Look Around, Everything is Alive!
The Everything is Alive podcast is a witty, comedic, unscripted interview based off of inanimate objects who talk about their life as if it were a real interview. Each episode runs from 25–30 minutes, which is actually pretty short for a podcast, as the average run time is about an hour, but each episode is uniquely different from the last. Ian Chillag is the host of the witty series who interacts with different inanimate objects, talking to them as if they have real feelings and everything they say is true. Unfortunately, no character is interviewed twice so essentially, the audience is left with some follow up questions, even questions about how can the interviewer understand these objects while nobody else can? It is highly recommended to be listened to in order, but that’s up to the listener. Not many people are familiar with this podcast because of their choosing to only stream through their own website or Apple podcasts rather than be featured on big company apps such as Spotify and Podbean, so when you do come across them it feels like you’ve discovered a new little world of podcasts. The style of Everything is Alive is uniquely different compared to radio, as it uses the simplicity of a well edited soundscape, a less toxic way to indulge social media, and its availability just at your fingertips.
Exposure isn’t always easy for a small quirky podcast like this one, it could not exist without it’s loyal subscribers. Over the past years, Everything is Alive has been deemed “Best Podcasts of 2018” by Apple Podcasts, Time Magazine’s Top 50 Best Podcasts to Listen to in 2019, The Economist Best Podcasts of 2019, etc. Nevertheless, many of its supporters would have to strongly agree, especially Time Magazine. Time Magazine released a review over Everything is Alive stating it’s a “laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly informative and often moving…a profound pleasure.” Now, why does all this matter? When we consume digital media, many of us feel like we’re wasting our time just mindlessly scrolling through what’s the latest trend. It is universally agreed that social media has progressively gotten super toxic and very mentally unhealthy. Podcasts is a form of digital media, which we consume on a daily basis, some more than others. However, according to Jonah Weiner, author of “The Voices: Toward a Critical Theory of Podcasting,” he states that he feels with podcasts he’s still indulging in digital media but in a more informative way. As stated in the article itself “Listen to enough podcasts and you may come to feel that they are not merely of the Internet, but improved, microcosmic versions of it.” Poor radio doesn’t stand a chance in being voted the best!
What’s the main difference between radio and podcasts? Unlike radio, the Everything is Alive podcast is tailored to a specific audience who thoroughly enjoy comedy. Once you get to a more specific topic, the content becomes more personal and less influenced by the basic pop culture. The content put out is more authentic and creative because the creators are allowed to accommodate their listeners without worrying about appealing to everyone and one of those ways is through a perfectly edited soundscape. Podcasts rely heavily on a crisp soundscape so their fans are given only the best of the best quality. Unlike many comedic podcasts though, Everything is Alive incorporates a vast selection ranging from soft meditation music mixed with some pleasing white noises to jazzy elevator music. This uncommon strategy actually works out in their favor because it’s more inclined to keep the listener engaged throughout the episode without running the risk of losing them halfway through the series due to “redundant material” or “annoying childish behavior” according to some people. Each episode is its own character itself which adds charm to the whole series.
https://www.everythingisalive.com/
First things first, it is completely understandable to think the title of the first episode, Louis, Can of Cola is a tad strange. Originally when I first heard it, I immediately thought I was about to listen to a children’s short story which was very discouraging considering I was looking forward to it. Though, the one statement description tells the listener a little bit about what each episode entails which justifies its reasoning for the title. I mean, come on, it’s literally about a coke can getting interviewed. How childish could it be?
Episode one, Louis, Can of Cola, opens with Louis introducing himself to the audience describing himself in a very monotone way that resembles a Coca Cola can stored comfortably on the bottom shelf. His humor is completely self contained (haha get it?). Throughout this episode, we journey with Louis through the many places he’s been, but has yet been chosen to quench someone’s thirst. Louis ponders and says “…on one hand I was very angry at human beings for being in this position to consume us. And on the other hand I was also angry how come you didn’t wanna consume me?” This has Louis questioning himself whether or not he will ever be good enough for someone to consume him. Soft meditation music fades into the audio as Louis is describing the moment he believes how he’ll get consumed: “truthfully, this is how I expect to go…I’m expecting it’s going to happen in the middle of the night when I’m not waiting for it someone is going to open the fridge and pull me out and that’ll be that.” This had me contemplating the other straw bottles stored in the fridge looking lonely, waiting for someone to come claim them. Can they feel and think the same? Do they feel just as neglected and angry as Louis? Ideally though, his dream is to get consumed by his human while watching Jaws.
The Everything is Alive podcast is undoubtedly a certified member of digital media. Despite not using traditional visuals for entertainment, Podcasts are important because it allows us to realize the benefits of presenting information in audio or visual format. The clarity in your message can be seen and heard thoroughly through video and tone of voice, while allowing you to emphasize specific points made to the audience. Although the Everything is Alive does not provide a visual recording of the podcast, some do offer such as The TMG (Tiny Meat Gang) podcast. They are Youtube comedic duo, Cody Ko and Noel Miller, who stream all sorts of games, go on tour for standup comedy, post youtube videos, and even have their own podcast. It’s a strong example of digital media prioritizing software to create informative social content through audio tailored to your liking and always at your disposal. Ew, who wants to listen to the radio anymore. Ugh, As if!
