In 1989, 1.4% of U.S. households had cell phones while 28% had an answering machine.  In 2020, there are 1.29 cell phones per person in the U.S. and only 40% of households still have a landline.

In 1989, 1.4% of U.S. households had cell phones while 28% had an answering machine. In 2020, there are 1.29 cell phones per person in the U.S. and only 40% of households still have a landline.

84 Five of Twelve (James 9)

This podcast will play and discuss old phone answering machine messages.  In the late 1980s, while living in Chicago, I selected certain messages to be duplicated using a double cassette recorder.  Playing them back leads me to explore the intersection of personal history and the larger social and cultural context through the lens of an outdated technology.
New episodes will be posted Sundays.

Society & Culture

This podcast will play and discuss old phone answering machine messages. In the late 1980s, while living in Chicago, I selected certain messages to be duplicated using a double cassette recorder. Playing them back leads me to explore the intersection of personal history and the larger social and cultural context through the lens of an outdated technology. New episodes will be posted Sundays.

Share 84 Five of Twelve (James 9)

Sign up to save your podcasts

84 Five of Twelve (James 9)

84 Five of Twelve (James 9)