All Episodes

Hello.

If you've just found us, we recommend
starting at the beginning. But it's up to you.


  • 1

    Louis, Can of Cola


    Louis has been on the shelf a long while, so he's had some time to think.

    Louis, the can of cola, was played by Louis Kornfeld.

    Music

    “Sheets Two” by Mountains, off the album Choral
    "Doghouse" and "Holo" by Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    24:13
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 2

    Maeve, Lamppost


    Maeve sees all of us. But does anyone see her?

    Maeve sees all of us. But does anyone see her? Maeve the lamppost was played by Maeve Higgins. Her new book of essays is "Maeve in America." You can find out more about Maeve and all the great things she does right here.

    Music

    Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    21:25
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 3

    Dennis, Pillow


    While we are sleeping, Dennis has dreams too.

    While we are sleeping, Dennis has dreams too. Dennis the pillow was played by Dennis Pacheco.

    Music

    Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    22:14
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 4

    Tara, Bar of Soap


    Tara may be just a sliver now, but she's got a lot of fight left.

    Tara may be just a sliver now, but she's got a lot of fight left. Tara the bar of soap was played by Tara Clancy. Tara's book is The Clancys of Queens, and you can find more from Tara on her website and twitter.

    Music

    "L'elisir d'amore, Una furtiva lagrima," Gaetano Donizetti. Performed by the MIT Symphony Orchestra, Adam Kerry Boyles, director, and Brendan Buckley, vocalist.

    Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    21:40
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 5

    Ana, Elevator


    Ana is headed for great heights.

    Ana is headed for great heights. Ana the elevator was played by Ana Fabrega. She's writing and starring with Julio Torres and Fred Armisen in the new HBO show Los Espookys, premiering next year.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    17:49
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 6

    Paul, Tooth


    Paul may have been knocked out, but he's not giving up.

    Paul may have been knocked out, but he's not giving up.

    Paul the tooth was played by Andrew Tisher. We also spoke to Thomas Morris; you can find information about his upcoming book here.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    23:26
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 7

    Chioke, Grain of Sand


    Chioke is not as small as he looks.

    Chioke is not as small as he looks.

    Chioke the grain of sand was played by Chioke I'Anson.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    26:47
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 8

    Annie, Jack o' Lantern


    Annie doesn't want to scare you.

    Annie doesn't want to scare you.
    Annie, the jack o' lantern, was played by Annie Donley.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    23:42
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 9

    Ayo, Balloon


    Ayo has reached great heights, but she would like to come back down.

    Ayo has reached great heights, but she would like to come back down.
    Ayo the balloon was played by Ayo Edebiri. Among other things, you can see her co-hosting In Bad Taste at Vital Joint in Brooklyn, New York.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    24:00
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 10

    Sean, Subway Seat


    Sean's just looking for a connection.

    Sean's just looking for a connection.

    Sean the subway seat was played by Peter Grosz.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    24:00
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • Bonus Episode: Deleted Scenes


    A few moments that for one reason or another got cut from of Season One.

    A few moments that for one reason or another got cut out of Season One. Featuring Louis, can of cola, Maeve the Lamppost, Sean the Subway Seat, and more.

    Music

    Music by Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    10:36
    Download
    MP3
  • 11

    Shannon, Bath Towel


    Shannon just wants to be part of the story.

    Shannon is a bath towel. She just wants to be part of the story.
    Shannon, the bath towel, was played by Shannon O'Neill.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    27:45
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 12

    Alligator, Alligator


    Alligator is a stuffed animal, and things are about to get different.

    Alligator is a stuffed animal, and things are about to get different.

    Alligator, the Alligator, was played by Tom Bodett.

    Music

    "Winter Theme," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Fifth Partita for Solo Violin," Johann Sebastian Bach, Performed by Ben Goldstein
    "Angle of Light" by David Hilowitz
    "Curiously & Curiously," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    22:33
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 13

    Emmy, Pregnancy Test


    Emmy is just trying to stay positive.

    Emmy is just trying to stay positive.

    Emmy, the pregnancy test, was played by Emmy Blotnick.

