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1
Louis, Can of Cola
Louis has been on the shelf a long while, so he's had some time to think.
Louis, the can of cola, was played by Louis Kornfeld.
Music
“Sheets Two” by Mountains, off the album Choral
"Doghouse" and "Holo" by Blue Dot Sessions -
2
Maeve, Lamppost
Maeve sees all of us. But does anyone see her?
Maeve sees all of us. But does anyone see her? Maeve the lamppost was played by Maeve Higgins. Her new book of essays is "Maeve in America." You can find out more about Maeve and all the great things she does right here.
Music
Music by Blue Dot Sessions.
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3
Dennis, Pillow
While we are sleeping, Dennis has dreams too.
While we are sleeping, Dennis has dreams too. Dennis the pillow was played by Dennis Pacheco.
Music
Music by Blue Dot Sessions.
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4
Tara, Bar of Soap
Tara may be just a sliver now, but she's got a lot of fight left.
Tara may be just a sliver now, but she's got a lot of fight left. Tara the bar of soap was played by Tara Clancy. Tara's book is The Clancys of Queens, and you can find more from Tara on her website and twitter.
Music
"L'elisir d'amore, Una furtiva lagrima," Gaetano Donizetti. Performed by the MIT Symphony Orchestra, Adam Kerry Boyles, director, and Brendan Buckley, vocalist.
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.
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5
Ana, Elevator
Ana is headed for great heights.
Ana is headed for great heights. Ana the elevator was played by Ana Fabrega. She's writing and starring with Julio Torres and Fred Armisen in the new HBO show Los Espookys, premiering next year.
Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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6
Paul, Tooth
Paul may have been knocked out, but he's not giving up.
Paul may have been knocked out, but he's not giving up.
Paul the tooth was played by Andrew Tisher. We also spoke to Thomas Morris; you can find information about his upcoming book here.
Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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7
Chioke, Grain of Sand
Chioke is not as small as he looks.
Chioke is not as small as he looks.
Chioke the grain of sand was played by Chioke I'Anson.
Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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8
Annie, Jack o' Lantern
Annie doesn't want to scare you.
Annie doesn't want to scare you.
Annie, the jack o' lantern, was played by Annie Donley.Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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9
Ayo, Balloon
Ayo has reached great heights, but she would like to come back down.
Ayo has reached great heights, but she would like to come back down.
Ayo the balloon was played by Ayo Edebiri. Among other things, you can see her co-hosting In Bad Taste at Vital Joint in Brooklyn, New York.Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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10
Sean, Subway Seat
Sean's just looking for a connection.
Sean's just looking for a connection.
Sean the subway seat was played by Peter Grosz.
Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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Bonus Episode: Deleted Scenes
A few moments that for one reason or another got cut from of Season One.
A few moments that for one reason or another got cut out of Season One. Featuring Louis, can of cola, Maeve the Lamppost, Sean the Subway Seat, and more.
Music
Music by Blue Dot Sessions
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11
Shannon, Bath Towel
Shannon just wants to be part of the story.
Shannon is a bath towel. She just wants to be part of the story.
Shannon, the bath towel, was played by Shannon O'Neill.Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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12
Alligator, Alligator
Alligator is a stuffed animal, and things are about to get different.
Alligator is a stuffed animal, and things are about to get different.
Alligator, the Alligator, was played by Tom Bodett.
Music
"Winter Theme," Blue Dot Sessions
"Fifth Partita for Solo Violin," Johann Sebastian Bach, Performed by Ben Goldstein
"Angle of Light" by David Hilowitz
"Curiously & Curiously," Blue Dot Sessions -
13
Emmy, Pregnancy Test
Emmy is just trying to stay positive.
Emmy is just trying to stay positive.
Emmy, the pregnancy test, was played by Emmy Blotnick.
Music
"Spring Cleaning," Blue Dot Sessions
"Bridgewalker," Blue Dot Sessions -
14
Petey, Baseball Cap
It's hard being a Montreal Expos cap living in the Bronx, but Petey's trying to stay on top.
It's hard being a Montreal Expos cap living in the Bronx, but Petey's trying to stay on top.
Petey the Baseball Cap was played by Petey DeAbreu.
Music
Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.
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15
Connor, Painting
Connor is a portrait of President William Howard Taft. He's hanging on a wall, but is anybody looking at him?
Connor is a portrait of President William Howard Taft. He's hanging on a wall, but is anybody looking at him?
Connor, the painting, was played by Connor Ratliff.
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16
Alex, Alex, and Sebastian, Russian Dolls
Sebastian, Alex, and Alex get to know each other, inside and out.
Sebastian, Alex, and Alex get to know each other, inside and out.
Sebastian was played by Sebastian Conelli, Middle Alex was played by Alexandra Dickson, and Little Alex was played by Alex Song.
