
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 Rin... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 190 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryHistorySociety & Culture | |||

We are really lucky to get lots of listener suggestions for the show, more good questions than we can possibly answer in a mailbag episode once or twice a year. So we’re starting a new segment we call… Decoder Rings Back! Every month, host Willa Pask... more
We can’t make this show without you, our listeners. Today, you can help support Decoder Ring – and get a really good deal. To join Slate Plus for just $59/year, visit slate.com/decoderplus on December 31st and type in the promo code DECODER50 at chec... more
Decoder Ring listeners write in with some excellent mysteries, and for our last episode of the year we’re solving three of them. Why do children play in boxes full of sand? Why do rock bands pretend like the show is over when everybody knows they’re ... more
Videomate: Men was a VHS tape released in 1987 featuring 60 single men pitching themselves as dates to women on the other side of the TV screen: “The love of your life could be on your TV tonight!” the box reads. In retrospect, Videomate: Men is a bi... more
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Excelent!!!
In a time when I just can’t handle my usual podcasts about current events & politics, decoder ring is a breath of fresh air. I love the deep dives into why we have the cultural norms we do
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!!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #38 |
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Exploring cultural phenomena, this podcast takes listeners on journeys through various curiosities, habits, and objects, dissecting their histories to uncover their significance and implications in modern society. Each episode features engaging storytelling that blends personal anecdotes, expert insights, and a thoughtful analysis of what these cultural mysteries reveal about humanity. From the intricacies of dating practices and culinary myths to broader societal narratives, the content is both entertaining and illuminating, often revealing surprising connections across different domains of life.
The unique format encourages deep reflection on seemingly mundane aspects of culture, potentially appealing to those interested in understanding... more
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 190 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. Dazzling Dave Schulte
2. Steve Dworman
3. Julie Furman
4. Joe Pickett
5. Nick Pruer
6. Andrea Silenzi
7. Samantha King
8. Gavin Weedon
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.