Solid Gold Podcasts bags 5 nominations at South African Podcast Awards
From humble webcam setups to an industry network, the Kennedy family reflects on longevity and beating the odds in business.
Family business Solid Gold Podcasts, established in 2017, has reflected on its growth after five of its productions were named finalists for the 2026 South African Podcast Awards.
Founded by Gavin Kennedy alongside his three adult children, Shannon, Callum and Brennan, the organisation continues to strive as a platform where people can be heard and found.
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When Gavin realised he was no longer listening to radio while driving, but to podcasts, he wondered who else was listening, and pivoted into podcasting using his background in television broadcasting.
The family-based production company earned five finalist spots in the Best Corporate or Internal Podcast category and is also in the running for Best Podcast Network.
Through their shared knowledge and ability to adapt, the family shared more on what has contributed to their longevity in business and addressed common industry misconceptions.
“Watching how much we have grown over the years has just been beautiful,” said Shannon Kennedy. “I mean, we started out just being audio-focused and slowly started branching out into using video content, starting with small stuff like setting up a webcam.
“People often think you start a podcast and you can easily get famous or that it is easy, which is wrong. It helps that we have spent a lot of time in this building. The longstanding relationships we have worked with who have helped us build over the years, and how we have been referred to other clients has definitely all contributed.”
The family noted that while each member has an individual role within the company, their ability to collaborate, communicate and consistently upskill ensures tasks are completed, contrary to common assumptions about family enterprises.
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“It’s so awesome watching my kids work together,” said Gavin. “I grew up in a family business with my parents then left to do other things, so it is really nice.
“These awards show that people who know podcasts consider our clients’ productions an excellent way to share knowledge around a specific topic. It’s quite a thing for a client to trust us with their plans to start a podcast, guide them through making it, watch it impact their business, and see somebody say that’s a good one. It’s an affirmation for us that we have helped a client be heard somewhere.”
The family highlighted how rewarding they find working together, noting that the diverse range of tasks encountered on each shoot makes the experience enjoyable.
The Kennedys encouraged aspiring producers and podcasters to stay patient, maintain a solid plan, remain consistent, and continuously learn as technology evolves.
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