Music
"Are We Loose Yet," Blue Dot Sessions
"Vik Fenceta," Blue Dot Sessions
"Nutcracker, Dance de la Fee Dragee," Tchaikovsky, (Creative Commons)
"So We Go (Strings Only)," Blue Dot Sessions
"Thannoid," Blue Dot Sessions -
17
Chioke, Pane of Glass
Chioke just wants to be transparent with you.
Note: this episode is a continuation of "Chioke, Grain of Sand." If you haven't heard that episode, we suggest you start there.Chioke just wants to be transparent with you.
Note: this episode is a continuation of "Chioke, Grain of Sand." If you haven't heard that episode, we suggest you start there.Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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18
Jennifer, Newspaper
Jennifer is a copy of The Canberra Times from October 24th, 1988. She might not be news anymore, but she’s still paper.
Jennifer is a copy of The Canberra Times from October 24th, 1988. She might not be news anymore, but she’s still paper.
Jennifer the Newspaper was played by Jennifer Wong.
This episode was recorded live at the Audiocraft Podcast Festival in Sydney, Australia, at AFTRS studios.
Music
Music in this episode from Blue Dot Sessions.
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19
Charu, Satellite
Charu is a satellite. Is she alone in the universe?
Charu is a satellite. Is she alone in the universe?
Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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20
Scott, Stethoscope
Scott is always listening.
Scott is always listening.
Scott the Stethoscope was played by Scott Adsit.
Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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Bonus Episode: The Magic 8 Ball
The Magic 8 Ball can't tell you his name.
The Magic 8 Ball can’t tell you his name. This bonus episode is part of Radiotopia’s 2019 Fundraising Drive. Make your mark: go to radiotopia.fm to donate today.
The Magic 8 Ball was played by Bill Kurtis.
This episode was produced by Jennifer Mills. Special thanks to Donna LaPietra & Suzanne McFalls.
Music
Music from Blue Dot Sessions.
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21
Tami & Ed, Sharpie
Tami is a sharpie, and Ed is her cap. After all these years, marriage has left an indelible mark.
Tami is a sharpie, and Ed is her cap. After all these years, marriage has left an indelible mark.
Tami & Ed are played by Tami Sagher and Ed Herbstman.
You can see the writing board at The Met that we mentioned in this episode here.
Music
"Intermezzo," Podington Bear
"Plasticity," Blue Dot Sessions
"Zipper Problems," Copy -
22
Josh, Chainsaw
Josh has a warning: don't get too close, but don't stay too far away either.
Josh has a warning: don't get too close, but don't stay too far away either.
Josh is played by Josh Gondelman. Josh is a comedian and writer whose new essay collection Nice Try: Stories of Best Intentions and Mixed Results is available everywhere now!
Music
"The Crisper," Blue Dot Sessions
"Trailrunner," Blue Dot Sessions
"Organisms," Chad Crouch
"Winter Theme," Blue Dot Sessions
"Intercept," Blue Dot Sessions
"Dance of the Snow Flakes," Rachel Chaiya Blumberg -
23
Louise & William, Shirt & Pants
Louise & William may hang in the same closet, but they’ve seen different worlds.
Louise & William may hang in the same closet, but they’ve seen different worlds.
Louise, the oxford shirt, is played by Alexandra Dickson. William, the leather pants, is played by Connor Ratliff. Connor's brilliant podcast investigating why Tom Hanks fired him is called Dead Eyes.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is currently closed, but if you want, you can see their walrus here.
Music
"Crumpet," Blue Dot Sessions
"Rainday," Blue Dot Sessions
"Our Fingers Cold," Blue Dot Sessions
"I Didn't Know," Copy -
24
Mirror, Mirror
A restaurant bathroom mirror takes a moment to reflect.
A restaurant bathroom mirror takes a moment to reflect.
The mirror is played by Alex Song-Xia. Here's her website, and you can find her on Twitter and Instagram @alexsnog.
We spoke to Benjamin Hebbert about the clockmaker, violin maker, and inventor John Joseph Merlin. Ben is a violin dealer and expert based in Oxford in the United Kingdom. His website is here.
Music
"Slimheart," Blue Dot Sessions
"Spinning Meter," Blue Dot Sessions
"The Spinnet," Blue Dot Sessions -
25
Eugene, Tattoo
Eugene is a tattoo, and for now, he’s staying right where he is.
Eugene is a tattoo, and for now, he’s staying right where he is.
Featuring Eugene Cordero.
Music
"Even Dreams of Beaches," Blue Dot Sessions
"Basketliner," Blue Dot Sessions
"Waterbourne," Blue Dot Sessions
"One Needle," Blue Dot Sessions
"Greyleaf Willow," Blue Dot Sessions
"These Times," Blue Dot Sessions -
26
Deleted Scenes II
A few scenes that didn't make the cut for one reason or another.
