Getty Launches Second Season of Family Podcast “If Objects Could Talk”

Getty announced today the launch of season two of “If Objects Could Talk,” an award-winning family-friendly podcast that brings to life objects from its art collection for curious young minds. Released weekly, season two presents 10 episodes that investigate the stories behind artworks from the museum’s sculpture and decorative arts collection.

While season one focused on artifacts from the Getty Villa’s antiquities collection such as an Egyptian cat statuette and an owl coin, this season will dive into the quirky histories behind objects housed at the Getty Center ranging from the Middle Ages to the late 19th century.

The first episode is available to stream now, and is ‘hosted’ by a teeny-tiny flea on the glass slide of a Rococo French microscope. Upcoming episodes include the spirited voices of a traveling snail perched on a nearly nine-foot-tall bronze vase; a griffin on a chandelier that spills centuries-old gossip; a gravity-defying bronze horse; an adventurous blue cat lovingly named “Purrqoise” by public vote; and more.

“We hope audiences will revel in these imaginative stories brought to life by our dynamic voice actors and immersive sound design,” said Zoe Goldman, podcast producer at the J. Paul Getty Trust. "Whether listening on the way to school, before bedtime or on a road trip, the show offers screen-free entertainment that simultaneously helps with listening comprehension, builds vocabulary and sparks curiosity. Plus, it’s super funny!"

Episodes

Episode 1: “The Magnificent Microscope and the Fabulous Flea”

It’s a knight! It’s a cat! No, it’s a…flea? In this first episode of the season, a specimen on a slide—a flea—discusses his ornate compound microscope, the Enlightenment, and what “rococo” means.

Episode 2: “Purrquoise the Traveling Cat”

From China to France to LA, this charismatic porcelain kitty has traveled the world—and gained a new perspective in the process. Hear about 18th-century trade and travel, Madame de Pompadour’s palace, and the importance of keeping an open mind in this adventuresome cat’s tail, er, tale.

Episode 3: “Resting Bust Face”

This intensely tense alabaster sculpture of a head, “The Vexed Man,” is used to people staring and trying to do their own versions of his extreme expression. Take it from him, though, it feels much nicer to relax than to be so stiff all the time! Hear about carving techniques and an Austrian amusement park, then end with a calming breathing exercise.

Episode 4: “A Griffin Sees It All”

Perched above the party on an elaborate chandelier, this griffin has some great stories to share. Hear how her bronze body turned to gold followed by her centuries-old gossip from dinner parties past—including the story of one quiet, observant little girl.

Episode 5: “A (Dragon’s) Brief History of Time”

This great green dragon takes his position at the top of the clock very seriously. Accompanied by a monkey and a goose, these time guardians ensure there will be no “killing time” on their watch! Learn about the history of time keepers and some of the special tricks this clock has in store.

Episode 6: “A Bed Story, Not a Bedtime Story”

An ornate bed is here to tell her story—but she’ll stay to tell you a classic French fairy tale after, too. Get cozy, then learn how tiring making a fancy bed like this was and where “fairy tales” come from.

Episode 7: “Small Snail in the Big Cities”

This vase might be nine feet tall and weigh half a ton, but the snail who hangs around its base isn’t intimidated. Hear about how it traveled to three World’s Fairs looking for a buyer and the creative ways artists have tried to make a living in this snail’s story.

Episode 8: “Art Detectives: Cabinet Edition”

Is this Renaissance cabinet a fine forgery or an authentic antique? Only the skilled detectives at the museum can solve this case! And only the cabinet itself can tell the tale—in rhyme.

Episode 9: “Twenty Pounds of Horse Power”

Up on two legs, this bronze statue of a rearing horse seems to defy the laws of gravity. Even in this dramatic pose, the horse keeps his cool as he shares about the lost wax casting process that lets him stand upright and what one school group noticed when they visited him in the galleries.

Episode 10: “A Shield of Stained Glass”

Closing out the season, a courtly lady on a Medieval stained glass window panel shares a lesson on coats of arms—and why every family, even yours, should really have one! Hear how these iconic crests developed and what it took to make colorful puzzle-like windows like hers.

Learn more about Getty Podcasts and explore Getty’s family programming.