Podcast Summary: "Singletake: Free Stuff"
The World and Everything In It
Host: Les Sillers
Release Date: December 14, 2024
Introduction: A Christmas Tale of Gratitude
In the December 14, 2024 episode of The World and Everything In It, host Les Sillers presents a heartwarming Christmas story featuring Kim Stegel and Juliana Chan Erickson. This episode, titled "Singletake: Free Stuff," delves into their unexpected journey on the long-running game show, The Price is Right, highlighting themes of camaraderie, humility, and recognizing life’s true gifts.
Preparing for the Adventure
Les Sillers introduces Kim Stegel, a contributor for World Teen magazine from South Carolina, and Juliana Chan Erickson, a World Radio contributor based in Washington, D.C. The two friends decided to audition for The Price is Right in Los Angeles, donning coordinated, festive outfits to embody the holiday spirit.
Kim Stegel (00:20):
"We were wearing outfits that we found on Amazon. I was wearing a sparkly red top."
Juliana Chan Erickson (00:32):
"Juliana was wearing a sparkly green top."
Their playful attire included elf hats adorned with gold dollar signs, meticulously arranged to appear as mirror images for their photo opportunities.
Juliana Chan Erickson (00:46):
"I think yours, Kim's, was facing right and mine was facing left so that when we stood for a photo, they would look like they were mirror images of each other."
The Audition Process
On a warm October day, Kim and Juliana flew to Los Angeles to audition for Drew Carey's The Price is Right. The theme for their episode was a holiday office party, but details were kept under wraps until the episode aired on December 4th.
Les Sillers (01:05):
"They flew to Los Angeles a few days before their episode was taped on October 30, 2023."
Determined to stand out, Juliana encouraged Kim to create a unique song and embrace their elf hats with confidence, even if their performance wasn't flawless.
Juliana Chan Erickson (02:03):
"If we're going to rock this, if we're going to get that on the show, we have to make up a song, some sort of gimmick. Even if it's terrible, even if it's pitiful, we gotta sing it and own it and rock our elf hats in front of these people."
Despite some hesitation and a less-than-perfect singing attempt, their effort set the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Awaiting Their Moment: A Test of Patience
Kim and Juliana spent hours at the audition site, a rented church next to the studio, mingling with approximately 150 other contestants adorned in festive attire. The atmosphere was competitive yet spirited, with contestants eager to showcase genuine excitement.
Kim Stegel (03:30):
"Cheering because they say that they're not looking for an actor. They're looking for genuine excitement..."
After their interviews and song performance, Kim and Juliana assumed they were unlikely to be selected, positioning themselves towards the back of the contestant lineup as numbers 47 and 48.
The Call to Stage: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Against their expectations, both women were called to the stage amidst overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience.
Kim Stegel (04:47):
"And Ivan Gonzalez Wallace, come on down."
The loud cheers from the crowd made it difficult to hear their names being announced individually. Eventually, Kim's name was called, propelling her onto the stage with a surge of adrenaline and excitement.
Kim Stegel (05:04):
"So when they said my name, I didn't hear it... the adrenaline takes over because you're high fiving people."
The Bidding Game: A Lesson in Humility
Once on stage, Kim participated in the bidding segment, starting with a set of expensive golf clubs. Feeling the pressure and influenced by the chaotic environment, she placed a high bid of $5,500, significantly overestimating the clubs' value.
Kim Stegel (06:28):
"I bid. 5,500."
Her overbid was met with surprise from Drew Carey and the audience, leading to mixed feelings of excitement and self-doubt.
George Gray (05:19):
"Prices are blowing my mind tonight."
Despite her initial success, Kim struggled with subsequent bids, ultimately finding herself underqualified for the remaining prizes.
The Showcase Showdown: Tension and Triumph
Advancing to the Showcase Showdown, Kim faced the challenge of spinning a hefty eight-foot wheel to secure her place in the final showcase round. After a successful first spin, she earned $1,000, advancing her to compete for even grander prizes.
George Gray (10:45):
"I got a $1 on my first spin."
The waiting period between rounds was nerve-wracking, as Kim wrestled with the tension of waiting to see if her bids would hold up.
Outcome and Aftermath: Gracious Acceptance
In the end, Austin, another contestant, narrowly won the showcase by staying closer to the actual price. Although Kim did not secure the grand prize, she walked away with $30 in merchandise and $1,000 in cash after taxes—enough to cover her trip to California.
Kim Stegel (15:00):
"I'm going to make a label for my label maker that says, I won this on the Price is Right, and if you come to my house, I might let you use it."
Insights and Lessons: The True Value of Community
Reflecting on their experience, Kim and Juliana emphasized that the most rewarding aspect was not the prizes but the sense of unity and support among contestants.
Juliana Chan Erickson (15:49):
"We all were united in, not just in competition, but in rooting for one another."
Les Sillers connects their story to broader spiritual themes, illustrating that recognizing the true value in life’s "free stuff" is akin to appreciating God’s grace.
Les Sillers (16:59):
"God gives us lots of free stuff. It's called grace."
Conclusion: Embracing Life’s Gifts
The episode closes with a reaffirmation of gratitude and the importance of recognizing that everything we have is a gift, reinforcing the episode’s central message that true joy comes from community and divine grace, rather than material possessions.
Kim Stegel (17:18):
"No merit of my own. I did nothing to get on that stage."
Les Sillers (17:37):
"And you walk out with the recognition that... everything that we have is given to us."
This episode of The World and Everything In It masterfully intertwines a personal narrative with profound life lessons, encouraging listeners to cherish the intangible gifts of camaraderie and grace alongside any material rewards.