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 | 172 | Founded | 7 years ago |
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Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryHistorySociety & Culture |
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
In 1982, the Jane Fonda Workout became the best-selling home video of all time. Over decades, it and its 22 follow ups would spawn a fitness empire, sell more than 17 million copies, and transform Fonda into a leg-warmer-clad exercise guru. And 40 ye... more
Experimental archeology is, simply put, archeology that involves running experiments. Where traditional archaeologists may study, research, analyze, and theorize about how artifacts were made or used, experimental archaeologists actually try to recre... more
From The Simpsons’ Big Book of British Smiles to Austin Powers’ ochre-tinged grin, American culture can’t stop bad-mouthing English teeth. But why? Are they worse than any other nation’s? June Thomas drills down into the origins of the stereotype, an... more
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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.
I’ve listened to this from time to time, but the April 2025 episode on the history of spring break broke me. The host and her principal authority never ventured to any of the fabled spring break spots as students. They talk to all of one current student yo draw broad conclusions about how contemporary young people view and experience spring break; they openly say the spring breakers fly to beach destinations to escape cold weather — are they not familiar with American schools in the southeast wh... more
NOT FOR KIDS! Very adult themes in most episodes.
Do not give them your money. While they advertise no paywall with Slate Plus they fail to mention that if you sign up through the iOS app that that is not the same thing even though it says Slate Plus Membership and is a hundredish dollars a year. You will not be able to get around the paywall. They emailed me to say that it is actually different membership than what they say in their podcast. Bait and switch, do not trust them.
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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.
Apple Podcasts | #10 | |
Apple Podcasts | #52 | |
Spotify | #139 | |
Apple Podcasts | #159 | |
Apple Podcasts | #10 | |
Apple Podcasts | #24 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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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.
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Decoder Ring launched 7 years ago and published 172 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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