Programming Note

Big Lives: Emmanuel's New Show

Mar 30, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Big Lives, hosts Emmanuel Dzotsi and Kai Wright delve into the complex life and legacy of pop icon George Michael. Moving beyond the flattened caricatures that often defined his public image, the hosts utilize the extensive BBC archives to explore the man behind the music. They trace his transformation from a member of the lighthearted pop duo Wham to a mature, introspective solo artist whose career was deeply shaped by his struggle to reconcile his private identity with the pressures of global fame during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The discussion highlights George Michael’s evolving relationship with his own myth-making, his admiration for Freddie Mercury, and the profound, hidden grief he carried while his first love, Anselmo Feleppa, suffered from a terminal illness. Central to the conversation is a powerful analysis of Michael’s performance at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, which the hosts describe as an act of raw emotional vulnerability. By examining these personal archives, the hosts provide an intimate portrait of a legendary musician, movingly illustrating how his personal losses and struggles deeply informed his creative work and artistic honesty.

Casey Wants to Believe

Dec 5, 202434 minSummary

In this episode of Hyperfixed, host Alex Goldman returns to solve a mystery submitted by Casey, an enthusiastic librarian and niche history lover. While working as an intern for the Busy Beaver Button Museum, Casey discovered an obscure pin featuring the text: Ask me about our new diarrhea-inducing chili cheese fries. The button included specific details, such as a location in Custer City, Oklahoma, and a business name, but after extensive research, Casey could not find any evidence that the restaurant ever existed. The hosts embark on a mission to uncover the origin of this bizarre object. Their investigation leads them to Nick Rowley, a former employee of the museum who reveals that the button was a calculated artistic prank. Nick, a collector who finds joy in the absurdity of historical oddities, had intentionally created the pin years prior, hoping that someone would eventually find it and wonder about its origins. The story concludes with a heartwarming resolution, as the museum updates the official archive entry to credit Casey for his research, and the original creator gifts him one of the few existing copies of the button.

#189 Goodbye All

Jun 23, 202250 minSummary

In this final episode of Reply All, titled Goodbye All, the hosts reflect on the end of their seven-year journey while navigating the uncertainty of what comes next. The episode begins with a personal anecdote from Emmanuel Dzotsi, who shares his experience of fixating on a mysterious fellow runner in the park. This pursuit serves as a metaphor for the show’s conclusion: the realization that some obstacles are not intentional, and that letting go of the need for control is an essential part of moving forward. The hosts then grapple with the challenge of creating a satisfying farewell. Alex Goldman reaches out to his father for advice on his post-podcast career, resulting in a humorous and heartfelt discussion about personal reinvention and the complexities of pitching creative ideas. Additionally, the team interviews the mysterious, space-traveling musician Breakmaster Cylinder, whose vast library of original music provided the unique sonic identity of the series. By revisiting iconic tracks and sharing behind-the-scenes stories, the episode serves as a nostalgic look back at the collaborative spirit that defined the podcast.

#188 Into the Depths

Jun 9, 202242 minSummary

In this episode of Reply All, the team explores the strange and obscure corners of the internet by diving into Depths of Wikipedia, a project founded by Annie Rauwald to highlight the most bizarre gems from the crowdsourced encyclopedia. The hosts and producers use this as a jumping-off point to conduct deep dives into three specific topics that have captured their interest. First, the team investigates the phenomenon of cute aggression, where overwhelming feelings of affection for something cute manifest as a physical urge to squeeze or cause harm. Through expert insight, they discover that this reaction is actually a vital evolutionary mechanism for emotional regulation. Next, they explore the history of the Pittsburgh toilet, a peculiar regional tradition of installing exposed toilets in open basement areas to prevent sewage backups. Finally, the episode examines the internet humor surrounding the Wikipedia page of economist Guy Standing, whose name inspired a persistent, pun-based editing war. The segment highlights the contrast between the serious work of an influential labor expert and the silly, trivial nature of viral internet memes.

Introducing: Stolen - Surviving St. Michael's

May 26, 202243 minSummary

In this episode of Reply All, the hosts introduce the first installment of the investigative series Stolen: Surviving St. Michael’s. Reporter Connie Walker, an Indigenous journalist with a long career of highlighting overlooked stories within Indigenous communities, leads this deeply personal investigation. The series explores the harrowing legacy of Canada’s residential school system—boarding schools established to forcibly strip Indigenous children of their culture and identity. The narrative centers on a shocking discovery Walker made about her own father, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer. After a Facebook post by her brother revealed that their father had once violently confronted a priest who had sexually abused him at a residential school, Walker felt compelled to investigate her father’s past. By revisiting her family's history and interviewing her relatives, she begins to connect the dots between her father's traumatic experiences at the St. Michael’s school and the patterns of anger and dysfunction that impacted their family for generations. This episode serves as an emotional and courageous exploration of how inherited trauma manifests and why uncovering the truth is a vital, albeit painful, step toward healing.

A Message About the Future of the Show

May 19, 20222 minSummary

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

May 12, 202234 minSummary

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

May 5, 202242 minSummary

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

Apr 21, 202238 minSummary

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

Apr 14, 202239 minSummary

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.