If you ever find yourself on a 10 hour plane ride alone and needing entertainment, or in a tough situation where you have no one to confide in, consider listening to Emma Chamberlain’s podcast anything goes.
The title speaks for itself. Each episode highlights a new topic that her listeners send in, and each one is unlike the last. With a wide variety of conversation topics, Chamberlain definitely keeps it interesting. Whether talking about friendship, unpopular opinions on window seats, the importance of boredom, or the weird things she does when she’s alone, her podcast proves that anything really does go.
Chamberlain’s ability to be vulnerable is a captivating aspect of her podcast. She sits in the comfort of her own bed with her cat and a microphone, and for each episode, listeners might call her a friend, or perhaps some version of a sister. As the queen of oversharing, she’s raw, real, and upfront with her advice. She doesn’t hold back from admitting that her expertise is only subpar, but her podcast is all about self-improvement. The more she talks, the more she opens a door for others to feel comfortable listening to what she has to say. She allows for easy connection, but most of all, a place to feel understood and less alone.
Each episode captures a humorous and light-hearted tone that Chamberlain executes well. She sometimes uses herself as a wall to throw the bricks against, but in a good way. She might focus on a personal story from 10 years prior or whatever she ate for breakfast, but it’s when she criticizes or makes fun of herself, her habits or choices, that provides a sense of enjoyment. You might find yourself cackling, crying, or clapping for more, but ultimately she makes talking less serious when confronting things like pet peeves, changing one’s mind, and anti-aging.
Chamberlain’s podcast not only engages her audience, but keeps them educated. You could learn a thing or two from her stories on becoming an adult, but she takes the extra step and invites doctors and field professionals to expand on topics she is not as knowledgeable about. Listeners are invited to learn as she learns. She even has conversations with individuals in the public eye, such as Suki Waterhouse and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Her talks with actors, models, and entrepreneurs give listeners the chance to feel inspired, encouraged, and perhaps motivated to fulfill a goal or follow a passion.
Most of all, Chamberlain is authentic and highly relatable. She’s ready to take on any topic that comes her way and be totally transparent about it. People want honesty and a real, unfiltered world to enter. Social media’s track record and the increase of AI usage has persuaded others to disguise who they truly are, decreasing the value of trust and authenticity. anything goes is a place to connect to those people, even if it’s through a screen, and create a trail of storytelling that will make a positive impact. Chamberlain’s down-to-earth but quirky personality is what defines that, and the capability to reach out to those who choose to listen.
Veronica is a Staff Writer at The Cascade. She loves to travel and explore new places, no matter how big or small. She is in her second year at UFV, pursuing the study of Creative
Writing.
