In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be a judge on the New Zealand Podcast Awards panel.

With submissions now closed and winners about to be announced, this is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next year’s awards, and what you can be doing right now to give yourself the best possible shot.

While the official judging criteria is confidential, I’m sharing the general trends I noticed: what made certain entries stand out, where others slipped up, and the small details that make a surprisingly big difference. From editing and flow, to audience clarity, to crafting a strong showreel, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying today.

Whether you want to win a podcast award next year, or you simply want to improve the quality and impact of your show, you’ll take away clear, implementable tips to elevate your storytelling, production, and overall listener experience.

In this episode:

• The most common mistakes podcasters make when submitting to awards
• Simple things judges look for that instantly improve your score
• Why editing matters just as much as the content itself
• How to choose and present clips in your showreel
• Why clarity of audience and purpose is one of the strongest predictors of high scores
• The problem with overusing music in a short submission
• How to track your best episodes throughout the year, so submission time is easier
• What makes a podcast feel polished, intentional, and impactful

More Resources:

• Book a Podcast Power Hour Strategy Session: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/book-podcast-power-hour

Wanna go deeper?

🎙️ For resources: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/blog

🙋‍♀️ To work with me: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/podcasting-services

📱 To get connected: @wannapodcast & @maxenelondoncreative

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