    Music

    "Spring Cleaning," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Bridgewalker," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    22:45
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 14

    Petey, Baseball Cap


    It's hard being a Montreal Expos cap living in the Bronx, but Petey's trying to stay on top.

    It's hard being a Montreal Expos cap living in the Bronx, but Petey's trying to stay on top.

    Petey the Baseball Cap was played by Petey DeAbreu.

    Music

    Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    20:06
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 15

    Connor, Painting


    Connor is a portrait of President William Howard Taft. He's hanging on a wall, but is anybody looking at him?

    Connor is a portrait of President William Howard Taft. He's hanging on a wall, but is anybody looking at him?

    Connor, the painting, was played by Connor Ratliff.

    Download the episode.

    Play Episode
    25:51
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 16

    Alex, Alex, and Sebastian, Russian Dolls


    Sebastian, Alex, and Alex get to know each other, inside and out.

    Sebastian, Alex, and Alex get to know each other, inside and out.

    Sebastian was played by Sebastian Conelli, Middle Alex was played by Alexandra Dickson, and Little Alex was played by Alex Song.

    Music

    "Are We Loose Yet," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Vik Fenceta," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Nutcracker, Dance de la Fee Dragee," Tchaikovsky, (Creative Commons)
    "So We Go (Strings Only)," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Thannoid," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    27:24
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 17

    Chioke, Pane of Glass


    Chioke just wants to be transparent with you.
    Note: this episode is a continuation of "Chioke, Grain of Sand." If you haven't heard that episode, we suggest you start there.

    Chioke just wants to be transparent with you.
    Note: this episode is a continuation of "Chioke, Grain of Sand." If you haven't heard that episode, we suggest you start there.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    22:08
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 18

    Jennifer, Newspaper


    Jennifer is a copy of The Canberra Times from October 24th, 1988. She might not be news anymore, but she’s still paper.

    Jennifer is a copy of The Canberra Times from October 24th, 1988. She might not be news anymore, but she’s still paper.

    Jennifer the Newspaper was played by Jennifer Wong.

    This episode was recorded live at the Audiocraft Podcast Festival in Sydney, Australia, at AFTRS studios.

    Music

    Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    17:57
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 19

    Charu, Satellite


    Charu is a satellite. Is she alone in the universe?

    Charu is a satellite. Is she alone in the universe?

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    19:25
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 20

    Scott, Stethoscope


    Scott is always listening.

    Scott is always listening.

    Scott the Stethoscope was played by Scott Adsit.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    21:13
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • Bonus Episode: The Magic 8 Ball


    The Magic 8 Ball can't tell you his name.

    The Magic 8 Ball can’t tell you his name. This bonus episode is part of Radiotopia’s 2019 Fundraising Drive. Make your mark: go to radiotopia.fm to donate today.

    The Magic 8 Ball was played by Bill Kurtis.

    This episode was produced by Jennifer Mills. Special thanks to Donna LaPietra & Suzanne McFalls.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    08:04
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 21

    Tami & Ed, Sharpie


    Tami is a sharpie, and Ed is her cap. After all these years, marriage has left an indelible mark.

    Tami is a sharpie, and Ed is her cap. After all these years, marriage has left an indelible mark.

    Tami & Ed are played by Tami Sagher and Ed Herbstman.

    You can see the writing board at The Met that we mentioned in this episode here.

    Music

    "Intermezzo," Podington Bear
    "Plasticity," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Zipper Problems," Copy

    Play Episode
    27:27
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 22

    Josh, Chainsaw


    Josh has a warning: don't get too close, but don't stay too far away either.

    Josh has a warning: don't get too close, but don't stay too far away either.

    Josh is played by Josh Gondelman. Josh is a comedian and writer whose new essay collection Nice Try: Stories of Best Intentions and Mixed Results is available everywhere now!

    Music

    "The Crisper," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Trailrunner," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Organisms," Chad Crouch
    "Winter Theme," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Intercept," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Dance of the Snow Flakes," Rachel Chaiya Blumberg

    Play Episode
    23:47
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 23

    Louise & William, Shirt & Pants


    Louise & William may hang in the same closet, but they’ve seen different worlds.

