Kaye Adams says “media landscape has radically changed” as she prepares to host Scottish Podcast Awards

Broadcaster Kaye Adams believes podcasts are no longer on the fringes of the media landscape as it was announced that she and stand-up comedian Marc Jennings will host the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards this month. 

The pair, who are both podcasters themselves, will entertain more than 400 people – including many of their fellow hosts – at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Thursday, June 25. 

Kaye, one of Scotland’s best-known radio and television broadcasters, joined the podcasting world four years ago with her show How To Be 60.

The Loose Woman panelist said: “Not that long ago, podcasting was seen as fringe, but that has changed radically in a very short space of time.

“The way we see the whole media landscape now has changed. Now, we talk about good content, and getting good content to people who want to consume it, by whatever means.

“Whether it is television, radio, podcasts or whatever else, people want to access content in the way that suits them. It levels the playing field.

“It feels like night and day since I started my podcast four years ago. It has really taken off.

She continued: “Sometimes it can feel as if it is just you and your little studio, but this event shows there is a bigger community out there and gives us the chance to connect.

“We can all learn from each other — our triumphs and failures — and share knowledge to rise together.

“Perhaps the only problem with the Scottish podcasting scene is that it does not realise how vibrant it is, with so many unique and authentic voices.

“What these awards are trying to do is demonstrate to everyone in the podcasting community, and outside it, the huge potential that is there. It can only grow and get better.”

Kaye’s co-host Marc Jennings will be among those in contention on the night with the Some Laugh podcast, which he hosts alongside fellow comedians Stephen Buchanan and Stuart McPherson, 

Marc, who recently presented the BBC comedy documentary “Why Vote?”, will be competing against one of Scotland’s biggest comedy names, Ford Kiernan, host of The Ford and Shelby Show, in the Spotify Listeners’ Choice Award category, one of 24 awards covering areas including comedy, football, politics, sex, business, culture and entertainment.  

The Scottish Comedian of the Year winner, who has sold out his Edinburgh Fringe show five years in a row, said: “There are a lot of weel-kent faces, particularly from comedy and football involved, so I’m buzzing to be nominated, and to be hosting it.

“We started the podcast off our own backs and didn’t know if anybody would listen, but it has given us the chance to perform live at the Pavilion, interview amazing guests and meet some of our heroes.

“We’ve found a new audience through it. People maybe knew the three of us individually before, but now they get to know us as friends as well. I cannae wait for the awards.” 

According to Ofcom, almost a quarter of adults in Scotland listen to podcasts every week — the highest figure of any UK nation — while nearly half of Gen Z are now regular listeners.

Audiences also have plenty to choose from, with more than 4.5 million podcasts now available worldwide.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Goalhanger, the media production company co-founded by former England footballer Gary Lineker and behind The Rest Is… series of podcasts, is now the fastest-growing business in Britain.

Goalhanger, who have also entered into two categories at this year’s awards, made £37.9 million in sales in 2025, growing at an average annual rate of 321% over the past three years, according to the latest Sunday Times list of the 100 quickest-growing private companies.

The Scottish Podcast Awards, which have been developed by Sixty Steps Productions, founded by Mark Moir, Scot Gardiner and Corrinne Gardiner, attracted more than 400 entries across entertainment, sport, business and culture.

Corrinne said: “We still can’t believe there wasn’t anything like this before. The response has been incredible, whether that was when we announced the categories or put tickets on sale.

“I just can’t wait for the night now. Giving all these creators the chance to come together is only going to make Scotland’s podcasting scene stronger, and we know Scottish podcasts will continue to punch above their weight.

“We’re grateful to all our partners, including Spotify, Go Radio and all the amazing podcasters who entered.

“We can’t wait for the night, which we know will be fantastic, especially with our two brilliant hosts in Kaye and Marc.”

The last remaining tickets are now on sale, here.