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Artwork for Roderick on the Line

Roderick on the Line

Merlin Mann
Parenting
Seattle
The Long Winters
Diabetes
Real Estate
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Seattle Music Scene
Social Media
Interest Rates
Technology
Aging
Music Industry
Homeownership
New Year's Party
Friendship
Mental Health
Suburban Life
Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Health
Apple

Merlin Mann's frank & candid weekly phone call with John Roderick of The Long Winters

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes631Founded15 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Roderick on the Line

Latest Episodes

The Problem: Most of us don’t think of ourselves as a project.

(Recorded on June 1, 2026.)

The Problem: The top bunk is the worst bunk.

(Recorded on May 25, 2026.)

The Problem: Loved ones are always the weak point.

(Recorded on May 4, 2026.)

The Problem: I don’t like the way you are.

(Recorded on Monday, April 27, 2026.)

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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People also subscribe to these shows.

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The Talk Show With John GruberDaring Fireball / John Gruber

Recent Guests

Non-binary teen
A high school student interested in post-hardcore music and tour management
Episode: Ep. 567: "A High Teen"

Hosts

Merlin Mann
Host who drives conversational flow and storytelling, often co-leading with a longtime friend and occasional guests.
John Roderick
Co-host, musician and writer; known for storytelling and collaborative banter with Merlin Mann.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • I should have been building trail in 6th grade

    I often refer to John and Merlin as my progressive dads. John is one of the best story tellers I’ve ever heard, and Merlin is truly the funniest person I’ve ever listened to (You Look Nice Today, baby). Thanks for all the great shows and keep them coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    flyboy_24
    United States3 months ago
  • 2 guys, 2 mics, a timeless combo

    This podcast works on the same sturdy principles that made shows like Car Talk delightful for years. 2 guys who really like each other and who share a common sense of irony and humor just go at it for an hour, spinning up yarns and ideas. It’s like eavesdropping on the most interesting people at a party.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BradPDX
    United States4 months ago
  • Welp

    It’s rough to listen to now. Guys didn’t learn anything from Covid as they’re all on pharma drugs now. Prayers for Merlin’s kid.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    james12121
    United States5 months ago
  • Entertaining and truly helpful

    I only started listening to this podcast because my brother’s name is Roderick. But I was hooked immediately. I love John’s stories, but plenty of people have pointed that out. The absolute best thing for me about this podcast is Merlin Mann’s delightful overthinking of his ADHD. He speaks to me in my language, and I find his “mental technologies” to be truly life changing. It has really helped me think about my own life in a more gamified way, which makes it much easier to get through the day. ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jess@canteen
    United States7 months ago
  • John Roderick is the best ever but

    The show would be great but Merlin interrupts every other second and doesn’t shut up. More John please.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    SoJerZee76
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show's warmth, humor, and strong storytelling chemistry between hosts.
A notable minority find the show's cross-talk or political moments less appealing, but still impactful for its depth and longevity.
Many describe it as a gold standard for two-person banter that feels like eavesdropping on friends.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep. 601: "The Milk Problem"
Q: Do you think that would be useful for our listeners to think about and try to apply in different situations? Rather than just being snarky about it?
Yes, it is useful. Everything is a signal chain, so understanding your inputs and outputs can help in many situations.
Ep. 594: "Composite Sketch of Pain"
Q: Do you have any tips for the modern generation navigating their own cultural identity?
They reflect on how experiences shape identity, emphasizing the importance of being curious and learning from various experiences, not just sticking to one narrative.
Ep. 594: "Composite Sketch of Pain"
Q: How do you see the influence of 50s culture on modern life?
They discuss nostalgia and how it impacts their perception of culture today, often feeling overwhelmed by the size of today's global culture.
Ep. 544: "The Hay Bale Stage"
Q: When was the last time that you got sick?
The guest mentions feeling a scratchy throat but reassured himself that he wasn't getting sick, as he had a great show performance recently.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Roderick on the Line

What is Roderick on the Line about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two longtime friends trade in-depth, unpolished conversations that blend memory, culture, and personal philosophy. Episodes frequently center on storytelling, aging, technology, parenting, travel, and creative work, all delivered with dry humor, candor, and a willingness to chase tangents. The format rewards listeners who enjoy long-form banter, introspective takes, and a strong sense of camaraderie between hosts, with occasional disagreements that feel human rather than confrontational. A notable edge is the hosts' ability to weave personal experiences into broader cultural observations, creating a warm, gabby atmosphere that still surfaces practical insights and curious perspectives for everyday life.

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How many listeners does Roderick on the Line get?

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How many subscribers and views does Roderick on the Line have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Roderick on the Line?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Roderick on the Line:

1. Omnibus
2. Reconcilable Differences
3. Do By Friday
4. Accidental Tech Podcast
5. The Talk Show With John Gruber

How many episodes of Roderick on the Line are there?

Roderick on the Line launched 15 years ago and published 631 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 Roderick on the Line?

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What guests have appeared on Roderick on the Line?

Recent guests on Roderick on the Line include:

1. Non-binary teen

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.

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