Niche to Meet You

The origins of the professional Santa.Email us with your favorite part of this episode or what it made you think about! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Find us on Instagram, or join our email list.Find pictures from Leslie’s time with Santas here.EPISODE NOTES:This first episode in the Professional Santa miniseries is about history: where Santa came from with historian Stephanie Fulbright, and when the culture of PORTRAYING him started with Santa Phil. We cover the viral poem that made him famous, the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, and the Mount Rushmore of Professional Santas while hearing from actual Santa Portrayal Artists and Santa historians.SANTAS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:Jerusalem SantaSanta ShedSanta GeorgeSanta BenSanta PhilSanta TrueABOUT 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, has been seen by millions through a recent viral instagram reel, and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletters. 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, wild turkey conservationists, and more. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Creator/Reporter/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Associate script producer: Chris...

Meet the Santas behind the beard.Email us with your favorite part of this episode or what it made you think about! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Find us on Instagram, or join our email list.Find pictures from Leslie’s time with Santas here.EPISODE NOTES:In the second episode of our Professional Santa miniseries we meet the folks who portray Santa and learn what it takes to do the job. From meetups and conferences to spending thousands on uniform, these Santas take their jobs seriously. We talk to Shed and George, Black santas wth a mission to see representation in the niche, and meet Jerusalem’s only certified Santa Issa. Then, we shadow a Santa Donald on a gig to a school serving children with low vision.SANTAS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:Jerusalem SantaSanta ShedSanta GeorgeSanta BenSanta PhilSanta JaySanta StephenSanta Lincoln (Green Gloves)Santa HopSanta ChrisSanta TrueABOUT 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, has been seen by millions through a recent viral instagram reel, and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletters. 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, <a...

Why Santa matters.Email us with your favorite part of this episode or what it made you think about! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Find us on Instagram, or join our email list.Find pictures from Leslie’s time with Santas here.EPISODE NOTES:The final episode in our series about professional Santas ends with relevance – why having Santas is crucial to the human experience and aids with flourishing amid suffering. In doing this, we learn why these folks deal with the heaviness of the undertaking and what we can learn from them. You’ll hear from a Santa who spends 200+ days a year in a suit (and has done that for 35 years), and from an educator who uses his Santa portrayal to motivate his students. We also welcome renowned UK Poet Malcolm Guite to explore what storytelling and imagination have to do with Santa and his role in our society. SANTAS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:Jerusalem SantaSanta ShedSanta GeorgeSanta BenSanta PhilSanta JaySanta StephenSanta HopSanta ChrisSanta TrueABOUT 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, has been seen by millions through a recent viral instagram reel, and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletters. 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...

Some moments that didn’t make the Wild Turkey Conservation miniseries.The full episode of The Bulletin with Matt and Mary releases on Friday the 29th. You will find it here. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Send feedback or tell us about your niche!Email us.Find us on Instagram, or join our email list.EPISODE NOTES:This week is Thanksgiving in America, though if you listen to Niche to Meet You, it’s felt like Thanksgiving since August. And we’ve got one more helping of turkey for you. Call it a Nichegiving special. and it includes all the makings for a perfectly spent Thanksgiving: - Turkeys, of course.- Football- Family.This short episode combines a few moments that didn’t make the Wild Turkey Conservation miniseries because they happened after it was already done. You’ll hear from a three-time superbowl champion, a retired archaeologist, and my dad.Happy niche giving to you and your family.  We are so very thankful for you.Mentioned in this episode:CONTACT US:Send us an email at hello@nichetomeetyou.show

Coming December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) – a three-episode series about Santa and the folks who portray him. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Send feedback or tell us about your niche!Email us.Find us on Instagram, or join our email list.EPISODE NOTES:Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations—it's about the spirit of giving, love, and bringing joy to others. Many of us anticipate this post-election Holiday season to be tense, perhaps even disheartening. This, in addition to the loss many of us feel during the holidays as loved ones have passed on, means the next few weeks are going to be hard. Really hard. Professional Santas can help. This special holiday series of episodes explores the history of Santa, all the way back to Saint Nicholas to today. We'll also tell personal stories from real-life Santas, like Santa Shed, a Middle Tennessee Black Santa who wants to see representation and diversity in the community. Or Santa Donald, who works at the Tennessee School for the Blind and has adapted the character for the children he's watched grow up at the school for decades. Or even Jerusalem Santa, who does his work in the heart of the Holy City in a 700-year-old building. You’ll join Leslie at the International Santa Celebration and meetups, and experience the role wonder and awe plays in the midst of suffering. For these Santas, it’s more than just a hobby. It’s a way of living–and it’s changing the world.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 by millions through a recent viral instagram reel and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. 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 creator/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Associate producer: Chris...

