Slushno Awards Turns 5: Winners of Ukraine’s Leading Audio Award Announced

The winners of the fifth-anniversary edition of the Slushno Awards, Ukraine’s premier and only dedicated podcasting prize, were announced on October 1 in Kyiv. Founded by MEGOGO, an international media service, the Slushno Awards have grown over five years into a landmark event for Ukraine’s audio community, celebrating the country’s most influential and creative podcasters. Since its inception, 670 Ukrainian podcasts have taken part, with more than 70 projects recognized across various categories.

This year’s edition not only showcased excellence in podcasting but also reflected the increasing importance of audio content in times of instability, alongside the fast-paced growth and transformation of the Ukrainian podcast industry.

How the Winners Were Chosen

As in previous years, the award results were determined equally by public voting and expert jury assessments (50/50). In 2025, 168 podcasts were submitted, with 62 projects making the shortlist across 12 categories. Nearly 20,000 votes were cast by listeners — the highest number in the award’s history.

“Despite the full-scale invasion that has been ongoing in Ukraine for almost four years, the country’s podcast community continues to grow, evolve, and diversify. This year we saw an impressive variety of genres — from documentaries and talk shows to investigative and educational formats. It’s a clear sign that Ukrainian creators keep finding new voices and audiences, no matter the circumstances.

“For MEGOGO, Slushno Awards has always been about more than just prizes — it’s about nurturing a sustainable community of authors, listeners, and partners who shape the future of Ukrainian audio storytelling,” said Valeriia Tolochyna, Global Chief Marketing Officer at MEGOGO and producer of the award.

The winners and the juries

2025 Slushno Award Winners: Main Categories

• Best Independent Podcast — F1Podcast
  Author: Maks Podzigun, Formula 1 commentator.
• Best Culture & Arts Podcast — UNZIP by Suspilne Media
  Author: Albert Tsukrenko, host and researcher of Ukrainian musical identity.
• Best Information Podcast — Khroniky Ekonomiky (Chronicles of the Economy) by Ukrainska Pravda
  Authors: Dana Hordiichuk & Yaroslav Vinokurov, journalists at Economichna Pravda
• Best Interview Podcast — Ne pid zapys
  Authors: Anna Davydenko & Oleksandra Pogorila, PR specialist and founder of strategic communications agency UAGENCY.
• Best History Podcast — Sektsiia (The Section) by Sebto Media
  Author: Olga Fokaf, researcher of Ukrainian history and medical professionals at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries.
• Best Business Podcast — Zakryv Round
  Authors: Illia Kabachynskyi & Anton Polieskov, experts on Ukrainian tech business.
• Best Podcast on Literature & Reading — Zapakh Slova by hromadske
  Authors: Yevhenii Stasinevych & Serhii Chyrkov, researchers of Ukrainian literature and culture.
• Best Entertainment Podcast — UNZIP by Suspilne Media
  Author: Albert Tsukrenko, host and researcher of Ukrainian musical identity.
• Best Health, Relationships & Self-Development Podcast — Podcast Zdorovoi Lyudyny by Radio SKOVORODA
  Author: Tetiana Vdovychenko, host and medical expert.
• Best Science & Technology Podcast — Bude tobi nauka by Kunsht
  Authors: Podcast team — promoting science and technology in Ukraine.
• Best Sports Podcast — F1Podcast
  Author: Maks Podzigun, Formula 1 commentator.
• Best Podcast on Professions — Lyudyna v Pikseli by Radio SKOVORODA
  Author:Vitalii Kyryliv, active serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Department of Development and Innovation of Weapons, National Academy of Land Forces.

Special Grants and Recognitions

• The Grand Prix went to the podcast “The Terrorist Attack Near the Sports Palace” by the Suspilne Kharkiv team. The authors received 100,000 UAH for project development from MEGOGO, with the winner selected by the MEGOGO AUDIO editorial team.
• The Podcast of the Year (Audience Choice) award went to F1Podcast, hosted by Maks Podzihun, a Formula 1 commentator.
• Zapakh Slova received 50,000 UAH from the partner MEGOGO BOOKS an online book store.
• Zvukopys Ukrainskoho Dyzainu received 50,000 UAH from the official partner OMD Optimum Media Ukraine.
• Syla Smilyvykh (by independent podcaster Olena Vorobiova) received a grant for producing and recording 10 episodes from the general partner Maincast.
• A Vesla De? also received a 10-episode production grant from Maincast.
• A special recognition from the Slushno Award team for a relevant and important project during wartime went to the podcast “Koly Vin Pishov” by Andrii Gotsuliak and TWR UA studio, with a 20,000 UAH prize from MEGOGO.

Official partners included Bolt, providing ride discounts for guests, and Spraga, which released a limited-edition “Slushno” kombucha for the event.