British podcasting is developing something of an awards season, with the first Independent Podcast Awards joining the British Podcast Awards and International Women’s Podcast Awards in crowning their winners across just six weeks from September to November.
With the IWPAs announcing their results this week, we thought we’d take a look at some of the highlights from across all three ceremonies.
British Podcast Awards
Best New Podcast - 28ish Days Later
For the first time ever, the menstrual cycle takes the stage. In this groundbreaking BBC podcast, India Rakusen explores everything that happens to bleeding bodies. From history, politics and our biology, this deep dive will totally transform your understanding of menstruation and will transform your point of view.
Listeners' Choice - RedHanded
Once again, Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire took home the Listeners' Choice Award. The pair unashamedly delve into their creepy curiosities and explore the infamous, obscure and mysterious cases of serial killers, hauntings and even possessions.
Podcast of the Year - A Positive Life: HIV from Terrence Higgins to today
Spanning over four decades, Sam Smith presents a complete history of HIV in the UK. From the hugely impactful story of Terrence Higgins, one of the first people in Britain to pass from an AIDS-related illness, to today – this podcast chronicles people’s perceptions and reactions to HIV. Most importantly though, the podcast masterfully tells the story of the people whose lives have been impacted by society’s responses.
See the full list of winners here.
Independent Podcast Awards
Arts & Culture - Folk on Foot
In Folk on Foot, broadcaster Matthew Bannister walks and talks with top contemporary folk musicians, all while exploring the most beautiful landscapes. Artists perform on-site and the podcast artfully combines storytelling with music, as well as exercise – the best of all three worlds! Listen to relax and to learn something new about your musical passions.
Fiction - Eliza: A Robot Story
No podcast is quite like Eliza: A Robot Story. Brought to you by Crowd Network and voiced by Tanya Reynolds (of ‘Sex Education’ fame), this fictional world delves into themes of technology, gender and even control. Prepare to ask yourself: What is love? And is this future…really the future?
Independent Podcast of the Year - Celebrity Catch Up: Life After That Thing I Did
Love a throwback? Then this one's for you. Join entertainment journalist Genevieve Hassan as she interviews celebrities of the 1980s-2000s and asks them how their lives changed (for better or worse) after that thing they did.
See the full list of winners here.
International Women’s Podcast Awards
Moment of Compelling Storytelling - Unreformed: The Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children
In 1968, five runaway girls exposed Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children’s conditions, including horrific physical and sexual abuse. In ‘Unreformed,’ Josie Duffy Rice investigates the school’s impact on children in Alabama through interviews with students whose lives were forever changed.
Moment of Raw Emotion - Linda Marigliano’s Tough Love
In her podcast, Linda Marigliano talks about all the sh*t that matters. Ranging from love to self-discovery, the pod blends storytelling with therapy-like chats that examine the pursuit of your authentic self.
Moment of Visionary Leadership - The Ten News
Stay curious and informed with The Ten News – a podcast about the world for kids and adults alike! Figure out how the world works and listen to a review of world events, ranging from sports to pop culture.
See the full list of winners here.
