The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards have revealed their contenders, with prominent shows like 'Good Hang With Amy Poehler,' 'Call Her Daddy,' and 'The Daily' competing for the coveted 'Podcast of the Year' honor. This annual event recognizes outstanding achievements across a diverse range of podcast categories, celebrating the creativity and impact of audio storytelling. The ceremony will also feature special accolades for individuals who have made significant contributions to the podcasting landscape.
Among the top nominees for 'Podcast of the Year' are a mix of established and rising audio series, including 'The Breakfast Club,' 'The Mel Robbins Podcast,' 'Pablo Torre Finds Out,' 'The Rest Is History,' 'This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,' 'Heavyweight,' and 'Giggly Squad.' Fan voting for this highly anticipated category commenced on January 14 and will conclude on February 22, allowing listeners to support their favorite podcasts.
Notably, 'Good Hang,' 'Call Her Daddy,' and 'The Mel Robbins Podcast' recently received Golden Globe nominations for Best Podcast, with 'Good Hang' ultimately securing the award. Last year, 'Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang' was crowned the iHeartPodcast Award winner for Podcast of the Year, setting a high standard for this year's competition.
Ego Nwodim, known for her work on 'SNL' and as the host of the 'Thanks Dad' podcast, will preside over the iHeartPodcast Awards. The event is scheduled for March 16 during SXSW at 7 p.m. CDT, held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin. For those unable to attend in person, the awards will be broadcast live on select iHeartMedia radio stations and through the iHeartRadio application.
Beyond the listener-voted categories, the awards encompass numerous competitive genres, including comedy, crime, sports, news, business, and pop culture. The victors in these categories are chosen by a panel of distinguished industry professionals and creative talents. Additionally, iHeartMedia will bestow the 2026 Social Impact Award upon Jay Shetty for his engaging discussions on mental health. Terry Gross, the esteemed host of NPR’s 'Fresh Air,' will be honored with the 2026 Audible Audio Pioneer Award for her influential career in audio. Hrishikesh Hirway, the innovative mind behind the podcast 'Song Exploder,' will receive the 2026 Innovator Award, acknowledging his unique approach to integrating music within the podcast medium.
Will Pearson, president of iHeartPodcasts, emphasized the dynamic growth and influence of podcasting today. He expressed enthusiasm for returning to Austin to commend the storytellers who are continually pushing the boundaries of audio content. The anticipation builds to discover which podcast will earn the fan-voted title of 'Podcast of the Year' for 2026.
The iHeartPodcast Awards serve as a significant platform for acknowledging the vast talent and innovation within the podcasting community. From in-depth news analyses to captivating fictional narratives and specialized content across various interests, the nominated podcasts exemplify the rich and diverse soundscape that continues to attract and engage audiences worldwide. The ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of the voices shaping the future of audio entertainment.