“At least it’s not sourdough starter,” is what Ellie Hoffman (C' 21) and Catherine de Luna (C’ 20) have to say about their podcast—a hobby that greatly contrasts other projects people have picked up in quarantine. They’re being humble.
It was mid–Groundhog Day–esque quarantine, and de Luna was feeling “stuck” and “dismal about future prospects." Needing a project, she approached Hoffman to help brainstorm ideas for a podcast about film or television. Hoffman dissuaded her from the film route, noting “there’s so many [movie podcasts] out there." Judging by some lists, she seems to be right—the film analysis podcast genre is overdone.
So, after further deliberation between the pair, de Luna’s podcast centered around the following structure: a guest would bring in their favorite episode of television for discussion. The extent of Hoffman’s initial contribution to the podcast led to her being the first guest, and her sharing of de Luna’s love of television cemented her as the permanent co–host. Thus, We’re Having an Episode (with Ellie Hoffman and Catherine de Luna) was born.
Both women are quick to point out that one of the most enjoyable aspects of hosting the podcast is the social one. A recent graduate, de Luna wanted to “keep in contact with people [she] had met at Penn and other phases of her life,” something all the more difficult in the post–COVID world. Luckily, having both been involved in the arts at Penn, she and Hoffman have lots of friends who are thrilled to talk about television with them, each bringing unique perspectives. However, they’re not relying solely on Penn students: Hoffman’s enjoying being able to “introduce people from [their] other...circles to each other,” like high school pals or longtime friends from back home.
The pair isn’t planning to leave their love of the arts at Penn, though. Both women plan to take their skills to work in the entertainment industry. Hoffman points out that de Luna’s majors in Classics and Film Studies have provided some insight on details in a few episodes. They also both agree that the breadth of television they've been watching has given them more holistic views of the vast diversity of television.
For example, encouraged by their episode on the pilot of Arrested Development, Hoffman decided to “give it another shot”—she has now completed the original series. Their recent acquisition of a sponsor for the show has "[made] it feel kind of real," further cementing it as more than a hobby. In this sense, it seems like their podcast—something that started out as a quarantine project—is providing a smoother transition from college to the “real world” than many of us get.
De Luna says that the main goal of the podcast is to “give [her] happiness,” something the pair is achieving by combining their love of talking with friends, talking about TV, and learning all the way through. “It’s one of the only things—and I know this sounds dramatic—but one of the only things that is giving me true happiness right now.” At the end of the day, this is the mission of the podcast, even as the pals move forward—as we all are—into an uncertain future.
Ultimately, it sounds like Hoffman and de Luna are having a fabulous time, all while creating interesting original content. The podcast is excellent, and certainly features fun analyses of some of television’s most impressive moments. Their unique insights make each episode an enjoyable learning experience. There’s something for you, whether you’re just checking in to hear the duo’s thoughts on your personal favorite episode, or you’re a more dedicated listener. The Facebook page features the episodes to come a few days in advance, so you can watch along and gain a fully developed television palate. Hoffman mentioned that they’ve developed a growing international following, with listeners scattered throughout countries such as France, Switzerland, and Israel. It all makes sense—what’s universal if not TV?
Check out the We’re Having an Episode Podcast Facebook page here, and if you want to watch along, give it a like to follow ahead on which episodes will be covered. You can listen to We’re Having an Episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
