Niche to Meet You

Join us at the local Waffle House to talk about making old things beautiful again.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showEPISODE 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.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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers Episode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're bringing turkeys back. Two parts this time. This is the second part.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showWhile Leslie works on the next Niche, we are bringing back a niche that many of you haven't heard yet. And it's about Wild Turkeys and the folks who conserve them.In the conclusion of our Wild Turkey conservation story, we zoom out from the bird itself to the bigger picture: the land, the people, and the questions that shape how conservation really works.We’ll hear how the indigenous peoples shaped not only hunting traditions, but the relationship to the Wild Turkey, which gave way to the niche of its conservation. AND you'll learn why conserving turkeys isn’t just about saving a species, but about rethinking our relationship with the natural world. From native Americans to biologists in the field to hunters in the blind, from historical roots to present-day challenges, this episode ties together what wild turkeys can teach us about reciprocity, responsibility, and resilience.If you missed Part 1, be sure to start there for the full story.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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're bringing turkeys back. Two parts this time. This is the first part.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showWhile Leslie works on the next Niche, we are bringing back a niche that many of you haven't heard yet. And it's about Wild Turkeys and the folks who conserve them. STICK WITH US!!!!!! ITS REALLY SURPRISING! It's not just about hunting (though yes, we do have to talk about that...), it's about so much more.Once on the brink of extinction, wild turkeys are now one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. But keeping their numbers strong isn’t just about the bird—it’s about people from every corner of politics, hunters and conservationists, just everyday people working to preserve habitats and traditions. In this episode, we explore the remarkable comeback of the wild turkey and what it says about our relationship to the natural world...and each other.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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our summer radio special, in partnership with American Public MediaLINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showEPISODE NOTES:We got invited to produce an hourlong radio special for American Public Media, and wanted to share it with you. It’s taken from some of our early episodes, so if you’ve joined Niche Nation in 2025, this is all new content for you! So hop on the niche party bus, because we’re taking you on a summer road trip to explore niche interests both on-the-road and at home. From Rubik’s speed cubing to dog agility, and from regional cooking to competitive jigsaw puzzling.ABOUT US: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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme by Abigail Flowers with this arrangement of the theme Produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin GiftAdditional music by Blue Dot SessionsEpisode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Niche to Meet You takes to the high seas in search of the unconquerable.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Find photos of Leslie’s time at the Barkley on the show pageHave feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showEPISODE NOTES:Somewhere deep in the Tennessee woods, there’s a race with no finish line — at least not one most people will ever reach. There’s no official website, no posted start time, and the course changes every year. Runners carry pages torn from books as proof they’ve completed each loop. And it all begins with the lighting of a cigarette.The Barkley Marathons isn’t just an ultramarathon. It’s a ritual. A myth. A puzzle designed to break you — mentally, physically, spiritually. In this episode, we crack open a great American novel written in the 1800s, Moby Dick, as a map to discover a bizarre niche that even has its own captain Ahab, a man named Lazarus Lake. But whereas Ahab is driven by hate for the white whale, Laz and the runners of the Barkley are driven by something completely different. What we find in our quest is the same Ishmael found in his search for the white whale: it’s a meditation on suffering, identity, and the purpose of attempting the impossible.LINKS MENTIONED:Lazarus Lake biographyABOUT 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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme by Abigail Flowers with this arrangement of the theme Produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin GiftAdditional music by Blue Dot SessionsEpisode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebrate Earth Day, the niche way.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You PatreonBUY MERCH!!!!!Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showThanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!EPISODE NOTES:In this episode, Leslie heads into the wilds of Instagram to explore one of the internet’s most unexpectedly wholesome communities: Stick Nation (or should we call them Stick Nicheon?!?!). What started with a single stick and a simple review became a global phenomenon, now with over 3 million followers united by their love of nature’s simplest artifact. Leslie talks with the founders of @officialstickreviews, Logan and Boone, about how their playful videos turned into viral content and why sticks—yes, literal sticks—hold such power in our stories, imaginations, and daily lives. Along the way, Leslie finds a stick of her own, puts it through the rigorous Stick Review process, and even recruits her three-year-old daughter for a neighborhood stick hunt. Plus, New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl joins to reflect on why this niche matters more than we might think.LINKS MENTIONED:Official Stick Reviews InstagramStick Nation’s Stick Together Earth Day ChallengeNew York Times article about Logan and BooneHarvard article about meditationABOUT 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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme and “My Father’s Wand” original composition by by Abigail Flowers with this arrangement of the theme Produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin GiftAdditional music by Blue Dot SessionsEpisode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

