Hyperfixed
Hyperfixed & Radiotopia
Maybe it’s just a quiet annoyance you’ve grudgingly learned to put up with, or a life defining issue that makes it hard to move forward. Whatever it is, Alex Goldman — reporter, radio producer, and overconfident idiot — will get to the bottom of it (if there’s a bottom to be found. Results may vary). Follow Alex as he figures out not only the vast hidden mechanisms that create these problems, but works with you, the listener, to find a solution. Or at least enough of an explanation that you’re ok with the annoyance. He’s not perfect. Hyperfixed is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX, a network of independent and listener-supported podcasts. Discover audio with vision at radiotopia.fm. Submit your problems and sign up for bonus episodes and much more at hyperfixedpod.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 25, 2025 • 23min
Grumpy Santa
Mike Federico, an actor and writer turned English professor, shares his wild journey as 'Grumpy Santa' on a chaotic promotional tour. He recounts the bizarre logistics of flying to 66 locations in just 12 days, which turned him from cheerful to grumpy due to exhaustion and health issues. Mike highlights conflicts with a persistent cameraman and recounts a health scare in Montana that added to the ordeal. Despite expecting praise upon returning, he learns the entire stunt was a financial flop. This hilarious yet eye-opening tale reflects the unpredictability of chasing acting dreams.
7 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 42min
Hyperfixmas
In a festive twist, Alex channels Scrooge, reflecting on the year's highlights and challenges in a unique year-in-review. The discussion dives deep into the emotional journey of Allie, who shares her recovery from a devastating fire, revealing the trauma of loss and the hurdles of rebuilding. They also tackle the curious case of Betty Crocker's icing label and the nuances of butter differences affecting recipes. With upcoming pledge drive antics, there's plenty of humor and heart to keep listeners engaged!
29 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 31min
The Pits
Heath battles a stubborn armpit stain problem, leading to hilarious and frustrating laundry tales. The hosts delve into why common cleaning techniques fail, and they interview a microbiologist who reveals bacteria's role in the mess. They explore stress-related sweating and its impact on fabric. Seeking solutions, they bring in professional insights on shirt care, discussing practical stain-removal methods. With a mix of science and humor, the conversation tackles a surprisingly relatable issue!
40 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 36min
Sailing into the Unknown with Joe Rhodes
Join retired journalist Joe Rhodes, who sailed for three years aboard the Villa V Odyssey, as he shares his captivating journey. He recounts his decision to embark on this adventure at 69, along with the challenges and mechanical failures that ensued. Joe reflects on the unique daily rituals, the beauty of cinematic departures, and the tensions that arose among residents. With fascinating insights about life at sea and his plans to return to van life and civic engagement, his story is both humorous and thought-provoking.
37 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 40min
The Lords Work ft. Claire Saffitz
Claire Saffitz, an award-winning cookbook author and YouTube star, joins dentist Rebecca Solomon, who is on a quest to recreate her family's cherished Lord's Bakery cake after its sudden closure. They discuss the family's nostalgia and attempts to replace the beloved dessert. Claire shares her methods for reverse-engineering recipes without tasting, gathering sensory details, and the challenges of replicating fond memories. After several trials, they finally achieve a cake that satisfies Hope Solomon's taste, celebrating a heartfelt culinary victory.
30 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 30min
Phoebe's Origin Story
Phoebe Wahl, a Bellingham-based children's book author and illustrator, embarks on a nostalgic journey to rediscover a childhood video game that shaped her creativity. She shares how vivid memories of early books and games influence her work. Nostalgia's power is explored with Clay Routledge, who discusses its positive effects on mood and creativity. After a quest involving her preschool and classmates, Phoebe joyfully reconnects with the game McGee, even experiencing the thrill of sharing it with her daughter.
20 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 38min
A Song About Ethan
Listener Manon poses a hilarious question about the abundance of songs featuring her brother Ethan, particularly those focused on poop. The hosts uncover the surprising trend of name-based novelty songs, discuss the role of AI in music creation, and connect these quirky tracks to family bonds and shared humor. Prolific songwriter Matt Farley shares insights into his unique process and the impact of social media on music trends. The episode wraps up with a personalized song for Ethan that highlights the joy of family connections.
35 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 33min
Garbage Fruit [Or, The Fruit of Theseus]
David Karp, a pomologist and fruit expert, dives into the curious case of the Red Delicious apple—a fruit everyone loves to hate. He shares its intriguing origins, revealing how clever marketing turned the once-delicious Hawkeye apple into a grocery store staple. Discover the shift in consumer preference that led to increasingly bland apples, and learn why hotels stock them more for decoration than consumption. Karp also discusses the economic fallout from the apple industry's overproduction, leaving listeners with a taste of both history and humor.
22 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 59min
Presenting Proxy with Yowei Shaw: Alex and the Impossible Ask
Yowei Shaw, an emotional investigative journalist and the host of Proxy, engages with Alex, former Reply All host turned independent podcaster. They delve into the financial hurdles of independent media, confronting the stigma of fundraising. The discussion is lively, grappling with the emotional weight of asking for support while finding humor in the challenges. They explore innovative ways to connect with audiences and reshape the narrative of fundraising as an opportunity for community engagement rather than a burden.
19 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 35min
Third Eye Blind
Dive into the intriguing world of aphantasia, where visualization is a no-show! Explore a personal journey revealing the emotional and cognitive impacts on relationships and memories. Advanced fMRI techniques shed light on brain activity, revealing the surprising capabilities of those who can't visualize. Discover the spectrum of mental imagery, comparing vivid imaginations to the blank canvas of aphantasia. Heartfelt anecdotes highlight how auditory memories create lasting connections, proving that absence can still hold profound meaning.
