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 | 259 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryHistorySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
McGruff the Crime Dog arrived on the scene at the dawn of the 1980s, just as a firehose of anti-drug PSAs was inundating the youth of America. These messages didn’t always work as intended—but they did work their way into the long term memories of th... more
McGruff the Crime Dog arrived on the scene at the dawn of the 1980s, just as a firehose of anti-drug PSAs was inundating the youth of America. These messages didn’t always work as intended—but they did work their way into the long term memories of th... more
The sun has always been a hot topic. For centuries, we’ve flip-flopped over whether our health depends on soaking up its rays—or shielding ourselves from them. The current conventional wisdom is clear: Avoid sunburns at all costs, using shade, hats, ... more
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
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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
Australia3 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 States3 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 States4 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 States5 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 States6 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #18 | United States/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #166 | United States/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #23 |  Canada/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #67 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Apple Podcasts | #145 | Canada/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #44 | Australia/Society & Culture/Documentary |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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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 offers thoughtful, wide-ranging explorations of cultural mysteries, tracing how objects, habits, and ideas originate and why they resonate. Each episode blends historical context, expert interviews, and narrative storytelling to reveal how culture and media shape our beliefs and behavior. Recent installments cover public health messaging, technological infrastructure, monumental sculpture, and iconic pop culture moments, often weaving archival material with fresh, multidisciplinary perspectives. A standout characteristic is rigorous research paired with accessible storytelling, plus occasional deep dives into surprisingly everyday topics that illuminate broader social patterns. This makes it a strong fit for listeners who enjoy... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Decoder Ring?
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How many listeners does Decoder Ring get?
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How many subscribers and views does Decoder Ring have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Decoder Ring?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Decoder Ring:
1. Endless Thread
2. Articles of Interest
3. You're Wrong About
4. Hyperfixed
5. 99% Invisible
How many episodes of Decoder Ring are there?
Decoder Ring launched 8 years ago and published 259 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. Daniel Danger
2. Sherry Nemmers
3. Jack Kyle
4. Eric Greenberg
5. Rowan Jacobsen
6. Katherine Dunn
7. Todd Humphreys
8. Atalanta Arden-Miller
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.