About

The Story Behind the Awards

The NYC Podcast Awards were born from a simple observation: while podcasting has exploded globally, many exceptional creators—particularly from underrepresented communities—remain overlooked by traditional industry recognition.

Founded in 2025 by Silver Sound, an Emmy-winning production company based in Manhattan, we created these awards to bridge that gap. We believe New York City, as a global crossroads of culture and media, is uniquely positioned to celebrate the full spectrum of audio storytelling talent.

We welcome entries from podcasters and audio creators globally—you don't need to be based in New York City to participate. Our mission is to recognize excellence wherever it originates.

What Makes Us Different

We've structured our fees to ensure emerging creators can participate alongside established studios, with scholarships available for those who need support.

Our awards celebrate three pillars: CRAFT, CONTENT, and CREATOR. Through our CREATOR categories, we specifically honor excellence from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and international voices—ensuring diverse perspectives are central to our recognition.

Beyond the awards themselves, we're creating community experiences that celebrate audio storytelling. Our winners' celebration at Bravo Studios (28th Street, Manhattan) will be accessible at no admission charge. Throughout the year, we'll also host listening parties at venues across New York City, featuring winning work and fostering connections within the audio community.

In a country and world where the audio-only ecosystem needs strengthening, we proudly stand alongside conventions, contests and awards such as the Signal Awards, Ambies, our own Sonic Dash competition, Tribeca Audio, Audioflux, Resonate, ON AIR Fest, Podcast Movement, Audio Spice, and others. Together, we're being the change we want to see—creating spaces where audio creators can not only be recognized but truly thrive.

Enter. Learn. Connect.

Many creators excel at making podcasts but struggle to find their audience. Every entrant to the NYC Podcast Awards receives access to Define Your Win—a three-part online workshop series with keynote speaker Mike Dias. The sessions help you clarify your goals, build authentic audience connections, and activate your network strategically, culminating in Mike's live keynote at the awards ceremony.

This isn't an upsell—it's built into your entry fee. We believe winning a trophy matters, but helping you find your audience and build sustainable creative momentum matters more.

Mike Dias is a veteran of global sales and product strategy who has launched award-winning audio brands, founded the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization, and coached executives worldwide. He created Nobody Likes Networking, a framework that turns reluctant networkers into confident relationship-builders, and produces the podcast Can I Get a Little More Me.

Full workshop details →

The LIBBY Trophy

Designed by artist Zach Shukan of Omega Darling, our trophy, the LIBBY, features a vintage microphone transformed into Lady Liberty—a symbol of both New York's creative spirit and podcasting's power to amplify voices seeking freedom of expression. Each cast trophy represents not just excellence, but the democratic ideals of accessible storytelling.

About Silver Sound

Silver Sound brings decades of audio excellence to the NYC Podcast Awards. Our work has premiered and won at Tribeca, and we've collaborated with companies like ESPN's 30 for 30, HBO, Netflix, The New York Times, Apple, Spotify, National Geographic, and The New Yorker on some of their most ambitious audio projects.