This Might Get Weird This Might Get Weird

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Podcast Review Assignment (School Assignment)

The podcast This Might Get Weird, starring Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart has been running since October 12, 2018. Despite being a fairly new podcast, Helbig and Hart are no strangers to creating organic and hilarious dialogue.

The pair of American YouTube personalities both have online origins that have led to careers in television and film. Helbig has a career as a comedian, actress, producer and author. Hart, with similar credentials, is a comedian, actress and author. The two have collaborated on web shows, movies, live stand-up and on a talk show under the name This Might Get… which was a precursor to the podcast.

Fitting with their personalities, the structure of their podcast is random. As a fan, I have come to appreciate this aspect. The topics they discuss include stories from daily life and pop culture. The format is extremely conversational, but the pair always have a general direction through topics that are trending in the media. For example, in episode 44, published on Sept. 4, 2019, Helbig and Hart download the Jeremy Renner app which was receiving a lot of buzz. In the episode published on Sept. 11, 2019, following the same use of trending news, the pair mourn the quick loss of the Jeremy Renner app and discuss the White Claw shortage in America. In between and all throughout, Hart and Helbig continue to share funny anecdotes.

The content of the podcast is sure to keep those looking for laughter engaged. Hart and Helbig’s chemistry are what make the podcast so special. The content doesn’t require anyone to think very hard and it is great to have in the background as the episodes are easy to digest.

In terms of the podcast’s advertising, the urge to skip was strong. The separation between the ad and the show is blunt and not creatively integrated. I would say the products they advertise would appeal to the general demographic listening (mostly young female adults). The ads include beauty and self-care products but are also easily forgotten and naturally filtered out when listened to. Even though the royalty-free music in the back of advertisements made it easy to decipher when it started and ended… I still made sure to stick around to support the podcast.

As a final rating out of five stars, I give This Might Get Weird a very strong four. With myself, there is an attachment to the hosts having grown up with them on YouTube. Biased? Maybe. However, Hart and Helbig create dialogue that is consistently entertaining and never dull. It is a go-to comfort podcast. The positive energy is infectious, and it becomes hard not to laugh and feel like you’re their best friend. Hart and Helbig’s fan engagement have also made the podcast so memorable as you get to have these hosts interact with their viewers through live shows and Twitter. If it weren’t for the poor integration of ads, I’d have given five stars, but feeling like Hart and Helbig’s friend makes up for it.

So funny and helps me realize I'm ok in life. 🍸