Dozens Gather for a Standing-Room Celebration Honoring 45 Wins Across Genres from Arts to Health to True Crime
New York, NY (October 19, 2025) – Black Podcasting Awards (BPAwards) reached a new milestone this weekend, bringing dozens of podcasters and fans together in Baltimore for its first-ever in-person ceremony, held during the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival. The standing-room crowd filled the historic Motor House’s Black Box Theater to honor the voices shaping Black podcasting from indie creators and breakout shows to leaders redefining the medium itself.
With 45 awards bestowed on 29 podcasts, 5 podcasters, and 1 network, the evening showcased the brilliance and breadth of Black podcasting. Anna DeShawn (Queer News) earned four honors, including the prestigious Legend Award. Fellow indie podcaster Lisa Woolfork (Stitch Please) echoed DeShawn’s big night, sweeping all 3 of her categories.
Music and culture favorite We Sound Crazy Podcast also scored three awards, including the coveted Podcast of the Year. Longtime creator Dominic Lawson (Black Is America) received three new awards, including the peer-voted Podcaster of the Year, bringing his career total to 42.
While over a dozen award acceptance speeches were shared in person, two other winners shared reflections on what the honors meant to them.
“Podcasting is more than a notion!” said Christin Smallwood, host of Untoxicify Your Relationship, which earned Best Religion & Spirituality Podcast. “Creating this body of work has been a labor of love — one that has stretched and strengthened me, and I pray empowers others seeking sustainable, grace-filled relationships.”
“After six years and four other shows, The Mediocre Black Woman — the fifth podcast I’ve hosted — was the first time I ever felt called to submit my work,” said Goddess Theadora, winner of Best Personal Journals Podcast. “To be seen and celebrated by the Black Podcasting Awards means so much. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when you lead with intuition, trust, and faith.”
Follow Black Podcasting Awards on social media @BlackPodAwards to stay updated. Apply for a chance to win at the 2026 Black Podcasting Awards starting May 26, 2026.