SeriesFest Season 9 Event Spotlight: Live Recording of Paul Giamatti’s ‘CHINWAG’ with Stephen Asma

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Stephen Asma and Paul Giamatti Recording Paul Giamatti’s ‘CHINWAG’ with Stephen Asma at SeriesFest Season 9. Photo by Tom Cooper (Getty Images for SeriesFest)

It really is quite amazing how far the podcast has come. For it went from fun, niche idea, to an outright juggernaut industry, seemingly overnight. But it makes sense as to why the podcast has enjoyed such incredible success. For it truly is a bold new frontier for entertainment, where anything can be discussed and any kind of story can be told, and that is quite the draw. In fact, the endless possibilities of this format, is likely why so many celebrities have brought forth their own podcast, since it gives them unprecedented freedom to touch upon topics, they’ve never been able to, while at the same time giving longtime fans unprecedented access to their lives and their careers, something that people crave.

But what is truly amazing about the podcast, is that there is still a powerful excitement surrounding it. As though the format is still brand-new, and that compels to try any podcast our friends recommend or see how one comes together via a live recording. Despite the fact that we know how the sausage gets made. Because discovering a new podcast, and seeing how it comes together, just carries with it a fun sense of the unknown. As though we are embarking on a journey that could and likely will take us anywhere and well, that’s why one particular event at SeriesFest Season 9 is worth reflecting upon. Because SeriesFest tapped into that excitement and our love of celebrities by having screen legend Paul Giamatti and distinguished professor Stephen Asma come to the festival to record a live episode of their new podcast; Paul Giamatti’s ‘CHINWAG’ with Stephen Asma.

All so we could have that perfect storm of creativity come to life and well, this podcast recording simply did not disappoint. Largely because Paul and Stephen were keen to have fun with the audience and entertain us before getting down to business. Which brought forth a musical number to open the show and once that magical little ditty came together, complete with the wonder of the Theremin, it was down to business, and that’s really where we went on quite the incredible journey. The kind that only a podcast can produce. Because when it comes to this show, there is no gimmick. Just the promise of two friends having the kind of talks that we’ve had many times ourselves. Those late-night chinwags where we talk about life, and anything and everything that comes into mind because those are… the best kinds of conversations and that… is precisely what the audience was treated to at this recording.

Because Paul and Stephen, went into a deep dive regarding quite the trendy new concept in the world, the Starseed. An idea that is incredibly complex and revolves around alien DNA, reincarnation and so much more, and well… that was indeed a heck of a topic to dive into. Because it truly sucked the audience in and engaged them and brought forth a supremely unique Q&A session at the end, and really… it was just an unconventional philosophical topic that would indeed be discussed by two friends late at night after some good drinks and some good food, and that unique sense of familiarity with this conversation didn’t end there. Since this duo drifted now and again, as we do during such discussions, to ponder upon the weirdness of the new King’s coronation and the quirkiness that heads of state tend to harbor, such as one John Adams. A man that Paul was intimately familiar with since he brought him to life on the small screen, allowing for more lighthearted and fun moments from a recording that truly… no one wanted to end.

But alas, all good things must, but the audience’s desire to keep this going, was because… it was just plain fun. It was that kind of conversation you want to just keep taking part in because it gets your brain juices flowing and well, that made for one memorable evening with a brilliant professor and a truly talented actor, and it also reminded us… what makes the podcast so special and why it continues to captivate us. Because it really is that rare form of entertainment that genuinely surprises us and makes us feel as though we’re part of the show. The latter of which was amplified by just being there and sharing in all the magical moments this recording had to offer, and well, in the end… this was something special and thanks are due to SeriesFest and Paul Giamatti and Stephen Asma, for letting everyone in attendance be part of a happening and a conversation for the ages.

To hear the episode of Paul Giamatti’s ‘CHINWAG’ with Stephen Asma that was recorded at SeriesFest Season 9, click here.

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