Black Podcasting Awards 2025 Winners | First Live Ceremony Highlights
The Black Podcasting Awards (BPAwards) reached a historic milestone this weekend, hosting its first-ever in-person ceremony during the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival in Baltimore. The event, held at the Motor House’s Black Box Theater, was a standing-room-only celebration of Black creativity in podcasting, shining a spotlight on the stories, voices, and talent shaping the industry today.
This year, the BPAwards recognized 29 shows, five podcasters, and one network across 45 award categories, highlighting a mix of veteran creators and emerging voices.
Podcast of the Year: We Sound Crazy Podcast Dominates
The biggest winner of the night was “We Sound Crazy Podcast”, which earned Podcast of the Year alongside two additional awards. Known for its engaging coverage of music and culture, the podcast has captivated audiences with its authenticity, humor, and insightful discussions.
Other multiple-award winners included:
Dominic Lawson of Black Is America – took home three awards, including Podcaster of the Year, raising his career total to 42.
Anna DeShawn of Queer News – walked away with four awards, including the Legend Award.
Lisa Woolfork of Stitch Please – earned three honors for her indie show.
BPAwards: Celebrating Black Podcasting Excellence
Founded in 2020, the Black Podcasting Awards is a non-profit initiative designed to recognize, celebrate, and uplift Black podcast creators.
The BPAwards’ mission includes:
Spotlighting diverse voices in the podcasting community
Encouraging innovation and creativity among creators
Providing a peer-voted platform to highlight excellence
Goddess Theadora, winner of Best Personal Journals Podcast for The Mediocre Black Woman, emphasized the significance of recognition:
“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.”
Voices of the Winners: Reflections and Inspiration
The awards ceremony provided a platform for winners to share the deeper meaning behind their work.
Christin Smallwood, host of Untoxicify Your Relationship (Best Religion & Spirituality Podcast), said:
“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.”
For many creators, the awards validate years of dedication, effort, and storytelling that amplify Black voices across the podcasting landscape.
2025 Black Podcasting Awards Full Winners List
The BPAwards honored an impressive range of shows, reflecting the diversity and creativity of Black podcasters.
Top Winners:
Podcast of the Year:We Sound Crazy Podcast
Podcaster of the Year: Dominic Lawson (Black Is America)
Legend Award: Anna DeShawn, Bernard P. Achampong, Wize Grazette (tie)
Best Arts Podcast:Stitch Please
Best Black Girl Magic Podcast:Stitch Please
Best Blerd Podcast:Vaguely Nerdy
Best Culture Podcast:We Sound Crazy Podcast
Best History Podcast:Our Ancestors Were Messy
Best Indie Podcast:Un(con)Trolled
Best Music Podcast:R&B N’ Chill
Best Business Podcast:How I Crushed It
Best Education Podcast:The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators
Best Entrepreneur Podcast:Build to Enough
Best Episode of the Year:Black Is America
Best Family and Parenting Podcast:Early Risers
Best Film and Television Podcast:Vaguely Nerdy
Best Guest Appearance: Dr. Ed Garnes on How Y’all Healing?
Best Health and Wellness Podcast:It’s About Damn Time
Best Hosting Team:We Sound Crazy Podcast
Best International Podcast:Rigour & Flow with Aiwan and Tamanda
Best LGBTQ Podcast:Queer News
Best Limited Series:LA Made: The Other Moonshot
Best Literary Podcast:But Make It Books
Best Longtime Podcast:Stitch Please
Best New Podcast:Thrive with Joy
Best News Podcast:Queer News
Best Personal Development Podcast:The Letters & Layers Podcast
Best Personal Journals Podcast:The Mediocre Black Woman
Best Podcast Cover Art:But Make It Books
Best Podcast Network:Owls Education Company
Best Producer: Quincy L. Lewis
Best Relationship Podcast:Love, The Amazing Clarks
Best Religion and Spirituality Podcast:Untoxicify Your Relationship
Best Science and Technology Podcast:B The Way Forward
Best Scripted Fiction Podcast:Alpha 8
Best Sex Podcast:Love, The Amazing Clarks
Best Solo Host:Queer News
Best Sound Design:Our Ancestors Were Messy
Best Sports Podcast:Club 520 Podcast
Best True Crime Podcast:Cold and Untold
Best Youth Podcast:What’s Poppin’ Penny?
Looking Ahead: BPAwards 2026
The organizers are already looking toward next year’s celebration. Applications for the 2026 Black Podcasting Awards will open 26 May 2026, continuing the mission to uplift and amplify Black voices in the podcasting space.
As the industry grows, the BPAwards will remain a crucial platform for creators seeking recognition, community, and impact.
Why the Black Podcasting Awards Matter
In a world where digital content is omnipresent, platforms like the BPAwards are essential for celebrating representation and creativity.
Key takeaways from the 2025 ceremony:
Diverse storytelling matters: Recognizing shows from multiple genres empowers creators and audiences alike.
Community recognition fuels growth: Peer-voted awards highlight collaboration and respect within the Black podcasting community.
Inspiration for the next generation: Winners serve as role models for aspiring podcasters seeking to share their voices.