There are two kinds of people in this world: the ones who gossip, and the ones who don’t. According to comedian Allison Raskin, the latter are liars.
At just 29 years old, Raskin has quite a few accomplishments under belt. Along with writer Gaby Dunn, she co-hosts the sensational YouTube channel “Just Between Us” and co-authored the New York Times Bestselling YA novel, I Hate Everyone But You.
For her latest project, the Jewish comedian tackled a medium oversaturated with content and added a pinch of nuance. Unlike any other podcast, “Gossip” is entirely scripted and voiced by a cast of 32 actors. And although Raskin doesn’t refer to the show as a radio play, that’s exactly what it is.
At the epicenter of “Gossip” is — yep, you guessed it—spilling the tea. The show follows three female friends and the gossip they swap during their weekly coffee dates (if they sound like yentas, think again because none of them are Jewish). The friends, Bethany, Mia, and Valerie, live in Golden Acres, a fictional suburban town which may or may not be based on Scarsdale, New York where Raskin grew up.
Listening to an episode of “Gossip” is like eating a bag of Sour Patch Kids — they’re sour, sweet, and gone in less than 20 minutes. And now all 12 episodes are available for free, so you can binge them to your hearts content, calorie free!
We caught up with Raskin to talk about her trailblazing radio show, what she really thinks of people who say they don’t like to gossip, and of course, bagels.
What inspired “Gossip”?
I wanted to get into the scripted podcast space so I had to think of a scripted podcast! I’ve always been a huge fan of primetime soaps, so it made sense to write something in that genre with a comedic bent. I then had to fill in the rest and actually make it a show.
What was your favorite story line to write?
Trump Kidney! Episode six. It’s the most political of the episodes and also completely ridiculous. I’m very lucky they let me make it.
Will there be a season 2? And, if so, will Golden Acres see more tragedy?
I really hope there will be! You can expect a whole lot of drama if it gets renewed! Plus, we all need to find out who hit that lady with their car!
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
A lot of snacks, my pajamas, and my dog on my lap. I also get up and wander around a lot in an effort to “stretch my legs.” Also, Twitter.
As a Jewish woman who’s very comfortable being open on the Internet, do you identify with your character at all?
My character is actually Catholic, which is wild! Luckily it is just audio so no one can see my Jewish face. I used to be more naive like Bethany, but now I assume everyone is up to stuff.
In an interview, you once said you wanted to make a female driven show and that the best thing you can do is have a female audience. How has the “Gossip” audience been? Are there any men?
They are definitely male listeners! Which is great! But I didn’t want to have to make a show where we thought about them, if that makes sense. We made the show we wanted to make, which was female focused. If guys also enjoyed it then that was just icing on the cake.
What do you think of people who say, “I don’t like gossiping”?
I think they are lying.
Besides your own, what are your favorite podcasts?
Homecoming, Limetown, Radio Lab, and Crimetown!
What’s your ideal bagel?
Everything with scallion cream cheese. Great for me. Horrible for everyone around me.
