Reply All

Big Lives: Emmanuel's New Show

Uncovering the hidden story behind George Michael’s transformation from closeted pop idol to an icon of grief and love.

Casey Wants to Believe

A librarian obsessed with a mysterious button featuring a diarrhea-themed restaurant gets to the bottom of the joke.

#189 Goodbye All

Emmanuel reflects on rivalries and the end of the show as the team shares final stories before saying goodbye.

#188 Into the Depths

Uncover the weirdest corners of Wikipedia, from the science of cute aggression to the legendary Pittsburgh toilet.

Introducing: Stolen - Surviving St. Michael's

Connie Walker investigates the dark legacy of residential schools after discovering her father once beat his abuser.

A Message About the Future of the Show

In this reflective episode of Reply All, hosts Emmanuel Dzotsi and Alex Goldman announce that the long-running program is coming to a close. They explain that the decision was a collective choice made by the dedicated production staff, many of whom have spent years shaping the show’s unique voice and are now ready to embark on new professional chapters. Throughout the discussion, the team expresses deep gratitude for the collaborative process that defined the series and thanks their loyal listeners for years of support. The hosts encourage fans to tune in for the final stretch of scheduled programming, which concludes with a series finale on June 23rd. This episode serves as a heartfelt farewell, honoring the history of the podcast while signaling a transition for those behind the scenes as they move on to new creative endeavors.

#187 Flying the Coop

In this episode of Reply All, the hosts delve into an unexpected conflict within a passionate community of backyard chicken enthusiasts. What begins as a niche hobbyist subculture takes a bizarre turn when the group finds itself besieged by an unlikely and persistent adversary. The narrative explores how this tight-knit collective navigates the chaos, demonstrating the lengths to which people will go to protect their beloved feathered companions. Listeners can expect a deep dive into an unusual internet subculture, characterized by the show’s signature mix of investigative curiosity and lighthearted storytelling. As the hosts untangle the mystery behind this peculiar suburban feud, they reveal how even the most mundane activities can escalate into dramatic digital standoffs. It is a compelling look at the strange social dynamics that emerge when hobbyists clash in the digital age.

Introducing: Stuck with Damon Young

In this special preview episode, the team behind Reply All introduces listeners to the debut installment of Stuck, a thought-provoking new show hosted by cultural critic and author Damon Young. In this episode, Young tackles the complex and often humorous realities of navigating contemporary life, exploring the specific anxieties and societal pressures that keep people feeling trapped. Listeners can expect an insightful blend of cultural commentary, personal reflection, and candid conversations as Young examines the nuances of identity, race, and the absurdity of the modern human experience. By breaking down the obstacles that leave us stuck in our daily routines and perspectives, Young offers a fresh lens on how to move forward. This episode serves as an engaging entry point for those looking to explore the intersections of politics, pop culture, and personal growth through a sharp, analytical, and deeply relatable voice.

#186 The Contact List

In this episode of Reply All, host Emmanuel Dzotsi embarks on a vulnerable and thought-provoking personal experiment. Inspired by the creative work of filmmaker and artist Soraya Perry, Emmanuel decides to systematically reach out to individuals from his past who have faded out of his life. Throughout the episode, he navigates the complexities of reconnection, exploring what it actually means to maintain relationships as people grow, change, and drift apart. Listeners can expect an intimate look at the discomfort of breaking silence, the surprising emotions triggered by revisiting old contacts, and the broader questions surrounding human connection in a digital age. By examining his own social history, Emmanuel crafts a compelling narrative about nostalgia, intentionality, and the often difficult process of deciding who belongs in our lives today. It is a reflective study on the people we leave behind.

Introducing: Conviction - The Disappearance of Nuseiba Hasan

In this episode of Reply All, host Alex Goldman sits down with investigative journalist Habiba Nosheen to discuss her gripping new true crime series, Conviction: The Disappearance of Nuseiba Hasan. The conversation centers on the mysterious case of Nuseiba Hasan, a young woman who vanished years ago, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a fractured family. Nosheen takes listeners behind the scenes of her intensive reporting process, detailing the challenges of unraveling a cold case that authorities had largely abandoned. Through this dialogue, the audience gains insight into the emotional complexity of the investigation and the pursuit of justice for those whose stories have been silenced. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking preview of a series dedicated to shedding light on the truth behind Nuseiba’s tragic story and the broader implications of her unexplained absence.

#185 The Rainbow Chain

In this installment of Reply All, host Anna Foley tackles a compelling mystery for a segment of Super Tech Support. The episode follows the story of Gabby, an artist who discovers that her creative work has been stolen and misused online. As Anna investigates the origins of the theft, she finds herself navigating a dark and confusing corner of the internet that she never intended to explore. The episode serves as a deep dive into the complex issues surrounding digital art theft and the challenges creators face when their intellectual property is co-opted without permission. Listeners can expect a gripping narrative that highlights the frustrations of modern digital ownership. Through this investigation, the show illuminates the often murky landscape of online art communities, offering a thoughtful look at how one person fights to reclaim her work.

#167 America's Hottest Talkline

In this episode of Reply All, host Emmanuel Dzotsi embarks on a captivating investigation into a bizarre technical anomaly. Listeners are taken through the hunt for the source of a mysterious, sexually suggestive recording that has been unexpectedly appearing on the toll-free lines of major corporations, local police departments, and even various federal government agencies for years. What begins as a strange curiosity quickly spirals into a deep dive into the complex and often overlooked infrastructure of the telephone network. As the investigation unfolds, the team attempts to unravel how such a recording could persist across diverse systems for so long without being addressed. It is a compelling look at the hidden vulnerabilities within our communications systems, offering a mix of investigative journalism and lighthearted absurdity that keeps listeners hooked from the very first minute.

