The Nightly

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 qu...

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 Hear The 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 fam...

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 Hear The 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 one...

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 Hear The 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 refle...

Kristen Meinzer helps a newlywed decide whether a long-dreamed-of polar bear adventure belongs on the honeymoon itinerary. What You’ll Hear The 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: Fr...

On this special Sunday interview episode, Josh Gondelman is joined by guest JD Amato, a writer whose debut middle grade graphic novel (The Endless Game) was published earlier this year. They wander into the flashlight-lit world of graphic novels, childhood games, and bedtime imagination. What You’ll Hear The Endless Game Begins: JD shares how his new graphic novel grew into an 80-year game of capt...

Josh Gondelman and Matt Bragg beat the heat with holiday laundry, fresh socks, and a sleepy round of summertime "would you rather." What You’ll Hear Heat Waves & Holiday Packing: Matt makes the case for cold weather, nice jackets, and the strange fashion sacrifices required before a vacation. The New Sock Renaissance: A humble drawer refresh becomes a surprisingly powerful act of self-care, with a...

KP Parker and Caller Rosie talk about chasing a marathon goal that spans all 50 states. What You’ll Hear: A Very Long To-Do List: Rosie shares her quest to run a full marathon in every state, and how a goal that takes years can be surprisingly calming. The Scenic Route: From Philadelphia streets to humid Florida mornings, they explore how running can become a unique way to experience a new place....

Greta Johnsen talks to a caller about bedtime routines, imperfect habits, and the small rituals that help a busy household wind down. What You’ll Hear The Myth of the Perfect Routine: Virginia shares what evenings actually look like in her Brooklyn home, from late dinners and dog walks to navigating a teenager’s sudden bursts of nighttime creativity. The 87 Percent Club: Greta explores why routine...

Greta Johnsen takes a call about mysterious nighttime noises, possible ghosts, and the surprisingly practical perks of a haunted house. What You’ll Hear The Ghost Test: When weird sounds, misplaced keys, and flickering lights could just as easily be everyday life, how would you know if a ghost had moved in? Greta and caller Alex investigate. Tea, Spices, and Other Evidence: A conversation that wan...

Greta Johnsen chats with listener Ian about comic books, comfort reads, and the surprisingly cozy art of adaptation. What You’ll Hear The Perfect Wind-Down: Ian explains why comic books became his bedtime ritual, and how a few pages can help quiet the noise of a busy day. Finding Yourself Again: A conversation about parenthood, personal hobbies, and rediscovering old passions during life’s biggest...

Greta Johnsen and caller Bobby dive into the dragons, drama, and family dynamics of House of the Dragon. What You’ll Hear Why We Love a Good Fantasy Feud: Greta and Bobby unpack what makes House of the Dragon so compelling, from succession battles to the kind of family tension that feels surprisingly familiar. Team Black at Bedtime: A spirited conversation about favorite characters, shifting loyal...

KP Parker and Matt Bragg wander from Wisconsin lake merch to ferret racing, quiet camping, and the noble art of retiring into the woods. What You’ll Hear Lake Life and Stolen Valor: KP shares the story behind her Wisconsin shirt, her Montana sweatshirt with no Montana backstory, and the adult-brain challenge of learning to swim. Cute Animals, Questionable Roommates: Beavers, koalas, chinchillas, f...

Matt Bragg and KP Parker wonder which surprisingly attainable life skills are still worth learning. What You’ll Hear: The Skill We Missed: Matt brings a supermarket-walk revelation to the table: why aren’t we better at throwing things? The conversation drifts into running, math, and the oddly specific talents they wish they had. Treat Books & Reading Hacks: KP reveals the truth behind her speedy r...

Matt Bragg opens the Pillow Fort phone lines for a listener with one very reasonable question: why would anyone choose to live near alligators? What You’ll Hear Costco Confessions: Matt shares the details of his latest bulk-buy receipt, from tea bags to cat litter to the mysterious items no one remembers purchasing. Alligator Anxiety: Caller Josh wonders how people calmly coexist with giant reptil...

Josh Gondelman and guest host Ian Chillag answer life’s smallest household questions with surprisingly big philosophical energy. What You’ll Hear Egg Carton Etiquette: Josh and Ian consider the proper way to remove eggs from a carton, from careful balance to full refrigerator performance art. Toilet Paper Freedom: A classic over-or-under debate becomes a gentle invitation to let go of tiny househo...

Josh Gondelman and Ian Chillag swap favorite zoo memories and tackle a surprisingly serious question about racing animals. What You’ll Hear: Checking In on the Animals: Ian shares stories from his old Chicago zoo route, from optimistic flamingos on gray winter days to wild dogs that seem just as curious about people as people are about them. The Case of the Massachusetts Polar Bear: A conversation...

Josh Gondelman and guest host Ian Chillag open the Pillow Fort with a heroic hiccup cure and wander into the weird little magic of making art. What You’ll Hear The Hiccup Whisperer: Ian reveals the guided meditation he uses to cure hiccups. Make It Weirder: Josh and Ian talk about why the strangest details are often the most human ones, from ghost hands to thunder descriptions to the joy of lettin...

Josh Gondelman and Ian Chillag swap sleep grievances, bedtime quirks, and surprisingly delightful tales from history’s strangest exits. What You’ll Hear: Sleep Red Flags After Dark: A listener’s list of bedtime grievances sparks a conversation about falling asleep to TV, wearing socks to bed, shared pillows, and the little habits that make a sleep routine uniquely yours. The Chaperone Pillow: Ian...

KP Parker and Matt Bragg investigate a bear costume insurance scam and weigh their chances in a surprisingly intense bed rot competition. What You’ll Hear The Bear Necessities: A trio of luxury car owners tried to blame a very suspicious “bear” for thousands of dollars in damage. The evidence is memorable, the execution is questionable, and the wildlife expert’s verdict is delightfully straightfor...

KP Parker and Matt Bragg sniff out whether pets are secretly the best matchmakers. What You’ll Hear Puppy Love Logic: KP shares what it’s like hosting a dating show where strangers meet the dog before the human. Some pups charm instantly, and some bring a little more chaos to the set. Claudia Climbs Higher: Matt gives an update on his cat’s first outdoor adventures, including the classic problem o...

Josh Gondelman opens the phone lines and chats with a listener about decluttering, childhood mementos, and the surprisingly emotional art of deciding what stays and what goes. What You’ll Hear: The Memory Box Dilemma: A listener shares the challenge of sorting through years of keepsakes—from old concert tickets and school IDs to T-shirts that hold more memories than practical value. The Things We...

KP Parker and listener Leigh explore the meaning behind handmade gifts, family traditions, and the projects that somehow keep finding their way back to us. What You’ll Hear: The Magic of Making Things by Hand: From knitted Pikachus to tiny ponchos, KP and Leigh talk about why handmade items feel different—and why a little extra effort can make something feel priceless. Crafts, Memories, and Family...

Matt Bragg opens the pillow fort call-in line and has a chat with a listener about her move from New York to Norwich. What You’ll Hear Drownload Diaries: Matt reports back from Download Festival, where heavy metal, mud, Vikings, and one falafel-loving Cannibal Corpse fan all make an appearance. Lost in Translation: Listener Liz shares the small but mighty language surprises of life in the UK, from...

Josh Gondelman and journalist Elise Hu talk with a caller about a snack-loving pug, family food boundaries, and the delicate art of not being outsmarted by a dog. What You’ll Hear A Pug With a Plan: Listener Kimmie’s pug is sweet, round, and always ready to scarf down unattended toast. The group considers what happens when a determined dog meets a distracted household. Dinner Without the Drama: El...