The Niche to Meet You Podcast believes how we spend our time is important.
Science says so.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche subcultures where misfits are making meaning.
Created and hosted by Leslie Thompson, the Niche to Meet You podcast uses miniseries and individual interviews to introduce listeners to niche subcultures like:
Warhammer 40,000 (sci-fi tabletop war gaming)
Vintage car radio restoration
Medieval armored combat
Wild turkey conservation
Dog agility
Santa and Mrs. Clause portrayal artistry
…and more.
Using formal interviews and field recordings, Leslie’s infectious and sincere curiosity brings listeners into the world of each subculture, humanizing those involved and gleaning meaning for outsiders.
Why?
Why do niche subcultures and hobbies matter? Well, for starters
They will literally save our lives.
The statistics on loneliness are shocking. The US Surgeon General even released a report in 2023 about the importance of social interaction to curb the loneliness and isolation epidemic. The report says that even before COVID, approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Dr. Vivek Murthy is even going so far as to develop an entire national campaign to encourage social interaction to save humanity.
AND, these niche subcultures help us better understand each other.
The little things that construct meaning and purpose for us don’t just provide health benefits, they remind us that we are all part of a larger whole. When we learn more about other people’s unique interests we better appreciate the world around us and we can embrace and celebrate our differences. We find belonging in a sea of loneliness.
