I used to think that I just didn’t like podcasts. Whenever I had tried to listen to them in the past, I would get bored and switch to listening to music or put on an episode of one of my favourite shows. However, a few weeks ago I decided to give them another chance. After doing some thorough research (aka watching podcast recommendation videos on TikTok), I discovered Radiotopia’s Normal Gossip. From the very first episode, I was hooked. I can now say that I have successfully been converted into a podcast person, all thanks to the magical Normal Gossip.
Normal Gossip is exactly what it sounds like: the host, Kelsey McKinney, invites a new guest onto the podcast every episode and shares a piece of random gossip shared by “a friend of a friend”. The gossip stories on this podcast are outrageous, hilarious, and extremely captivating. The best way that I can describe this podcast is like when you’re in a coffee shop and you can overhear two friends sharing a juicy story at the table next to you. Specifically, the type of story where you pause your music but leave your AirPods in to make it look like you’re not blatantly eavesdropping (even though you are). Think of those stories you overhear and immediately text your best friend because it’s just too crazy to keep to yourself.
McKinney starts off each episode by asking the guest what they think about gossip. This question is incredibly interesting to think about when considering how gossip is weaponized, especially against women, even though it can also be used as a tool to share information. Although this is a comedy podcast, there are some thoughtful, nuanced discussions about gossip and how it affects marginalized communities. After McKinney and the guest have this discussion, she presents the specific morsel of gossip, pausing several times throughout the story to ask the guest what they would do in that situation. This gives the guest an opportunity to share their thoughts and add their unique perspective to the tale. It also gives the listener an opportunity to ponder what they would do if they were in the story. This feature aids in keeping the listener engaged and offers the chance to reflect on what’s happening. The way McKinney shares the stories consistently feels genuine, which is one of the reasons why the podcast is so good. It never sounds scripted or fake in any way and McKinney explains the sequence of events in a way that effortlessly builds tension and suspense. You can never fully guess where the story is going, which makes it very easy to stay engaged with it.
Another reason why I love Normal Gossip is how it genuinely feels like you’re listening to two friends gossiping about random people that they don’t know. As someone who is a big fan of gossiping with my friends, this podcast feels like it was made for me. A couple of my personal favourite episodes are “Leave ’em a Little Bit Broke, a Little Bit Mad with Laci Mosley” and “Spot the Scammer with Claire Fallon and Emma Gray”. These particular episodes are especially fantastic not just because of how crazy these stories are, but because of the hilarious way McKinney tells the tale and how the guests react to it.
If you’re nosy like me and love hearing gossip, give Normal Gossip a listen! I started this podcast from its first episode, but if you’re looking for a quick laugh, I’d recommend listening to either of the two episodes previously mentioned. It’s such a great way to take a break from your trusty Spotify playlist and listen to something new. One caution about this podcast, however, is that you may burst out laughing while walking to class and get weird looks from people around you. Consider yourself warned.