Why do some people have a strange desire to do weird things for no (good) reason? There's something fascinating about kids who eat laundry soap as part of a “challenge,” or people who deliberately... Read more
Philosophical Wife Swapping
27 April 2009
I've never seen the reality TV show Wife Swap. And I have to admit that I find the title alone quite a bit off putting. Just the title alone makes me think that the show must be somewhat sexist and retrograde. So I was quite surprised and more than a little skeptical when we at Philosophy Talk got an e-mail from a casting producer for the show requesting our help in finding parents who, as she put it, "take on philosophical ways of thinking and reasoning when it comes to living their lives, raising their children and navigating the world around them." At first, I thought it must be some kind of practical joke. And then I investigated a bit more and found that the casting producer, Danielle Gervais, was really who she claimed to be and was really looking for philosophy-driven parents and thought that our listeners might be just the kind of people she is looking for. We had a brief debate among our philosophy talk posse about the show -- cause I have to admit I was still skeptical. But some of members of our crew have actually watched the show. They claim it's often a really fascinating study in human behavior and relationships. So they urged us to do what we could to help.
Since my own initial skepticism was based entirely on ignorance and a bad reaction to the title of the show, (and John's was too, I think.) and since it would be kind of cool if someone out there who actually listens to Philosophy Talk did appear on a popular reality show and showed how philosophy can make a real difference, I thought "Why the hell not!"
So if you are interested in possibly appearing on a reality show and if you do, to quote Danielle Gervais, again, "take on philosophical ways of thinking and reasoning when it comes to living their lives, raising their children and navigating the world around them" why not give it a shot?
Here's what they say about themselves:
ABC's primetime series "Wife Swap" is currently casting its fifth season and looking for unique families with plenty of personality to take part in the show. Specifically, they're looking for parents who take on philosophical ways of thinking and reasoning when it comes to living their lives, raising their children and navigating the world around them. If yours is a unique family that is constantly seeking out the meaning of truth and existence and using these tools to raise your kids, the Wife Swap casting director wants to hear from you.
If you are a two-parent family with at least one child over the age of 5 living at home, and you think your family would make terrific TV, please contact Danielle Gervais at 646-747-7956 or e-mail at Casting.DanielleGervais@gmail.com
What have you got to lose? You might be chosen and you might have fun. If you do contact, Ms. Gervais, though, tell her that Philosophy Talk sent you.
Comments (12)
Guest
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
It would be a peculiar philosopher indeed that wouIt would be a peculiar philosopher indeed that would subject their children to a stranger and reality television just to get 15 minutes of fame or a sack of gold.
Guest
Thursday, April 30, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
Don't fall for ABC's line. I've been involved in aDon't fall for ABC's line. I've been involved in an episode of the show. I can tell you that the show is scripted. If you agree to appear on the show, prepare to have yourself made to look like a total idiot.
Believe me, you won't have fun and you'll wish you never participated on the show! Save yourselves a lot of heartache, a lot of trouble, and steer clear of this trashy show. What ABC says about themselves is a complete lie. The show is more about trying to get those "Jerry Springer moments" than anything.
Guest
Thursday, May 7, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
I've seen "Wife Swap" and "Trading Spouses" and whI've seen "Wife Swap" and "Trading Spouses" and while I am certain that they do 'edit' what happens to fall in line with some 'script' they have in mind. Not everyone appears idiotic at all. We all have our quirks, and let's face it, children don't exactly come with an owners manual so I think it would be a great idea for a philosophical-family to be aired. I must admit I am curious as to what their 'opposite' family would end up like. My husband and I enjoy the show and love to figure out what the 'anti-us' couple would be.
Guest
Friday, May 8, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
Anyone who subjects their children to the trauma oAnyone who subjects their children to the trauma of participating in Wife Swap should be prepared to have their children in counseling when the show is over. It is that bad.
If you search on the Internet, you will find many families with the same negative experiences from this show. Talk to some of these people before thinking about appearing on the show. It's not worth it!
Guest
Saturday, May 9, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
Just to say this is a really good show, and the 60Just to say this is a really good show, and the 60 second philosopher is the best 120 seconds on the air.
Guest
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
Agent Smith, are you "Infidel Guy?"Agent Smith, are you "Infidel Guy?"
Guest
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
...still a bit suggestive...the term "wife swap" i...still a bit suggestive...the term "wife swap" instead of...you fill-in the blank.
Guest
Saturday, June 6, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
No, Agent Smith is definitely not "Infidel Guy". INo, Agent Smith is definitely not "Infidel Guy". Infidel Guy is an egocentric publicity seeking moron. He loved the show and wanted everyone to see it...er, him.
I am the opposite of him. I want the show to die out and go away. I've seen how they go about filming an episode. It's not pretty! I try to warn everyone that I can about the show and how they operate. Again, I say do plenty of research before even thinking about appearing on this so called show.
Guest
Monday, July 13, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
I just say... lame! I've watched for a few minutesI just say... lame! I've watched for a few minutes but couldn't stomach much more than that. Rubbish.
Guest
Thursday, August 27, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
I second the "rubbish" reply. Couldn't sit throughI second the "rubbish" reply. Couldn't sit through an entire episode personally, and it's a shame that unsuspecting kids have to be dragged into the spotlight. Really, who wants to be remembered as having thrown a temper tantrum on national television?
Guest
Thursday, October 1, 2009 -- 5:00 PM
Philosophy Talks guys, you just ruined your Sexy GPhilosophy Talks guys, you just ruined your Sexy Geek quotient with me! Have you really watched that show? The producers seek out glaringly diametrically-opposed families, so much so it is reductivist and formulaic no matter which pairing or what manifestation of family culture they cast. Yes, I said, "Cast".
It's lowbrow.
Moronic. Guilty entertainment.
There have been "philosophically-minded" families featured. In fact, their verbiage should cue you to their search for the Mad Perfessor and Pipe-Smokin' Charlies of the world! Every family is philosophical!
Sigh.
OK 60 second Guy, PLEASE don't let me down. I was crafting a madcap marriage proposal to you last week. Please, please don't say a word.
Guest
Friday, April 16, 2010 -- 5:00 PM
Just wait till they move to other production centeJust wait till they move to other production centers around the country. It wouldn't surprise me, for example, to see stereotypes imposed on certain populations of Americans, like those in Philadelphia Park, compared to Houston, Los Angeles, Colorado, etc.