Inside the NZ Podcast Awards Judging Panel: The Mistakes, The Standouts & How to Prepare for 2026

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 awardsSimple things judges look for that instantly improve your scoreWhy editing matters just as much as the content itselfHow to choose and present clips in your showreelWhy clarity of audience and purpose is one of the strongest predictors of high scoresThe problem with overusing music in a short submissionHow to track your best episodes throughout the year, so submission time is easierWhat makes a podcast feel polished, intentional, and impactfulMore Resources:Book a Podcast Power Hour Strategy Session: https://www.maxenelondoncreative.co.nz/book-podcast-power-hourWanna 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.