The Nightly

Was My Choir A Cult? w/ Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell and caller Matt unpack the surprisingly blurry line between belonging and blind devotion, reflecting on a high school show choir that sometimes felt a little... cultish.What You’ll HearThe Charisma Factor: Matt revisits the magnetic show choir director who inspired fierce loyalty, unforgettable performances, and a few lingering questions about leadership and influence.Rituals, Rivalries, and Red Flags: From pre-show traditions to intense competition and an "us versus them" mindset, Amanda explores how ordinary groups can take on surprisingly cult-like dynamics.Finding Community Without Losing Yourself: Together they consider why close-knit groups can shape us for the better—and how to recognize the difference between healthy belonging and unhealthy control.CHAPTERS00:00 Amanda's sleep simplicity journey03:00 Was high school show choir a cult?09:48 Rituals that built belonging12:35 Competition and us versus them16:41 Amanda's cult ratingFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday Edition: Inventing Mascots

In this Sunday Edition of The Nightly, Josh Gondelman welcomes mascot designer Tom Sapp into the pillow fort for a behind-the-scenes look at the surprising art, strategy, and heart behind the characters we cheer for.What You'll HearFrom Sketchbook to Stadium: Tom shares how a career in advertising unexpectedly led him to designing iconic mascots for sports teams, schools, hospitals, and beyond—and why every great mascot starts with understanding the people it's meant to delight.More Than a Costume: From Rocky the Mountain Lion's lightning-bolt tail to comforting characters for children's hospitals, Tom explains how storytelling, thoughtful design, and unforgettable performers work together to create characters that people truly believe in.Why Kids Know Best: Josh and Tom explore the surprisingly emotional side of mascot design, why honest audience reactions matter, and the creative freedom that comes from letting ideas wander before they take shape.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & welcoming Tom Sapp!01:19 How Tom's career in mascot design began05:06 Designing characters with purpose08:00 The origin story of Rocky the Mountain Lion12:00 Building mascot backstories & creative process14:15 Designing for children's hospitals17:08 Testing ideas with real audiences18:47 The magic of seeing mascots come alive21:00 The challenge of designing for brands and products22:39 Ending with some advice for creatives24:14 GoodnightsFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benidorm: A Cartoonish Facsimile of Home

Josh Gondelman and Matt Bragg swap vacation stories, travel quirks, and the bittersweet feeling of being so right.What You'll HearThe world's shortest victory lap: Matt wins a disagreement over a glass coffee cup...but it was probably not for the best. It's a triumph that comes with a broom.A tour of Benidorm: Matt introduces Josh to England's favorite seaside escape in Spain, where belly-busting breakfasts, poolside beers, and familiar pubs create a vacation destination unlike any other.Places that feel strangely familiar: From movie locations and famous song lyrics to grumpy train announcements and vacation nostalgia, they explore why some places feel iconic long before you ever visit.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & greetings00:30 Matt's coffee cup disaster03:40 Plastic cups, microplastics & Bovril07:40 Pool beers and vacation mode08:45 Why Benidorm is basically England in Spain12:30 Movie locations and famous landmarks14:45 Songs that make places feel familiar17:15 Vacation expectations vs. real life19:05 Public transit personalities & customer service21:10 Good nightsFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best Sports Mascots

Josh Gondelman and Caller Haley tumble down a delightfully sleepy rabbit hole about sports mascots, hometown pride, and the creatures that somehow end up representing entire teams.What You’ll Hear:A Love Letter to Austin: Haley shares her favorite parts of life in Austin, from year-round swims at Barton Springs to dancing the night away with live music.Mascots, Explained... Sort Of: A simple question sparks a surprisingly deep conversation about coyotes, billy goats, elephants, banana slugs, and why team mascots rarely seem to match the team name.Dream Team Draft: Josh and Haley imagine the mascots they’d create from scratch, proving that armadillos and great blue herons deserve a little more time in the spotlight.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & a memorable night of comedy06:00 Haley calls in from Austin07:30 Barton Springs, swimming, and live music11:20 The question that keeps Haley up at night12:00 Sports mascots and hometown team names13:00 Ellie the Elephant and favorite mascots14:10 The Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz15:30 Designing a mascot from scratch18:00 The legend of the King Cake Baby22:45 Goodnights to mascots everywhereFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life In A Big Family w/ Kristen Meinzer

Kristen Meinzer talks to a caller about the laughter, traditions, and lifelong bonds that come with growing up in a big family.What You’ll HearThe House That Never Felt Empty: Peggy shares joyful memories of six siblings, station wagon road trips, backyard games, and family traditions that turned everyday moments into lasting stories.Growing Older Together: The conversation explores how big families evolve over time—from caring for aging parents to creating a support system that lasts long after childhood.Why Family Traditions Matter: Kristen and Peggy reflect on the rituals, inside jokes, and shared history that give families a unique culture, no matter their size.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & themed fan cruises04:18 Growing up in a family of six kids09:15 A support system that lasts a lifetime14:24 Learning self-reliance and sharing16:07 Kristen's blended family storyFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.