Everything is Alive

Radiotopia

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.

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Our Editor's Take

Every once in a while, a unique podcast comes along that listeners may have to hear to believe. Everything is Alive is that kind of podcast. There are plenty of great interview podcasts, but few of them talk to inanimate objects. Lampposts, pregnancy tests, and chainsaws all have a story to tell. Funny, odd, and introspective, these life stories will make listeners forget they are hearing from what they use daily.

Host Ian Chillag is no stranger to contributing to iconic shows. He is the producer of popular NPR shows like Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me and Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Now, he is exploring the life experiences of things like mousetraps and duvets. Listeners will hear from Alzo, a rental car. He discusses the meaning of his existence and the scathing opinions of those who use him. Sean, a subway seat, reflects on his yearning for a real connection. Listeners will also hear from Louis, a can of cola, and Tara, a bar of soap. Tami and Ed are a Sharpie married couple. (She is the marker's writing barrel, and he is the pen cap.) Along with others, these ordinary items reflect on their roles and the things they feel are missing from their lives. This is an excellent podcast for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and storytelling. Hearing what life looks like through the experiences of a baseball cap or a grain of sand is a unique listen.

Everything is Alive is as ridiculous and hilarious as listeners would expect. The storytelling makes it easy to forget that these conversations are with objects. The Magic 8 Ball, a pane of glass, and a jack o' lantern have a surprising amount of shared experiences with humans. With universal experiences like loss and inadequacy, these stories are relatable. They remind listeners that no one and nothing escapes life unscathed. The interactions lend to the poignancy and weirdness. And they make this podcast memorable. Excellent production and sound effects give these short episodes a mini-documentary feel. New episodes come out every few weeks.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes