Everything is Alive: Inanimate objects have issues, too

The Premise (from Apple Podcasts):

Everything is Alive is an unscripted interview show in which all the subjects are inanimate objects. In each episode, a different thing tells us its life story--and everything it says is true.⠀⠀⠀

Series or standalone:

Standalone

Begin listening to:

Any episode

Format:

Improv interview

Host(s):

Ian Chillag

Sound/production quality:

Excellent

Rating/age suitability:

Depends on the episode. Some, like Emmy - Pregnancy Test, are obviously not the best for kids. Older teens would likely get a kick out of this.

Approximate length of episodes:

15 minutes

Curricular ties:

This could work for older teens as a writing exercise. They could listen to an episode or two first and then brainstorm an object that they would like to interview or from whose perfective they would like to write.

Similar recommended pods:

n/a

Podcast Librarian’s Review:

Ever wonder what it would be like if Terry Gross interviewed an inanimate object, like a lamppost or a subway seat? That’s basically what this podcast is (except sub in Ian Chillag for Terry). Each episode features a guest comedian voice who takes on the identity of an inanimate object in the perfect parody of a Fresh Air interview—but it’s all unscripted. Incidentally, Ian was a producer at Fresh Air, so he has the public radio interview host schtick down to the beginning-of-question-he’s-still-thinking-out intellectual stutters (“I-I want to ask you...”) and the sympathetic “Hmm.” when the guest displays emotion or opens up. It’s brilliant and hilarious and weirdly...moving? (A real feat for inanimate objects! Ok, let’s move on from that bad joke.) Some of my favorite episodes are interviews with a lamppost, a pregnancy test, and a painting of President William Howard Taft.

English Teachers: This would actually work well as a model “text” for a creative writing exercise for middle/high schools students that would challenge their imaginations. It’s a stretch, but it may even be a way to help students practice empathy by asking them to imagine the hopes, dreams, trials, and pitfalls of the object’s life. Theatre teachers could also play with this idea as an improv exercise.

But for the average listener, it’s a short, funny podcast that will make you think twice the next time you pop a can of cola.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