Endless Thread

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.

Cassie, known online as Snifferish, is a Minecraft influencer who bridges the gap between gaming and nature. She shares her childhood experiences growing up outdoors before becoming photosensitive and finding solace in Minecraft’s virtual landscapes. The discussion delves into how modern gaming can mimic the natural world, highlighting the evolving design of open-world ecosystems. Finally, Cassie reflects on her journey back to real nature, inspired by her in-game adventures, and emphasizes the vital role games play in environmental storytelling.

Dr. James C. "Butch" Rosser, a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, shares his groundbreaking views on the intersection of gaming and medicine. He discusses how his childhood passion for video games not only shaped his early interest in surgery but also enhanced his skills as a surgeon. Rosser reveals the innovative Top Gun program he developed, which gamifies surgical training and significantly shortens training times. He addresses skepticism around gaming's benefits and highlights studies linking video game proficiency to surgical success, championing a future where gaming inspires a new generation of surgeons.

James Parkinson, a skilled documentarian and contributor, narrates captivating stories about the evolution of machinima. Tim Kitzrow, the iconic voice of NBA Jam's enthusiastic announcer, shares his journey from drummer to a voice acting legend. They dive into the origins of famous catchphrases like 'Boom shakalaka' and discuss the cutting-edge blend of gaming and filmmaking. The conversation showcases how machinima transformed from a creative workaround to an innovative art form that democratizes storytelling.