Twin Cities, MN — The very first You Don’t Have To Award for Independent Audio Excellence has been bestowed upon Messy Minded, a brilliantly erratic podcast hosted by Jess—a researcher, overthinker, and the kind of brain friend you didn’t know you needed until she pulled you into a story about Viking settlers or a secessionist cult.

Created by Bruno, host of the irreverent micro-podcast Bruno’s You Don’t Have To, the award exists to spotlight indie shows that blend originality, research, and just the right amount of chaos—without the benefit of a marketing budget, studio backing, or fancy equipment.

“There are podcasts that teach you,” said Bruno. “There are podcasts that entertain you. And then there are podcasts like Messy Minded—the kind that hijack your brain and hold it hostage with a historical fraudster and a half-empty bottle of red wine. And honestly, I respect that.”

Each You Don’t Have To Award recipient is chosen with the precision of a late-night scroll through Apple Podcasts and a gut feeling that says, “Yeah, this one’s got it.” There are no entry fees, no velvet ropes, and definitely no influencer judges. Just solid storytelling, a digital badge, and the raw satisfaction of being noticed by someone equally messy in spirit.

Messy Minded joins the Hall of Fame as a show that proves you don’t need a scriptwriting team, audio engineers, or an interview with Brené Brown to make something worth hearing.

“The award might be made of excited electrons,” Bruno said, “but Jess’s podcast is an artistic masterpiece..”

About Messy Minded:
A podcast for curious people with slightly chaotic brains. Host Jess dives into the weird true stories that derailed her focus for the week—covering everything from internet scams and historical con artists to secret societies, Viking adventurers, and liars with remarkable confidence. It’s like a college lecture from your funniest, least linear friend.

About the Award:
The You Don’t Have To Award was launched in 2025 by Bruno, host of Bruno’s You Don’t Have To, to celebrate indie podcasters doing deeply human, delightfully unhinged work. No gatekeeping, just good audio.

Because curiosity, chaos, and cults should come with a badge

Listen to Messy Minded here:https://open.spotify.com/show/3htrTJx4ORepBRYxJ7ZGPv?si=b7f0e8a046bf40bb
Learn more about the award:https://beerspitnight.github.io/ydht_awards/
Follow Bruno’s podcast: https://linktr.ee/Brunos_Podcast