Podcast Spotlight: AMERICA 2.0
AMERICA 2.0 is modern, clever, and most of all, entertaining. Starring Suits‘ Patrick J Adams, Kate Walsh (13 Reasons Why), Shanola Hampton (Shameless), Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix), and more, AMERICA 2.0 provides a politically-motivated immersive fiction podcast you can joyfully binge. Besides an enthralling story, the other thing I genuinely appreciate about AMERICA 2.0 is its brevity. All the episodes of the 6-part podcast are under 30 minutes yet they’re able to convey a complete story with little time commitment on the listeners behalf.
We were fortunate enough to meet JS Mayank, the producer and director of AMERICA 2.0, to discuss the podcast, the inspiration, and give a little sneak peak of behind the scenes. See below for our Q&A.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Discover Pods: The current political climate seems ripe to create a fictionalized version. How or why did you decide to go with a podcast format?
MAYANK: With AMERICA 2.0, we saw a unique opportunity to do a highly produced, timely audio series that’s simultaneously modern, and yet a throwback to the era of good old-fashioned BBC radio dramas. The podcast format is instantly accessible, and has a broad reach – entertainment that can be consumed anywhere: whilst commuting, working-out, or doing chores. As someone who listens to a lot of podcasts myself, I felt there was an opportunity to get our idea across at a very high level, without having to compromise on my vision, or wait by going through a conventional and lengthy Hollywood development process. It was probably also a big reason why we were able to assemble an A-list cast (aside from the material itself)!
DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to AMERICA 2.0?
MAYANK: AMERICA 2.0 is a six-part, scripted narrative series about an idealistic Congressman Seth McGuire (Patrick J Adams), who wants to help turn the tide by giving every American citizen a million dollars. It’s a big idea, and we wanted to explore the world of Washington D.C., not as it is, but as it could be. Politics is supposed to be aspirational, and yet it’s become anything but. We’re hoping our optimistic take is exactly what our listeners need right now. Plus, we’re a non-partisan series, with fantastic and intelligent characters on both sides of the aisle. It’s smart, snappy, witty and instantly captivating.
DP: I’ve read AMERICA 2.0 being compared to a podcast version of The West Wing. However, are there other fiction podcasts or audio dramas that helped inspire the series?
MAYANK: I’d actually compare AMERICA 2.0 to MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON and JERRY MAGUIRE. But the WEST WING comparisons are beyond flattering. With regards to other fictional podcasts, I was a big fan of HOMECOMING, even though we couldn’t be more different tonally or stylistically. Ours is a slicker, more stylized series, whereas I loved the “lived in” and “authentic” feel of Homecoming. With AMERICA 2.0, I set out to essentially “create a TV show for your ears.” Most people have remarked how they can “see” the show when they’re listening to it – which is the highest compliment I could have hoped for.
DP: What’s something a casual podcast fan likely doesn’t know about what goes on behind the scenes to bring something like this to life?
MAYANK: I don’t know about most podcasts (this is my first), but to me, this was very much like making a TV show. The only difference was, there were no cameras rolling. It was a gargantuan task, but my amazing co-producers (David Carlyle, Jeremy Gordon, Spencer Garrett) helped rally our massive all-star cast – Patrick J Adams, Kate Walsh, Shanola Hampton, Ming-Na Wen, Autumn Reeser, Jack Coleman, Steven Weber, Academy Award nominee, Mr. Laurence Fishburne, and many more! Scheduling everyone, getting their performances to match, the lengthy post production process, involving editing, sound design, recording the theme, mixing the final episodes – it was quite the endeavor. While I loved every minute of it… it was intense hard work! Hopefully, the end product reflects that. But we also had a lot of fun while producing the series. The cast members were amazing, and the level of artistry they brought to making the characters come alive was nothing short of astounding.
DP: What other podcasts are you listening to now?
MAYANK: I love POD SAVE AMERICA and WEST WING WEEKLY (no surprises there!) I’m also a junkie for SCRIPTNOTES, THE MOMENT WITH BRIAN KOPPELMAN and WTF WITH MARC MARON. And of course, I’m listening to SERIAL right now.
DP: Anything else you’d like to add?
MAYANK: I’d like to thank you at DISCOVER PODS for giving me the opportunity to talk about AMERICA 2.0. It’s truly a pleasure.
We live in a world where a lot of things are disheartening and sad right now. AMERICA 2.0 has a message of hope. We, the creators, are earnest and optimistic, and truly want our listeners to have a positive, moving experience. Given that it’s a limited event series – I’d love for people to check out the show, and help spread the word.
If anyone’s curious, they can look up our cast & crew, as well as check out our merchandise on our website – www.reinventingtomorrow.com
They can also follow us on social media:
INSTAGRAM: @america2.0podcast
TWITTER: @america20pod
FACEBOOK: @america2.0podcast
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