shares insights and inspires new ways of thinking from a subject matter expert or experts.

Individual episodes that transport listeners to destinations near and far, exploring travel experiences, local cultures, outdoor adventure and the art of seeing the world.

Individual Episodes dedicated to exposing or retelling the stories of real-life crimes.

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Video podcasts that consistently demonstrate impressive technical excellence in editing (narrative or conversation). This category is separate from Sound Design.

The most compelling and impactful podcasts being published as videos today.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary on-mic chemistry for a video podcast with at least two hosts.

The most engaging, entertaining, and complementary guest placement on a video podcast.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a video podcast.

Celebrating original and unprecedented use of the video podcast format.

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The most compelling and engaging audio-first advertisement, created on behalf of a brand, by the podcast producers or host(s).

Awarding the best fit between a brand and an audio marketing campaign.

Brand storytelling podcasts that demonstrate excellence in editing, both technical and conceptual. This category is separate from Sound Design.

Brand Storytelling podcasts that leverage untraditional ideas and techniques in concept, content, execution (or a combination of the three) to produce work that drives the medium forward.

A charismatic individual who sets the bar for skill, quality, and craft in hosting a brand storytelling podcast.

The most compelling and impactful brand storytelling podcasts being published as videos today.

Podcasts that demonstrate a true talent for compelling, engaging and original script writing, whether fiction or non fiction.

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Podcasts created to discuss or facilitate political change, public participation in civics, government policies, or social activism.

Brand storytelling podcasts dedicated to guiding their listeners and answering questions, including call-ins, explainers, and tutorials.

Podcasts that look at personal and artistic expression. This category includes conversations on the creative process and artist interviews, as well as explorations into specific arenas such as fashion, gardening, home improvement, interior design, architecture, food and drink or cooking.

Brand storytelling podcasts that examine the business world including entrepreneurship, start-ups and workplace culture.

Deep dive podcasts devoted to recapping, summarizing or discussing a piece of serialized content such as a TV show or book series. These can include interviews, talk backs, BTS, reviews and explorations of fandom.

Podcasts that recognize and celebrate what makes people different and unique, including but not exclusive to race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, neurological differences and socioeconomic background.

Brand Storytelling podcasts that explore real life events, experiences and subjects.

Podcasts that examine contemporary considerations around health and wellness, including mental and emotional health, fitness, food, sleep, meditation, conventional or alternative therapies and beyond.

Podcasts which principally feature a host or hosts speaking with one or multiple guests in conversation.

Podcasts that explore insights, considerations and discussions on personal finance, investing, business, and related areas.

Podcasts that examine science and education in narrative form, as well as interviews, and conversation.

Podcasts that explore the tech industry, the ways technology impacts our lives and/or digital culture.

Podcasts that share insights and inspire new ways of thinking from subject matter experts.

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