Follow screenwriter, journalist, and investigative storyteller Michael Epstein as he unveils the true story of one of Silicon Valley’s most successful failed inventors, Jonathon Keats, in this thrilling Audible Original.
In this commissioned audiobook, Walking Cinema’s founder Michael Epstein examines the potential crossover between contemporary art and Silicon Valley innovation. It’s a two-hour audio romp focusing on the work of conceptual artist and serial failed inventor Jonathon Keats. Can Jonathon actually commercialize a janky invention called “The Pheromonophone?” Is there really a need for a sort of “smell suit” that sends your pheromones to distant parties via the Internet?
Along this romp, the story reveals biases in Silicon Valley around who can invent the future and, on the other hand, biases in the art world around product-minded artists. In the end, the journey finds a curious mix of comedy, maker know-how, and sympathetic businesses that might form the start of an entirely new industry and art form.
Impact
One of the few new shows produced during COVID for Audible Originals via home studios and Zoom.
Garnered participation from technology and art luminaries around the world.
Wired Magazine called it “a new audiobook that pokes serious fun at Silicon Valley’s culture of disruption.”
About the Experience
The Smell Suit that sparked an epic journey…
Listeners are invited on a trip around the world in an effort to commercialize a crazy idea with a prototype that doesn’t really work. But….but…there is something there. What the Pheromonophone actually is becomes reporter Michael Epstein’s central question, and how it evolves is a surprise to audiences and to himself. One listener said, “I wasn't sure what to expect from this title but what I got was a highly informative, engaging piece about a very intriguing man and his inventions. Skillfully presented by Michael Epstein, the listener is taken on a journey to discover Jonathon Keats and his inventions. A quick, fascinating listen.”
Audio Sample
In this sample you hear conceptual artist Jonathon Keats rationalizing the need for the Pheromomophone. He then demos his alpha version of the project on reporter/narrator Michael Epstein and entrepreneur Adam Tank. Hilarity ensues and a twinkle of startup concept.
Photo Gallery
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Jonathon Keats
Artist and inventor Jonathon Keats sits in his office/laboratory with his “early alpha” prototype of the pheromonophone on his desk.
PHOTO CREDIT: WALKING CINEMA, 2019
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The Pheromonophone
The pheromonophone is basically comprised of a sweat suit and an air pump. It cost less than $100 to build, but its implications are…still TBD.
PHOTO CREDIT, JONATHON KEATS, 2019
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Carbon Pellets Capture One’s Smell
Carbon pellets capture one’s smell (pheromones?) in a quite nipple-like protuberance on the front of the suit.
PHOTO CREDIT, JONATHON KEATS, 2019
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The Receiver
On the receiver’s end of the contraption air is pumped out of metal tin containing the carbon pellet and into a sort of breathing apparatus. Absolutely disgusting!
PHOTO CREDIT, JONATHON KEATS, 2019
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Adam Tank
Advisor and entrepreneur Adam Tank shows off his latest invention: a robot that cleans and repairs water pipes.
PHOTO CREDIT: WALKING CINEMA, 2019.
Production Team
Michael Epstein, Writer, producer, narrator and creator
Michael is a journalist and professor at the California College of Art. He wrote, directed, and co-produced the audio. He is currently a Reynolds Journalism Institute fellow.
Kyle Randall, Sound design, scoring, and audio editing
Kyle is a composer and sound designer who worked with Michael on a series of audio walks for Detour in Rome. He did the scoring, sound design, and audio editing for this project.
Will Rogers, Executive Producer and editor
Was the VP of original comedy content at Audible and a specialist in humorous, longform audio. He was the story editor and executive producer for this production.
Jonathan Keats, Writer
Jonathan Keats dubs himself an experimental philosopher and works on art projects that challenge and reposition humanity’s relationship with nature and technical progress. He helped write and conceive of this project.
Adam Tank, entrepreneur and advisor to the projects
Adam was a friend, believer, and in-story advisor to this project. He is a scientist and entrepreneur working in the renewable energy sector.
Press & Articles
The Pheromonophone Lets You Reach Out and Smell Someone
Author and narrator Michael Epstein follows Keats around Silicon Valley as he demos the foul fabrication for wide-eyed investors and jaded engineers…