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Will Ferrell has officially retired from Team USA's speed skating team and is open to working with some of the biggest podcasters in the game.
The seasoned actor, comedian, and part-time Olympic athlete took the stage at the 2026 iHeartPodcast Awards on Monday night, March 16, while wearing a patriotic body suit and matching helmet. During his opening monologue, Ferrell vented about recently being booted from Team USA's speed skating team after training with them for over three years.
"The reason they gave me was because I was out of shape," he explains. "And I said to them, 'Yeah. Ok. I know."
"But you guys know I always get in shape at the last second, at the right before the event," he quipped.
Ferrell joked that the team's decision forced him to announce his retirement from Olympic speed skating. The comedian boasted about being in his prime and his experience on the ice, but his rant eventually turned into an elevator pitch for a new gig as a podcast guest.
"Unfortunately, I can't wait around for the recognition I deserve," Ferrell said. "I'm forced to return to the world of comedy. It's a road I left a long time ago in pursuit of something greater. But I need a job. Maybe a podcast, I don't know. But I do need a job. It's kind of another reason why I'm here. I'm looking for a guest spot on a podcast."
The hilarious opening truly set the tone for the night. Fellow SNL alum and "Thanks Dad" podcaster Ego Nwodim hosted iHeartRadio's annual podcast awards show live from the ACL Live at the Moody Theater during SXSW in Austin. Podcasters like Caleb Hearon won "Best Host" while Giggly Squad took home "Podcast of the Year." The one and only Good Hang with Amy Pouler also took home "Best Comedy."
Terry Gross, legendary host of NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross & Tonya Mosley, was honored with the 2026 Audible Audio Pioneer Award for her groundbreaking work throughout her journey in the audio journalism space. Jay Shetty, host of On Purpose, received the 2026 Social Impact Award, and Hrishikesh Hirway, creator of “Song Exploder,” accepted the 2026 Innovator Award.
We're sure Will Ferrell will find more work as a podcast host after tonight. Check out more hilarious moments from the iHeartPodcast Awards below.