The People’s Choice Podcast Awards have been postponed following the sudden death of their founder, Todd Cochrane, a pioneering figure in the podcasting world. Cochrane, who passed away on Sept. 8, 2025, at age 61 while traveling after visiting family, was instrumental in shaping the early architecture of podcasting through ventures like Blubrry and RawVoice.
First launched in 2005, the Podcast Awards – also called the People’s Choice Podcast Awards – allow listeners to vote for their favorite shows across categories.
Over time, it became one of the most visible listener-driven awards in the audio space. The awards’ hiatus underscores the void left by Cochrane’s leadership and the challenges in transitioning stewardship of such a community-driven platform.
In a statement, Blubrry confirmed Cochrane’s passing and affirmed their commitment to upholding his legacy. Podcast Movement and related industry organizations echoed the sentiments, describing his influence as foundational for independent podcasters and industry standards.
The postponement raises questions about the future of the awards. Who will inherit the role of managing nominations, voter integrity and the ceremony? Will the awards return under new leadership, or evolve into a revived format more aligned with today’s podcasting ecosystem?
The community now watches and waits for announcement from Cochrane’s estate or longtime collaborators.
Until then, podcasters and fans alike remember a respected advocate who pushed for open RSS, creator-centric platforms and a podcasting world where anyone could speak with influence. Cochrane’s absence marks a turning point, and the Podcast Awards’ fate may depend on how the industry steps into his legacy.