    Louise & William may hang in the same closet, but they’ve seen different worlds.

    Louise, the oxford shirt, is played by Alexandra Dickson. William, the leather pants, is played by Connor Ratliff. Connor's brilliant podcast investigating why Tom Hanks fired him is called Dead Eyes.

    The Horniman Museum and Gardens is currently closed, but if you want, you can see their walrus here.

    Music

    "Crumpet," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Rainday," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Our Fingers Cold," Blue Dot Sessions
    "I Didn't Know," Copy

    Play Episode
    24:55
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 24

    Mirror, Mirror


    A restaurant bathroom mirror takes a moment to reflect.

    A restaurant bathroom mirror takes a moment to reflect.

    The mirror is played by Alex Song-Xia. Here's her website, and you can find her on Twitter and Instagram @alexsnog.

    We spoke to Benjamin Hebbert about the clockmaker, violin maker, and inventor John Joseph Merlin. Ben is a violin dealer and expert based in Oxford in the United Kingdom. His website is here.

    Music

    "Slimheart," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Spinning Meter," Blue Dot Sessions
    "The Spinnet," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    18:48
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 25

    Eugene, Tattoo


    Eugene is a tattoo, and for now, he’s staying right where he is.

    Eugene is a tattoo, and for now, he’s staying right where he is.

    Featuring Eugene Cordero.

    Music

    "Even Dreams of Beaches," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Basketliner," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Waterbourne," Blue Dot Sessions
    "One Needle," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Greyleaf Willow," Blue Dot Sessions
    "These Times," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    23:40
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 26

    Deleted Scenes II


    A few scenes that didn't make the cut for one reason or another.

    A few scenes that didn’t make the cut for one reason or another. Featuring the Russian Dolls, Emmy the Pregnancy Test, Josh the Chainsaw, and more.

    Play Episode
    16:53
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 27

    Colin, Ten Dollar Bill


    Colin is a ten dollar bill, and he’s wondering what he’s worth.

    Colin is a ten dollar bill, and he’s wondering what he’s worth.

    Featuring Colin Nissan. Colin is a frequent contributor to New Yorker Magazine and McSweeney's. It's hard to pick a favorite, but this one is a classic and you can find a bunch more here.

    Music

    Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    21:48
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 28

    Lillian, Song


    Lillian is a song, and she's stuck in Ian's head.

    Lillian is a song, and she's stuck in Ian's head.

    Featuring Lillian King. You can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

    Special thanks to Richard Parks III of Richard's Famous Food Podcast, available anywhere you get your podcasts.

    Play Episode
    12:43
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 29

    Maria and Joel


    One interview with a box of tissues, and one with a water fountain.

    Part one: Maria is a box of tissues, without much to cry about. Part two: Joel is a water fountain thirsting for more.

    Featuring Maria Bamford and Joel Kim Booster.

    Music

    "Algea Tender," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Diatom," Blue Dot Sessions
    "Collecting Samples," Blue Dot Sessions
    Pan Flute by Kerri
    "Gymnopedies," Blue Dot Sessions
    "White Limit," Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    20:11
    Download
    MP3
  • 30

    Martin, Paper Towel Dispenser


    Martin is a paper towel dispenser outside a hardware store, and he's wondering how he got there.

    Martin is a paper towel dispenser outside a hardware store, and he's wondering how he got there.

    Featuring Martin Morrow. Martin is a comedian, writer, and improviser in Los Angeles. Follow him on socials at @martinMmorrow and stream his album Magic of the City!

    Play Episode
    15:01
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 31

    Adam, Stool


    Adam has been the stool on stage at a comedy club for a long time. What do you do around standup when you were made for sitting?

    Adam has been the stool on stage at a comedy club for a long time. What do you do around standup when you were made for sitting?

    Adam, the stool, is played by Adam Burke.

    Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today right here.

    Play Episode
    21:09
    Download
    MP3
  • 32

    Vinny, Vending Machine


    Vinny has been through a lot, and a lot has been through Vinny.