History, science, and Leslie tries to beat a national champ.LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter) and BE SURPRISED when we announce something HUGE in a few days.Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showGet your own flippable Springbok puzzle. You can get 10% off your order with code: NICHEPUZZLE10. Shop for puzzles HERE. Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!EPISODE NOTES:Where’d the puzzle come from? Why does it matter that puzzle companies CARE about the people who solve them? Which puzzles can be picked up after they’re completed? Why does science support us doing puzzles? And how much of a 500 piece puzzle can Leslie do in the same time as a national champion?All questions answered in this episode. Thank you to Springbok Puzzles for sponsoring this story. We are so grateful for your support!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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers with this arrangement Produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin GiftEpisode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Community, belonging, and solving puzzles (really fast).LINKS:Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter) and get a special announcement on April 6thHave feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showWant to get into puzzling (you should!)? Start with Springbok, where you can get 10% off your order with code: NICHEPUZZLE10. Shop for puzzles HERE. The 2023 Op-ed by Danté Stewart for the Washington Post, referenced in the episode: After covid, there’s one place I know I can go and not feel lonelyThanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!EPISODE NOTES:While some of us casually work on puzzles over days (or weeks) with family during holidays, some others of us complete puzzles in mere minutes. These folks are called Puzzle People. In this 2-part series, you’ll meet a Guinness Book of World Record Holder (Tammy McLeod), professional puzzlers (Sarah Schuler), influencers (Karen Kavett), competitors, and even join Leslie as she tries to complete a puzzle as quickly as possible…kind of. But this isn’t just a story about solving puzzles—it’s about how a global crisis sparked new traditions, deepened human connection, and turned an isolating time into a foundation for community and belonging. In this episode, part 1, Niche to Meet You marks 5 years of COVID through the lens of competitive speed puzzling. In a world that often feels fragmented, puzzling remains a reminder that we’re always finding ways to come together—piece by piece.Thank you to Springbok Puzzles for sponsoring this story. We are so grateful for your support!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 in the likes of The Guardian and the 1440 newsletter. Our stories introduce listeners to folks involved with things like Warhammer 40,000, Rubik’s cube enthusiasts and competitors, armored combat champions, professional Santas and Mrs. Clauses, and more. It's like if Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Revisionist History teamed up for a Netflix special. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHOW HERE.SHOW CREDITS: Senior creator/host: Leslie ThompsonAssociate Script Editor: Chris Thiessen Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers with this arrangement Produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin GiftEpisode mastering by Kevin MorrisShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our favorite Santas read the famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas."Email us! Who are you? What's your niche? What do you like about this show?Find pictures from Leslie’s time with Santas here.Looking to give a tax-deductible gift? Consider giving to this project. More information here.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.Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!EPISODE NOTES:In this final offering of 2024, we give you the gift of several beloved voices from our Santa miniseries reading us the poem that started it all, A Visit from St. Nicholas (otherwise known as'Twas the Night Before Christmas) on its 201st anniversary. If you haven't listened to the miniseries yet, now is the time! Special thanks to WPLN Nashville Public Radio, for premiering this piece on your station!VOICES FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:Jerusalem SantaSanta ShedSanta BenSanta JayMalcolm Guite (UK)Santa LincolnSanta TrueSanta Robert (Norway)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, 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.EPISODE CREDITS: Host/Editor: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)Mastering by Kevin MorrisMusic from Epidemic SoundShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!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 Thiessen Mastering by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail Flowers with this holiday arrangement by Mike HicksShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAdditional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Jon McLaughlin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Santa Santa Shed Santa George Santa Ben Santa Phil Santa Jay Santa Stephen Santa Lincoln (Green Gloves) Santa Hop Santa Chris Santa True 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, 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 Thiessen Mastering by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail Flowers with this holiday arrangement by Mike HicksShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAdditional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Jon McLaughlin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!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 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 Thiessen Mastering by Kevin MorrisShow theme composed by Abigail Flowers with this holiday arrangement by Mike HicksShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAdditional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Jon McLaughlin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Coming December 6th (St. Nicholas Day) – a three-episode series about Santa and the folks who portray him. Listen to the full series here. join our email list, The Niche List! Email us. 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. Listen to the full series here.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 Flowers with this holiday arrangement by Mike HicksShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet dog agility hobbyist, Toast, along with her human companion, Amy.Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You PatreonHave feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showEPISODE 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 HardacreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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!Thanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!Want 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet the Wild Turkey people. Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You PatreonBUY MERCH!!!!!Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showThanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!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 Zach & Maggie WhiteAdditional music provided by Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAudio mastered by Kevin Morris See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where Wild Turkey Conservation REALLY got its start. Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You PatreonBUY MERCH!!!!!Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showThanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!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 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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wild Turkey Conservation matters, and here’s why.Join the Niche List (our monthly newsletter…er, Nicheletter)Become a part of the United Nicheons, the Niche to Meet You PatreonBUY MERCH!!!!!Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@nichetomeetyou.showThanks to our show sponsor, 1440 Daily News Digest. Click here to join the 4 million folks getting great news in their inbox every day (like, Leslie)!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 Blue Dot SessionsShow artwork created by Rachel HardacreAudio mastered by Kevin MorrisQuotation voiceovers by Brent Rogers and Carolyn GermanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.