
Decoder Ring is the show about cracking cultural mysteries. In each episode, host Willa Paskin takes a cultural question, object, or habit; examines its history; and tries to figure out what it means and why it matters. Get more of Decoder Ring with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of Decoder Ring and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Decoder Ri... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 178 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryHistorySociety & Culture | |||

There’s a ubiquitous prop in just about every police procedural and conspiracy thriller: a cork board pinned with documents, newspaper clippings, and Polaroid photos, all connected by a web of red string. They go by many names, including pin boards, ... more
Earlier this year, a tweet went out from the official account of the Democratic Party, tagging the Trump advisor Stephen Miller. It was an image of what appeared to be a simple hotel room chair. But for those in the know, it was much more than that: ... more
When an actor opens their mouth to sing in a movie, chances are high that the voice you hear will be their own. Even in music biopics, movie stars without much singing experience regularly go to great lengths to impersonate the most beloved vocalists... more
In part two of our special two-part episode, we return to the 1982 VHS tape that created the at-home video industry: Jane Fonda’s Workout. On this episode, originally released in 2020, we deconstruct the tape itself, how it was made, and why anyone t... more
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Just finished listening to your latest podcast and honestly I want to stop my journey to give you a round of applause. So interesting, so well thought through and so well tied together it was like a perfect drama. Thank you so much!
This show is almost “old fashioned” in how competent and well produced it is. It’s such a welcome centerpiece in my media diet, which i’ve had to whittle down to get rid of numbing politics, sensational true crime, rambling banter and other genres that have their place but are rotting my soul. In times like these, give me Decoder Ring.
I almost never care about the topic listed and I always finish the episode because it is interesting, insightful, and fun. Especially love Willa!!
Many times, when I see a title of a show, I think “do I care?). Then I listen and learn amazing facts. This show is truly the best!
The host of this show has a fantastic delivery. Every podcast host should listen to her. This is how to voice a show. I wish there were more episodes, you can tell how much effort goes into each one. Great topics, love it.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #225 |
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Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A unique exploration of cultural artifacts and phenomena, the series takes listeners on a journey through the stories and mysteries that shape aspects of modern life. Each episode focuses on a specific cultural question or object, weaving in historical context and contemporary relevance to reveal deeper meaning. Notable themes include linguistic quirks, culinary myths, societal narratives, and the cultural interpretations of everyday items. The insightful blend of expert interviews and personal anecdotes sets this series apart, making it not only informative but also engaging and relatable for anyone curious about the stories behind the cultural fabric of society.
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Decoder Ring. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Decoder Ring and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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Decoder Ring launched 8 years ago and published 178 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Decoder Ring include:
1. Sam Kean
2. Susan Kaplan
3. Karen Harry
4. Na'alehu Anthony
5. Thor Heyerdahl
6. Herb Kane
7. Mau Piailug
8. Tom Scocca
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