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    Society & Culture

    Niche to Meet You

    Niche to Meet You is anthropological exploration into the hidden corners of life through the lens of its subcultures and hobbies. Each episode blends journalism and curiosity to reveal how people find belonging and community—and themselves—in the things they love. From professional Santas to wild-turkey conservationists to speed puzzlers, host Leslie Eiler Thompson uncovers what our obsessions say about who we are and what connects us.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © Copyright 2024 Leslie Thompson

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    Latest Episodes:
    🦃 Wild Turkey Conservation | Part 2: Talkin’ Turkey Aug 16, 2024
    Show notes

    Meet the Wild Turkey people.

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    This is episode 2 in the 4 part mini-series about Wild Turkey Conservation, where we meet the people who have worked to save this historic creature. They’re deeply endearing and they might even catch you off-guard. You’ll hear from turkey callers, call makers, celebrities in Turkey world, and even celebrities OUTSIDE of Turkey world (Matt Light, former Patriots offensive lineman).

    Then you’ll join Leslie in the woods to find a turkey herself before ultimately calling in an expert and viral turkey caller, Billy.

    • Learn more about the National Wild Turkey Federation


    Learn more about the miniseries and give feedback HERE.

    ABOUT THE SHOW:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen by millions through a recentviral instagram reel. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. We use miniseries and individual interviews to introduce listeners to folks involved with Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Seasonal show theme arranged by Zach & Maggie White

    Additional music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

    Audio mastered by Kevin Morris

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    🦃 Wild Turkey Conservation | Part 3: Before the Pilgrims Aug 16, 2024
    Show notes

    Where Wild Turkey Conservation REALLY got its start.

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    At this point in a Niche to Meet You miniseries–episode 3–we pull back the curtain even more on our niche subject, and we talk to the ones who are at the origins of it. We could have talked more about the movement in the mid 1900s that led to the founding of the NWTF, but our interviews revealed a longer–and older–story. We have to go back to the very beginning, to the traditions of the earliest conservationists, whose practices we borrow today. We welcome Mary Weakee, retired archeologist and turkey feather blanket expert, to explore the origins and significance of the bird for this country and the Indigenous people who loved it first.

    • Read more about Mary HERE
    • Watch Mary talk about the feather blankets HERE


    Learn more about the miniseries and give feedback HERE.

    ABOUT THE SHOW:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen by millions through a recentviral instagram reel. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. We use miniseries and individual interviews to introduce listeners to folks involved with Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Seasonal show theme arranged by Zach & Maggie White

    Additional music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

    Audio mastered by Kevin Morris

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    🦃 Wild Turkey Conservation | Part 4: Bringing the Gobble Back Aug 16, 2024
    Show notes

    Wild Turkey Conservation matters, and here’s why.

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    • Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    Make no mistake, the Wild Turkey Conservation story matters for all of us, and in this final episode of the miniseries, we’ll tell you why. The Wild Turkey Conservation story is ultimately about mending gaps. Listening to others. Caring about others. We start with Wilderness icon Aldo Leopold and trace the trends of modern conservation efforts to his unique career in New Mexico, and connect this to the Wild Turkey Conservation movement in the 1950s and beyond. And then, we talk about Jaws, Barbara Kingsolver, and politics. Kind of.

    Learn more about Aldo Leopold HERE

    Learn more about the miniseries and give feedback HERE.

    ABOUT THE SHOW:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen by millions through a recentviral instagram reel. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. We use miniseries and individual interviews to introduce listeners to folks involved with Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Seasonal show theme arranged by Zach & Maggie White

    Additional music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

    Audio mastered by Kevin Morris

    Quotation voiceovers by Brent Rogers and Carolyn German

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    🦃 Niche to Meet You, Wild Turkey Conservation [SERIES TRAILER] Jul 19, 2024
    Show notes

    Coming August 16th: a 4-part miniseries about the Wild Turkey Conservation niche. It’s an important story about belonging, community, mending seemingly irreparable gaps and changing the world.

    Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/wild-turkey

    Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizza.

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions

    Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

    Audio mastered by Kevin Morris

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    🍳Regional Cooking, 🗡️Armored MMA Combat, & 🧊 Rubik's Cubing: Niches on the Road ✈️🚂🚗 May 24, 2024
    Show notes

    Three wildly different niches that all find their purpose in being on the road.

    LINKS:

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    We all have our "third spaces," those social surroundings that aren't our homes or workplaces. These are the places where we feel a sense of belonging, comfort, and community—like cafés, bookstores, or even the local bar where everybody knows your name. But what happens when all three of your spaces are transient? When your work and home are constantly shifting, where do you find your third spaces, and what kinds of hobbies thrive in such a lifestyle?

    In this episode, we explore the hobbies and niche subcultures that find their purpose in, or are affected by being on the road. From the stories of touring musicians Zach and Maggie White (who bring the flavors and experiences of their travels into their kitchen through regional cooking), to Spencer Waddell (a vagabond longswordsman and armored MMA combat fighter whose life revolves around historical reenactments and sword fighting), and from Shook (middle school speed cuber) toJon Schneck (Relient K guitarist and creator of Cubiversity), we hear the unique dynamics of being on the road and being part of a niche subculture.


    ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.


    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    📻 Vintage Car Radio Restoration: Waffle House, Overalls, and Artistry Mar 22, 2024
    Show notes

    Join us at Waffle House to talk about making old things beautiful again.

