In a world where digital audio content is burgeoning, the Golden Lobes Podcast Awards 2025 have emerged as a beacon, spotlighting the crème de la crème of comedy podcasting. Held on May 8, 2025, at the illustrious Clapham Grand in London, this inaugural event, orchestrated by the team behind the Cheerful Earful Podcast Festival, honored the funniest podcasts, podcasters, and moments that have kept audiences worldwide in stitches.
🏆 A Night of Laughter and Recognition
The Genesis of the Golden Lobes
The Golden Lobes were conceived to celebrate the diverse and dynamic world of comedy podcasts. With over 200 submissions from across the globe, the awards recognized both indie creators and mainstream giants, ensuring a level playing field where humor was the ultimate criterion.
Adelicious: Powering the Laughter
Adelicious, a leader in podcast advertising, played a pivotal role as the headline partner, underscoring the industry’s commitment to nurturing comedic talent. Andrew Goldsmith, CEO of Adelicious, remarked, “Comedy podcasts bring joy to millions. It’s time they receive the recognition they deserve with their own dedicated awards.”
🌟 Highlights of the Evening
Frank Skinner: The First Lobes Legend
A stalwart of British comedy, Frank Skinner was honored with the inaugural Lobes Legend Award for his unparalleled contributions to funny audio. From his acclaimed radio shows to his recent podcasting ventures, Skinner’s influence is indelible. In his acceptance speech, he quipped, “Advice to you, young kids – just don’t die, until at least in your late 60s.”
“This Paranormal Life” Takes the Big Ears Award
The independently produced podcast, This Paranormal Life, clinched the prestigious Big Ears Award for the funniest podcast. Their unique blend of supernatural tales and irreverent humor captivated both the jury and audiences alike.
🏅 Comprehensive List of Winners
Major Categories
- Big Ears Award (Funniest Podcast):This Paranormal Life
- Highly Commended: Brainwash Me with Poppy Hillstead, Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things
- Lobes Legend (Services to Funny Audio): Frank Skinner
- Best Guest:Joe Marler’s Things People Do (featuring Josh, a chimney sweep from Bristol)
- Highly Commended: Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things, I’m So Not Over It
- Best Scripted Podcast:Harford: An Oral History
- Highly Commended: Oz 9
- Best Earworm:Harry Hill’s Are We There Yet?
- Highly Commended: 101 Part Time Jobs with Giles Bidder, CheapShow
- Grower Not a Shower: CheapShow
- Listener’s Lobe (Fan Favourite): Legitimate Likes
Performance and Creativity
- Best Blooper: I’ve Had A Rosé, Let’s Talk About Feelings with Sam Lake
- Best Listener Moment:Single Ladies In Your Area
- Highly Commended: 40ish
- Best Live Show:Lateral with Tom Scott
- Highly Commended: The Guilty Feminist, Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith
- Best Social:Thots TV
- Highly Commended: PastMaster: Reshaping History With AI
- Best Tangent: Ghastly Women
- Best Artwork:Go Home, You’re Drunk!
- Highly Commended: Rural Concerns, Dungeons & Dickheads
🎤 The Ceremony: A Blend of Humor and Surprise
Hosted by comedians and viral sensations Sam O’Leary and Tom Lawrinson, the evening was replete with laughter and unexpected moments. Surprise appearances from personalities like Steven Barlett and Gary Lineker added to the excitement, though some attendees humorously speculated it was comedian Mark Silcox in disguise.
🏛️ The Venue: The Clapham Grand
A historic venue built in 1900, The Clapham Grand has been at the forefront of entertainment for over a century. Ally Wolf, the venue’s manager, expressed pride in hosting the first-ever comedy podcast awards, stating, “Hosting the first ever comedy podcast awards, an entertainment format which is grabbing the world’s ears by storm, makes complete (non) sense!”
🌐 The Significance of the Golden Lobes
In an era where podcasting has become a dominant form of entertainment, the Golden Lobes stand as a testament to the power of humor in audio storytelling. By recognizing both established and emerging talents, the awards have set a new benchmark in celebrating comedic excellence.
