Signal Awards Party Recap

I, Captain Ron, could not fly across the country to Brooklyn to attend the Signal Awards party and celebrate all the winners. Fortunately, my two podcast industry friends, Jenn (Salad with a Side of Fries) and Quinn (Podcast Producer) were able to partake in the festivities and write up the following.

From Quinn:

On a brisk November evening in Brooklyn, The Signal Awards’ Winners Party transformed Public Records into a vibrant celebration of the people and podcasts defining our culture. This exclusive event was more than a party—it was a moment to honor the creativity, impact, and storytelling prowess that make podcasting a vital part of modern life.

The Signal Awards, now in its third year, is a mission-driven recognition of the most impactful and groundbreaking audio projects in the medium. With an esteemed Judging Academy made up of industry pioneers, the awards set a high bar for excellence, elevating work that pushes creative boundaries. This year’s winners—announced on October 29, 2024—represent a diverse array of storytellers, from cultural curators and entrepreneurs to comedians and athletes.

A Venue Full of Energy

Public Records, tucked into the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn was the perfect place for the event. Known for its unique blend of contemporary design and urban charm, the venue’s character was woven seamlessly into the event’s energy. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the visuals of the year’s standout podcast cover art—each piece an homage to the creators behind the mics.

From the moment you stepped inside The Atrium the space felt alive, with its towering plants and window to the night sky, the tone was set for a vibrant yet relaxed celebration. Outside, The Nursery offered an open-air retreat where guests could grab fresh air and take in the crisp Brooklyn night.

The upstairs lounge was a hub of action and joy as winners claimed their prizes and captured the moment in photos. The space radiated celebration—winners grinning ear-to-ear as their accomplishments were immortalized against the backdrop of the podcasting community that supported them.

The venue’s thoughtful design and top-notch sound system made everything feel polished yet personal, and Public Records became the perfect canvas to bring the awards to life.

Spotlight on Culture-Shaping Voices

This year’s event marked a new milestone as The Signal Awards introduced its first-ever Special Achievement Award, honoring creators whose work has defined and elevated the podcasting medium. The inaugural recipients couldn’t have been more deserving.

Esther Perel, known for her groundbreaking podcast Where Should We Begin?, has created a space where listeners feel seen and heard through deeply personal, transformative conversations. And Las Culturistas co-hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang have turned their sharp humor and cultural commentary into a phenomenon that’s as insightful as it is hilarious.

Both Perel and Rogers spoke during the evening, sharing heartfelt reflections on their journeys and the power of podcasting to build bridges and spark conversations that matter. Their words resonated deeply with the crowd, underscoring the night’s central theme: the podcasting medium as a driving force for cultural change.

Recognizing Podcasting’s Finest

The awards themselves highlighted a diverse range of voices, from iconic names like Oprah Winfrey and Anderson Cooper to indie creators making waves in the industry. The Listener’s Choice Awards, which drew an unprecedented 170,000 votes from nearly 75,000 listeners worldwide, further highlighted the deep connection between podcasts and their audiences.

Throughout the night, conversations touched on the incredible breadth of the podcasting landscape. Whether it was a discussion about a niche independent show or excitement over the big-name winners, the passion in the room was undeniable.

A Community Worth Celebrating

The party wasn’t just about trophies or speeches—it was about people. Guests mingled over drinks, swapped stories, and toasted to the shared love of podcasting. The DJ kept the energy upbeat with a playlist that felt as diverse and dynamic as the crowd itself.

By the end of the night, as guests filed out into the Brooklyn streets, there was a collective sense of pride in how far podcasting has come—and excitement for where it’s heading. The Signal Awards Winners Party wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder that the power of storytelling and the community behind it is worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts from Jenn:

Quinn really said it all and described the night so you can feel like you were there with us!

I’ll just say that it was an industry insiders event and after a guy in the street asked me “what was happening in there?!” I was even more excited. After fan-girling over Esther Perel, it was a time to see old friends and make new ones (as we do #podsquad). More than that though, as an independent podcaster and podcast coach, it was an honor to be in that room. This is what inspires! Conversations with those whose hard work creates art encourage those of us with smaller (ahem nonexistent for many) teams to level up our work and to continue to submit for awards, like the Signal Awards.

Huge thanks to the Signal Awards team for their hospitality and bringing such a diverse group together to celebrate our craft!

Here’s looking forward to next year's winners' party! Maybe Quinn and I will be there as honorees?! 😉