British Podcast Awards announce first 2026 ambassadors
The British Podcast Awards announces a first-of-its-kind Ambassador role ahead of the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, 1st October 2026 at indigo at The O2.
To mark its tenth anniversary, the British Podcast Awards has introduced its first ever Ambassador programme to recognise influential voices shaping the industry today and give them a more active role in championing outstanding work and emerging talent.
Born out of industry-wide feedback, Ambassadors will be instrumental in representing the heart of the UK podcast industry, playing a central role in a reimagined judging process for 2026. Replacing the traditional Chair of Judges role, the Ambassadors who are drawn from a wide range of genres and formats will work alongside a panel of over 200 judges from across the breadth of British podcasting, bringing a more collective and broader range of perspectives to the process. Theywill also play an active role in selecting this year’s Editor’s Choice winners.
The BPAs is proud to announce this year’s Ambassadors include:
Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan - Known for hosting the inspiring and ground-breaking Life After Prison podcast, Zak and Jules together with the charity the Prison Radio Association (PRA), are a BPAs success story. With multiple nominations and trophies over the years and just after the PRA won Gold for Best Network/Publisher in 2025, Zak and Jules will now be taking on an active role as Ambassadors, working directly with the BPAs in amplifying both those in front of and behind the mic.
With Life After Prison, Zak and Jules have redefined perceptions around prison and life after release, providing listeners with an unfiltered and compelling look into life beyond bars as they candidly shared their own experiences about forging a new path in society after leaving prison.
Since opening up about their personal journeys, Zak and Jules have taken Life After Prison from strength to strength. They have interviewed big names such as musicians Hak Baker and Scorcher and sat down with Britain’s Got TalentGolden Buzzer finalist Nabil Abdulrashid. The pair have held compelling and moving conversations with everyone from prison governors, to victims of county lines grooming, while also sharing inspiration and advice for those navigating life after release and their families.
Zak and Jules are the leading example of how podcasting can break down barriers, grow supportive communities and allow you to reclaim your story on your terms.
Mia Thornton - Recognised as the BPA’s 2025 Rising Star winner, Mia Thornton is a cultural storyteller as much as she is a highly skilled audio producer.
From co-founding the candidly heartwarming Go Off, Sis podcast whilst studying at university to working with the BBC Sounds Audio Lab programme, Mia’s outstanding entry into the world of radio and podcasting has cemented her as 'one to watch’ amongst the audio industry.
Mia’s work with BBC Sounds Audio Lab led her to producing and hosting Instrumental: Black British Trailblazers, a podcast showcasing Black artists that have revolutionised the landscape of UK music. Not only this, Mia’s expertise for creating exceptional digital media projects has taken her to working with a plethora of international brands and initiatives based in UK communities including New Balance, Black Ballad and the NHS. Today as a BPAs Ambassador, Mia further establishes herself as the one of the most promising young names in the UK audio industry.
This year’s winners will be revealed at the awards on Thursday, 1st October 2026, where a bustling crowd of podcasters, celebrities and leading industry names come together to celebrate the incredible scope of the UK podcasting industry.
Get ready for a celebration of podcasting’s finest at the British Podcast Awards 2026 at indigo at the O2 on Thursday, 1st October 2026.
About British Podcast Awards
Now in its 9th year, the British Podcast Awards champions the people both in front of and behind the microphone, giving creators the recognition they deserve. They aim to shine a light on the very best the sector has to offer across a wide range of topics and formats. Whether you’re part of a major studio or a solo podcaster going it alone, the British Podcast Awards is your chance to showcase your skills. Our panel of independent expert judges will be looking for the best and brightest the podcast industry has to offer, recognising those standout shows that elevate the medium and help create an industry that we can all be proud of. We’re looking forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the passion and diversity of podcasting with you.
This is a press release which we link to from Podnews, our daily newsletter about podcasting and on-demand. We may make small edits for editorial reasons.