Lava for Good Ignites Podcasting World with Two Prestigious ADWEEK Audio Awards
NEW YORK, July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ADWEEK announced today that Lava for Good is the recipient of two prestigious honors from the 2024 ADWEEK Audio Awards. Lava was chosen as **Podcast Network of the Year**, while the network’s _The War on Drugs_ series won the award for **Best Audience Growth Strategy**. The ADWEEK Audio Awards celebrate the best in the podcasting industry, honoring outstanding podcasts and the hard work, innovation and creativity of podcast professionals.
The recognition as Podcast Network of the Year underscores Lava for Good’s dedication to producing high-quality, socially conscious content that sparks meaningful change. “Lava for Good has grown from a single chat show series in 2018 to an original media powerhouse with podcasts and live events,” writes ADWEEK’s Kennyatta Collins. The network’s influential lineup includes the top-charting series _Bone Valley_, _Wrongful Conviction_, _Earwitness_, _Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands_, and _The War on Drugs_, which have amassed over 65 million downloads.
Lava for Good co-founder and CEO Jason Flom, who has hosted the award-winning _Wrongful Conviction_ series since 2016, expressed his gratitude for the awards: “As a small, independent company, we are honored to join the ranks of past recipients of ADWEEK’s Podcast Network of the Year Award, including tremendous innovators like last year’s recipient, Spotify, which is an important platform for our own shows. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our team of talented journalists, researchers, hosts, and creators who use the awesome power of storytelling to draw in, engage and inspire our dedicated and growing audiences and thereby bring about lasting change.”
Lava’s _The War on Drugs_ series was awarded Best Audience Growth Strategy, recognizing Lava’s innovative approach to building an engaged audience and bringing the important and complex topic of American drug policy to life through a thoughtful balance of history, insight and entertainment. Co-hosted by comedian Clayton English and criminal justice expert Greg Glod, the podcast, sponsored by Stand Together Music, exposes the devastating impacts of America’s so-called War on Drugs, which English poignantly reframed as “a war on people.”
The show engaged a diverse range of policy experts and authoring award-winning marketing campaigns, including social media content collaborations with entertainers and out-of-home placements leveraging the series’ bold artwork. “If a state was considering a change in legislation around an existing drug policy,” Collins writes, “Lava for Good’s _The War on Drugs_ podcast had a billboard there.” _The War on Drugs_ grew a wide audience and garnered a Webby nomination and an Anthem Award win.
Jeff Kempler, co-founder and COO of Lava for Good, highlighted the team’s achievements and what the Awards mean for Lava’s future: “This recognition from ADWEEK’s judging panel is gratifying and validates our mission and belief that a small, dedicated team can make compelling content that is inspiring, impactful and entertaining. _The War on Drugs_ co-hosts Clayton and Greg have done an exceptional job in making complex and often overlooked issues around the history and impact of American drug policy accessible and engaging. We look forward to hearing more from them and special guests from the worlds of music, acting, and sports in the upcoming second season. Fellow Lava for Good hosts Maggie Freleng, Gilbert King, Kelsey Decker, and Lauren Bright Pacheco bring their own unique styles to their work, while sharing a particular gift for empathic and insightful narratives, and we are excited to be launching new seasons from them in the year ahead.”
The ADWEEK awards add to Lava for Good’s impressive list of accolades, including honors from The Podcast Academy’s Ambie Awards, the Anthem Awards, iHeartPodcast Awards, the Webby Awards, and the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project.
In the coming year, listeners can expect new series from Lava for Good, including a second season of _The War on Drugs_ focusing on promising developments and opportunities for a better way, Season 2 of the hit series _Bone Valley_, and a special multi-season docuseries about the private businesses driving the increased militarization of policing practices. Television adaptations are underway for a number of Lava projects, including a premium scripted series inspired by _Bone Valley_.
About Lava for Good
Lava for Good creates standout original content, podcasts, and experiences that deliver unparalleled access and insights into the heart of social justice in America, and inspire action towards a more informed, empathic, and just society.
Co-founded and led by renowned music executive, children’s book author, and philanthropist Jason Flom with Lava Media COO Jeff Kempler, Lava for Good’s #1-charting lineup of podcasts, produced and promoted in association with Signal Co. No1, has been downloaded over 65 million times and is credited with influencing exonerations, clemencies, pardons, legislation and reforms nationwide. The lineup currently includes _Bone Valley_, _Earwitness_, _Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands_, _Wrongful Conviction_, _Wrongful Conviction with Lauren Bright Pacheco_, _Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng_, _The War on Drugs_, _False Confessions_, _Junk Science_, and more, and is available on all popular podcast platforms.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dawn Kamerling
The Press House
dawn@thepresshouse.com
Key Takeaways:
- Lava for Good, a leading podcast network focused on social justice, has been awarded two prestigious honors from the 2024 ADWEEK Audio Awards: Podcast Network of the Year and Best Audience Growth Strategy for their series The War on Drugs.
- This recognition solidifies Lava for Good’s position as a force in the podcasting world, demonstrating their commitment to producing captivating, impactful content that inspires change.
- The War on Drugs series, co-hosted by comedian Clayton English and criminal justice expert Greg Glod, dives into the complex reality of America’s drug policy, exposing its devastating impact on communities and individuals.
- Lava for Good’s success stems from their ability to engage audiences with compelling storytelling, innovative marketing strategies, and collaborations with a diverse range of experts and influencers.
- This award-winning network shows no signs of slowing down, with exciting new projects like a second season of The War on Drugs, new episodes of Bone Valley, and a multi-season docuseries about the privatization of policing practices on the horizon.
Beyond The Awards:
The ADWEEK accolades are a testament to Lava for Good’s dedication to creating high-quality, socially conscious content that resonates with a growing audience. Their ability to combine compelling storytelling, journalistic integrity, and a commitment to positive change has made them a force in the podcasting world.
The network’s impact goes far beyond entertainment. Their podcasts have been directly linked to influencing exonerations, clemencies, and legislative reforms, highlighting the power of storytelling to inspire action and effect real change.
As Lava for Good continues to expand its reach and explore new storytelling avenues, their dedication to social justice and impactful content will undoubtedly continue to generate positive change and make waves in the podcasting landscape.
The Significance Of The War On Drugs:
The success of The War on Drugs highlights the increasing demand for podcasts that delve into complex social issues with depth and nuance. By collaborating with experts, utilizing humor and personal stories, and employing innovative marketing strategies, the series has not only drawn a large audience but also initiated important conversations about American drug policy.
The podcast’s focus on "a war on people," rather than just drugs, is a powerful testament to the series’ approach and its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Looking Forward:
With a growing list of accolades and an expanding library of high-quality podcasts, Lava for Good is poised for continued success and influence. The network’s commitment to social justice storytelling, combined with their expanding reach and innovative projects, suggests a bright future for Lava for Good and their mission to inspire positive change through the power of sound.