    Vinny has been through a lot, and a lot has been through Vinny.

    Featuring Vinny Thomas. Find more from Vinny @vinn_ayy on Instagram and Twitter.

    Music

    Service of Compline, sung 29 May 2016 at Trinity Church Boston

    Les Petits Chanteurs de Passy sing Salve Regina of Hermann Contract

    Les Petits Chanteurs de Passy sing the pavane Belle qui tiens ma vie of Thoinot Arbeau

    Thomas Tallis, Lamentatione Jeremiae Prophetae

    Spem in alium, Janet Cardiff

    Trenton Channel, Blue Dot Sessions

    Dowdy, Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    27:02
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 33

    Dina, Pacifier


    Dina’s not in a good place, but maybe she’s headed to one.

    Dina’s not in a good place, but maybe she’s headed to one.

    Featuring Dina Hashem. You can find more from Dina on the social media of your choice @dinahashem_.

    Music

    Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    22:33
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 34

    Atsuko, Bagpipes


    Atsuko is just looking for some peace and quiet.

    Atsuko is just looking for some peace and quiet.

    Featuring Atsuko Okatsuka. Find her on socials @atsukocomedy.

    Music

    Blue Dot Sessions.

    Ave Maria, Anton Bruckner, performed by the USNB Sea Chanters Ensemble.

    Play Episode
    23:13
    Download
    MP3
  • 35

    Anonymous, Mousetrap


    What do you do when the thing you were made to do is the last thing you want to do?

    What do you do when the thing you were made to do is the last thing you want to do?

    Featuring Mel Shimkovitz.

    Music

    Blue Dot Sessions, Chad Crouch, and Thomas Tallis.

    Play Episode
    18:17
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • 36

    Michael, Phone Booth


    Michael is a phone booth, and he’s been on hold for a while.

    Michael is a phone booth, and he’s been on hold for a while.

    Featuring Michael Kostroff.

    Everything is Alive is produced by Ian Chillag and Jennifer Mills, with help this week from Caitlin O'Keefe.

    Special thanks to Pepper Hastings for speaking to us about the Pay Phone Project.

    Play Episode
    18:39
    Download
    MP3
  • 37

    The Wait


    A special episode produced in conjunction with Pop-Up Magazine, this is the story of a bike locked to a bike rack a little too long.

    A special episode produced in conjunction with Pop-Up Magazine, this is the story of a bike locked to a bike rack a little too long.

    In June of this year, Pop-Up Magazine placed bicycles at bike racks in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and you could walk right up to them and hear what they had to say.

    Featuring Larry Owens.

    Music

    Chad Crouch
    Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    12:20
    Download
    MP3
  • 38

    Sal, Sock


    Sal's had a good life, but it feels like something’s missing.

    Sal's had a good life, but it feels like something’s missing.

    Featuring Sebastian Conelli.

    Music

    Blue Dot Sessions

    Play Episode
    22:27
    Transcript
    PDF
    Download
    MP3
  • Making Trouble: Deleted Scenes from Sal, Sock


    This special episode of Everything is Alive is a part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/33dBINE. Thank you!

    This special episode of Everything is Alive is a part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/33dBINE. Thank you!

    We loved making our “Sal, Sock” episode. Trouble was, there was so much more Sal than we could fit. So for this special fundraising edition of the show, we present some of his never before heard scenes.

    Featuring Sebastian Conelli.

    Play Episode
    11:04
    Download
    MP3
  • 39

    Alzo, Rental Car


    Alzo, a rental car, is just trying to find his agency.

    Alzo, a rental car, is just trying to find his agency.

    Featuring Alzo Slade.

    Music

    Blue Dot Sessions "One Dirty Sleeve"
    Blue Dot Sessions "Kvelden Trapp"
    Blue Dot Sessions "Kirkus Interlude"
    Blue Dot Sessions "Kovir Straight"
    Blue Dot Sessions "Shepman"

    Play Episode
    23:06
    Download
    MP3
  • 40

    Ginny, Roomba


    Ginny is a Roomba, and she’s been taking it all in.

