2025 Ambies: Celebrating Podcast Excellence in Chicago

The 2025 Ambies, the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Audio, are poised to make waves in the podcasting industry on March 31 in Chicago, with comedian Tig Notaro at the helm as host. This year’s ceremony promises to celebrate the incredible achievements of podcasters and audio creators across 28 categories, showcasing a diverse range of nominees. Among the exciting highlights is the presentation of the Impact Award to Sam Sanders, a beloved voice in the podcasting community, known for his insightful commentary on current events. Additionally, Ira Glass will be honored with the Governors Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the medium that have inspired countless storytellers. As the podcast awards 2025 approach, the anticipation builds for a night filled with remarkable talents and the celebration of audio innovation.
Mark your calendars for a momentous night honoring the top contenders in the podcasting sphere at the 2025 Ambies, a marquee event highlighting excellence in audio storytelling. The Awards for Excellence in Audio, better known as the Ambies, will feature an impressive lineup of nominees, all vying for prestigious recognitions that acknowledge their creativity and impact in the industry. This year, the spotlight will shine on notable personalities such as comedic host Tig Notaro alongside award recipients Sam Sanders for the Impact Award and Ira Glass for the esteemed Governors Award. With an array of categories reflecting the rich tapestry of podcast content, this awards show promises to capture the essence of the evolving audio landscape. As the podcast awards 2025 unfolds, it aims to elevate the art of audio communication and celebrate the voices that resonate within and beyond the medium.
Overview of the 2025 Ambie Awards
The 2025 Ambie Awards, presented by The Podcast Academy, mark a significant milestone in recognizing excellence in podcasting. Scheduled for March 31, this prestigious event will take place at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago and promises to showcase the very best in the industry. Comedian Tig Notaro is set to host the ceremony, adding a touch of humor to the event while celebrating the incredible talent within the podcasting community.
This year, the Ambie Awards have received a total of 199 nominations across 28 categories, reflecting the diverse range of content available in podcasting today. From exciting new podcasts to established series that continue to break new ground, the awards will highlight the creativity and innovation that drives the audio storytelling landscape.
The Impact Award at the 2025 Ambies
In this 2025 Ambie Awards ceremony, the Impact Award will be awarded to Sam Sanders, a respected figure in the world of podcasting. With a career that includes co-hosting popular shows such as *Vibe Check* and *The Sam Sanders Show*, Sanders has been a vital voice in shaping conversations around news and culture. As the podcasting environment becomes increasingly competitive, this recognition underscores his profound influence and ability to connect with audiences.
The Impact Award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the podcasting industry. Previous recipients include notable personalities like Ira Madison III and *Teenager Therapy*, highlighting the diverse voices that drive engagement and innovation in the audio format. The acknowledgment of Sanders’ work exemplifies the importance of authenticity and representation in media.
Highlighting Nominees for Best Podcast of the Year
Among the standout nominees for the Best Podcast of the Year at the 2025 Ambies are shows that have pushed creative boundaries and captured the hearts of listeners. With entries like *99% Invisible*, which delves into the hidden aspects of design and architecture, and *Hot White Heist 2*, a fictional narrative that combines humor with gripping storytelling, this category showcases the range and depth of talent within the podcasting community.
These nominations reflect not just high production quality, but also an innovative approach to storytelling that resonates with audiences. The recognition of such diverse genres—from societal critiques to entertaining narratives—demonstrates the expansive reach and influential power of podcasts in contemporary media.
2025 Ambies Ceremony Details
The upcoming ceremony for the 2025 Ambies is set to be a grand celebration of audio excellence, livestreamed on Twitch, allowing fans and industry professionals alike to participate in the festivities. Starting at 6:00 p.m. CT on March 31, audiences can expect a dynamic event filled with awards, speeches, and a showcase of extraordinary podcasting talent.
Attendees at the live event will witness the honoring of distinguished figures in podcasting, such as Ira Glass, who will be receiving the Governors Award. His significant contributions to storytelling through podcasts have earned him this prestigious recognition, solidifying his legacy in the industry as a pioneer and trailblazer.
Profiles of Noteworthy Ambies Nominees
As we approach the 2025 Ambies, several nominees stand out for their exceptional contributions to podcasting. For instance, nominees like Jon Stewart for *The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart* and Glennon Doyle for *We Can Do Hard Things* highlight the power of engaging narratives that bridge personal storytelling with broader societal issues. Their work exemplifies how podcasts can serve as platforms for influential voices.
