Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet: Dramatic readings of 1-star reviews worthy of "Karen" status
The Premise (from Apple Podcasts):
A comedy podcast featuring dramatic readings of one-star reviews written by real people with not-so-real problems.
Series or standalone:
Standalone
Begin listening to:
Any episode
Format:
Comedy/discussion
Host(s):
Alex & Christine Schiefer
Sound/production quality:
Good
Rating/age suitability:
Best for adults; colorful language abounds.
Approximate length of episodes:
50+ minutes
Curricular ties:
n/a
Similar recommended pods:
Endless Thread; Let's Stop There (formerly Amazon Book Club); Dirt Cheap
Podcast Librarian’s Review:
This funny little podcast has a simple premise based around the ridiculous reviews that people write on Yelp or Google. Each episode, Alex and Christine choose a particular restaurant (Golden Corral; KFC in Japan) or type of establishment (Adult Video Stores in Missouri; Adventure Parks in Puerto Rico; Zoos in Norway) and read reviews from the people who have visited (and hated) it. If you've ever read online reviews, you'll recognize the gripes over minor issues and unbelievable--like truly inconceivable--situations that consumers allege they experienced at the location. Each review is read with melodramatic music under it, and the hosts interrupt the reading to comment on certain parts as they go along. This is one of my favorite podcasts to listen to when multitasking because it really doesn't require me to think much or listen all that closely--I get the main ideas even if I drift in and out. My one gripe is that they use the same music over and over under all the reviews. I understand that it's hard to get good royalty-free music, but hearing the same song over and over can get annoying and take me out of actually listening to the reviews and their jokes. I think recent episodes have switched up the music a bit, though, so hopefully they'll keep switching it up. Overall, I recommend this light, just-for-fun podcast to anyone who wants a bit of escapism.
