How Long Gone Podcast Launches Own Awards Show

The "How Long Gone" podcast, hosted by Chris Black and Jason Stewart, launched its first-ever "How Long Gone Awards" on March 23, 2024, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. This event aimed to celebrate the podcast's community and its guests, diverging from traditional industry awards by creating its own categories and recognizing figures within its specific cultural sphere. The show featured performances by artists such as Nirosta Steel and included unique award categories like "Ally of the Year" and "For Outstanding Achievement in Squashing Beef." The latter category was notably presented to comedian and "Las Culturistas" co-host Bowen Yang, who has previously been a guest on "How Long Gone" and has had a public, albeit friendly, "beef" with the podcast hosts.

The "How Long Gone Awards" was conceived as a way for the podcast to acknowledge its significant cultural impact and the relationships it has fostered over its run. Unlike established awards like the Emmys, which honor television professionals, the "How Long Gone Awards" focused on individuals and moments that resonated with the podcast's audience and its hosts' particular interests, spanning areas like fashion, comedy, music, and internet culture. The event was described as a "love letter" to the podcast's community and a platform to "squash the beef" with guests, implying a desire to resolve any perceived tensions or misunderstandings in a lighthearted manner. The inclusion of Bowen Yang in this context highlighted the podcast's approach to guest relations and its willingness to engage with its own narrative.

Chris Black and Jason Stewart, the creators and hosts of "How Long Gone," have built a significant following by discussing contemporary culture, interviewing a wide range of personalities from the arts, entertainment, and fashion industries. The podcast, known for its candid conversations and often humorous takes on trending topics, has cultivated a dedicated listenership that appreciates its distinctive voice. The decision to host an awards show reflects the podcast's growing influence and its hosts' ambition to create tangible events that engage their audience beyond the audio format. The "How Long Gone Awards" served as a culmination of this effort, bringing together a community of fans, friends, and collaborators for a night of celebration and recognition, as reported by The Cut.