These podcasts have not only entertained but also incited meaningful discussions around important themes such as mental health, social justice, and personal growth. By blending humor and heartfelt storytelling, these nominees have profoundly impacted their audiences, proving the capacity of podcasting to foster community and resilience.
The Role of The Podcast Academy in the Industry
The Podcast Academy plays an instrumental role in supporting and promoting the podcasting industry. By organizing the Ambie Awards, the academy recognizes the hard work and creativity behind audio content, providing a forum for podcasters to be acknowledged for their dedication to the craft. This is crucial as the podcasting industry continues to evolve, with new trends and technologies emerging regularly.
Moreover, The Podcast Academy aims to elevate the standards of excellence in audio as well, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for creators. Membership gives emerging talent a voice in the community, ensuring that the landscape remains vibrant and reflective of various perspectives and experiences.
Tig Notaro: The Host of the 2025 Ambies
Comedian Tig Notaro’s role as the host of the 2025 Ambies adds a unique blend of wit and charm to the event. Known for her candid humor and storytelling prowess, Notaro has an impressive resume, including her work as a podcast host herself. Her presence at the Ambies promises to both entertain and engage the audience, setting the tone for a night of celebration.
Notaro’s approach to hosting will likely resonate with both the live audience and viewers at home, as she reflects the authenticity that the podcast community values. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her humor is sure to enhance the experience at this prestigious awards ceremony, highlighting the importance of personality in compelling audio content.
Key Previous Ambies Winners
Reflecting on past winners of the Ambie Awards provides insight into the caliber of talent being honored this year. Notable recipients such as Malcolm Gladwell and *Serial* signify the impact of narrative-driven content and the evolution of storytelling in audio formats. These earlier successes set a precedent for the current nominees, showcasing the variety and innovation present in today’s podcasting landscape.
Previous awards have emphasized the importance of storytelling, production quality, and the ability to connect with audiences on deeper levels. This legacy will continue to shape expectations for 2025, as newer voices step into the spotlight, ready to challenge norms and push the boundaries of what podcasting can achieve.
The Future of Podcasting Post-2025 Ambies
As the 2025 Ambies conclude, the spotlight will shift towards the future of podcasting and how emerging technologies will shape the industry. Innovations in audio production and distribution are enabling creators to experiment with new formats and engage audiences in interactive ways. The potential for growth in podcasting is massive, and the impact of the Ambies will extend beyond the event, influencing the next generation of podcast creators.
The continuous rise of different genres signifies a robust and dynamic audio landscape. With growing audience interest in quality content, the Ambie Awards serve as a catalyst for excellence that inspires creators to elevate their work and challenge themselves creatively. The conversations sparked during the awards will reignite enthusiasm and innovation within the podcasting community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key highlights of the 2025 Ambies Awards?
The 2025 Ambie Awards, presented by The Podcast Academy, will take place on March 31 in Chicago, hosted by comedian Tig Notaro. This year’s ceremony will feature 199 nominees across 28 categories, including notable awards like the Impact Award, recognized this year by Sam Sanders, and the Governors Award, to be awarded to Ira Glass.
Who is hosting the 2025 Ambie Awards?
The 2025 Ambies will be hosted by comedy sensation Tig Notaro, adding a unique flair to the awards celebrating excellence in podcasting.
Who will receive the Impact Award at the 2025 Ambies?
Sam Sanders will be honored with the Impact Award at the 2025 Ambie Awards for his exceptional contributions to podcasting and his ability to humanize news and stories.
What is the significance of the Governors Award at the 2025 Ambies?
The Governors Award at the 2025 Ambies recognizes exceptional contributions to the podcasting industry, and this year’s award will go to Ira Glass, celebrated for revolutionizing storytelling in audio journalism.
How can I vote for the 2025 Ambie Awards nominees?
Eligible new members of The Podcast Academy can participate in voting for the 2025 Ambies nominees by submitting their applications by February 20. Voting members will select winners across various categories.
What categories are featured in the 2025 Ambie Awards?
The 2025 Ambies will highlight a variety of categories such as Podcast of the Year, Best Podcast Host, Best Comedy Podcast, Best Society and Culture Podcast, and many others, featuring a diverse range of nominees.
Where will the 2025 Ambies be held?
The 2025 Ambie Awards will take place at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, celebrating the best in podcasting creativity and innovation.
What are some of the nominated podcasts at the 2025 Ambies?
Nominees for the 2025 Ambies include impressive titles like ‘99% Invisible: Not Built for This’, ‘We Can Do Hard Things’, ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’, and ‘Hysterical’, showcasing a wide array of storytelling excellence.
