Rephonic
Artwork for The Object
Art
Gift Giving
Minneapolis Institute Of Art
Civil Rights Movement
Joe Minter
Dragons
Segregation
School Shootings
Black Codes
Dogs
Tibetan Buddhism
Wanda Gág
Vietnam War
Tatra
Santiago Rusiñol
Georgia O'keeffe
American Gothic
Birmingham, Alabama
World War II
Grant Wood

”The Object” podcast explores the surprising, true stories behind museum objects with wit and curiosity. An object’s view of us. Hosted by Tim Gihring, produced by the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryArts

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Object

Latest Episodes

NEWS! Tickets will be available starting January 7 for The Object LOVE!, our very Valentine's live show with special guest jeremy messersmith on February 7 in the Minneapolis Institute of Art's historic Pillsbury Auditorium. All about the gods in (an... more

Brand-new episode: Swedish textile artist Helena Hernmarck became an international art star making monumental tapestries, an ancient art she gave a modern Pop Art twist starting in the 1960s. Some 260 commissioned works in all, often for corporate se... more

Tickets will be available soon for The Object LOVE!, a very Valentine’s edition of our live taping of the podcast, happening February 7 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, with quizzes, storytelling, and very special musical guest jeremy messersmith... more

This third sold-out live show of The Object podcast was recorded October 30, 2025, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art with special guest Chan Poling of The Suburbs and New Standards. Quizzes, storytelling, and curator conversation all centered on F.... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Chan Poling
Musician, founding member of The Suburbs, and creator of multiple musical projects
The Suburbs
Episode: The Object LIVE! Great Gatsby's Ghost!
Lori Williamson
Curator of the Gatsby at 100 exhibit
Episode: The Object LIVE! Great Gatsby's Ghost!
Lizzi Ginsberg
Writer based in Chicago, recently earned a master's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Episode: Bonus episode: Talking Wanda Gág with Lizzi Ginsberg
Joe Minter
81-year-old artist known for his expansive outdoor art installation reflecting the Black American experience
Episode: Yard Show: The World According to Joe

Host

Tim Gihring
Host of the podcast, Tim Gihring engages listeners with his narrative style and insightful discussions, often accompanied by expert guests to highlight the stories behind art and cultural objects.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 216 ratings
  • Wonderful podcast!

    Informative, soothing narration. I LOVE this podcast so much.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ragtaghorde
    United States8 months ago
  • Excellent Podcast!!

    I love this podcast so much!! Thank you for sharing the beautiful pieces at Mia and the fascinating history and context behind each. I feel like I’m getting a little “tea” in each episode, as well. Love Tim’s intelligent and slightly gossipy (in the best way) vibe.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LisaO30
    United Statesa year ago
  • Good content, but…

    There’s a lot to like about this podcast, but the unfortunate verbal tic of the narrator saying “Right” 12-15 times an episode is just too distracting.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    kkjjjo7
    United Statesa year ago
  • Mesmerizing storytelling

    I absolutely love this podcast. Every episode is well written and the narrator’s voice and pacing makes listening quite enjoyable. The background information as well as the description of the art is so detailed I am able to picture it in my mind, but at the same time I’m drawn to seeing it in person. Well done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MoSync
    United Statesa year ago
  • Fun & fascinating - a must listen!

    This is my favorite podcast among the many I listen to. They provide a brief glimpse into the lives of the artists, while providing a snippet of art history. Like a favorite book I enjoy listening to the episodes more than once. I hope I can get to the Minneapolis Institute of art sometime to see these pieces in person.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VVF-OR
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host's intriguing narrative style and humor are frequently praised, drawing listeners into the tales surrounding each object.
Some suggest that while the content is fascinating, there are occasional delivery issues with the host's verbal style.
Many listeners commend the depth of research behind each episode, enhancing their appreciation for the objects discussed.
Listeners appreciate the informative and engaging storytelling that offers new perspectives on art and history.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#131
Indonesia/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

That Got Weird: The Renaissance You Never Knew
Q: What is the Renaissance at first?
The Renaissance is described as a revival of the classical world focusing on beauty, idealism, and the rediscovery of antiquities.
The Object LIVE! Your Lobster is Ringing!
Q: How do you think about staying between the lines and the risks and rewards of choosing a lane?
Dessa discusses the balance between artistic expression and commercial endeavors, expressing her internal conflict about crossing genres and the implications for both artists and the art they create.
The Object LIVE! Your Lobster is Ringing!
Q: What gets you excited about surrealism?
Dessa shares her initial interest in Dalí and how surrealism is particularly resonant for young minds, referencing her own experiences with his art that impacted her perspective and creativity.
Bonus episode: Talking Wanda Gág with Lizzi Ginsberg
Q: How did Gág's life experience parallel yours?
Lizzi found relatable aspects in Gág's well-documented life, particularly in her struggles during her art school years.
Bonus episode: Talking Wanda Gág with Lizzi Ginsberg
Q: What was unique about Wanda Gág's upbringing?
Wanda Gág grew up in a bohemian household that valued art and creativity, with her father being a painter who encouraged artistic expression from a young age.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Object

What is The Object about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Offering a unique perspective on the narratives behind museum artifacts, episodes explore broad themes that intertwine art, history, and culture. Through engaging storytelling, the series brings to life the often surprising stories of significant objects, leading listeners through diverse topics such as the complexities of identity, the intersection of art and politics, and the historical relevance of creativity across different cultures. The show notably features an entertaining mix of expert interviews and lively discussions that enhance the experience of understanding art and its broader implications. Listeners can expect not just to learn about the artifacts themselves, but also the human experiences and societal contexts that shape the... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Object?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Object:

1. Fresh Air
2. NPR's Book of the Day
3. BirdNote Daily
4. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
5. Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

How many episodes of The Object are there?

The Object launched 7 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Object?

Recent guests on The Object include:

1. Chan Poling
2. Lori Williamson
3. Lizzi Ginsberg
4. Joe Minter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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