

Endless Thread
WBUR
Hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson dig into the internet's vast and curious ecosystem of online communities to find untold histories, unsolved mysteries, and other jaw-dropping stories online and IRL.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2023 • 30min
Chilling campfire stories for Halloween
Three hair-raising tales are shared in this episode of Endless Thread. The hosts discuss creepy happenings in the woods, a terrifying encounter with an AI bot, and a spooky story about a mysterious hole in a girl's house.

Oct 25, 2023 • 40min
Episodes We Love: Listener beware… it’s ‘Goosebumps The Musical’
Discover the journey of 'Goosebumps The Musical' from books to Broadway. Explore the unusual release of a cast recording for a show yet to be produced. Dive into the success of Goosebumps and a surprising discussion about the Second Amendment. Get thrilled by the hosts' excitement for the musical adaptation and the nostalgia surrounding Goosebumps.

Oct 20, 2023 • 30min
Happy Freaky Furby Friday
World-renowned scientist Dr. Frankenstein discusses the creepy and paranormal corners of Furby internet, including haunted and cursed Furbies, one that hunts ghosts, and the weird world of long Furbies.

Oct 13, 2023 • 33min
How the internet changed the spider trade
The podcast explores the impact of the digital age on the arachnid industry, from fears to fascination with spiders. It covers the emergence of websites and platforms for spider enthusiasts, the ethical implications of the spider pet trade, and the influence of the internet on collectors' desire for new spider species. The hosts also share their experiences with tarantula keeping and say goodbye to their last pet spider.

12 snips
Oct 9, 2023 • 40min
Introducing 'The Gun Machine' Ep. 1: The U.S. gun industry's surprising origin story
Explore the surprising origin and rapid growth of the U.S. gun industry, the impact of interchangeable parts on American manufacturing, hidden financial influence of the gun industry, and the dissatisfaction with current gun policy in America

Oct 6, 2023 • 33min
Find A Grave: Social media icon
Two podcast hosts explore the Find A Grave website at a historic cemetery, discussing its status as one of the first social media sites. They talk to a veteran user and the founder of Find a Grave, exploring its features and importance as a digital memorial. The chapter also dives into the growth and controversies surrounding the ownership and privacy of digital graves.

Sep 29, 2023 • 28min
Dune Boy
A six-year-old boy mysteriously vanished in the sand dunes of Indiana, sparking a deep investigation. The podcast explores the coexistence of miracles and science, featuring the now-adult boy. It also discusses the intriguing mystery of tree holes in Oregon's dunes and lessons about human interactions with the landscape.

Sep 22, 2023 • 25min
The genre of influencers NBC's 'To Catch a Predator' spawned
The podcast discusses 'To Catch a Predator' and its impact on the rise of Chris Hanson wannabes, strange videos, predator catchers, and the use of virtual reality to treat pedophilia. It explores the effectiveness of influencers in exposing predators and delves into controversial content.

Sep 15, 2023 • 37min
The expanding universe of Lofi Girl
Endless Thread explores the Lofi Girl phenomenon, its origins, and its impact on individuals' study practices. The podcast delves into the calming effect of Lofi Girl's nostalgic environment and discusses the positive and non-toxic community it has fostered. Additionally, it explores the therapeutic benefits of lo-fi music for neurodivergent individuals and follows the career of a musician who found success through the lo-fi scene.

Sep 8, 2023 • 35min
Meet the Gen Zs archiving the Muzak of the Twin Towers
Gen Zers are archiving the elevator music from the Twin Towers on 9/11. They discuss the online community, searching for specific songs, and the significance of preserving the memory. The mystery song and the involvement of musician Mike Strickland add intrigue to the search.


