MUSKEGON, Mich. - s4story -- Gratitude Geek, the long-running podcast hosted by digital marketing pioneer and community builder Kandas Rodarte, has won two 2026 Marketing Podcast Network Awards: Best MPN Show and Diversity & Inclusion.

The recognition places Gratitude Geek among a notable group of marketing podcasts. Uncensored CMO with Jon Evans won Best B2C Show and Best Marketing Show, while Marketing School with Neil Patel and Eric Siu won Best Thought Leadership.

"I started Gratitude Geek in 2014 because I wanted to have interesting conversations with groovy people and learn new things," Rodarte said. "Twelve years, more than 300 episodes, and one metastatic breast cancer diagnosis later, I am still learning and yapping. Winning two MPN Awards is surreal and deeply meaningful."

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Rodarte joined the Marketing Podcast Network in November 2025 because its relationship-first approach to marketing aligned with the show's longtime focus on genuine connection over transactional tactics.

"As an Asian-American woman living with metastatic breast cancer, the Diversity & Inclusion award lands especially deep," said Rodarte. "Gratitude Geek has always made room for useful conversations with people whose expertise and experiences may not fit the default setting of mainstream business media. Better business conversations happen when more people get to be heard."

Since 2014, Gratitude Geek has featured more than 300 conversations about marketing, visibility, business systems, chronic illness, disability, resilience, mental health, authenticity, and community. The podcast serves Gen X women solopreneurs and other business owners who want practical, sustainable, relationship-driven growth.

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The 2026 MPN Awards were open to eligible marketing podcasts broadly, not only MPN shows. Entries were judged on contribution to the craft, production excellence, guests, consistency of publishing, and innovative ideas. Learn more at https://mpn-awards.com/.

Listeners can find Gratitude Geek on their preferred podcast platform or at https://gratitudegeek.com.

About Kandas Rodarte

Kandas Rodarte is a digital marketing pioneer, community builder, and host of Gratitude Geek and Sci-Fi Book Pod. Based in Muskegon, Michigan, she helps Gen X women solopreneurs build resilient, sustainable businesses through practical strategy, authentic visibility, and relationship-centered marketing.