Endless Thread

Harrison Renshaw, a YouTuber known for exploring internet culture, teams up with Rick Astley, the iconic singer of 'Never Gonna Give You Up,' to delve into the fascinating origins of the Rick Roll meme. They discuss early claims of its inception, including a prank call and its growth on platforms like 4Chan. Astley shares his mixed feelings about being the face of the meme and reflects on its unexpected resurgence during the pandemic. The podcast also explores why the song endures, thanks to its catchy hooks and unique musical structure.

Jay Foreman, a comedian and co-creator of the Map Men, dives into the unexpected impact of Google Maps over the past 20 years. He shares poignant stories of New Orleanians using Google Earth after Hurricane Katrina to regain agency over their lives. The discussion examines the dual-edged sword of navigation technology, revealing how it has transformed our spatial skills and perceptions. Foreman also humorously suggests getting lost intentionally to boost our geographical instincts, pushing back against the blue dot dependency.

In this engaging discussion, Alexei Zelensky, a Ukrainian drone developer and former frontline combatant, reveals his journey from soldier to innovator. He shares how fiber-optic spooled drones have transformed warfare in Ukraine, allowing for precise control despite jamming. Alexei recounts his experiences in combat, his recovery, and foray into 3D printing drones. They also explore the environmental impact of discarded cables and Alexei's hopes for using drones in civilian life post-war.

In this insightful conversation, Ruby Tandoh, a food writer and former contestant on The Great British Bake Off, explores how the internet influences our dining choices. She shares her experiences balancing the allure of online recipes with traditional cookbooks, revealing how cultural trends spark cravings. From the viral 'world's best lasagna' to the impact of TikTok on culinary trends, Ruby critiques the often superficial nature of modern food content. She also reflects on how these trends can affect our relationship with food, including eating disorders.

Barry Enderwick, creator of the Sandwiches of History social accounts and author of a cookbook, dives into the unusual world of historic sandwiches. He shares the secrets behind his daily videos and revels in the odd ingredient combos of the 1958 Sophisticated Club. Barry discusses why old recipes captivate us and defends the hot dog's place as a sandwich. With fascinating global sandwich types and fan-generated combos, this chat is both delicious and thought-provoking, proving that sandwiches can tell the stories of history.

Dive into the bizarre world of food-related Reddit stories! Experience the chaotic Chivegate, where a Redditor faces accusations of fraud while on a quest to chop chives daily. Meanwhile, unravel the mystery of 13 massive pallets of margarine, as one user seeks clever ways to move them quietly. The hosts explore community reactions, legal hilarity, and the absurd possibilities behind it all. From meme culture to questionable motives, these tales are a humorous feast for the imagination!

Delve into the quirky world of internet trolling with tales of friders—rumored fried spiders from New Zealand that turn out to be a viral hoax. Discover how Reddit users spun this tall tale, amplifying the absurdity. Then, journey to Alligator Alcatraz, a fictional tour of a detention center, where satire meets political critique. Comedian Lissandra Vasquez creatively redirects attention to immigrant aid, blending humor and activism. Explore the ethics and real-world impacts of these inventive pranks as the hosts debate their significance.

Join Kevin Weatherwax, a PhD student exploring parasocial relationships and streaming, along with Dr. Conchetta Tomeno, a music therapist investigating music's effects on the brain. They discuss how lo-fi music helps maintain focus, especially for those with ADHD. Kevin shares insights on the community around 'LoFi Girl' and how its animations create emotional connections. Connie explains how rhythmic music can entrain brain activity, making it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and relaxation in a noisy world.

In this engaging discussion, Joshua Paul Dale, a cuteness scholar and author, explores the phenomenon of cuteness that has captured the internet. He reveals how toys like LaBooBoo conquer our hearts, the science behind baby-like features triggering caregiving instincts, and the concept of 'cute aggression.' Dale also delves into the evolution of the word 'cute' and contrasts American cuteness with Japan's kawaii culture. He passionately discusses how online cute content fosters social connection and why a future filled with cuteness could improve our lives.

In this engaging discussion, Don Buckley, a former Warner Bros. marketing executive known for his role in creating the original Space Jam website, shares insights into the ambitious project. He recounts the creative strategies that transformed the site into a nostalgic digital experience nearly 30 years later. Buckley and the team reveal hidden jokes in the code and explain how they expanded the film's narrative online. They also reflect on its rediscovery on Reddit and the battle to preserve this iconic piece of digital history.