Pardon My Take added another major accolade to its growing list of achievements, taking home the Best Sports Podcast honor at the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards.
The Barstool Sports podcast, hosted by Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Eric “PFT Commenter” Sollenberger, topped a strong field of nominees that included New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce, The Zach Lowe Show from The Ringer, Club 520 from The Volume, and The Ringer Fantasy Football Show, all of which have carved out loyal audiences and strong industry reputations in their own right.
Held Monday night at SXSW in Austin, Texas, the iHeartPodcast Awards brought together some of the most recognizable voices and personalities in the medium, highlighting both the growth of podcasting and the increasing influence it holds across sports, entertainment and culture, with the ceremony taking place at ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
Comedian Ego Nwodim hosted the event, which streamed live on VEEPS, aired across select iHeartMedia radio stations.
While the awards spotlight a wide range of categories and genres, the Best Sports Podcast distinction remains one of the most competitive, given the influx of athlete-driven shows, network-backed productions and independent creators all vying for attention in a crowded space.
That context makes the continued success of Pardon My Take even more notable, especially as the show has maintained its identity by blending satire, locker room-style humor and insightful interviews, creating a product that resonates with both diehard sports fans and casual listeners alike.
Additionally, the program’s consistency and ability to evolve without losing its core voice have played a key role in its longevity, allowing it to remain culturally relevant while many competitors have struggled to sustain similar momentum.
The ceremony also featured appearances from a wide array of presenters and personalities, including Clayton Echard, Eric Andre, Iliza Shlesinger, Jennie Garth and Karen Kilgariff, along with podcast figures and digital creators who continue to shape the medium’s direction.
Podcast of the Year winners Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo were among those recognized during the evening, while iHeartMedia also honored Jay Shetty, Terry Gross and Hrishikesh Hirway with Icon Awards for their contributions to the space, underscoring the diverse impact podcasting now has across multiple genres.
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