Episode 7 - Decoder Ring

Willa Paskin, host of Slate's Decoder Ring, joins POP-The Podcast to talk about her show that delves into the fascinating back-stories of everyday cultural phenomena.Curious about why a thing is a thing? Decoder Ring investigates the stories behind cultural phenomena such as sun tans, mullet haircuts or the Jane Fonda Workout.Host Willa Paskin shares with Pick of the Pods:- how ‘writing for the ear’ is different from writing an article- what’s a ‘high touch’ podcast, and did Willa jump into the podcast deep end by choosing to make one?- should you be ‘nice’ to the people featured in your podcasts?Decoder Ring - homepage: https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring- on any podcast app: https://pod.link/1376577202- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYjxRBfBp4syi0tCgWRnwXGkF4i2lbvoREpisodes of Decoder Ring featured on this episode:Jane Fonda’s Workout, Part 1: Jane and Leni: https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring/2020/10/jane-fonda-leni-cazdenThe Sign Painter: https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring/2021/06/ilona-granet-feminist-artBridget in the Buff: https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring/2026/09/bridget-in-the-buff-naked-fat-puzzles-puzzles-gifts-1970s-naafaWilla’s Pod Picks:Death of an Artist Introducing Death of an Artist Season 3: Petra Mathers and Her Michael: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/death-of-an-artist/introducing-death-of-an-artist-season-3-petra-mathers-and-her-michaelDan Taberski’s Manifesto https://podcastreview.org/review/dan-taberskis-manifesto/The Rest is History (of course): https://therestishistory.com/series/the-french-revolutionWatch here on the POP YouTube channel or listen on any podcast app: https://pod.link/1891273310.POP-The Newsletter: For a fresh recommendation of the one podcast you should be listening to right now, follow POP at pickofthepods.substack.comPOP-The Podcast:Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQu6D1uClH0i-nR9YppCSgzhElMbfPcv7Listen on any podcast app: https://pod.link/1891273310 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pickofthepods.substack.com