Giggly Squad Wins Podcast of the Year at iHeartPodcast Awards

Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo's popular podcast takes top honor at SXSW ceremony

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards were held at Austin's Moody Theater during SXSW, with comedian Ego Nwodim hosting the event. The top prize of Podcast of the Year went to Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo's 'Giggly Squad' podcast, which they launched in 2020 on Instagram. Other winners included Amy Poehler for best comedy podcast, Alex Cooper's 'Call Her Daddy' for best pop-culture podcast, and NPR's 'All Songs Considered' for best music podcast.

Why it matters

The iHeartPodcast Awards recognize the most popular and innovative podcasts, highlighting the continued growth and influence of the medium. Giggly Squad's win showcases the power of personality-driven, conversational podcasts that have built a loyal following, especially among younger audiences. The awards also underscore the diversity of podcast genres and the ability for independent creators to find success alongside established media brands.

The details

Berner and DeSorbo launched Giggly Squad in 2020 on Instagram, describing it as a weekly podcast covering 'pop culture, fashion, mental health moments, and Italian brain rot.' The duo has since taken the show on the road, performing live in-person shows across 70 cities including two sold-out shows at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. In accepting the Podcast of the Year award, Berner joked that DeSorbo initially declined to do the podcast because she 'has a face for television', while DeSorbo thanked their listeners for their support.

  • The 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards Live at SXSW were held on Monday night (March 17, 2026).
  • Giggly Squad launched its podcast in 2020 on Instagram.

The players

Hannah Berner

Co-host of the Giggly Squad podcast, which she launched in 2020 with Paige DeSorbo.

Paige DeSorbo

Co-host of the Giggly Squad podcast, which she launched in 2020 with Hannah Berner.

Ego Nwodim

Comedian and 'SNL' alum who hosted the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards ceremony.

Iliza Shlesinger

Comedian and actor who presented the Podcast of the Year award to Berner and DeSorbo.

Amy Poehler

Winner of the best comedy podcast award for 'Good Hang'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

“We can't promise you'll learn anything, but you will giggle.”

— Hannah Berner, Co-host, Giggly Squad

“Thank you to our listeners for always tuning in.”

— Paige DeSorbo, Co-host, Giggly Squad

“Berner joked that DeSorbo first said 'no' to doing the podcast because she 'has a face for television'.”

— Hannah Berner

The takeaway

The Giggly Squad podcast's Podcast of the Year win at the iHeartPodcast Awards highlights the continued growth and influence of personality-driven, conversational podcasts that have built loyal followings, especially among younger audiences. The awards also showcase the diversity of successful podcast genres, from comedy to news to music, and the ability for independent creators to find success alongside established media brands.