Endless Thread

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.

Join the hosts on a spooky adventure through a haunted hayride, blending real scares with eerie internet tales. Dive into a TikTok commentary that cleverly critiques ICE raids and consumerism. Discover a chilling auditory illusion that leaves listeners guessing. Learn about New England's vampire fears linked to tuberculosis, featuring the unsettling story of Mercy Brown. Delve into how horror stories can help us confront real-life anxieties and mortality. Expect laughter, chills, and a fresh perspective on fright this Halloween season!

Join Sarah Elizabeth, a blogger and author known for her work on Unquiet Things and Kindred Blooms, as she unravels the mystery behind the iconic 1976 cover of 'A Wrinkle in Time.' The discussion dives into her extensive research, including dead ends and the challenges of tracing the uncredited artist. They explore how community sleuthing helped revive interest in the case, leading to the potential identification of Richard Bober as the illustrator. The podcast highlights the significance of artist recognition and the efforts to ensure proper attribution for creative work.

Jason DeLeon, a producer and reporter, leads us into the captivating realm of SEGA's past with veteran developer Tez Okano. Tez shares his journey through the tumultuous console wars and the genesis of his quirky meta-game, Segagaga. The gameplay cleverly mirrors the chaotic reality of game development. Simon Parkin, a game journalist, enriches the discussion by shedding light on SEGA’s historical hurdles and the Dreamcast era. Together, they explore Segagaga's humorous critique of the industry and its heartfelt tribute to game creators' passion.