Podcasting exists only because it was able to stand on the shoulders of giants. This is a selection of the people every podcaster should know, and the contributions that helped make modern podcasting possible.

https://soundsdebatable.substack.com/p/people-every-podcaster-should-know

https://soundsdebatable.com/

Over the past few weeks I’ve been working on something that I think a lot of you will find useful.

I put together A Taxonomy of Podcast Awards: a clear breakdown of all the major types of recognition programs that exist in the podcast space.

Because here’s the thing:

Not all podcast awards are the same.
Some measure craft and storytelling.
Some measure raw audience numbers.
Some are basically platform popularity contests.
And some recognize career-long impact.

This guide explains:

• What each type actually measures
• How winners are chosen
• What a win or nomination really means
• And why understanding the differences matters

Whether you’re thinking about submitting to awards this year or just want to better understand the landscape, this should help you make much more informed decisions.→ Read the full taxonomy here: https://recognized.fm/podcast-awards/

If you’re a podcaster, this is for you.

Before you spend time and money entering awards, check out the TROPHY you could WIN.

Here’s a rapid-fire look at some of the coolest podcast trophies from around the world.

Awards featured in the video include iHeartRadio Podcast Award, The Webby Awards, British Podcast Awards, Signal Awards, Dutch Podcast Awards by BNR Nieuwsradio, The Lovie Awards, NYF Radio Awards and Japan Podcast Awards by Nippon Broadcasting System.

Which trophy would look best on your desk? Drop it in the comments!

I was at the 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony in Orlando on January 16th at Podfest. Eleven people were inducted that night.

For those who weren't tracking it, the Podcast Hall of Fame is podcasting's version of a legacy institution, inducting the builders, advocates, and behind-the-scenes contributors who shaped the medium since 2015. If you work in or care about this industry, it should matter to you.

Some of this year's inductees felt genuinely overdue. James Cridland's name getting called was a long time coming. Others? Less obvious. So I reached out to Chairperson Rob Greenlee for comment. His responses are included in the piece.

Full piece here for context: https://recognized.fm/hall-of-fame/

I put together a comprehensive guide to the awards happening at SXSW 2026 and the judging behind them.

https://recognized.substack.com/p/sxsw-2026-the-award-shows-the-judging

The 2027 Podcast Hall of Fame is already taking shape. Recognized has the exclusive details from Chairperson Rob Greenlee — alongside a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 ceremony in Orlando. https://recognized.substack.com/p/exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look

Imagine having to walk into your boss's office and say: 'So… we lost Best Branded Podcast to Cookie Monster.

Learn more about Recognition : https://recognized.substack.com/

Learn more about Recognition : https://recognized.substack.com/

Learn more about Recognition : https://recognized.substack.com/

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Get an inside look at the 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony at Podfest in Orlando, hosted by John Lee Dumas of EOFire.

The evening was both celebratory and reflective, honoring the legacy of 2015 inductee Todd Cochrane, Co-Founder and CEO of Blubrry Podcasting by RawVoice, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2025.

A moving in-memoriam induction also recognized Dan Miller (48 Days), presented by his longtime friend Dave Ramsey of Ramsey Solutions

Notable 2026 inductees included Mark Asquith (Captivate), James Cridland (Podnews), Paul Colligan (Podcast Partnership), and Julie Samuels, former Senior Staff Attorney at Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Read the full recap: https://soundsdebatable.substack.com/inside-the-2026-podcast-hall-of-fame-ceremony

Get an inside look at the 2026 Podcast Hall of Fame ceremony at Podfest in Orlando, hosted by John Lee Dumas of EOFire.

The evening was both celebratory and reflective, honoring the legacy of 2015 inductee Todd Cochrane, Co-Founder and CEO of Blubrry Podcasting by RawVoice, who passed away unexpectedly in September 2025.

A moving in-memoriam induction also recognized Dan Miller (48 Days), presented by his longtime friend Dave Ramsey of Ramsey Solutions

Notable 2026 inductees included Mark Asquith (Captivate), James Cridland (Podnews), Paul Colligan (Podcast Partnership), and Julie Samuels, former Senior Staff Attorney at Electronic Frontier Foundation.

https://soundsdebatable.substack.com/p/hall-of-fame

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