The Amelia Project: The Second Podcast I've Ever Listened To

The Amelia Project Logo / Anders N. Pedersen

A couple weeks ago I made a blog on the first ever podcast drama I listened to called "Wolf 359." Well after that series was over and I had listened to all the bonus content I found myself looking for another series. So, I began scrolling through my recommendations to see if anything caught my eye. I had already had my fill of space themed stuff for a while. And that's when I found it. This ongoing series called "The Amelia Project."

Congratulations. You’ve reached The Amelia Project. This phone call isn’t happening. If you’re not serious about this, hang up. Now.

(PAUSE)

If you continue there’s no way back.

(PAUSE)

Good choice. A new life awaits. You’ll hear back from us within the hour. If you don’t hear back, please consider the whole thing a hoax. Leave your message after the beep.

BEEP.

Above are the opening lines to almost every episode of "The Ameila Project." It is simple answering machine message that does very well to instill suspense in the listener for whatever will come next. The series is structured where each episode in an interview with a client of the business. However, these aren't normal people or interviews. Each one is a zany situation with an even more interesting person to follow. The Amelia Project in the podcast only takes the most interesting clients and it shows. From televangelists who believe in another earth to literally Marie Antoinette the show is never short of entertaining subjects.

The first season is fairly straightforward, but over time a larger plot is revealed that takes The Amelia Project's employees to even further lengths to keep their organization running. The cast starts small with only two key characters in the first few episodes, that being The Interviewer and the secretary Alvina Wright. But these two characters alone have such a great dynamic they almost outclass the clients themselves. This doesn't last long however as more and more members of the organization are revealed and come with their own stories. The story of how the organization was named comes up later and it is one of my favorite episodes.

Overall, the plot of this series is wacky, fun, and very relatable to personal issues many people feel despite the outlandish contexts surrounding them. I cannot recommend it enough. So grab your cup of cocoa, get some headphones, and remember...this phone call isn't happening.