Podcast of the Year: Giggly Squad
The night's top honor went to 'Giggly Squad,' hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. What started as two friends keeping in touch during quarantine has blossomed into a comedy phenomenon. Their weekly chats cover everything from pop culture gossip
and relationship drama to fashion and reality TV. It's the audio equivalent of a hilarious debrief with your best friends. If you need a guaranteed laugh and a dose of unfiltered, relatable conversation, this is your new go-to. Their chemistry is electric, making you feel like you're right there in the room with them.
For Your Daily News Fix: The MeidasTouch Podcast
In a crowded field of news content, 'The MeidasTouch Podcast' snagged the award for Best News. Hosted by brothers Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, the show offers a sharp, pro-democracy legal and political analysis. They describe their style as a "trial lawyer approach," which involves methodically breaking down complex topics and calling out what they see as injustice. It’s a distinct voice in the political landscape, blending legal expertise with passionate commentary, and has become essential listening for those seeking an alternative to traditional cable news roundtables.
The Newcomer to Know: Smart Girl Dumb Questions
Winning Best Emerging Podcast, 'Smart Girl Dumb Questions with Nayeema Raza' is the breakout show you'll be hearing about everywhere. The premise is simple but brilliant: Raza, a filmmaker and journalist, asks highly accomplished people the seemingly basic questions we're all afraid to ask. This disarming approach leads to unusually candid and insightful conversations about success, failure, and the messy process of figuring things out. It’s a refreshing reminder that even the smartest people have to start somewhere, making it an inspiring and deeply human listen.
For a Dose of Wellness: The Mel Robbins Podcast
Crowned Best Wellness & Fitness podcast, 'The Mel Robbins Podcast' delivers practical, science-backed advice for improving your life. Mel Robbins isn't just about inspirational quotes; she provides actionable tools and strategies for everything from overcoming procrastination to building confidence. Her direct, no-nonsense style is balanced with genuine empathy, making her feel like both a coach and a trusted friend. Whether you need a quick motivational boost or a deep dive into the psychology of habit formation, this podcast offers tangible takeaways you can apply immediately.
The Icon Treatment: Three Legends Honored
Beyond the competitive categories, the awards recognized three titans of the audio world. Jay Shetty received the Social Impact Award for his work on 'On Purpose,' which has been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health conversations. The legendary Terry Gross of NPR's 'Fresh Air' was given the Audible Audio Pioneer Award for a career that has defined the art of the interview. And Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of 'Song Exploder,' won the Innovator Award for his groundbreaking format that deconstructs songs with the artists themselves.
Your Pop Culture Update: Call Her Daddy
Taking home the prize for Best Pop Culture podcast, 'Call Her Daddy,' hosted by Alex Cooper, continues its reign as a dominant force in the audio world. The show has evolved from its early, more scandalous days into a platform for wide-ranging interviews with A-list celebrities, athletes, and cultural figures. Cooper has a knack for getting her guests to open up in unexpected ways, making each episode a potential headline-grabber. For anyone who wants to stay on top of the cultural conversation, this podcast remains an essential, often revealing, listen.
The Best in Sports Talk: Pardon My Take
In the hyper-competitive world of sports podcasting, Barstool Sports' 'Pardon My Take' won for Best Sports Podcast. Hosted by Dan "Big Cat" Katz and PFT Commenter, the show has built a massive following by perfectly blending satire, genuine sports analysis, and laugh-out-loud humor. They don't take themselves too seriously, which makes for a refreshing change of pace from more traditional sports commentary. Their interviews with athletes and coaches are legendary for being both funny and surprisingly insightful, making it a must-listen for sports fans who appreciate a comedic edge.
