Shayna Amster’s Girl Interrupter is a hyper-edited chat show that bombards the senses and begs its audience to make sense of what’s happening. Each Interrupter episode deploys a fleet of memes that’d make a soundbyte-happy DJ blush, punctuating jokes and masking some of the many edits. Amster boils down extended conversations with guest comics to 15-ish minute compilations of only the best jokes. Rarely do conversations stay in one place, interrupted by non-sequitur questions like “Are eggs dairy? They put them really close to the dairy in the grocery store.” The whirlwind of new ideas and random comments frequently finds nuggets of hilarity. 

Unfortunately this also strips away any indication of whether the hosts are doing a bit when they take stoop to inflammatory stances and lazy jokes punching-down inflammatory jokes. A recent episode features the guest boasting about how many people he pissed off with a fat-shaming comment on Facebook, as if it was a comedian badge of honor to… be a jerk on Facebook. 

Girl Interrupter feels like an attempt to revive 2014-era YouTuber edgy comedy like retired creators Ian “Idubbbz” Carter and George “Filthy Frank” Miller. Whether that’s a good thing or not is up to you.

We were fortunate to talk with Amster about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Spotify | Podchaser

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

AMSTER: I wanted to make a podcast for a long time. Years ago, podcast distribution was a lot more complicated of a process so I never really took the time to figure it out. When COVID hit and I got fired from my job, I had a lot of free time to learn new things. So I thought to myself, “Hey! I think the world could totally use another podcast right now!”

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Girl Interrupter?

AMSTER: The show is not for everyone… It’s cynical, dark, silly, and exceptionally fast paced. So, if these qualities sound appealing to you in a podcast, you should give it a listen!

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

AMSTER: People tend to have passionate opinions about Girl Interrupter. My fans absolutely love it! That’s why I keep making new shit. And—most of the feedback I receive is positive. The format is unique. I heavily edit and throw a lot of soundbites in there.

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

AMSTER: Currently, I’m using the Shure MV-7 and my iMac. And—out of all the microphones, recorders, mixers, and sound cards I’ve played with, this one seems to be a good fit.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

AMSTER: Exposure and revenue. It’s challenging to get your name out there as an independent podcast. Most of my time is devoted to production. I want to make a good show. I don’t want to spend time on social media promoting it or trying to negotiate with advertisers because that shits not fun to me.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

AMSTER: Australia. 

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

AMSTER: HA HA Horrible, The Neighbors Upstairs, The Good MILF, Does That Make me a Dick?, Were All Psychos, and The Takedown Podcast

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