Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo’s Giggly Squad Wins Podcast of the Year
In a remarkable achievement, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo’s podcast, Giggly Squad, was awarded Podcast of the Year at the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards. The ceremony, held at SXSW, recognized the duo’s engaging content and the strong connection they have built with their audience. Their victory is a testament to the growing popularity of podcasts, particularly those hosted by personalities from reality television.
The event, hosted by comedian Ego Nwodim, took place in Austin, Texas, and celebrated a variety of podcasts across multiple categories. Giggly Squad stood out among fierce competition, including notable shows like Good Hang With Amy Poehler and Call Her Daddy. This recognition not only highlights the podcast’s success but also reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment where reality stars are making significant inroads into the podcasting realm.
During the awards, other categories were also celebrated, with Good Hang winning Best Comedy Podcast and Wisecrack taking home the award for Best Crime Podcast. The diversity of winners illustrates the broad appeal of podcasting, catering to various tastes and interests. The event was a star-studded affair, featuring appearances from celebrities like Will Ferrell and Iliza Shlesinger, further underscoring the prominence of the podcasting industry.
Berner and DeSorbo, both alums of Bravo’s Summer House, have successfully leveraged their television fame into a thriving podcasting career. Their blend of humor and relatable discussions has resonated well with listeners, contributing to their growing fan base. The recognition at the iHeartPodcast Awards is likely to amplify their reach and encourage more listeners to tune in.
This year’s awards also included special recognitions, such as the Social Impact Award presented to Jay Shetty for his work on mental health discussions and the Audible Audio Pioneer Award awarded to Terry Gross. Such accolades reflect the commitment of the podcasting community to address important social issues while entertaining audiences.
The success of Giggly Squad is indicative of a larger trend where podcasts serve as platforms for diverse voices and stories, allowing hosts to engage with audiences in more intimate ways. As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, Berner and DeSorbo’s win may inspire other creators to explore this dynamic medium.
