Not all podcast awards are created equal. That was the key takeaway from a recent Podnews investigation into the “International Podcast Awards,” a little-known entity that appeared at Podfest 2026 and is now under scrutiny for questionable practices, opaque judging, and potentially misleading marketing.
The awards, presented as a global recognition platform for podcasters, are free to enter — but attending the ceremony in Arizona costs $300. According to the individual at the booth, the award includes red carpet treatment, interviews, and media promotion. However, deeper investigation reveals glaring inconsistencies.
Judging by “My Dad”: Unusual Admission Raises Eyebrows
When Podnews editor James Cridland asked about the judging panel, he was told the awards were judged by “my dad” — a clear indication of a non-professional, non-transparent selection process. Follow-up inquiries revealed that the organizer behind the awards is Joshua “Atlas” Aultman, who claimed that judging was done by himself and his team, but no official list or judging criteria were provided.
This casual approach starkly contrasts with established podcast awards that rely on vetted industry professionals, published criteria, and peer-reviewed scoring systems.
Questionable Winners and Dubious Imagery
The awards website lists only one confirmed winner: Australian podcaster Kain Masters, who received the award in a ceremony and was interviewed by Clifford Starks, a former UFC fighter. Masters’ podcast, Terminally Curious, has limited visibility online and little mainstream recognition.
Even more troubling, the gallery on the website originally included irrelevant and misleading images — such as photos from unrelated events in Dubai, Turkey, India, and Uzbekistan — all presented as if they were part of the awards’ red carpet events. After being contacted by Podnews, many of these photos were removed.
The listed address for the award ceremony venue also raised questions. While claiming a Phoenix, Arizona location, the embedded map pointed to a Massachusetts address associated with multiple unrelated businesses globally — from food services to roofing.
Why This Matters for Podcasters
Legitimate podcast awards offer much more than a trophy — they provide recognition by peers, industry validation, and career-enhancing visibility. They’re judged fairly, usually by a committee of professionals or community voting, and they publish transparent details on winners, categories, and criteria.
In contrast, the International Podcast Awards offers none of this. Instead, it relies on vague submissions, pay-to-attend ceremonies, and photoshopped prestige. While it may appear attractive to newer creators looking for validation or exposure, the credibility risk outweighs the perceived reward.
The Bigger Picture: Due Diligence in a Growing Industry
As podcasting continues to grow, so does the ecosystem of awards, directories, marketing services, and recognition programs. Creators — especially those new to the space — should be cautious and research thoroughly before participating in any such initiatives.
Reputable alternatives include:
- The Ambies – Run by The Podcast Academy with professional judging panels
- Webby Awards – Recognizes digital excellence, including podcasts
- British Podcast Awards – Well-established with transparent categories and judging
Awards can boost discoverability and brand credibility, but only if they carry weight and industry respect. Without transparency and community trust, awards like these risk becoming vanity trophies rather than real accolades.
More about podcast awards:
Staff Report
Staff Report
Staff Report
