The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards, a highlight of the SXSW festival, celebrated the year's most engaging and inventive podcasts. "Giggly Squad," hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, secured the prestigious Podcast of the Year accolade, a testament to their captivating content and dedicated fanbase. The ceremony also honored other notable podcasts and individuals who have significantly shaped the podcasting world.
This year's iHeartPodcast Awards recognized outstanding contributions across a diverse range of categories, highlighting the expanding influence and creativity within the audio entertainment industry. Beyond individual podcast honors, the event acknowledged key figures with Icon Awards, celebrating their profound impact and groundbreaking achievements in the medium.
"Giggly Squad" Triumphs as Podcast of the Year
At the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards, held during SXSW, the fan-favorite podcast "Giggly Squad," co-hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, was awarded the highly coveted Podcast of the Year trophy. Comedian and actress Iliza Shlesinger presented the award to the duo, who expressed their gratitude to their loyal listeners. Berner humorously recalled DeSorbo's initial reluctance to join the podcast, playfully suggesting DeSorbo believed she had a "face for television" rather than an audio medium. DeSorbo, in turn, thanked their audience for their consistent support and engagement, underscoring the strong connection they share with their community.
"Giggly Squad" originated in 2020 as an Instagram Live series before evolving into a weekly podcast that delves into various topics, including pop culture, fashion, mental health discussions, and humorous insights into modern life, which they affectionately term "Italian brain rot." The co-hosts have cultivated a vibrant and engaged audience by promising laughter rather than profound lessons, a formula that has clearly resonated with their fanbase. Their success extends beyond the digital realm, with sold-out live shows in over 70 cities, including two notable performances at New York City's iconic Radio City Music Hall, showcasing their widespread appeal and entertainment value.
Celebrating Excellence Across Podcast Genres
The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards recognized a broad spectrum of talent and innovation across numerous podcast categories, celebrating both established stars and rising voices. Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" secured the award for best comedy podcast, adding to its previous win at the Golden Globes. Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" was honored as the best pop-culture podcast, while "The Mel Robbins Podcast" earned recognition in the wellness and fitness category. In news, "The MeidasTouch Podcast" took home the top prize, and NPR's "All Songs Considered" was celebrated as the best music podcast. Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" dominated the sports category, and comedian Caleb Hearon of "So True" was named best overall host, highlighting the diverse landscape of podcasting.
Beyond genre-specific accolades, iHeartMedia presented three distinguished Icon Awards to individuals who have made monumental contributions to the podcasting industry. Jay Shetty received the Social Impact Award for his inspiring content, while Terry Gross of NPR's "Fresh Air" was honored with the Audible Audio Pioneer Award, recognizing her long-standing excellence and influential work. The Innovator Award was bestowed upon Hrishikesh Hirway, the creative force behind "Song Exploder," for his unique and impactful approach to audio storytelling. These awards collectively underscore the rich diversity, artistic merit, and significant cultural influence of the podcasting medium.
