This Is Someone’s Job

Somewhere in the world, there are people whose job is to attend funerals professionally.In Episode 3 of This Is Someone's Job, we explore the surprising history of professional mourners, from Ancient Egyptian wailers to modern-day ceremonial traditions, and the unusual career built around helping people say goodbye.Because while most of us spend our lives trying to avoid awkward social situations, someone else is navigating funeral small talk for a living.And somewhere, at this very moment, a professional mourner is being asked the one question they were hoping to avoid:"So... how did you know them?"

Somewhere in the world, there are people whose job is to stand in a queue for somebody else.In Episode 2 of This Is Someone's Job, we explore the strange world of professional line stand-ins, where patience becomes a profession and waiting around is a billable skill.Because while most of us are staring at our phones and wondering why the queue isn't moving, someone else is standing there professionally.And somewhere, at this very moment, a person is being paid to experience boredom on somebody else's behalf.If you have an unusual job—or know someone whose career sounds completely made up—I'd love to hear about it.📧 ⁠[email protected]⁠Follow the show for new episodes exploring the strangest ways people make a living.

Somewhere in the world, there are people whose job is to make ornamental fish look their absolute best.In the very first episode of This Is Someone's Job, we explore the strange world of professional fish presentation, luxury koi culture, and the surprisingly serious business of making a fish look shinier.Because while most of us are replying to emails and pretending to understand spreadsheets, someone else is making sure a fish is ready for its close-up.If you have an unusual job—or know someone whose career sounds completely made up—I'd love to hear about it.📧 [email protected] Follow the show for new episodes exploring the strangest ways people make a living.