Now that we’re in our sound/audio editing unit, I thought it’d be a good time to share the history of one of my favorite Youtube channels: a daily talk show called Good Mythical Morning (or often abbreviated as GMM).
GMM is actually a sub channel of the Internet entertainment duo Rhett & Link, which consists of 39-year old Rhett McLaughlin and 38-year old Link Neal. The two met in their first grade elementary school class in 1984 and have been best friends ever since. They created their main Youtube channel in 2006 and used it to share original songs, funky commercials, and eccentric skits, many of which have garnered over millions of views. Today, they are the 44th most-subscribed Youtube channel and run their own production company called “Mythical Entertainment,” where they create much of the content that they share with their fan base (nicknamed “mythical beasts”).
Rhett and Link’s second channel, called Good Mythical Morning, started off more quietly and humbly. Created in 2008, GMM was intended to be a daily morning talk show that was more casual and conversational than the content Rhett and Link produced on their main channel. Even though each episode was released in video form, GMM was meant to be more of an audio-only podcast where Rhett and Link shared their life stories and other interesting content. In fact, Rhett and Link have encouraged their viewers many times to “make GMM a part of their daily routine,” asking their audience to simply tune in as they would an old-fashioned radio station while they were driving to work or eating breakfast. To facilitate this, each episode of GMM was also made available via Soundcloud and Itunes in addition to the main Youtube upload.
However, as one would expect, the more popular Rhett and Link got, the more popular GMM got as well. What was once a casual morning talk show slowly became more video-dependent as the content of GMM became more structured and deliberate. Nowadays, GMM is famous for episodes such as Rhett and Link taking a chicken noodle soup bath or playing messy Pictionary with a buffet of foods. As evident by the content of these videos, it’s no longer possible to rely solely on audio to enjoy these episodes.
I can’t say that I’m saddened by how GMM has changed over the years, as Rhett and Link continue to produce quality content no matter the medium, but part of me does miss the casual intimacy that GMM used to have when it was more of an audio-heavy program. Like we discussed in class, there’s something candid and endearing about podcasts that I think is related to a lack of visual stimulation—sort of like the sense of comfort and safety you feel while drowsing in the backseat of a car at night with the radio turned down to a low hum. However, I would like to mention that, perhaps in response to GMM’s changed structure, Rhett and Link have recently created a weekly podcast called “Ear Biscuits,” which has no video version whatsoever and exists solely as an audio podcast. I guess it’s nice to see that, even as their fame grows, Rhett and Link are still willing to stick to their roots for the sake of the fans that have been with them since the beginning.
Hina P
I’m so glad you posted about GMM! This YouTube channel has become of my favorites. I was introduced to GMM by my brother, he showed me the “Safest Way to Walk” video and I was hooked. If you haven’t seen it I totally recommend checking it out because its hilarious. I do find it interesting to see how the content on their channel has changed and progressed from mostly audio to visual as well. I do like how they have the weekly podcasts because it gives you a chance to just sit, listen and imagine the story yourself. I really enjoyed your post!
Tiffany S
I find it really interesting that listening to a podcast can be so engaging, but also allow you to so other things as well. It’s so easy to do mundane chores or drive among other activities while listening to a podcast. I think I actually focus better when I’m moving. I find it interesting that GMM has continued to maintain an audio channel when their videos became so popular. I think they recognize the value of an audio experience. Very interesting!
Wendy L
I watched the chicken noodle soup bath episode and I am hooked now. It was hysterical! I see how they have to keep up with the visual stimulus now instead of just their audio because of how many people are subscribed and watch their videos. I think watching them take the chicken noodle bath instead of just listening to them take one elevated the production. But there is something to be said about just hearing the audio and being able to paint the picture in your mind about what is visually happening. Non-the-less, you definitely got me hooked on these guys!