Join the hosts as they set sail on a wild adventure filled with gossip and life lessons on a cruise ship! Discover the ups and downs of theater dreams with a quirky character named Josie. Delight in hilarious anecdotes about sneaking hot plates onboard and unravel the chaos that ensues amid misunderstandings and an arctic windstorm. With tales of friendship, triumph, and unexpected changes, this episode captures the essence of life at sea and the laughter that comes with it.
The podcast announces a significant host change, with Rachel Buckinghampton stepping in to ensure fresh and engaging storytelling.
Kelsey reflects on the evolving perception of gossip, highlighting its acceptance as a meaningful storytelling form within the podcast's context.
Radiotopia's fundraising efforts are crucial for supporting diverse creative content, allowing shows to maintain ownership and artistic direction.
Deep dives
Radiotopia's Fundraising Drive
Radiotopia, the nonprofit organization behind the podcast, initiates its annual fall fundraising drive. The funds are essential for supporting the creation of high-quality content across various shows in the network. Contributions help ensure that creators retain ownership of their work and make decisions that align with their vision. By donating, supporters not only back a specific show but also contribute to the overall creative ecosystem that Radiotopia fosters.
Host Transition Announcement
The current hosts of Normal Gossip announce a significant transition in the show's leadership. Kelsey McKinney reveals that she and her co-host Alex will be stepping down, paving the way for Rachel Buckinghampton to become the new host. This change aims to introduce fresh perspectives that will keep the storytelling engaging and exciting for listeners. Kelsey expresses pride in what they have built and is committed to ensuring the show retains its charm and quality under new leadership.
Creative Collaboration and Change
Kelsey emphasizes the importance of collaboration and how the show's success depends on the creativity and energy of its hosts. She acknowledges that as the show progresses, new ideas and voices are needed to maintain dynamic storytelling. By moving forward with Rachel and a supportive production team, the show aims to continue offering compelling gossip stories that resonate with audiences. This shift highlights the balance between honoring the show's history and embracing necessary changes for future growth.
Personal Reflections on Gossip
Amidst the transition, Kelsey reflects on her evolving relationship with gossip over the years. Initially viewed tentatively due to cultural perceptions, gossip has become a more accepted form of storytelling that enjoys a positive twist. She credits the show's contribution to shifting these views and helping listeners appreciate the art of gossiping as a meaningful form of communication. Kelsey notes that this newfound openness contributes to the richness of the stories shared on the podcast.
Excitement for the Future
The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook toward the future of Normal Gossip under Rachel’s leadership. Kelsey expresses heartfelt excitement for Rachel, highlighting her talent and prior contributions to the show. This new chapter is portrayed as a wonderful opportunity for the podcast to evolve while still honoring its established comedic roots. The narrative drives home the notion that while changes may be daunting, they can lead to refreshing and unexpected creative expressions.
Thank you so much to some eagle-eyed listeners who alerted us to the fact that we mistakenly published an earlier version of this episode, which contains an error mixing up the Arctic and the Antarctic, which are–famously—polar opposites. If you’re reading this, then you’ll hear the correct version, thank goodness. And as promised in the Instagram post, this version also has Kelsey crying in it. ❤️
It’s a beautiful day for some big changes and gossip on the high seas! We have been keeping a secret from you for a while, and it’s time to finally share!
You can support Normal Gossip directly by buying merch or becoming a Friend or a Friend-of-Friend at supportnormalgossip.com.
Our merch shop is run by Dan McQuade. You can also find all kinds of info about us and how to submit gossip on our Komi page: https://normalgossip.komi.io/
Follow the show on Instagram @normalgossip, and if you have gossip, email us at normalgossip@defector.com or leave us a voicemail at 26-79-GOSSIP.
Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs), Se’era Spragley Ricks (@seera_sharae), Ozzy Llinas Goodman (@ozzy_llinas), and Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira). Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor. Show art by Tara Jacoby.