‘Giggly Squad’ Wins Podcast Of The Year As iHeartPodcast Awards Return To SXSW.

iHeartMedia brought podcasting’s biggest names back to Austin Monday night, as the eighth annual iHeartPodcast Awards took over ACL Live at the Moody Theater during SXSW for an event that spotlighted top shows and creators from across the industry.

The independent show “Giggly Squad,” hosted by Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo, took home the night’s top honor, Podcast of the Year, capping a ceremony that blended celebrity appearances, fan-voted awards, and industry recognition. The event, hosted by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Ego Nwodim, streamed live and aired across iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide.

The show opened with Will Ferrell in full Team USA speed skating gear, setting the tone for a night that mixed comedy with celebration of the medium’s growth and cultural reach. Nwodim, who was also nominated for Best Emerging Podcast for “Thanks Dad,” leaned into the industry crowd, joking about mic etiquette while underscoring podcasting’s influence.

The Full List Of 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards Winners Are:

Podcast Of The Year:

“Giggly Squad”

Best Business & Finance:

“The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett”

Best Comedy:

“Good Hang with Amy Poehler”

Best Crime:

“Wisecrack”

Best Wellness & Fitness:

“The Mel Robbins Podcast”

Best News:

“The MeidasTouch Podcast”

Best Overall Ensemble Presented by Gatorade Lower Sugar:

“The Basement Yard”

Best TV & Film:

“Watch What Crappens”

Best Travel:

“Women Who Travel”

Best Emerging:

“Smart Girl Dumb Questions with Nayeema Raza”

Best Pop Culture:

“Call Her Daddy”

Best Food:

“Eating While Broke”

Best History:

“The Rest Is History”

Best Kids & Family:

“Circle Round”

Best Music:

“All Songs Considered”

Best Fiction:

“Murder at the Patel Motel”

Best Sports:

“Pardon My Take”

Best Science:

“Hidden Brain”

Best Technology:

“Acquired”

Best Ad Read:

“My Brother, My Brother and Me”

Best Overall Host:

Caleb Hearon

Best Political:

“Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar”

Best Spanish Language:

“Chente Ydrach”

Best Advice / Inspirational Presented by She Rises Studios:

“Thanks For Asking”

Best Beauty & Fashion:

“Naked Beauty”

Best Spirituality & Religion:

“Elevation with Steven Furtick”

Best Branded Podcast:

“The Unshakeables (Chase for Business)”

Best International:

“Shameless (Australia)”

In addition to category winners, iHeartMedia presented three Icon Awards recognizing long-term impact on the medium. As previously announced, Jay Shetty received the Social Impact Award for “On Purpose,” Terry Gross was honored with the Audible Audio Pioneer Award for her work on “Fresh Air,” and Hrishikesh Hirway earned the Innovator Award for “Song Exploder.”