Day by Day is a podcast that seeks to help us adapt to the reality of our new normal. The podcast features stories told by writers and performed by some well-known actors of what it means to live through the pandemic and the isolation of quarantine. While Day by Day has narratives of many colors: from short, sardonic comedy bits, to surrealism, to heartbreaking dramas, the stories find a way to capture the poignant, frustrating moments of our strange new world.
Day by Day also partners with organizations to give back during the pandemic. A frequent theme of Day by Day stories and the organizations they collaborate with involve mental health. The podcast recognizes that in this day and age, mental health awareness is more important than ever. Here are a few examples of the stories told on the Day by Day podcast.
Carry Me Home
Carry Me Home is a story written and performed by Naomi McDougall and also stars Gideon Alden (The Society), Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), and Michael O’Neill (Council of Dads).
Carry Me Home tells the story of Jacqueline, a young woman living in New York City during the quarantine. Jacqueline deals with the fear of the pandemic as well as the grief of losing her grandmother. After quarantining in her apartment, Jacqueline discovers she has and upstairs neighbor she’s never met, and she finds herself sharing her deepest feelings.
Lovesick
Lovesick is written by and starring Julia Fox (Uncut Gems). The story costars P.J. Byrne (Big Little Lies) and Douglas Weston (NCIS: Los Angeles).
Lovesick is about Alex and Christine, a couple in the middle of a divorce, forced to quarantine together when the pandemic strikes. Things are miserable for the bickering couple until the close quarters makes them rethink their divorce – that is until one of them starts coughing.
The Destiny Cinema 2
The Destiny Cinema 2 is written by Alice Stanley Jr. and performed by Liana Liberato (If I Stay), David Mazouz (Gotham), Wyatt Oleff (I Am Not Okay With This), and Marion Moseley.
The Destiny Cinema 2 is a fantasy story about a newlywed couple, Hannah and Caleb, who aren’t sure how to deal with all the new time they have together in quarantine. On a walk into town, Hannah and Caleb stumble upon The Destiny Cinema 2 where they find they can watch any movie or story their hearts’ desire.
#AnnabelleClarkeIsOverParty
#AnnabelleClarkeIsOverParty is written by Ariela Barer and stars Hari Nef (Assassination Nation), Alisha Boe (13 Reasons Why), Jacob Batalon (Spider-Man: Far From Home), Ever Carradine (Marvel’s Runaways), and Daniel Goldhaber (Cam).
This satiric story follows influential actress Annabelle Clarke as she quarantines from the comfort of an LA mansion guest house. After an unfortunate tweet that reveals a little too much of Annabelle’s privilege, the Hollywood starlet is forced to think quickly to stem the tide of Twitter cancelation.
At the Peak of It All
At the Peak of It All is written by Johanna Block and stars Josephine Langford (After), Rhianne Barreto (Share), Tanner Zagarino, and Kim Bonifay.
At the Peak of It All tells the story of Daisy who is quarantined in New York City, alone in a three-bedroom apartment. Daisy struggles to be productive in the oppressive gloom of the pandemic, flinching under the pressure to write and use the time to her advantage. Daisy’s anxiety constantly sends her spiraling until she finds a way to accept herself in her new circumstances.
Winnie, Betty, and…
Winnie, Betty, and… is written by Lily Houghton and performed by Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria), and Shannon Purser (Stranger Things).
Winne, Betty, and… begins when Winnie, home for the quarantine, calls her childhood psychiatrist to book a new session. Betty, Winnie’s form best friend, picks up the phone in the receptionist’s office. And the two fall to talking about their glory days, rehashing moments of pure joy, mental anguish, and bittersweet memories.
Class of 2020: Prom & Class of 2020: Graduation
This two-part story is written by Quinn Shepard and stars AnnaSophia Robb, Josephine Langford, Auli’i Cravalho, Austin Crute, Camrus Johnson, Nadia Alexander, and Jess Weixler with narration by Jon Ronson.
Class of 2020: Prom follows the story of senior, Riley, Jade, Ty, Sam, Elle, and Ray as they navigate the end of their high school education during the time of the pandemic. At their virtual prom, the class deals with the dangers of the virus. And the thought that their future won’t be exactly like they planned.
Class of 2020: Graduation looks at the 2020 senior class a few months down the line as protests appear all across the country in support of Black Lives Matter. Riley is set to make her valedictorian speech at their high school graduation. But has life changed too much for the words she wrote just months before?
Big Nights In
Big Nights In is written by Alexis Deane (Me. Mercedes) and stars Lucy Hale (Truth or Dare), Hero Fiennes Tiffin (After), Oona Roche (the Morning Show), and Gabriela Bloomgarden.
Big Nights In tells the story of two roommates, introvert gamer Sam and social butterfly Maya. The two are forced into isolation at the start of quarantine. And they slowly begin to learn more about each other as the days wax on. Sam and Maya take turns to build a solid friendship through the simple acts of listening and caring.
Where can I listen to Day by Day?
Find where you can listen to Day by Day here.