A few scenes that didn’t make the cut for one reason or another. Featuring the Russian Dolls, Emmy the Pregnancy Test, Josh the Chainsaw, and more.
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27
Colin, Ten Dollar Bill
Colin is a ten dollar bill, and he’s wondering what he’s worth.
Colin is a ten dollar bill, and he’s wondering what he’s worth.
Featuring Colin Nissan. Colin is a frequent contributor to New Yorker Magazine and McSweeney's. It's hard to pick a favorite, but this one is a classic and you can find a bunch more here.
Music
Music by Blue Dot Sessions.
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28
Lillian, Song
Lillian is a song, and she's stuck in Ian's head.
Lillian is a song, and she's stuck in Ian's head.
Featuring Lillian King. You can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Special thanks to Richard Parks III of Richard's Famous Food Podcast, available anywhere you get your podcasts.
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29
Maria and Joel
One interview with a box of tissues, and one with a water fountain.
Part one: Maria is a box of tissues, without much to cry about. Part two: Joel is a water fountain thirsting for more.
Featuring Maria Bamford and Joel Kim Booster.
Music
"Algea Tender," Blue Dot Sessions
"Diatom," Blue Dot Sessions
"Collecting Samples," Blue Dot Sessions
Pan Flute by Kerri
"Gymnopedies," Blue Dot Sessions
"White Limit," Blue Dot Sessions -
30
Martin, Paper Towel Dispenser
Martin is a paper towel dispenser outside a hardware store, and he's wondering how he got there.
Martin is a paper towel dispenser outside a hardware store, and he's wondering how he got there.
Featuring Martin Morrow. Martin is a comedian, writer, and improviser in Los Angeles. Follow him on socials at @martinMmorrow and stream his album Magic of the City!
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31
Adam, Stool
Adam has been the stool on stage at a comedy club for a long time. What do you do around standup when you were made for sitting?
Adam has been the stool on stage at a comedy club for a long time. What do you do around standup when you were made for sitting?
Adam, the stool, is played by Adam Burke.
Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today right here.
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32
Vinny, Vending Machine
Vinny has been through a lot, and a lot has been through Vinny.
Vinny has been through a lot, and a lot has been through Vinny.
Featuring Vinny Thomas. Find more from Vinny @vinn_ayy on Instagram and Twitter.
Music
Service of Compline, sung 29 May 2016 at Trinity Church Boston
Les Petits Chanteurs de Passy sing Salve Regina of Hermann Contract
Les Petits Chanteurs de Passy sing the pavane Belle qui tiens ma vie of Thoinot Arbeau
Thomas Tallis, Lamentatione Jeremiae Prophetae
Spem in alium, Janet Cardiff
Trenton Channel, Blue Dot Sessions
Dowdy, Blue Dot Sessions
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33
Dina, Pacifier
Dina’s not in a good place, but maybe she’s headed to one.
Dina’s not in a good place, but maybe she’s headed to one.
Featuring Dina Hashem. You can find more from Dina on the social media of your choice @dinahashem_.
Music
Blue Dot Sessions.
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34
Atsuko, Bagpipes
Atsuko is just looking for some peace and quiet.
Atsuko is just looking for some peace and quiet.
Featuring Atsuko Okatsuka. Find her on socials @atsukocomedy.
Music
Blue Dot Sessions.
Ave Maria, Anton Bruckner, performed by the USNB Sea Chanters Ensemble.
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35
Anonymous, Mousetrap
What do you do when the thing you were made to do is the last thing you want to do?
What do you do when the thing you were made to do is the last thing you want to do?
Featuring Mel Shimkovitz.
Music
Blue Dot Sessions, Chad Crouch, and Thomas Tallis.
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36
Michael, Phone Booth
Michael is a phone booth, and he’s been on hold for a while.
Michael is a phone booth, and he’s been on hold for a while.
Featuring Michael Kostroff.
Everything is Alive is produced by Ian Chillag and Jennifer Mills, with help this week from Caitlin O'Keefe.
Special thanks to Pepper Hastings for speaking to us about the Pay Phone Project.
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37
The Wait
A special episode produced in conjunction with Pop-Up Magazine, this is the story of a bike locked to a bike rack a little too long.
A special episode produced in conjunction with Pop-Up Magazine, this is the story of a bike locked to a bike rack a little too long.
In June of this year, Pop-Up Magazine placed bicycles at bike racks in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and you could walk right up to them and hear what they had to say.
Featuring Larry Owens.
Music
Chad Crouch
Blue Dot Sessions -
38
Sal, Sock
Sal's had a good life, but it feels like something’s missing.
Sal's had a good life, but it feels like something’s missing.
Featuring Sebastian Conelli.
Music
Blue Dot Sessions
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Making Trouble: Deleted Scenes from Sal, Sock
This special episode of Everything is Alive is a part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. Donate today at