Meet dog agility hobbyist, Toast, along with her human companion, Amy.HELP US MAKE THE SANTA MINISERIES! Back the crowdfunding campaign.TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Send feedback or tell us about your niche!EPISODE NOTES:This Niche vignette visits Toast and her companion Amy as they practice dog agility in their front yard. You’ll hear puppy kisses, excited dog whines, and how dog agility offers more than a hobby—it’s a sanctuary from the stresses of life. Alongside Toast, Amy builds a sense of community with other trainers, finds joy in small victories, and experiences the unexpected solace of focusing on her pup. This episode explores the beauty of hobbies that ground us, showing how even a casual run through a tunnel or the celebration of mastering a jump can bring much-needed respite and joy.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 by millions through a recent viral instagram reel and has been featured in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. 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 creator/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Show theme composed by Abigail FlowersAdditional music provided by Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

David Brooks likes early Taylor Swift and helps us listen better.TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Send feedback or tell us about your niche!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE NOTES:This is a really, truly, amazing special treat. David Brooks is a big deal–has landed on NYT’s bestseller list like a billion times and is loved by the likes of Oprah. In October 2023, David released a book called How to Know a Person, which is all about LISTENING. Being curious. All the things we like here at Niche to Meet You.David joined No Small Endeavor’s podcast to talk about the book, and this conversation between him and host Lee Camp could easily have been a Niche to Meet You episode about our mission—our ethos. And now, it is.It’s relevant and important and we are so lucky to get to have this as part of our offerings. Thanks to the No Small Endeavor team for letting us run the episode here. ABOUT NO SMALL ENDEAVOR: What does it mean to live a good life? What is true happiness? What are the habits and practices that lead to human flourishing? No Small Endeavor examines these questions with host Lee C. Camp. You'll hear from best-selling authors, philosophers, scientists, artists, psychologists, theologians and even the occasional politician—courageous, impassioned people taking seriously the question of how to live a good life. NO SMALL ENDEAVOR WEBSITEABOUT 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 by millions through a recent viral 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 creator/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Niche to Meet You theme composed by Abigail FlowersAdditional music provided by Blue Dot SessionsNiche to Meet You...

This is the story of Niche to Meet You.TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Send feedback or tell us about your niche!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE NOTES:Welcome to Niche to Meet You. With our recent placement on Apple’s New & Noteworthy home page section and charting in the top 200 of the Society & Culture category (what in the world?! Welcome, if that’s how you found us!)...we thought it was worth regrouping and telling you about the show, featuring clips from stories we’ve told or will tell in the future. 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 recent viral 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 creator/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Show theme composed by Abigail FlowersAdditional music provided by Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel Hardacre

Introducing the Wild Turkey Conservation niche. And y’all, it is definitely wild. GO DEEPER WITH NICHE TO MEET YOU (WEBSITE):TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaWant more about Wild Turkeys? Read Brent Rogers’ book, Yelp & Gobble, Inc.Read Tom Kelly’s book, Tenth Legion EPISODE NOTES:In this first episode of the 4 part mini-series about Wild Turkey Conservation we learn about the weird, wonderful Wild Turkey and the effort to conserve it. It’s an important story about mending seemingly irreparable gaps and changing the world. And it’s going to take us to surprising places.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 recent viral 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 FlowersSeasonal show theme arranged by Zach & Maggie WhiteAdditional music provided by Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAudio mastered by Kevin Morris Mentioned in this...

Meet the Wild Turkey people. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaWant to go deeper with Wild Turkeys? Read Brent Rogers’ book, Yelp & Gobble, Inc.Read Tom Kelly’s book, Tenth Legion 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 FederationLearn 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 recent viral 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 FlowersSeasonal show theme arranged by <a href="https://zachandmaggie.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"

Where Wild Turkey Conservation REALLY got its start. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaWant to go deeper with Wild Turkeys? Read Brent Rogers’ book, Yelp & Gobble, Inc.Read Tom Kelly’s book, Tenth Legion 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 HEREWatch Mary talk about the feather blankets HERELearn 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 recent viral 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...

Wild Turkey Conservation matters, and here’s why.TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Is there someone who should know about this project? Tell them. Seriously, just text them. Now!Support the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaWant to go deeper with Wild Turkeys? Read Brent Rogers’ book, Yelp & Gobble, Inc.Read Tom Kelly’s book, Tenth Legion 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 HERELearn 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 recent viral 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 FlowersSeasonal show theme arranged by Zach & Maggie WhiteAdditional music provided by...