    Featuring Ginny Hogan.

    Ginny is a Roomba, and she’s been taking it all in.

    Featuring Ginny Hogan. Her book is "I'm More Dateable than a Plate of Refried Beans" and you can find her on twitter @ginnyhogan_.

    Play Episode
    21:01
    Download
    MP3
  • 41

    Jes, Baguette


    Jes is a baguette, and they were made to share.

    Jes is a baguette, and they were made to share.

    Featuring Jes Tom. You can find them on Twitter @jestom and Instagram @jesthekid. You can see their solo standup show “Less Lonely” as part of the New York Comedy Festival November 9th at the Bell House. Tickets and more information here.

    Music

    Music from Blue Dot Sessions.

    Play Episode
    18:42
    Download
    MP3
  • 42

    Charles, Party Horn


    Charles is a party horn, and he's just trying to make a name for himself.

    Charles is a party horn, and he’s just trying to make a name for himself.

    Featuring Vinny Thomas. Find Vinny on Twitter and Instagram @vinn_ayy.

    Recorded live on stage at On Air Fest in Brooklyn, New York, with Zach Brown on cello.

    Play Episode
    18:35
    Download
    MP3

PRESS

“Poignant, touching and at times laugh-out-loud funny examinations of the human condition...prepare to think deeply about yourself, to laugh and at times, cry.”
--BBC

“It's made with care and understated wit, and it has a surprising frisson of seriousness, quietly provoking thoughts about the objects in our lives, unwittingly laden with our emotions."
--The New Yorker

“Laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly informative and often moving...a profound pleasure.”
--Time Magazine

"What starts out as a clever send-up, with its ticklishly absurdist dialogue...is also more than that, with surprising moments of poignancy."
--The New York Times

Everything is Alive has its own realness, the enveloping authenticity of good films and theater and novels: Frankenstein’s monster has feelings, so why wouldn’t a can of cola have them too?”
--The Guardian

“The reality-construction is exquisite…Everything Is Alive is a unique, quirky, and smart little package with an unexpectedly moving edge.”
--New York Magazine

"Everything Is Alive is doing more than just making you laugh—it’s putting you under its spell."
--The A.V. Club

"If Terry Gross lived in a Murakami-like novel, her interviews would sound like these."
--Quartz

“Touching and powerful...unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.”
--CBC

“Everything is Alive will change the way you view the world...it’s as bizarre as it sounds and just as wonderful, too.”
--LA Review of Books

ACCOLADES

Winner, Miller Audio Prize 2020
The A.V. Club "The Podcasts That Defined The Decade"
Apple Best Podcasts of 2018
Time Magazine 50 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now 2019
Time Magazine Top 10 Podcasts of 2018
New York Magazine Best Podcast Episodes of 2018
Indiewire Best Podcast Episodes of 2018
Indiewire Best Podcast Episodes of 2019
LA Review of Books Best Podcasts of 2018
BBC Culture's 10 Best Culture Podcasts of 2018
Quartz Favorite Podcasts of 2019
CBC's 25 Best Podcasts of 2018
Fast Company's 15 Best New Podcasts of 2018
The Globe and Mail Best Podcasts of 2018
The Economist Best Podcasts of 2019
Webby Best Interview/Talk Show Podcast 2019
Webby People's Voice Award 2019

Everything is Alive is an 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. A proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.

WHO WE ARE

Ian Chillag is the host and creator of Everything is Alive. Previously he was a producer for NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross, and he co-created and hosted the NPR podcast How To Do Everything. He’s also worked on videos for The New York Times, contributed regularly to the literary magazine A Public Space, and has recorded four episodes of a podcast about a post-apocalyptic public radio pledge drive besieged by pestilence and death that he can’t quite figure out what to do with.

Jennifer Mills produces Everything is Alive by looking all over the world for objects that are willing to speak. She is currently a writer and producer for National Public Radio, previously worked on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and taught at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she received her Masters in Performance Art. Jennifer is also the editor-in-chief of the long-running, non-award winning, weekly publication The Jennifer Mills News.