In February 2020, social media influencer and coffee company owner Emma Chamberlain started her podcast anything goes. Awarded the 2020 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Pop Podcast, anything goes covers everything from “things to do instead of doom scrolling” to interviews with celebrities like Kendall Jenner. Chamberlain’s naturally chaotic and honest authenticity invites listeners to see themselves through shared experiences or simply tune into her thoughts.
In recent years, self-help and relatable podcasts like anything goes have skyrocketed in popularity, particularly among teens and young adults. Chamberlain’s personality and dry sense of humor throughout her episodes set her apart from the lack of originality that defines many influencers. In her most recent episode, “the lies i tell myself,” she jokes about the chaos of her thoughts when saying, “It’s so much fun, you guys. It’s a hoot up here in my brain.”
Whether cooking or driving, Chamberlain’s calming voice makes anything goes a podcast to revisit time and time again. The video format on Spotify and YouTube allows listeners the experience of sitting in the same room as Chamberlain and her cats. However, although the casual feeling can be nice, it occasionally comes off as dismissive when she discusses more serious topics.
Chamberlain’s episodes are on anything from “crumbling under pressure” to “my ‘paranormal’ experiences, storytime,” and last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Although the episodes are long, they unfortunately have frequent, lengthy ads, even with a Spotify subscription. The frequent ads break the flow and feel out of place in an otherwise intimate show.
A unique aspect of Chamberlain’s podcast is her ability to approach each topic from all angles, giving more depth to the subjects she speaks of. Chamberlain thoughtfully explains any topics that may be unknown to others, like in her most recent “trendy or timeless” episode, when she explained what the Labubu is, making her content accessible to everyone. Although she comes prepared, her episodes never seem scripted and maintain a friendly conversational dynamic: a defining characteristic of her podcast.
Another way Chamberlain connects with her audience is through her “advice sessions,” where listeners can send in their “current dilemmas” and she gives her “unprofessional advice.” These episodes, spanning the topics of “staying motivated” to “breaking bad habits,” appeal to a wide audience. In these, Chamberlain gives advice with the disclaimer that she doesn’t know everything, a welcome feature of her podcast.
An alternative, more lighthearted topic Chamberlain covers is her occasional “trendy or timeless” episodes, where she shares her refreshingly honest opinion. In her most recent “trendy or timeless” episode, she discussed polka dots, athletic wear, butter yellow, and other current trends, deciding whether she believes they are fads or never go out of style. Although more superficial, these episodes contrast with the heavier subjects Chamberlain covers, offering more variation for listeners to choose from.
With new episodes every Thursday and Sunday, there is always something new to look forward to. The variety of content keeps things interesting and ensures there is something for everyone. Despite the occasional lengthy ads, Chamberlain’s authentic and fun quality earns anything goes 4.5 out of five feathers.
