Bibliographic Information

Title: Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain

Host: Emma Chamberlain

Available on: Anywhere you listen to podcasts; video only on Spotify

Airdate: April 2019 – present

Genre

Personal / Advice

Format

Podcast

Average Running time

45 minutes

Awards or Honors

• People’s Choice Award for Favorite Pop Podcast (2020)
• Shorty Award for Best Podcaster (2020)

Interest Level

Ages 15 and older (per Common Sense Media)

Show Summary

We should really strive to never compare ourselves to people on social media because it’s so painfully inaccurate that we’re never gonna win that battle. The way I look at it is like someone on social media is the idealized version of themselves, right? This is not new news … When we’re comparing ourselves to an idealized version of someone, we’ll just never win that battle so we shouldn’t even try. And that’s what I try to do. (Chamberlain, 2023)

Anything Goes is a casual podcast where Emma Chamberlain talks about anything that’s on her mind that week, whether it be personal musings on current issues, awkward experiences she’s had in the past, or important lessons she’s learned. Some episodes include interviews with friends or experts related to the week’s topic, but most episodes are minimalistic and just include her either ranting, rambling, or offering heartfelt advice in response to the questions that listeners send her.

Host Background

Emma Chamberlain was born in Northern California in 2001 and started her first YouTube channel at just 15 years old in 2016. She quickly built a massive following online and left high school, successfully qualifying for her diploma through a state test. She spent the next few years focusing on her various online platforms, brand partnerships, and collaborating with other creators; in 2019 Chamberlain was chosen as one of “the 25 most influential people on the internet” by Time magazine. Her public figure status continues to rise with the creation of her podcast, various business and fashion ventures, modeling, and more (Emma Chamberlain, 2024).

Critical Evaluation

Anything Goes is a very bare-bones podcast. There are no frills in the production – no intro, no music, few ads – and Emma is direct and conversational. She discusses what feels like relevant topics to young women in a way that is very approachable and realistic. Her advice episodes in particular provide practical, usable strategies for dealing with questions listeners ask her. Although Chamberlain is a huge public figure, listening to Anything Goes feels like talking with a friend.

Creative Use for a Library Program

A library could run a program teaching youth the basics of podcasting, using Anything Goes‘ simple and personal nature as a guide. Rather than worrying about flashy podcast elements or high production value, the program could focus on finding the right kind of tools and equipment—microphones, editing software—and encourage youth to share personal stories and insights to find a creative outlet for having their voices heard.

Speed-Round Talk

Join Emma Chamberlain each week as she shares her most personal, honest, relatable thoughts about relationships, self-image, pop culture, fashion, mistakes, growth, and more on Anything Goes.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

Some episodes cover topics like relationships and sex, and Chamberlain is often candid on topics that might be a concern to parents of teenage listeners. Though none of the episodes contain content warnings, parents who have any objections might want to preview the podcast first.

Reasons for Inclusion

Chamberlain remains a popular public figure among teens (Gutelle, 2022) and a role model for many young women. Despite her celebrity status, she is known for being candid and relatable. Young people frequently engage with her content online, making her podcast an appropriate inclusion in a contemporary collection for teens.

Emma Chamberlain’s interview with Jimmy Fallon: