Podomedy’s hit wrestling comedy podcast, Wrestling With the Champ, has clinched a 2025 Best Sport nomination at the Audio Production Awards. The multi award-nominated wrestling comedy podcast brings parody, character voices, and storytelling together to lampoon the world of professional wrestling while celebrating its spectacle. The nod puts Podomedy’s flagship series alongside major players in sports audio, proving that independent creators can hold their own in the ring with the best of British audio production.
It also marks a milestone moment for Podomedy, an independent podcast network launched in 2023 as a creative playground for comedy podcasters, which produces and supports shows that regularly punch above their weight in both storytelling and audience reach.
This year’s APAs from AudioUK, sponsored by Audible, celebrate 15 years of excellence across the audio and podcast industry. The star-studded event will take place on 27 November at the BFI Southbank in London, hosted by broadcaster Remel London.
A comedy wrestling podcast in the big leagues
Wrestling With the Champ, created by Damien St John and Ant McGinley, has built a loyal fanbase by parodying the world of professional wrestling through the eyes of The Champ, an egotistical minnow till living his gimmick in the Pub Wrestling Federation. Combining character comedy, improv, and genuine love for the sport, the show has become a cult hit for fans who enjoy their wrestling podcasts with a side of absurdity.
Wrestling With the Champ
The funniest ride in wrestling
WINNER - Best Sports podcast at the Independent Podcast Awards 2024. This funny wrestling podcast follows the anarchic adventures of the Ginger Ninja and his manager Damo in the Pub Wrestling Federation. Starring Ant McGinley and Damien St John. Affiliate: Protect your privacy online faster than a surprise steel chair to the back with Surfshark VPN, the only security service that lets you stream wrestling content from anywhere without buffering. Click the link below to claim up to three months free: https://surfshark.club/friend/ScZGD2aG
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The show joins an impressive shortlist for Best Sport, which also includes Formula 1, Couch to Coached Running Podcast, Prison Radio Association, The Playmaker Group, and Global’s sports production team. The category celebrates creative excellence in sports storytelling, from grassroots projects to global media brands.
Podomedy’s co-founder and CEO Damien St John said:
“Being nominated alongside some of the biggest names in the business is a massive moment for us. Wrestling With the Champ started as a ridiculous idea between two mates who loved both comedy and wrestling, and somehow it’s made its way to the BFI.
For an independent network like Podomedy to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with platforms and brands like Global and Formula 1 proves there’s still room for creative mischief in podcasting. We’re proud to see comedy and character work recognised in a space that’s usually dominated by serious sports coverage.”
Celebrating 15 years of the Audio Production Awards
This year’s Audio Production Awards feature a mix of industry veterans, new voices, and breakout hits across more than 20 categories, recognising the breadth of audio craft across podcasts, radio, and audiobooks.
Among the headline nominees are comedy icons Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders for French & Saunders: Titting About, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins for Mel and Sue Should Know By Now, and Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson, Harriet Harman and Jess Phillips for Electoral Dysfunction in the Ensemble Cast/Presenting Team category.
Major production powerhouses Goalhanger, Sony Music Podcasts, Rusty Quill, Fun Kids, and Resonance FM are in contention for Publisher or Network of the Year, while Bespoken Media, Fresh Air Productions, Falling Tree, and Novel feature in the Production Company of the Year shortlist.
The newly introduced Changemaker Award, sponsored by The Podcast Show, highlights impact and inclusion across the sector, with nominees including Aunt Nell, QueerAF with Trans+ History Week, and the National Trust’s Wild Tales series.
In a reflection of the industry’s ongoing diversity efforts, AudioUK confirmed that this year’s judging panel was selected to represent a broad range of backgrounds, skills, and production scales — ensuring that both independent creators and established companies are evaluated fairly.
Recognition for creators across every corner of the industry
Other categories include Comedy, Drama & Fiction, Factual, Lifestyle & Society, Little Ears, and Music, showcasing the sheer variety of audio being made across the UK.
The Producer of the Year shortlist features talents such as Bella Soames (DMG Media), Phoebe McIndoe (Falling Tree Productions), and Jon Holmes (unusual), while the New Voice award sees rising stars like Scout Tzofiya Bolton and Ajay Tegala recognised for their distinctive storytelling.
The True Crime category, a perennial listener favourite, pits Kill List (Novel) and Lady Swindlers with Lucy Worsley (StoryHunter) against a strong field that demonstrates how narrative craft continues to push the format forward.
Bringing the industry together at the BFI
The 2025 ceremony, hosted by Remel London, will bring together creators, producers, networks, and brands from across the UK’s vibrant audio scene for a gala evening of celebration.
Speaking ahead of the event, Remel said:
“I’m so excited to be hosting the Audio Production Awards. As a radio and podcasting enthusiast myself, I can’t wait to celebrate the incredible creativity and talent driving this industry forward.”
Tickets for the event are available now via tinyurl.com/APAs25-tickets, with early-bird rates for AudioUK members and a Pay What You Can scheme supported by Amazon Music and Wondery, ensuring that freelancers and independent producers can attend without financial barriers.
AudioUK has also partnered again with The Entry Level Audio Network (ELAN) to host a pre-ceremony mixer for attendees who are new to the industry or attending solo — part of the organisation’s ongoing effort to make the awards accessible and inclusive.
Independent creators on the rise
Podomedy’s nomination comes at a time when independent networks are increasingly being recognised for their innovation and influence. Founded to support funny, offbeat, and creator-led podcasts, the network has grown into a hub for shows that blend comedy and craft, from sketch formats and parodies to panel shows and storytelling.
In 2024, Wrestling With the Champ was Highly Commended at the Independent Podcast Awards for Best Use of Video, further proving its ability to compete with major players while keeping its indie spirit intact.
St John added:
“The UK podcast scene is thriving because of the sheer diversity of voices in it — from bedroom producers to BBC veterans. We’ve always believed that comedy deserves a seat at the grown-ups’ table in audio, and this nomination feels like a nod to that.
Whatever happens on awards night, we’ll be cheering for everyone who’s pushing the medium forward — and maybe cutting a victory promo or two along the way.”
About the Audio Production Awards
The Audio Production Awards, organised by AudioUK, have been honouring excellence in radio, podcasts, and audiobooks since 2010. Originally launched as the Radio Production Awards, the event rebranded as the APAs in 2016 and has since become one of the most respected accolades in the audio calendar.
Previous winners have included Annie Mac, Goalhanger’s Nicole Logan, Reform Radio, and UK Audio Network (UKAN). Proceeds from the awards support AudioUK’s wider mission to champion the sector through training programmes, advocacy, and events.
Chloe Straw, CEO of AudioUK, said:
“It’s an incredible privilege to shine a spotlight on this brilliant industry. This year we’re celebrating 15 years of the APAs, and it’s inspiring to see established media brands sharing the stage with newcomers and independents. The audio sector has never been more creative or more collaborative.”
About Podomedy
Podomedy is the UK’s home for comedy-first podcasting, helping creators and brands make funny, memorable audio that connects. From indie comedy shows to commercial content partnerships, Podomedy champions the art of storytelling with a sense of humour and helps creators launch, grow and laugh along the way.
Find out more at podomedy.com or follow Podomedy on Instagram.