Hyperfixed

40 Episodes
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By: Alex Goldman & Radiotopia

Maybe it’s just a quiet annoyance you’ve grudgingly learned to put up with, or a life defining issue that makes it hard to move forward. Whatever it is, former Reply All co-host Alex Goldman — reporter, radio producer, and overconfident idiot — will get to the bottom of it (if there’s a bottom to be found. Results may vary). Follow Alex as he figures out not only the vast hidden mechanisms that create these problems, but works with you, the listener, to find a solution. Or at least enough of an explanation that you’re ok with the annoyance. He’s not per...

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PREMIUM UNLOCKED: Cramping My Style
PREMIUM UNLOCKED: Cramping My Style episode artwork
Today at 5:00 AM

This week, we're unlocking an episode from our premium feed: an interview with Kate Downey, Host and Creator of the CRAMPED podcast.

Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!

If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as join our discord and get discounts on merch, you can support us by going to https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join. 

LINKS: 

CRAMPED podcast Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices


Captive Audience
Captive Audience episode artwork
08/27/2026

Alice was browsing the stock audio in Adobe premiere, when she found dozens of audio marked "prison." Were they actually recorded in prison? By actual prisoners? And if so, was it voluntary? We investigate.

Reminder! There are only two weeks until Hyperfixed live in Brooklyn! Buy tickets HERE

Hyperfixed is completely independent and can only exist with the support of our listeners. Please consider becoming a premium Hyperfixed member. You'll get bonus episodes, discounts on merch and live shows, and much more. You can join by following THIS LINK

LINKS:

Watch Weeds...


ReTell All
ReTell All episode artwork
08/13/2026

In 2022, Amber’s favorite podcast came to an abrupt and shocking end, and now, its archive of episodes has started disappearing from the internet. So she’s come to the Hyperfixed team to find out how to preserve what’s left, and answer a question that's been haunting her for years: is her favorite podcast host ok?

LINKS: 

ReTell Pharmacy Podcast

We are doing a LIVE SHOW in Brooklyn in September, get your tickets here

http://tickets.hyperfixedpod.com/

Please consider becoming a hyperfixed premium member. Your support keeps our show alive.<...


The Master of Mazes vs The Big Green Monster
The Master of Mazes vs The Big Green Monster episode artwork
07/30/2026

Three years ago, Becca was seeing double. Her hometown's hedge maze had an uncanny resemblance to a famous maze in England, but no one seemed to realize it except her. So Becca wants to know if the maze is, indeed, a copy. And if she's right, she wants credit where credit is due.

LINKS:

- Adrian Fisher's book: The Amazing Book of Mazes
- Henry Eliot's book: Follow This Thread
- Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow
- Photo of the Longleat Hedge Maze
- Photo of the Big Green Monster...


Presenting: Panic World - The Disturbing World of Cute Cat AI with Panic World
Presenting: Panic World - The Disturbing World of Cute Cat AI with Panic World episode artwork
07/16/2026

This week we're cooking up a couple stories in the lab so while you wait, please check out Panic World, a fantastic podcast hosted by friend of the show Ryan Broderick.

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Why are cats so popular on the internet? It started with cat memes like I Can Haz Cheezburger and Keyboard Cat, then we became enamored with cat celebrities like Lil Bub, Grumpy Cat, and Princess Monstertruck. And now, we’re witnessing the next evolution in cat internet content: “cute cat AI.”

Our guest and host of American Hysteria, Chelsey Weber-Smith, calls it a “...


A Story About a Mouse That’s Actually About Everything
A Story About a Mouse That’s Actually About Everything episode artwork
07/02/2026

Earlier this year, David's mouse suddenly stopped working, which wouldn't be that weird, were it not for the fact that people across the world were reporting the same issue with the same mouse. What happened, and why? The Hyperfixed Team investigates.

We are doing a LIVE SHOW in Brooklyn in September, get your tickets here

http://tickets.hyperfixedpod.com/


Please consider becoming a hyperfixed premium member. Your support keeps our show alive.

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS: 

The Lever (David's i...


