Have You Heard of These Award-Winning Iowa Podcasts?

The Iowa Podcast Awards took place in Cedar Rapids this weekend, celebrating "nearly 100 nominated podcasts created right here in Iowa!"

There were 28 awards handed out over the course of the evening, but the big winner was Confused Breakfast, which was awarded ‘Podcast of the Year.’ The show also won for ‘Best Ensemble Hosts’ and ‘Best Entertainment Podcast.' Confused Breakfast is a hit podcast where hosts Mike Schulte, AJ Vens, and Sean Prior discuss beloved films from their childhood, like Dirty Dancing, American Pie, Christmas Vacation, and Back to the Future. They even had comedian and podcaster Bert Kreischer on the show to reminisce about Caddyshack!

Here are some of the other big winners from Sunday night's Iowa Podcast Awards:

• People's Choice Award - On The Pen With Dave Knapp
  • "By bridging the gap between medical expertise and the everyday experiences of those living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, I strive to foster an informed and empowered community. Join me as we explore the possibilities of medical advancements, celebrate the milestones of personal journeys, and continue to push the boundaries of what it means to live a healthier, more fulfilled life."​

• Best History Podcast - Relevant or Irrelevant
  • "In this weekly show, hosts John Kealey and Jay Swords examine events of history through the discussion of books, journal articles, papers, and presentations, then historians and history buffs ask the question, what is relevant or irrelevant in today’s world."
• Best Sports Podcast - Washed Up Walkons
  • "The Washed Up Walkons podcast was born out of our passion for Iowa football. The three of us along with several other former teammates were having an entertaining discussion about our playing days. We started joking that we should start a show where we could let the public in on some of the amazing inside experiences that we had created. So, we did just that."

• Best Fiction Podcast - Myths of Myria
  • "From the mind of Alan Way comes Myths of Myria, a brand new fantasy podcast featuring an incredible world brought to life using live-play sessions of Dungeons & Dragons."
• Best Wellness/Relationship Podcast - Beautiful View
  • "In our Beautiful View Podcast we aim to create a space to encourage our listeners to always take time to look for a beautiful view. We discuss various topics such as our time of living fulltime and traveling in an RV, raising children/teens, marriage, family, friends, community, and faith. We hope to inspire and encourage our listeners as we share pieces of our story in an engaging way."

• Best Business Podcast - Real Success with Nate Kaeding
  • "The Real Success podcast is a collection of conversations with Iowa-connected doers about success, purpose and what makes them tick. We hope you'll learn something new about these notable leaders and help further define what real success means to you."
• Best Food & Beverage Podcast and Best Video Podcast - Great American Whiskey Cookers
  • "We are going to take you behind the scenes with the craft distillers who are pouring their heart and soul into crafting the next version of America’s spirit. We are going to show you how they make it, the struggles they are having, and introduce you to some interesting characters across this land of ours."

• Best Society and Culture Podcast - Breaking Barriers
  • "Breaking Barriers is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging podcast (DEI&B) that’s all about having raw conversations. Companies have been 'using' diversity as a buzzword to distract from the truth. With our guests, we will talk about the real issues that create barriers to a diverse, equitable, inclusive culture where people feel like they belong."
• Best Emerging Podcast - The Man Stream Podcast
  • "In each episode, we unravel the latest in the world of sports, bringing you insightful commentary, spirited debates, and a hearty dose of the passion that fuels the games we love. From the thrill of the victory to the agony of defeat, we explore the emotional rollercoaster that is the sports realm."

• Best Independent Interview Podcast - Deck Diaries
  • "Welcome to the Deck
    Hosted by Tabbatha and Meg
    Real Truths, Real Stories, Real Healing, Real Friends"
• Best Comedy Podcast - REMelations: A Comedy Dream Interpretation Podcast
  • "Every week, Mindy and Brooke delve into the authentic dreams shared by their most treasured guest – you, the listener! Tune in and discover their take on your most terrifying and whimsical adventures from the land of nod."

• Best Pop Culture Podcast - The Big Thunder
  • "Join Abby and Beau for the latest entertainment and theme park news out of Disney and Universal, and play along with the game of the week!"

• Best Affiliated Interview Podcast - Watts Happening
  • "Enjoy captivating interviews with characters from the Eastern Iowa Corridor as Watts Group's President & CEO, Gary Watts, sits down with local business leaders, accomplished athletes, industry experts, and more!"

• Best Education Podcast - Music Ed Insights
  • "Dr. Steve Shanley, Alan Feirer, and national thought leaders explore current issues in music education, with practical application for K-12 music educators."

You can check out all of the 2024 Iowa Podcast Awards winners HERE!