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Back to the Backrooms!

Jun 19, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of Endless Thread, hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson revisit the internet phenomenon known as the Backrooms. Originally a piece of creepypasta and a meme originating from 4chan and Reddit, the concept depicts a nightmarish labyrinth of empty, yellow-walled rooms illuminated by buzzing fluorescent lights. The hosts explore how this open-source horror concept evolved from online forums into a feature-length film directed by Kane Parsons, a young filmmaker who gained fame for his YouTube series based on the same premise. The hosts share their reactions after viewing the film, discussing the psychological underpinnings of the Backrooms, including themes of liminal space, modern feelings of industrialization, and the existential dread caused by unfettered urbanization. They also interview audience members about their takeaways from the movie, touching on the effectiveness of analog horror and the unsettling nature of vast, empty environments. The discussion ultimately shifts toward a more optimistic perspective: the necessity of breaking free from the digital "prisons" of modern life, reconnecting with the real world, and the importance of finding a path out of one's own internal mazes.

Leave a message after the beep

Jun 4, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Endless Thread, hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Ammarah Stevetson explore the growing cultural fatigue regarding constant digital connectivity. The discussion centers on Jeremy Rolosa, a journalist who experimented with living for 51 days without a smartphone, relying solely on a landline. Motivated by a desire to reclaim his time and simplify his social life, Rolosa’s experiment highlights the contrast between the intentionality of analog communication and the overwhelming, constant nature of modern group chats and social media. The hosts analyze why, despite having more tools than ever to stay connected, many people feel increasingly isolated and anxious. They examine the concept of digital nostalgia and the "serendipity" that is often lost when every social interaction requires a pre-planned calendar invite or a flurry of texts. While the experiment brought challenges, particularly in dating and spontaneity, it ultimately taught Rolosa to view his smartphone as a tool rather than a constant companion. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to prioritize real-time phone calls and meaningful, intentional connection over the passive, pixelated noise of the digital age.

The Church of Speedrun!

May 29, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Endless Thread, the hosts explore the internet subculture of speedrunning, taking a loose interpretation that moves from video game shortcuts to real-world chaos. The conversation begins with a look at the subreddit R/WhatIsIt, where users attempt to identify mysterious objects. The hosts analyze a viral post featuring an oddly shaped, organic-looking item found in a teenager’s room. Through the collaborative sleuthing of Reddit commenters, the object is eventually identified as a 3D-printed VR headset stand. This segment highlights how online communities can quickly crowdsource answers to everyday mysteries, while also sparking a conversation about privacy, parenting, and digital curiosity. The focus then shifts to a more controversial trend: the "Scientology speedrun." This TikTok-driven phenomenon involves individuals, often groups of teenagers, rushing into Church of Scientology facilities to see how far they can penetrate the building before being escorted out. The hosts discuss the disruptive nature of these stunts, the reactions from church officials, and the complex ethical implications of using public spaces for viral protests, questioning whether such aggressive tactics are truly effective or merely counterproductive.

Endless Egg

May 22, 202623 minSummary

In this episode of Endless Thread, the hosts dive into the world of internet phenomena centered around a humble food staple: the egg. The discussion begins with an exploration of a viral sensation from the Reddit community r/pickling, where a user’s recipe for pickled eggs and sausage unexpectedly took over the subreddit, inspiring countless home cooks to share their own versions and creative jars. The hosts reflect on how such lighthearted, collaborative trends can offer a refreshing break from the often negative tone of online discourse. The conversation then shifts to a more complex topic regarding food and cultural representation on TikTok. The hosts examine the popularity of marinated eggs—often referred to as Korean Mayak eggs—and the controversy that arises when these dishes are stripped of their cultural context by popular content creators who claim them as their own inventions. Through this lens, the episode explores the blurry lines between cultural appreciation and appropriation, the influence of social media algorithms on context, and the responsibility of creators to acknowledge the origins and significance of the traditions they share.

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