Decoder Ring

Jane Fonda, the iconic actress turned fitness guru, teams up with Leni Cazden, the fitness instructor who originally crafted the revolutionary Jane Fonda workout. Together, they discuss the dramatic origins of this fitness phenomenon and the resurgence it experienced during the pandemic. The conversation dives into their complex friendship, marked by betrayal and survival, while also exploring how Fonda's activism intersects with her fitness journey. Listeners will get an intimate look at the personal struggles and triumphs that shaped their lives and careers.

In this engaging discussion, guests Sam Kean, a science writer and author of 'Dinner with King Tut', archaeologist Karen Harry, and Native Hawaiian advocate Nāʻālehu Anthony share their insights into experimental archaeology. They delve into recreating ancient practices to uncover lost knowledge, including the exciting story of hunting mammoths and unique pottery techniques. Nāʻālehu discusses the revival of Polynesian navigational skills, intertwining culture with adventure. Discover how these experiments enrich our understanding of history!

Join June Thomas, an author and podcaster with a keen interest in cultural narratives, as she tackles the notorious stereotype of British teeth. Delve into the historical roots behind perceptions of dental health, exploring how sugar consumption and national identity shape attitudes. Hear insightful contrasts between the American fixation on perfect smiles and British acceptance of imperfections. June also discusses the NHS's role in evolving dental care standards and challenges misconceptions, paving the way for a deeper understanding of dental aesthetics.

Join linguistics professor Nicole Holliday, who explores the nuances of language and identity, alongside professional namer Laurel Sutton, as they dive into listener questions. They discuss the quirky journey of the 'ass intensifier' in casual speech. Get insights into how pharmaceutical names are crafted, revealing the blend of creativity and regulatory challenges behind them. They also tackle the bizarre phenomenon of cow abductions by aliens, tracing its cultural roots and implications, all while keeping the conversation lively and humorous.

If you look at any list of best-selling cookbooks, certain words come up over and over again: quick, easy, fast, effortless. But is it actually possible to deliver deliciousness in no time? Or are these recipes too good to be true? This week, The Sporkful talks with intrepid journalist Tom Scocca, who exposed the dirty secret about caramelized onions; recipe-writing legend Christopher Kimball; and food writer (and mom) Elizabeth Dunn, who’s sick of feeling bad when a recipe turns out to be harder than she expected. And we ask: Why do recipes that look simple on paper turn out to be very different once you get into the kitchen? Tom Scocca is the editor of Indiginity, and you can read his Slate story about caramelizing onions here. Christopher Kimball is the founder of Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street. Elizabeth Dunn co-writes the newsletter Consumed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mack Hagood, a professor at Miami University and author of Hush, dives deep into the booming white noise industry, now valued at $1.3 billion. He explores why so many people are drawn to synthetic and natural sounds for comfort and concentration. The conversation reveals how white noise has transformed from a niche solution into a mainstream phenomenon, fueled by platforms like Spotify. Additionally, Hagood discusses the historical evolution of sound management and the fascination with auditory experiences, highlighting a modern obsession with masking noise.

Ty Burr, a veteran film critic with decades of experience, joins linguist Danny Erker from Boston University and Lisa Simmons of the Roxbury International Film Festival. They dissect the unique cinematic identity of Boston, from the gritty realism of 'Good Will Hunting' to the cultural complexities that shape its film narratives. Discussions include the significance of race and class, the impact of iconic local actors, and the fascinating evolution of the Boston accent in film. The conversation showcases why this vibrant city holds a special place in Hollywood's heart.

Decoder Ring is marking its 100th episode this year. To celebrate, we’re revisiting our very first episode from 2018, which asks: What happened to the laugh track? For nearly five decades, the laugh track was ubiquitous, but beginning in the early 2000s, it fell out of sitcom fashion. What happened? How did we get from The Beverly Hillbillies to 30 Rock? In this episode we meet the man who created the laugh track, which originated as a homemade piece of technology, and trace that technology’s fall and the rise of a more modern idea about humor. With the help of historians, laugh track obsessives, the showrunners of One Day at a Time and the director of Sports Night, this episode asks if the laugh track was about something bigger than laughter. You can read more in Willa’s article “The Man Who Perfected the Laugh Track” in Slate. Links and further reading on some of the things we discussed on the show: Interview with Ben Glenn II on the history of the laugh track in McSweeney’s See a Charlie Douglas Laff Box on Antiques Roadshow More of Paul Iverson’s work restoring laugh tracks and inserting them into new shows The sitcom One Day at a Time Friends without a Laugh Track by Sboss “The Okeh Laughing Record” Tommy Schlamme and Aaron Sorkin’s Sports Night This episode was written by Willa Paskin. It was produced and edited by Benjamin Frisch, who also created the episode art. Decoder Ring is produced by Katie Shepherd, Max Freedman, and our supervising producer Evan Chung. If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at DecoderRing@slate.com, or leave a message on the Decoder RIng hotline at 347-460-7281. We love to hear any and all of your ideas for the show.  Want more Decoder Ring? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Decoder Ring show page. Or, visit slate.com/decoderplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Stern, an automotive lighting expert and editor of Driving Vision News, dives deep into the escalating frustration over overly bright car headlights, now the top complaint among drivers. He discusses the technological advancements that led to the 'brightness wars' and the shocking impact on road safety. Guest Nate Rogers shares insights from his investigative writing, exploring the regulatory failures and societal push for change. Together, they shed light on the balance between improved visibility and the dangers of glare, igniting a crucial conversation for today’s drivers.

Hallie Lieberman, a sex historian and author of "Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy," leads a captivating discussion on off-label uses of products. She explores the surprising evolution of Q-tips from baby care to ear-cleaning dilemmas. The Hitachi Magic Wand's journey from a simple massager to a celebrated sex toy highlights changing perceptions of sexuality. Plus, put your hangover woes to rest with Pedialyte, rebranded as the ultimate recovery drink for adults. Listen in for a fascinating blend of history, culture, and creativity!