The Black Podcasting Awards (BPAwards) reached a milestone this weekend, hosting its first in-person ceremony during the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival in Baltimore.
Dozens of podcasters and fans filled the Motor House Black Box Theater for a standing-room celebration recognizing 45 wins across arts, health, true crime, and more. The event highlighted the diversity, talent, and innovation within the Black podcasting community.
With awards presented to 29 podcasts, five podcasters, and one network, the ceremony reflected the growing influence of Black voices in digital media.
Anna DeShawn of Queer News earned four honors, including the prestigious Legend Award. Fellow independent podcaster Lisa Woolfork of Stitch Please swept all three of her nominated categories.
Music and culture program We Sound Crazy Podcast took home three awards, including the coveted Podcast of the Year. Longtime creator Dominic Lawson of Black Is America also won three honors, including Podcaster of the Year, bringing his career total to 42.
“Podcasting is more than a notion!” said Christin Smallwood, host of Untoxicify Your Relationship, winner of Best Religion & Spirituality Podcast. “Creating this body of work has been a labor of love — one that has stretched and strengthened me.”
“To be seen and celebrated by the Black Podcasting Awards means so much,” said Goddess Theadora, host of The Mediocre Black Woman, which won Best Personal Journals Podcast. “It’s a reminder of what’s possible when you lead with intuition, trust, and faith.”
The 2025 ceremony celebrated independent creators, industry veterans, and emerging talent redefining how Black stories are shared and heard.
Follow @BlackPodAwards on social media for updates. Applications for the 2026 Black Podcasting Awards open May 26, 2026.
