How It All Began
The Podcast Academy was founded in February 2020 by 17 industry leaders who saw the need for a professional membership organization to support and celebrate podcasting.
Their vision: create a space where creators could grow, connect, and be recognized for excellence in their craft.
Today, our 20‑member Board of Governors—elected by our members—continues to guide that mission forward.
Our Mission
The Podcast Academy is a professional membership organization that celebrates excellence in podcasting and elevates awareness of podcasts as an indispensable medium for entertainment, information, and creative expression.
We value individual and organizational creators alike, of all backgrounds and means, and define achievement through the values of quality, creativity, innovation, inclusion, and impact.
We provide community, professional development, and industry connections through inclusive, dynamic programming.
What Members Get
- 🎓 Mentorship program connecting members to industry veterans
- 🎤 Educational panels, workshops, and Q&As
- 🤝 Virtual & in‑person networking events
- 🗳️ Voting rights for The Ambies®
- 💬 Access to a private Slack community
- 📣 Visibility through member spotlights and social promotion
Explore Membership Options
Building the Future
Our Mentorship Program has helped over 300 creators sharpen their skills, grow their audiences, and navigate their careers.
Each cohort is mentee‑led and mentor‑supported, with guidance tailored to personal goals across workflow, monetization, and strategy.
What Makes the Ambies Different
The Ambies® are a peer-based, industry-led celebration of excellence in podcasting.
In 2025, over 130 Blue Ribbon Panelists reviewed 1,500+ submissions across 28 categories, plus the Governors and Impact Awards.
Watch the 2025 Ambies
