IPC podcast 'A Winning Mindset' picks up Digiday Media Europe Awards

Following a double celebration at the Sports Emmy Awards for Netflix blockbuster Rising Phoenix, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Allianz’s official podcast ‘A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics’ has today (10 June) taken home Best Podcast at the Digiday Media Europe Awards.  

The award, the second bestowed to ‘A Winning Mindset’ after being recognised as Best Branded Podcast or Segment at the Webby Awards, was recognised in a category containing two other series, both produced by Sky News.  

Produced in collaboration with Livewire Sport and launched in August 2020, A Winning Mindset featured 20 episodes, with each episode digging deeper than the Paralympian’s on-field accomplishments with athletes sharing experiences that can benefit the audience’s everyday life, such as self-acceptance, mental health and body image. 

Natalia Dannenberg-Spreier, IPC Head of Brand and Engagement, said: “This podcast was a true partnership between the International Paralympic Committee and Allianz. Huge thank you to show host Andy Stevenson and Livewire Sport who produced the show. We have a shared passion to tell the incredible stories of Para athletes. Their stories of overcoming setback, body confidence and being a role model gave life lessons to our listeners.  

“This year, the global pandemic has disproportionately affected the world’s 15 per cent who have a disability. That’s 1 billion people. So, it was also important for the voices of the world’s largest marginalised group to be heard, to initiate change towards a society more inclusive of persons with disabilities”. 

The 2021 Digiday Media Awards Europe honours the companies, technologies and campaigns that have modernised European media in the past year. Shortlisted productions proved they could produce impactful, innovative and topical work and programmes, even as they navigated business challenges created by privacy laws — and the coronavirus pandemic.  

All 20 episodes delved into personal stories and explored how they have used the support of others to achieve their goals in and away from sport. 

Australian goalball player Meica Horsburgh talked mental health and explained how she recovered from a dark moment in life, while French wheelchair basketball player Grace Wembolua boldly described her journey from surviving an arson attack to becoming a body-image influencer.  

Among other guests were Paralympic champions Sherif Osman of Egypt and Bebe Vio of Italy; and Breaking Bad TV series star RJ Mitte.  

The first series achieved over 100k+ downloads and received interaction from National Paralympic Committees, International Federations and notable social media personalities such as Australian comedian Adam Hills and British broadcaster Clare Balding OBE.

Later this year, A Winning Mindset: Lessons From The Paralympics will return for a second series, focusing on 20 new athletes who provide wisdom and motivation through their sporting and personal achievements.