If you’re a fellow podcast-listener who’s in search of a more casual, fun podcast, Emergency Intercom might be your perfect solution. When I heard that Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips were finally launching a podcast, I absolutely couldn’t believe it. They have been some of my favorite YouTubers for around three years now. While they mentioned this podcast many times, they never followed through. When it finally dropped, there was a lot of anticipation and high expectations in my mind, but the podcast, Emergency Intercom,met and exceeded every single one of them.
Emergency Intercom is a comedy podcast in which Phillips and Umanzor talk about their lives and topics that interest them. Ranging from their favorite media to consume, to deeply personal and vulnerable events that have happened to them, the duo touch on anything and everything that comes to mind.
The wide variety of topics and the casual manner of the podcast make it so that listening to it almost feels like a conversation with a friend. I remember going on a walk one day with the podcast in my headphones, and I completely lost track of time listening to the two banter. It felt like I was listening to close friends chit chat, or like I was on a FaceTime call with the two of them.
The podcast works so well partially because of the rapport that Phillips and Umanzor have already established. They’ve been internet best friends, real-life best friends and then roommates. This duo is so comfortable and open with each other, and that translates into a hilarious podcast.
There are no dull moments with these two hosts. While they often get tangential and rarely stay on topic, it’s what gives the podcast an even more personalized feel.
One of my favorite episodes is the first one. The two immediately jump into recounting their year. Phillips had a particularly difficult one due to losing his brother and getting his heart broken. Phillips talks about how terrible 2020 was for him and how it taught him not to take the people around him for granted. After talking about all that heavy stuff, the duo somehow ended up debating the gender of a Taco Bell Baja Blast. This perfectly describes the versatility of Emergency Intercom. The episode, as always, wraps up with a few recommendations, like favorite TV shows, music and movies, from Umanzor and Phillips to the listeners.
Overall, Emergency Intercom is a podcast with range. It’s surprising, funny and a cool listening experience!
From a Podcast Novice: Here’s 5 Podcasts you Should be Listening to
Over winter break, I really got into podcasts. Like, REALLY got into podcasts. Before that, I had a hard time getting into podcasts because I thought they were unnecessarily long or kind of boring. Plus, I had a bit of analysis paralysis because it seems like everyone is making podcasts these days, so it was an overwhelming endeavor to find the podcasts that I might really enjoy. If you’re new to podcasts or are a recurring podcast fanatic looking for something new, here are some of the podcasts that I’ve really enjoyed.
Dope Labs is a podcast run by two female scientists who talk about trending topics from a scientific point of view. From veganism and fin-tech (financial technology) to Afro-futurism and skin-care, real-life besties Titi and Zakiya talk about the science behind some of our favorite trending topics in a way that is humorous and easy to understand regardless of your scientific knowledge.
If Genius was a podcast it would be Dissect. Dissect takes a deep dive into some of the most critically acclaimed hip hop albums in recent years. From Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” to Beyonce’s “Lemonade”, Dissect takes one album a season and dedicates one episode per song to analyze the production, significance and reception of the musical body of work. For music heads like myself, this podcast is a great way to understand some of your favorite songs and albums on a deeper level which enriches the whole listening experience in general.
Asha Christina is like an older sister in her mid twenties giving you advice on dating, relationships, career, psychology, lifestyle and sophistication. When it comes to relationships especially, her podcast is eye-opening and motivating because she is straight forward about her advice by explaining the lessons she has learned in her past relationships.
This is a great podcast for people who are into tech and want a quick daily update of the latest tech news. I think this podcast is particularly interesting for UT students and anyone living in Austin right now because the Austin community, aka Silicon Hills, is heavily influenced by the tech industry, so keeping up with the latest developments in tech is of extra importance.
Amirah gives hilarious and hard-hitting dating, relationship, self-growth and life advice. This is a great podcast to listen to during any form of a self-care routine. She speaks to working towards your goals, self-care, spirituality and having healthy, fulfilling relationships. Amirah’s words are extremely motivating and she consistently encourages her audience to become better versions of themselves with each passing day.
By now almost everyone has become familiar with podcasts and the variety of topics that range from true-crime stories, health & fitness, global news, celebrity gossip, and much more. Podcasts have increasingly taken over streaming platforms and are only growing more and more popular as social media influencers, celebrities, and recognized figures are unveiling their own podcasts. The podcast format which consists of simple audio content is perfect for college students who tread a busy lifestyle but still want to fit in a bit of entertainment into their daily lives. Whether you are at the gym, working on homework, taking a study break, or running some errands podcasts offer the convenience and accessibility needed to multitask between getting work done and indulging in some quality entertainment. No matter your interests, you are bound to find the perfect podcast that will draw you in and become your newest obsession. Meanwhile, here is a list of the top five podcasts that should be on every college student’s radar.