Samurai Gone Girl
Samurai Gone Girl episode artwork
06/18/2026

Growing up, Alison was a voracious reader. But there was one book series in particular that she devoured. "Samurai Girl" by Carrie Asai. Recently, Alison wanted to learn more about the author whose books she loved nearly 20 years ago. But she couldn't find anything about Carrie Asai. No other writing credits. No bio. So it left Alison wondering, who was Carrie Asai?

LINKS:

Samurai Girl Bob Levy's Book Sara Shepard

Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!

If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as...


PREMIUM UNLOCKED: The Fraud Hunter
PREMIUM UNLOCKED: The Fraud Hunter episode artwork
06/04/2026

An extended (bonus!) interview from our Fauxbituaries episode, now unlocked for you! Investigative journalist, Craig Silverman, helps us track down one of the authors of a fake obituary site.

Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!

If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as join our discord and get discounts on merch, you can support us by going to https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join. 


LINKS: 

Craig Silverman's website Indicator

The Hyperfixed episode "Fauxbituaries"

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Rooting Out Racists
Rooting Out Racists episode artwork
05/21/2026

This week, another installment of our Hyperfixer series. We chat with an anonymous hacker who took down a white supremacist dating site. 

LINKS:

Martha Root's Social Media Martha Root's Chaos Communication Congress Presentation Martha's Website, OK Stupid

Get tickets for the Hyperfixed live show!


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Pretzels to the People
Pretzels to the People episode artwork
05/07/2026

The twisted logic behind one company's real estate strategy.

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Check out Planet Money

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not sponsored by Wetzel's Pretzels.

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PRESENTING: Smart Girl, Dumb Questions
PRESENTING: Smart Girl, Dumb Questions episode artwork
04/23/2026

This week we're sharing a podcast we love, the show Smart Girl Dumb Questions. It's a curiosity party, and you're invited. On Smart Girl Dumb Questions, Nayeema Raza asks simple Qs to big thinkers (like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Diplo, or two 11 year olds), trying to make sense of life.

LINKS:

Smart Girl Dumb Questions podcast feed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-girl-dumb-questions/id1784967461 Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices


Fauxbituaries
Fauxbituaries episode artwork
04/09/2026

When Markus's good friend died suddenly, he went online to get more information. What he found was several AI written obituaries on dodgy looking websites with a litany of factual inaccuracies. Who is making these, and why? And is there anything that can be done to stop them?

To hear our conversation with Craig Silverman (and a bunch of other great bonus episodes, and join our discord, and get discounts on Hyperfixed merchandise, and support independent journalism) become a Hyperfixed Premium member. If we get 150 signups between now and the end of april, we will give away...


Amityvilleville
Amityvilleville episode artwork
04/02/2026

Alex has a new podcast called Amityvilleville, on which he and his friend Caroline Thompson watch all 92 movies in the Amityville Franchise, interview people involved in the making of these movies, and hopefully some people involved in the true life amityville case! On this episode, we watch Amityville 3-D, the third entry in the series, starring a young Meg Ryan and Lori Laughlin.

Amityville 3-D: Here's how my mom and dad fell back in love after my dad bought a haunted house that killed me and then exploded.

As of this writing, Amityville 3-D is...


PREMIUM UNLOCKED: The Passion of the Fruit
PREMIUM UNLOCKED: The Passion of the Fruit episode artwork
03/26/2026

Our most popular bonus episode ever, now unlocked for you. Sometimes, we bite off more than we can chew here at Hyperfixed. This is one of those times. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

If you like this episode and would like to hear more like it, as well as join our discord and get discounts on merch, you can support us by going to https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join. We're trying to sign up 1500 new premium members so I can give our producers raises and pay them healthcare. Currently, and we only need 1440 more! You can he...


Chris's Watchlist
Chris's Watchlist episode artwork
03/12/2026

This week - Chris is a movie lover, and there are dozens of classics he's desperate to watch. But he can't. Alex tries to help him.

