Decoder Ring
Slate PodcastsDecoder 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.
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| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 253 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & CultureHistory | |||
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Latest Episodes
Most of us use GPS—the Global Positioning System—on a daily basis: to find our location when we’re driving, running, shopping, dating, and so much more. But GPS is even more important, and more vulnerable, than you think.
In the last few years, GPS ... more
It seems like the only time you hear about new statues these days is when something goes horribly wrong. Unfortunate bronze renditions of Lucille Ball, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dwayne Wade, and many others are always going viral, becoming a fixture of late... more
You know the Tootsie Shot. It’s that image that pops up all the time in movies set in a dense city: a really busy midtown street, everyone going somewhere—and smack in the middle of it all is the protagonist. You can find it in Working Girl, Midnight... more
In Australia, no wedding or school dance is complete without the Nutbush, Australia’s unofficial national dance. The Nutbush – a simple line dance to the song “Nutbush City Limits,” by Ike and Tina Turner – has become as stereotypically Australian as... more
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Reviews
- The nutbush is not in Aussie curriculum
What a huge exaggeration! As if we need more overblown myths that Americans believe is how we all live! I learnt the nutbush in high school in the 90s
at parties but it was never ‘taught’ by schools! Malarkey
Apple Podcasts3Sweet_geesus
Australia2 months ago - Entertaining but stay in shallow waters
It’s a fun listen for the most part but the Eyes Wide Shut episode made me realize subjects of any depth are out of their league. The host worked SO hard to persuade for her position and the guest was such a flimsy resource that it came across as a commercial episode, not journalism. Stopped listening after that.
Apple Podcasts2Eva C H
United States2 months ago - Rolling Eyes Podcast
Seems weird to claim “rolling eyes” wasn’t common until 1987 when Marsha Brady was well known to roll her eyes on the Brady Bunch, Daffy Duck was well known to roll his eyes at Bugs Bunny, like c’mon what kind of research is that? Otherwise… great podcast
Apple Podcasts3Bullitt427United States2 months ago - The Best
My absolute favorite podcast. The amount of research and thought that goes into these episodes is so impressive. They are always fascinating and I only wish they’d post more!!
Apple Podcasts5Miss_E_8United States3 months ago - Great premise, good topics, terrible delivery
I wish I could enjoy this podcast. Fun trivia about regular everyday things? Sounds like a great concept. And I’ve listed to all the episodes this far, but I’ve gotten increasingly frustrated with its delivery. Willa’s vocal affectations are so distracting and frustrating. It sounds like she’s trying to stretch it out to meet some kind of time limit, and over-enunciates and over-emphasizes every word while putting too much of a pause between every. single. word. She’s far too aware of herself an... more
Apple Podcasts2K80-13United States5 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #29 | United States/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #180 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #32 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #78 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #157 | Canada/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #46 | Australia/Society & Culture/Documentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Decoder Ring
What is Decoder Ring about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Decoder Ring explores cultural mysteries by tracing origins, histories, and meanings behind everyday phenomena, from sound cues in horror to quirks of consumer culture. Each episode often features a mix of historians, journalists, and subject-matter insiders who illuminate how a topic evolved and why it matters today. Notable strengths include rigorous archival research, thoughtful synthesis of disparate sources, and a knack for turning obscure trivia into engaging cultural narratives. The show tends to attract listeners who enjoy deep-dive storytelling about culture, media, and history, and it occasionally features high-profile guests from journalism, academia, and media production. A standout trait is its ability to connect seemingly smal... more
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Which podcasts are similar to Decoder Ring?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Decoder Ring:
1. Endless Thread
2. You're Wrong About
3. Articles of Interest
4. American Hysteria
5. Hyperfixed
How many episodes of Decoder Ring are there?
Decoder Ring launched 8 years ago and published 253 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Decoder Ring?
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What guests have appeared on Decoder Ring?
Recent guests on Decoder Ring include:
1. Atalanta Arden-Miller
2. Fiona Chater
3. Jeremy Santolin
4. John Stratton
5. Panizza Allmark
6. Richard Powers
7. Brian Kerr
8. Tina Turner
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.