Check out the 10 shows nominated for Podcast of the Year at the 2022 Ambies

The Ambies (Awards for Excellence in Audio) have released their 10 nominees for “Podcast of the Year,” and we could not be more stoked. The award is sponsored by Audacy. On their list are some podcasts we know and love, like Pineapple Street Studio’s “9/12” and Lemonada’s “Believe Her” as well as podcasts that have somehow passed us by, like “Alligator Candy” and “Earth Eclipsed” (brb, listening now!).

From true crime to fictional drama, these podcast are the cream of the crop. Check out the full list below:

9/12

While 9/11 changed the world as we knew it, the day after is what became even more pivotal, as people woke up to a changed world. In Pineapple Street Studio’s “9/12,” host Dan Taberski shifts the focus from that tragic day to the day after and the stories that emerged. Over seven episodes, he looks at different stories, from those who lost family and friends, to Muslims who were suddenly faced with misplaced rage and violence, to Onion writers, to joke-conspiracy theorists who realized some people aren’t joking, and many more.

A Slight Change of Plans

Maya Shankar’s “A Slight Change of Plans” studies the science behind human behavior, namely when it comes to making radical change. The show was inspired by her own sudden change in plans, going from a dropout prodigious violinist at Juilliard University to earning her PhD and founding the White House Behavioral Science Team. In this Pushkin Industries podcast, she speaks with other people who have made immense changes in their own lives and subsequently, the world.

Alligator Candy

On October 28, 1973, 11-year-old Jon Kushner biked through a suburban Florida forest to buy candy from a 7/11 for his little brother and never came back. Now, decades later, that little brother, David Kushner, is an accomplished author and journalist determined to find out more. At the time, Tampa was thought to be a safe community, and Jon’s disappearance shook the town. Based on his own book by the same title, “Alligator Candy” pieces together police reports, interviews, and the Kushner family’s own memories to tell the entire story of what happened to his brother, his family, and his town.

Believe Her

Lemonada Media’s “Believe Her” is a true crime series hosted by journalist Justine van der Leun, investigating the case of Nikki Addimando, who shot and killed her partner, Chris Grover, in 2017. Despite arguing that the killing was an act of self-defense, Nikki was sentenced to 19 years in prison. “Believe Her” explores the point where survival means violence, and victims receive little sympathy at the hands of the justice system.

The Bill Simmons Podcast

One of the leading minds in sports analysis, Bill Simmons hosts this Ringer podcast “The Bill Simmons Show.” This three times weekly show is the most downloaded sports podcast of all time – and for good reason. With a rotating cast of guests including celebrities, athletes, and media staples, Bill and Co. are talking sports’ biggest stories from across the NBA, NFL, the WWE and more.

Earth Eclipsed

“Earth Eclipsed” is an immersive audio series about the fictional Dr. Alexine Prometh. When information on a top secret project she’s leading leaks, she is surprised to find herself battling a company searching for a scapegoat. While mourning the loss of her breakthrough that would save millions across the galaxy, she is suddenly kidnapped. Set in the distant future, “Earth Eclipsed” tells the story of the fate of the Abacus Project, explores the inner mechanisms of a utopian society, and asks how far someone would go to preserve humanity. 

False Idol

The double-amputee sprinter from South Africa, Oscar Pistorius, was widely considered the greatest Paralympian of all time. He ran on carbon fiber legs, broke world records, inspired millions, became a hero in his country, and even became the first amputee to compete at the Olympic Games back in 2012. Six months later, he shot and killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. “False Idol” reexamines Pistorious’ legacy, following his fall into infamy, deconstructing his once-heroic image, and honors the life of Reeva Steenkamp. Not only that, but host and journalist Tim Rohan tries to find out what led Pistorious to murder.

Have You Heard George’s Podcast?

From BBC Sounds, George the Poet hosts “Have You Heard George’s Podcast?” In it, he looks at inner city life through a unique mix of storytelling, music, and works of fiction. The podcast is a deeper look into his inner musings, where he examines topics like the give-and-take between crime and music in his community, the relationship between his community and law enforcers, his love life, the Grenfall Tower tragedy, and more.

Hooked

Tony Hathaway is one of the most prolific bank robbers in history. Over the course of just one year, he robbed 30 banks within a 30-mile radius of his home. But before he was a bank robber, one that sent law enforcement and the FBI on a wild goose-chase, he was a top design engineer at Boeing, jet-setting around the world in first class on their 747s. So why the bank robbing? After multiple back surgeries, he became addicted to Oxycontin and ultimately became a victim of America’s opioid epidemic. He turned from medically prescribed heroin to actual heroin, and to keep up his drug habit, he became one of the greatest bank robbers anyone has ever seen. Follow his story in “Hooked.”

The Imperfection

Charlie and Amber’s psychiatrist has gone missing – or perhaps been erased from existence entirely. The doctor specialized in treating their condition, which causes wild hallucinations, leaving them unsure if what they know is actually real. But what they do know is they must gather their doctor’s other patients to search for him, since no one else believes them. Their journey brings them into contact with secret societies and hidden boroughs underneath the groundwork of New York City. “The Imperfection” follows their story.