by Michele Schmidt
The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards were held at ACL Live in Austin, Texas on March 16th. Celebrities and nominees graced a green carpet, sponsored by Avocados from Mexico, and made customized guacamole before the show. The venue sported a cool vibe as a
DJ payed music and drinks were served.
Will Ferrell opened the show in a Team USA speed skating uniform. He lamented aboutbeing left off the National Team and how he was unable to represent USA at the Olympics. After a hilarious monologue he introduced the host of the night, fellow SNL
alum Ego Nwodim. Ego was nominated in the Best Emerging category for her podcast “Thanks Dad”.
While the room was packed, many award winners accepted via video message including Jay Shetty, Amy Poehler, and Terry Gross. The funniest speech was given by winner Nora McInery, who had advice for fellow category nominees Michelle Obama,
Chrissy Teigen, and Shetty. She coyly mentioned how she had been in the business for 10 years and finally made it, so they should stick with making podcasts and might become successful as well.
Presenter Eric Andre joked about SXSW hangovers hitting different. Luckily, partner Gatorade Low Sugar made sure to hand out electrolyte filled samples.
The Meidas Touch Podcast winners inspired the crowd with their speech about community sticking together, and how three brothers from Long Island were able to beat a controversial and
widely popular podcast, ensuing that good will prevail.
Celebrities and TV favorites Jennie Garth and Rider Strong were among the presenters.Internet favorites Elyse Myers and Juju Green (Straw Hat Goofy) were in attendance.
Podcast of the Year was awarded to “Giggly Squad” hosts Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. Hannah wore a bright green, Madonna-inspired dress that literally poked out the competition. The full list of the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards winners can be found
below.
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)
