The Golden Globes announced a Best Podcast category for next year, aiming to acknowledge the booming world of audio content. But at LAX, No Jumper host Adam22 wasn’t holding back—he predicts that fans of real podcast culture should brace themselves for disappointment.
“It’s old media basically feeling like they can be the judge, jury, and executioner for new media,” Adam22 said bluntly.
Legacy vs. Street Culture
Adam22 isn’t optimistic about the Globes honoring underground or niche voices. He predicts awards could go to figures like the Obamas, rather than spotlighting the newest, cutting-edge creators in the podcasting world.
“To them, Theo Von is Hitler,” he joked, referencing how mainstream media often misinterprets edgy, street-level voices.
In fact, Theo Von and his team have publicly stated that they have no interest in pursuing the award, according to The Ankler. Adam22 aligns with this sentiment, emphasizing the disconnect between Hollywood’s elite and the streets.
When asked if he would consider putting himself in the running, he laughed:
“Nah, I’m too niche. They don’t care about what’s going on in the streets.”
Not on the Nominee List
Unfortunately, Adam22’s No Jumper podcast, along with Plug Talk, wasn’t listed among the 25 eligible podcasts for the award. This omission further fuels his skepticism about how seriously Hollywood will take the new category.
The Golden Globes are voted on by members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a 300-member international group of entertainment journalists, leaving critics like Adam22 questioning whether the system can fairly recognize the diverse, modern podcast landscape.
Behind the Scenes of the Golden Globes’ Move
Adding podcasts is the Globes’ latest attempt to remain relevant, following prior changes like expanding diversity in its voting body in 2023. But Adam22 sees it as more performative than substantive, aimed at appearing hip without fully understanding or engaging with the pulse of new media culture.
Adam22: “They don’t know what’s really going on out there. It’s all optics.”
Fans and industry insiders alike are debating whether Hollywood will ever truly value independent and niche podcasts—or if awards shows will continue favoring safe, high-profile choices over authentic voices from the streets.
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for exclusive interviews and reactions from the podcast world as the 2026 Golden Globes approach.