    LINKS:

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    Join us in a Waffle House booth as we meet Rick Blankenship–a masterful vintage car radio restorer. As we savored the Southern charm of the setting, Rick shared about his work of restoring vintage radios to their original glory while integrating modern features like Bluetooth, offering a blend of nostalgia and convenience. Through our conversation, we learned about Rick's journey from being a drummer in a band to becoming an award-winning restorer, highlighting the artistry and dedication required in his craft. We explored the significance of classic car radios as symbols of self-expression and identity, as well as the challenges and joys of preserving automotive history. Visiting a local Swap Meet with Rick provided a firsthand look at his work and the deep connections people have with their cars, reinforcing the appeal of the craft. Visit Rick's website HERE, and check out his YouTube channel HERE.


    ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.


    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    ⚙️ Warhammer 40k | Epilogue: Ariana Scalfo Feb 16, 2024
    Show notes

    A deeper look at lingering questions after the 4-part miniseries.

    This is a special bonus episode of Niche to Meet You following our mini-series about Warhammer 40,000. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles little-known hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are making meaning.

    • Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback
    • Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizza

    EPISODE NOTES:

    We welcome Ariana Scalfo, fitness professional and 40k player. Her voice is heard in the 4th episode of this series, and our full conversation was good enough to make into a lightly-edited bonus episode. The video version of this episode is on YouTube if you want to watch us talk.

    Ariana and her partner run a fitness company called Complete Human Performance, which essentially trains human Space Marines. They developed a program based on the Warhammer-verse incorporating lore and narrative into a fitness routine. We talk about that in this conversation, along with 40k affecting folks outside of gameplay, the meaning to be found in the silliness, and why women aren’t as prevalent in the hobby (though, it’s getting better!).

    LINKS:

    • YouTube version: https://youtu.be/7anrtDHyhkU
    • Complete Human Performance: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/
    • Their program based on Space Marine training: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/offers/FEZgFFrY/checkout

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright, Ariana Scalfo

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    ⚙️ Warhammer 40k | 4: For the Hobby and the Imperium Feb 09, 2024
    Show notes

    Why this weird, wonderful hobby is so important, and what's next.

    LINKS:

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    In the final episode of our Warhammer 40,000 miniseries, we reflect on the game as a compelling case study for the vital role of hobbies and a sense of belonging in preventing loneliness. Despite the dark and violent nature of Warhammer, we explore the intriguing intersection between violence and the community it cultivates. The episode delves into the satirical and exaggerated aspects of the Warhammer universe, emphasizing the humor and absurdity that players find meaningful.

    Through final vignettes with all the Warhammer enthusiasts and creators from the series, including a couple new voices, we gain insights into how the game has become a source of connection, purpose, and stress relief, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion explores the theme of hopelessness within the game's lore, featuring perspectives from key figures such as Rick Priestley and Andy Chambers. The episode concludes by underscoring the significant impact of hobbies like Warhammer 40,000 in combatting loneliness, fostering community, and instilling a sense of purpose. We also look forward in anticipation to the upcoming Amazon film adaptation featuring Henry Cavill, acknowledging the potential it holds for the Warhammer community (have connections to Cavill? We want to talk to him! Go to www.nichetomeetyou.show/40k to connect us!)


    ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.


    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright, Ariana Scalfo

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    ⚙️ Warhammer 40k | 3: Origins (with Rick Priestley and Andy Chambers) Feb 02, 2024
    Show notes

    Conversations with the creators of Warhammer 40k: Rick Priestley and Andy Chambers

    LINKS:

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    In this episode, we dive into a conversation with the creators of this tabletop war game, exploring its origins, influences, and the intricate balance between the macro and micro aspects of its universe.

    As we sit down with Rick Priestley, the creator of Warhammer 40,000 (and his dog Rosie), we unravel the game's genesis from a space trading RPG called Rogue Trader to the iconic tabletop war game it is today. We also meet Andy Chambers, who apprenticed under Rick and took over the game in the 1990’s. The episode delves into the blend of history, fantasy, and commercialism that shaped this intricate hobby.


    ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.


    SHOW CREDITS:

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


    ⚙️ Warhammer 40k | 2: Community at 28 Millimeters Jan 26, 2024
    Show notes

    Meet the people who play Warhammer 40,000.

    LINKS:

    • Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)
    • Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You Patreon
    • BUY MERCH!!!!!
    • Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.show


    Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!


    EPISODE NOTES:

    In this second episode of the 4 part mini-series, we sit down with Marcus and Josh, two enthusiasts deeply involved in the Warhammer 40,000 community, to explore the diverse entry points into the hobby. From painting and video games to engaging in intense tabletop battles, we learn about the multifaceted nature of the Warhammer 40,000 experience.

    Our conversation with Marcus and Josh delves into its evolution from a tabletop game to a vast media landscape encompassing novels, video games, and more. The episode unfolds as we meet Robert, our local 40k guide who navigates us through the intricate gameplay mechanics, the fusion of lore and mathematical strategy, and the deep commitment demanded by Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts. Leslie plays a game herself and gets hands-on experience with the world of Warhammer 40,000.


    ABOUT NICHE TO MEET YOU:

    Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests. Our work has been featured on Nashville Public Radio and has been seen in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.


    EPISODE/SHOW CREDITS

    Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

    Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

    Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright

    Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

    Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

    Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


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