When will the 2025 Ambies be livestreamed?
The 2025 Ambie Awards ceremony will be livestreamed on Twitch from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CT, allowing fans and followers to join in the celebration of audio excellence.
What is The Podcast Academy’s role in the 2025 Ambie Awards?
The Podcast Academy organizes the 2025 Ambies, celebrating outstanding achievements in podcasting while also providing professional support and networking opportunities for creators in the audio industry.
Category | Nominees |
---|---|
Podcast of the Year | 99% Invisible: Not Built for This, Beyond All Repair, Cement City, Dragon Age: Vows & Vengeance, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD, Faraway Fire Escape, Hot White Heist 2, Hysterical, Throughline |
Best Podcast Host or Hosts | Diallo Riddle, Blake ‘LUXXURY’ Robin – One Song, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle – We Can Do Hard Things, Jon Stewart – The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, Rainn Wilson – Radio Rental, Ronald Young Jr. – Weight for It, Sam Sanders – The Sam Sanders Show, Wesley Morris – The Wonder of Stevie |
Best Original Score and Music Supervision | Dan Leone – Ripple, Daniel Lloyd-Evans et al. – Extrasensory, Deron Johnson – Dungeon Masters, Jonathan Pfarr et al. – Celebrity Pets, Peter Nashel et al. – Hammerless: A True Crime Podcast in a Fantasy World, Skyler Gerdeman et al. – Kill List, Stro Elliot and Eric Gersen – Historical Records |
Best Production and Sound Design | Casandra Tinajero, Andrés Bahena – Nocturno: Tales From the Shadows, Jeremy S. Bloom – Hot White Heist 2, Kenny Kusiak, George Drabing Hicks – The Confessions of Anthony Raimondi, Michelle Macklem – Girl v. Horse, Realm – Narcosis, Sagafilm, Skybound Entertainment – Impact Winter Season 3, Ted Bonnitt – Hindsight: The Day Before |
Best Entertainment Podcast | Infamous, Lemme Say This, Rattled & Shook, Scamfluencers, Split Screen: Kid Nation, The Road to Joni, The Wonder of Stevie |
Best Society and Culture Podcast | Hysterical, In Retrospect with Susie Banikarim and Jessica Bennett, Inheriting, Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong’o, My Divo, Sixteenth Minute (of Fame), Weight For It |
Best Kids Podcast | Culture Kids, Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, Historical Records, PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase, Skylar & Bones – Funny Stories for Kids!, Wow in the World |
Best Spanish Language Narrative Podcast | ¡No Vengan!, Greal: El Secreto de las Ocho Llaves, Hechos Reales, HUMO: Murder and Silence in El Salvador, No quieren que sepas, Pantallas & Mentiras [Screens & Lies], Pétrea |
Best Sports Podcast | 30 for 30 Podcasts, Broomgate, Good Game with Sarah Spain, Pablo Torre Finds Out, Shadowball: The Rise of the Black Athlete, The Raven, The Rich Eisen Show |
Best Comedy Podcast | Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Hot White Heist 2, Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Scam Goddess, SmartLess, We’re Here to Help, Who Replaced Avril Lavigne?, Joanne McNally Investigates |
Best Indie Podcast | Sightings, The Insurgence: Sheriffs, The Man Who Calculated Death, The Nightingale of Iran, The People’s Recorder, The TMI Project Story Hour, What Happened in Skinner |
Best Interview Podcast | American Masters: Creative Spark, Apple News in Conversation, Overlooked: Women’s Health, Can’t Wait, Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim, The Assignment with Audie Cornish, The Integrated Schools Podcast, Tomorrow’s Cure |
Best Performance in Audio Fiction | Bowen Yang, Cynthia Nixon et al. – Hot White Heist 2, Caitlin Stasey et al. – The Skies Are Watching, Fredi Bernstein et al. – The Box, Mikki Hernandez et al. – Ominous Thrill, Ruth Righi – Winnie Taylor’s 4th & Inches, Sanaa Lathan – The Justice, Tisha Campbell – Snoriezzz |
Summary
The 2025 Ambies are poised to be a landmark event in the podcasting landscape, celebrating extraordinary talent and innovation within the audio community. As comedians and creators gather on March 31 in Chicago under the host Tig Notaro, nominees across diverse categories showcase the dynamic evolution of storytelling in the medium. This year’s engaging nominees reflect the vibrant creativity of podcasters making a significant impact on audiences around the world, solidifying the Ambies’ importance in recognizing excellence in audio entertainment.