#184 Alex Goldman, Demon Hunter

In this episode of Reply All, Alex Goldman tackles a baffling mystery brought to the show by a listener who believes her Toyota Prius is haunted. What begins as a seemingly standard inquiry into a supernatural disturbance quickly evolves into a deep dive into the unexpected and slightly unsettling anomalies hidden within modern technology. As Goldman investigates the evidence, he navigates the intersection of digital glitches and human superstition, providing a fascinating look at how we interpret the unexplainable in our everyday objects. The episode also features an insightful conversation with labor journalist Kim Kelly, who discusses her book, Fight Like Hell, offering a compelling shift in perspective. Listeners can expect an engaging blend of lighthearted investigation and serious discourse, showcasing the show's signature talent for finding profound stories in the most unusual of places.

#183 The Venova King

In this episode of Reply All, host Emmanuel Dzotsi takes on a perplexing mystery for a segment of Super Tech Support. A listener contacts the show after discovering that her annual Spotify Wrapped summary is filled with an obscure artist she has never heard of and songs she claims she never played. These strange tracks do not match her usual musical taste, leading her to question how they populated her listening history. Emmanuel dives into the technical details of the streaming platform to uncover the truth behind these mysterious additions. As he investigates, the story unravels into a fascinating exploration of how digital music services can be manipulated. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the world of streaming algorithms, potential security vulnerabilities, and the eccentric creative force behind the music. It is a compelling look at the oddities hidden within our personal data.

Presenting: Science Vs. Joe Rogan: The Malone Interview

In this episode, the team from Science Vs explores the intersection of high-profile podcasting and public health during the global pandemic. The hosts conduct a rigorous investigation into a controversial episode of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring Dr. Robert Malone, a guest who has been at the center of debates surrounding COVID-19 misinformation. By analyzing the claims made during that broadcast, the team evaluates the accuracy of the information shared and the potential real-world consequences of spreading medical inaccuracies to a massive audience. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the scientific evidence behind common pandemic myths and a thought-provoking discussion about the responsibility of influential media platforms. This episode challenges the audience to consider the societal impact of viral misinformation and the importance of fact-based reporting during times of crisis.

Programming Note

In this brief installment of Reply All, hosts PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman provide listeners with an important update regarding the show’s production schedule for the year. Moving away from their standard reporting, the pair takes a moment to address the internal rhythm of the podcast and share logistical changes that will impact future release dates. This episode serves as a necessary guide for dedicated followers who want to stay informed about when they can expect new investigative stories and tech-focused inquiries to land in their feeds. By offering transparency about their workflow and upcoming plans, the hosts ensure that their audience remains prepared for the adjusted cadence of the series. Listeners looking to keep up with the show’s evolving output will find this concise update essential for navigating the current season of the program.

Featuring: Heavyweight

In this episode of Reply All, host Alex Goldman welcomes Jonathan Goldstein, the creator of the acclaimed podcast Heavyweight, to discuss the art of uncovering long-buried personal stories. The episode transitions into a complete installment of Heavyweight, which centers on a poignant mystery from 1968. The story follows Becky, who spent a transformative summer with a woman named Barbara, only for the two to lose contact entirely for over five decades. When Becky finally uncovers new information about Barbara’s life, she is forced to reexamine the authenticity of their past connection and the person she thought she knew. Listeners can expect a deeply human exploration of nostalgia, memory, and the lingering questions that define our most significant relationships. It is a compelling look at how time shapes our perception of the people who once shaped our lives.

#182 State of Panic

In this episode of Reply All, the team dives into a strange and unsettling digital mystery unfolding within Florida political circles. Emmanuel examines a viral theory circulating on Twitter regarding the governor’s newly appointed press secretary. As tensions rise online, observers begin to suspect that she may be orchestrating a covert campaign using automated bots to target and harass her political opponents. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the murky intersection of social media influence, political maneuvering, and the difficulty of verifying online personas. By tracing digital footprints and investigating the suspicious activity surrounding these accounts, the episode explores how modern political warfare is increasingly being fought in the comments section. It is a compelling look at the power of internet skepticism and the complex, often chaotic reality of how information—and disinformation—spreads through contemporary political discourse.

Introducing: Crime Show

In this episode of Reply All, host Emmanuel Dzotsi sits down with producer Emma Courtland to introduce her new series, Crime Show. The conversation provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the creative vision and investigative approach driving the new project. Following the interview, the episode features a full installment of Crime Show that explores the harrowing true story of Hillary Transue. After a teenage girl creates a MySpace page mocking her vice principal, she finds herself unexpectedly incarcerated in a juvenile detention center. What follows is a gripping investigation into a profound miscarriage of justice and the daring effort to expose a massive corruption scheme operating within the highest levels of the state's judicial system. This episode offers a compelling preview for listeners seeking stories that blend personal stakes with broader institutional accountability.

#181 Absolutely Devious Lick

In this episode of Reply All, producer Anna Foley delves into the origins and rapid proliferation of the Devious Lick challenge. This viral trend, which swept through schools across the United States, encouraged students to vandalize and steal property from their campuses to gain social media clout. Foley explores how a seemingly lighthearted online prank escalated into a widespread phenomenon that caused significant disruption for administrators, teachers, and students alike. Listeners can expect an investigative deep dive that unpacks how digital culture translates into real-world consequences, examining the motivations behind the trend and the broader impact of social media incentives on younger generations. By tracing the movement from its early digital footprint to its peak, the episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of internet virality and offline behavior.