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-turkeySupport 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 FlowersMusic provided by Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAudio mastered by Kevin Morris  

Stories of three wildly different niches (regional cooking, armored MMA combat, and Rubik's cubing) who all find their purpose in being on the road. Learn more about the show, read a transcript on Apple Podcasts, and give feedbackSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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) to Jon 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.  SHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Episode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel Hardacre

Join us at Waffle House to talk about making old things beautiful again.Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedbackSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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.SHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright, Ariana ScalfoEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel HardacreMentioned in this episode:CONTACT US:Send us an email at hello@nichetomeetyou.show

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 feedbackSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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/7anrtDHyhkUComplete Human Performance: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/Their program based on Space Marine training: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/offers/FEZgFFrY/checkoutSHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright, Ariana ScalfoEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel HardacreMentioned in this episode:Back the Santa Miniseries and Send us Feedback!Link for backing the Santa miniseries: https://seedandspark.com/fund/niche-to-meet-you-santa#story Link for submitting feedback: https://nichetomeetyou.show/feedback

Why this weird, wonderful hobby is so important, and what's next.This is part 4 of 4 in the Niche to Meet You mini-series about Warhammer 40,000. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles little-known hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding belonging and meaning through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedbackSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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!) SHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus Fulbright, Ariana ScalfoEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel HardacreMentioned in this episode:Back the Santa Miniseries and Send us Feedback!Link for backing the Santa miniseries: https://seedandspark.com/fund/niche-to-meet-you-santa#story Link for submitting feedback: https://nichetomeetyou.show/feedback

Conversations with the creators of Warhammer 40k: Rick Priestley and Andy ChambersThis is part 3 of 4 in the Niche to Meet You mini-series about Warhammer 40,000. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding home through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/40kSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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.SHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus FulbrightShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisMentioned in this episode:Back the Santa Miniseries and Send us Feedback!Link for backing the Santa miniseries: https://seedandspark.com/fund/niche-to-meet-you-santa#story Link for submitting feedback: https://nichetomeetyou.show/feedback

Meet the people who play Warhammer 40,000.This is part 2 of 4 in the Niche to Meet You mini-series about Warhammer 40,000. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding home through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/40kSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE 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.EPISODE/SHOW CREDITSSenior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus FulbrightEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel HardacreMentioned in this episode:Back the Santa Miniseries and Send us Feedback!Link for backing the Santa miniseries: https://seedandspark.com/fund/niche-to-meet-you-santa#story Link for submitting feedback: https://nichetomeetyou.show/feedback

Meet my new friend, Warhammer 40,000: the sci-fi tabletop war game.This is part 1 of 4 in the Niche to Meet You mini-series about Warhammer 40,000. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding home through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/40kSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaEPISODE NOTES:In this first episode of Niche to Meet You’s debut mini-series, we introduce the immersive universe of Warhammer 40,000—a tabletop war game game turned multimedia empire. We even make the case that Warhammer 40,000 is the perfect hobby because it offers craftsmanship, skill development, social connections, and thought engagement.From its humble 1970s origins, this hobby has evolved into a unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian elements. Through this 4-part series, we’ll unravel the threads of Warhammer 40,000, examining its roots with insights from Rick Priestley, the game's original creator, as well as Andy Chambers, his apprentice and successor. In the next episode, we'll delve into the lives of players and enthusiasts who breathe life into this thriving subculture, and discover how this pastime transforms into a powerful hobby with the 4 elements of what makes a hobby, well, a hobby.SHOW/EPISODE CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus FulbrightEpisode mastered by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail FlowersShow artwork by Rachel HardacreMentioned in this episode:Back the Santa Miniseries and Send us Feedback!Link for backing the Santa miniseries: https://seedandspark.com/fund/niche-to-meet-you-santa#story Link for submitting feedback: https://nichetomeetyou.show/feedback

Introducing Warhammer 40,000. We even make the case that Warhammer 40,000 is the perfect hobby, and we’ll support the claim by talking to the people who play it and even the people who made it. The Niche to Meet You podcast profiles hobbies and niche subcultures where misfits are finding home through mini-series and individual interviews. Learn more about the show, read a transcript, and give feedback at Nichetomeetyou.show/40kSupport the work by sharing it with a friend and buying us a pizzaSHOW CREDITS: Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)Associate producer: Chris Thiessen Mini-series topic consultants: Robert Taylor, Marcus FulbrightShow theme composed by Abigail Flowers

I love hobbies. I think they’re fascinating and—I mean this without a hint of irony— lifesaving.This project celebrates little-known “leisure activities,” interests, conferences, gatherings, and meetups that you may or may not be familiar with (but, after you hear our guests’ stories, you will be).Full episodes arrive in January 2024. Subscribe and-more importantly-TELL TWO FRIENDS ABOUT THE SHOW, right now. If you really want to support the podcast, buy Leslie a pizza.Learn more about this podcast at NicheToMeetYou.show.Niche to Meet You is created & produced by Leslie ThompsonTheme Music by Abigail Flowers Music for this trailer is also supplied by Blue Dot Sessions:"Borough" and "Palms Down" 04b5be5f01b0945d59ac614c274d4acd30f011d1Mentioned in this episode:CONTACT US:Send us an email at hello@nichetomeetyou.show