My Favorite Murder
Hosted by two female comedians, My Favorite Murder is a podcast catering to those who are interested in the extensive research and psychological motives behind true-crime cases. This podcast has garnered immense traction throughout the years and now has a cult following also known as the “Murderinos.” You might be questioning what makes this podcast a fan favorite and the answer is in the disturbing, chilling, and shocking stories that are sure to have you on your feet. With over two hundred episodes, this podcast has covered many popular true-crime mysteries such as the JonBenet Ramsey case as well as other uncovered cases such as the gruesome story on Japanese cannibal, Issei Sagawa. Although these stories are not for the weak, in a usual comedic manner, the narrators’ add some lightheartedness to the stories so the reactions are guaranteed to be a great balance between gasps and giggles.
2. You’re Wrong About
This podcast uncovers the most compelling and overlooked facts about significant events and public figures in history that have shaped pop culture today. Hosts, Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbs provide deep research into topics such as the Stone Wall riots, the life of Anna Nicole Smith, The O.J. Simpson trials, the death of Kurt Cobain, and much more. If you’re a sucker for pop culture, history, and the world of entertainment then You’re Wrong About is the podcast for you. The hosts have a special way of connecting with the listeners through their charismatic personalities and humorous tone, but what stands out the most is their storytelling abilities that will leave you questioning who the heroes and who the villains are. You’re Wrong About will play with your emotions and offer powerful insight into what you knew or rather, what you THOUGHT you knew
3. How I Built This
How I built this with Guy Raz
This podcast is perfect for business majors or anyone with an inclination towards entrepreneurship. Guy Raz leads this interview and discussion podcast with various questions about how a brand came to be and how it acclimated great success. Throughout the episodes, Raz interviews different CEOs and founders of popular and globally known brands such as Instagram, Wikipedia, Bumble, Ben & Jerry’s, and much more. This witty and educational podcast gives listeners the in and outs of the business world and tells the personal journeys of the founders and how they managed to start their businesses. Founders reveal their origin stories, silly anecdotes, and creative process to inspire listeners and demonstrate how a simple start-up has the potential to become a multimillion-dollar company. These success stories are the perfect way to motivate college students and demonstrate that with great determination and hard work comes reward. This podcast is the perfect guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs or simply the go-to podcast for those who are curious about their favorite brands. It is more than likely that after listening to How I Built This, you will leave you with the sudden itch to build your own empire from scratch.
4. Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness from Netflix’s hit series, Queer Eye, hosts a fascinating and wholesome podcast that basically answers all of your most thought-provoking questions. Ranging from cures for drug addictions, why we demonize poverty, the effects of divorce on child development, what it’s like being a woman in the military, and much more. These powerful conversations between Van Ness and leading experts provide honest and deep knowledge of the many questions we tend to have about life. If you’re an obnoxiously curious person like myself, then Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness will answer all of your questions and even the most bizarre topics such as discussing the purpose of a “therapy clown.” What makes this podcast even better is Jonathan Van Ness’s fierce and charming personality that stands out throughout the episodes. You are sure to become obsessed with Van Ness and his approach towards addressing all these weird yet amusing curiosities in a way that feels raw and genuine.
5. Teenager Therapy
This awkward yet intriguing podcast consists of five teenagers from California who openly discuss their struggles as they continue to navigate and experience life as adolescents. The hosts’ down to earth and genuine conversations range from serious topics such as dealing with internalized homophobia to more comical topics such as the uneventful transition from freshman to sophomore year of high school. There might be times you squirm or cringe at the commentary made by these five teens, but it’s only because you can identify with them from your own personal high school years. These outspoken teens are both hilarious and relatable. The dynamic between the hosts feels very wholesome and you will be impressed when you realize these are merely 16/17-year-olds who are already incredibly in tune with the world that surrounds them. Tuning into Teenager Therapy feels as if you are listening to a personal diary that details all the ups and downs of attempting to find your true identity while going through the most transitional years of your life. This emotional rollercoaster of a podcast is not only targeted towards teenagers but it is also for adults to gain an insight into how society is shaping and affecting the opinions of the younger crowd. Teenager Therapy is a must listen to if you’re ever in the mood for something heartwarming and authentic.
