This category honors a podcast created in partnership with or on behalf of a brand, company, or organization. Eligible podcasts seamlessly combine editorial storytelling with brand values, delivering content that is engaging, high-quality, and audience-focused. Judges will consider creativity, production quality, narrative clarity, brand integration, and overall impact.

A podcast providing analysis, insight, or discussion about companies. Companies can range from micro to multinational.

A podcast that is intentionally humorous.

This category is for any podcast with a budget of $500 USD per month ($6,000 USD per year). Budget document(s) must be included with your submission.

A non-fiction show presenting a truthful account of an event, person, or topic without intentional misrepresentation. Typical modes of documentary are observational, expository, or participatory.

This category recognizes a standout new podcast that has shown exceptional promise. Podcasts must have launched within the eligibility year and should demonstrate originality, audience connection, and strong creative potential. Open to creators of all experience levels, this award celebrates bold, fresh voices.

A podcast about movies, books, television, podcasts, radio, theater, audiobooks, video games, or other media entertainment. Is your podcast entertaining but not on one of these subjects? Then this is not your category.

A narrative work portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary. Though it may be based on a true situation or time, it must not be presented as fact.

A chronicle or inquiry into a past event. To distinguish history from other categories, the title must have significant distance from current events.

A podcast primarily characterized by a single interview per episode between one or more hosts and one or more guests.

This category honors podcasts created by individuals or small teams (fewer than five people) who are truly independent in both production and financing.

Please note the podcast must adhere to all the points below to qualify and submit proof of each in the submission process:

• Podcasts must be self-financed, meaning funded directly by the creators through personal funds, listener support, merchandise, or subscriptions.

• Podcasts cannot be commissioned or financially supported by a network, brand, studio, or streaming platform.

• Submissions from registered companies are permitted only if there is no outside financial backing, including from investors, joint ventures, or production partnerships.

• Partnerships with distribution companies are allowed, provided the distributor did not contribute funding toward the development or production of the podcast.

• Entrants must disclose when the relationship with the distributor began relative to the launch of the podcast.

• We understand that some creators may receive grants or scholarships—these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they align with the spirit of independent production.

A podcast about the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world as seen through observation and experiment. "Tech" here means the application of scientific (as defined in the previous sentence) knowledge for practical purposes.

This category honors podcasts that focus on current events, political issues, public policy, and government affairs. Submissions may include investigative reporting, daily or weekly news roundups, political commentary, or interviews with newsmakers and experts. Entries should demonstrate journalistic integrity, clarity, and the ability to inform and engage listeners on timely and relevant topics.

A podcast about personal development and/or spirituality.

A podcast that is intended to be listened to by children.

This category is intended for the best production of a Spanish narrative-driven Fiction or Nonfiction podcast. The podcast must have audio-first IP and originally be written in Spanish, no adaptations or translations are permitted. Any detected use of artificial intelligence for translation or other purposes will immediately disqualify the podcast from consideration. Interview and News podcasts are not currently eligible for submission.

A podcast about sports and/or athletes.

A podcast that brings the host's perspective/opinion on any number of topics that reflect societies and cultures worldwide.

A non-fiction podcast about true crime events.

This category honors podcasts that make exceptional use of video as a core part of their format. Entries must include a video component that is publicly distributed and intentionally designed to enhance the storytelling or viewer experience. Judges will evaluate production quality, visual creativity, integration of video with audio content, and how effectively the visual format elevates the podcast as a whole.

*The episode must be a video submission

A podcast about health, wellness, and/or relationship topics.

This award honors innovation, effectiveness, and impact in podcast advertising. Eligible entries may include a campaign, series sponsorship, branded content, or creative partnership that exemplifies best-in-class collaboration between creators and advertisers.

This award would be voted on by the Executive Blue Ribbon Panel
Nominee must be present to accept the award 

Determined by Academy voters, this award recognizes a title with high-quality content and production values. It should stand as a benchmark of excellence for the industry. As a listener, this is the podcast you would recommend to someone who has never listened before as well as to a podcast aficionado. Submissions to this category will only be accepted if the title has been entered into another category. 

For outstanding hosting by an independent podcast team or individual (not affiliated with a major network or studio). This category is intended for individuals or micro-production teams (i.e., fewer than 5 individuals). Titles must be self-financed (not commissioned by a broadcaster, streaming service, studio, or brand). Submissions from registered companies are accepted, however they cannot be supported by a third party (e.g., investors, venture capitalists, or joint ventures).

For excellence in original music composition and supervision (selection).

For excellence in podcast performing, typically acting or singing.

For excellence in hosting a podcast series.

For excellence in production values and creative use of sound design to enhance storytelling.

For excellence in journalistic reporting.

For excellence in scriptwriting for a fictional podcast series.

For excellence in scriptwriting in a non-fiction podcast series.

This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made a remarkable and lasting impact on the podcasting industry within the past year. The recipient exemplifies excellence not only in hosting or co-hosting multiple successful podcasts but also through expanding their influence beyond audio. This may include leading live tours, creating podcast-inspired derivatives such as books, TV or film adaptations, merchandise, or other innovative extensions of their brand. This award celebrates multi-dimensional talent whose achievements have set new standards for what it means to be a podcaster in today’s evolving landscape.

This award would be voted on by our Vanguard Jury
Nominee must be present to accept the award