JeremyOswald.com

Ever wonder how they find people to be on shows like Wife Swap? I have, but only a little bit. I’ve really only seen the show a couple of times. The very first time I ever watched the show I recorded it on my dvr because some boxer chick from Fresno was on. I’m unsure as to why I deemed Wife Swap worth 6% of my dvr capacity, I’m pretty sure it was summer. In any case, yesterday my dad received an email from a casting producer for the show. Apparently the brain trust behind the show is looking for Mennonite families that believe in simple living. Below is the email, my comments in bold.

Hello,

My name is Gaby Wilson. I’m a Casting Producer for ABC’s Primetime show, “Wife Swap.” I hope you don’t mind me contacting you, but we’re currently into our fourth season at the moment and we’re looking for one-of-a-kind families with plenty of personality. Specifically, we’re looking for Mennonite families that believe in the simple life. If you’ve always thought your family was meant for TV, I want to hear from you! In addition, please feel free to forward this email on to any families you think would be interested in taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If she’s looking for Mennonite families that believe in simple living, I’m doubting they want to be on television. On the other hand, I must say, my old roommate from college would be a great candidate for this. He would be funny to watch, living in southern Indiana, saving his own crap to make compost and learning how to use his first cell phone.

In case you are unfamiliar with the show, the premise of Wife Swap is to take two different families and have the moms switch places to experience how another family lives. Half of the week, mom lives the life of the family she is staying with. Then she introduces a “rule change” where she implements rules and activities that are important to her family. It’s a positive experience for people to not only learn but teach about other families and other ways of life. Wife Swap airs on Disney owned ABC television on Wednesdays at 8 pm- the family hour!

Wow! So much positivity! This sounds like a truly enriching experience for any family! Especially simple Mennonite folk. My family would be perfect for this experience!

Requirements: Each family must consist of two parents and at least one child between 7 and 17 and should reside in the continental U.S. (There may be other children living in the home who are older or younger than the required age…as long as one child is in the required age range.)

Damn you Gaby Wilson! Sadly, the Oswald family is ineligible as we don’t have a child under 17 living with my parents. A child under 30? Yes. 17? Not in years.

Participating in the show is a very unique experience that can be life changing for everyone. In addition, each family that tapes an episode of Wife Swap receives $20,000 as compensation for their time. Anyone who refers a family that appears on our program receives $1000 as a ‘thank you’ from us.

Wow, now I know how they get some of those families to take part in this social experiment. $20,000 can go a long way, especially for some of the families I’ve seen on there (when I was flipping channels). Like the family where the mom and dad were members of a “punk rock” band that still believe that they’re destined for superstardom. They were paired with a conservative ex-Mennonite chimney sweep’s family where the kids are home schooled, the outside world is shunned and the Bible is infallible. My Sunday school teachings are failing me right now, where did the Bible talk about going on a reality show for money?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this email and I hope to hear from you soon. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! If you’re interested in learning more, please include your contact information.

Thank you for your time,

–
Gaby Wilson
Casting Producer
Wife Swap

So if anyone wants to go on Wife Swap, please tell them I referred you . This simple-living Mennonite boy could use the $1,000.