The Nightly

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 rating

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 Goodnights

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 nights

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 everywhere

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 story

Kristen Meinzer explores the surprising comfort of physical media with a caller, from beloved books and Blu-rays to the simple joy of choosing something from your own shelf.What You’ll HearThe Little Rituals of Growing Up: Kristen reflects on childhood memories of voting with her mom, balancing checkbooks, and the everyday moments that once felt like the ultimate signs of adulthood—and which ones still do.Why Ownership Feels Different: A conversation about what we lose when everything lives in the cloud, why physical books, records, and movies create a deeper connection, and the surprising reality of "buying" digital media.Starting a Collection Without Breaking the Bank: Practical, encouraging advice for anyone curious about collecting physical media, plus a reminder that your favorite movie doesn't have to impress anyone but you.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro & childhood signs of adulthood03:53 Meet Callum from Washington, DC05:27 The case for physical media12:05 How to start a collection17:12 Bringing back a little analog joy

Kristen Meinzer talks to a listener about graduation, empty apartments, and the strange in-between season that comes after a big life change.What You’ll HearThe Quiet After Commencement: Just days after graduating college, Kyra finds herself living alone for the first time. What happens when a home that was full of friends suddenly gets very, very quiet?Are You a Roommate Person?: Kristen reflects on her own experience living solo, while exploring the different ways people find comfort, connection, and community.Building a New Routine: From coffee shop writing sessions to future adventures at Disney, a conversation about navigating uncertainty and creating something to look forward to each day.CHAPTERS00:37 Meet Kyra from Evanston03:28 Finding a new routine07:24 Does a busy schedule change everything?09:43 Advice for the transition period14:18 Kristen’s first solo apartment16:13 The Disney College Program adventure18:37 A goodnight to former roommates

Kristen Meinzer helps a newlywed decide whether a long-dreamed-of polar bear adventure belongs on the honeymoon itinerary.What You’ll HearThe Honeymoon Dilemma: Noreen shares her dream of visiting Churchill, Manitoba—a remote Canadian town famous for polar bears, beluga whales, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—and wonders if it’s the right choice for a honeymoon.A Love Letter to Canada: From Niagara Falls and ice wine to Prince Edward Island and Anne of Green Gables, Kristen and Noreen swap favorite Canadian memories and travel dreams.When to Save a Dream Trip: Together, they explore whether some adventures deserve their own spotlight—and why a future anniversary trip might be the perfect excuse for a little novelty, wonder, and just a hint of peril.CHAPTERS01:37 The case for Churchill, Manitoba05:04 Growing up with polar bear dreams07:10 Favorite places in Canada12:21 What do we do with old travel memories?13:41 Honeymoon or separate adventure?17:40 Goodnights and prom season wishes