In the 2020s, podcasts have taken the world by storm. People of all ages play their favorite episodes in the background of their work, chores, and study sessions. In an era where 24 hours is simply not enough time in a day, multitasking has been a clutch, and podcasts are currently the best tool for allowing listeners to absorb inspiration and entertainment at the busiest times of every day.
With Spotify harboring over 5 million podcast tracks, the younger generation tends to gravitate towards the influencer-celebrity podcasts. Spotify’s Top 25 Podcasts in the U.S. are podcasts such as “Call Her Daddy,” “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von,” and “anything goes with emma chamberlain.” Young adults and teenagers like ourselves live in a bubble where everything nowadays is marketed through influencers, where we glorify celebrities like gods, and where consumerism is at its peak. So, when we scroll through our streaming apps and catch a name such as Alix Earle or Tana Mongeau, we naturally click play. But as podcasts grow more and more popular, the industry grows larger, attracting celebrities, influencers, and nepo babies to host their own.
So, are these influencer podcasts worth tuning into?
The two most significant influencer podcasts in our opinion are Emma Chamberlain’s and Tana Mongeau’s (with co-host Brooke Schofield). Both these podcasts have a notable presence on social media, especially with our high school age group. On TikTok, you can find storytime snippets from “CANCELLED,” or weighty quotes from “anything goes.”
“anything goes” with Emma Chamberlain
2018-2021 Emma was peak. Although the influencer still has great engagement on all platforms, several brand partnerships, and her own coffee company, the way she now displays herself on social media seems as though she has put her YouTube personality on the back burner and is pushing full steam ahead with “anything goes” and Chamberlain Coffee. With that being said, one would think these podcast episodes are lively and entertaining, but they play out as just underwhelming. Chamberlain will dish out a couple of deep or funny one-liners, but the overall episodes are dull and not quite thought-provoking. Despite this, “anything goes” is perfect to play in the background of any tedious task as it does not require full focus.
“CANCELLED” with Tana Mongeau
Hosted by Brooke Schofield and Tana Mongeau, this podcast is full of storytimes, trauma dumping, and emotional rollercoasters. Tana and Brooke are able to make their listeners feel like their best friends as they recap their unique experiences. Not a single moment of this podcast is dull, and because both hosts are skilled conversationalists, guest appearances are frequent and anticipated. “CANCELLED” is our favorite podcast not for multitasking, but for procrastinating.
For these influencer-hosted podcasts to be successful and entertaining, they need to bring their own niches to the table. Emma Chamberlain has her sarcastic charm, Tana Mongeau has her chaotic energy, and as long as these figures continue to embrace the personality they have capitalized to the media, their podcasts will thrive.