Please consider becoming a premium Hyperfixed member. You get bonus episodes, access to our discord, discount on merch, and you support independent journalism. https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Also! Alex and his pal Caroline are starting a new show! Join then on Amityvilleville, where they will watch all 91 movies in the sprawling, confusing, ridiculous Amityville franchise. Find it on any podcast app, or on Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, etc.

<...


Crosswalk Jonny
Crosswalk Jonny episode artwork
02/26/2026

This week, the story of a man who is bound and determined to make his city safer, even if it means breaking the law.


Please consider becoming a premium hyperfixed member. You'll get bonus episodes, access to our discord, discounts on merch (https://merch.hyperfixedpod.com/) and most importantly, you will be supporting independent journalism. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS:

People's Vision Zero Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peoplesvisionzero/ Jonny's White Paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n3PeT7vwutg26_u1jf4Iqx7ba7G...


Desperately Seeking Sjowgren
Desperately Seeking Sjowgren episode artwork
02/12/2026

Miguel wants to get off Spotify to be more deliberate about how he listens to music. But one of his favorite bands doesn't sell any albums, they don't perform live , and they may not even exist.

Please help support the show by becoming a premium member! You'll get access to our discord, bonus episodes, and discounts on merch!

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

And while we're on the subject, please pick up some merch! You'll look like a million bucks.

merch.hyperfixedpod.com

LINKS:

Bad Bad Hats: https...


Cry Fowl
Cry Fowl episode artwork
01/29/2026

In the summer of 2022, several dozens of residents of Birmingham, Alabama disappeared without a trace. This week, the Hyperfixed team breaks the story of what happened to them.

Become a premium Hyperfixed member! You will get access to bonus episodes, our incredible discord community, discounts on merch, and much more. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/

If you’d like to learn more about our financial goals for Hyperfixed and what we spend our money on, you can follow this link.

Joe's story about the ducks: Avondale Park ducks, geese disappear before The World Gam...


Cry Fowl
Cry Fowl episode artwork
01/29/2026

In the summer of 2022, several dozens of residents of Birmingham, Alabama disappeared without a trace. This week, the Hyperfixed team breaks the story of what happened to them.

Become a premium Hyperfixed member! You will get access to bonus episodes, our incredible discord community, discounts on merch, and much more. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/

If you’d like to learn more about our financial goals for Hyperfixed and what we spend our money on, you can follow this link.


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Brainsquatch
Brainsquatch episode artwork
01/15/2026

This week, Bob's Burgers has Matt questioning his sanity.


Please sign up for Hyperfixed Premium! https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

LINKS:

Brain Bridge Lab: https://brainbridgelab.uchicago.edu/ Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices


Two Birds, One Hundred Stones (UPDATED)
Two Birds, One Hundred Stones (UPDATED) episode artwork
01/01/2026

This week, we re-air an oldie but a goodie (plus, a special update from our listener Keenan!).

Become a member:

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

We got merch (premium members get 15% off!)

https://shop.hyperfixedpod.com/

LINKS:

CBC story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/a-halifax-woman-s-40-year-old-recording-comes-out-of-the-basement-and-renews-her-love-of-music-1.7477984 If you are a Hyperfixed member, you can see some supplementary photos for this story by following this link.


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Grumpy Santa
Grumpy Santa episode artwork
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas! Your present from us is an unlocked bonus episode! It's the story of a guy trying to break into performing, who stumbles into what may be the worst acting gig of all time.

If you liked this episode and want to hear more like it, please become a premium Hyperfixed member. It's the engine that keeps this show running. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


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Hyperfixmas
Hyperfixmas episode artwork
12/18/2025

This week, Alex goes full Scrooge -- visiting the ghosts of Hyperfixed past, present, and future.

The first ever Hyperfixed Pledge Drive is going to be Friday, December 19 at 12 noon! Stop by to watch Alex bravely humiliate himself and stay up all night! Anyone who becomes a member during those 24 hours will be able to request that Alex play a song.

Become a member:

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Follow Hyperfixed on Twitch

https://www.twitch.tv/hyperfixedpod

We got merch!

https://shop.hyperfixedpod.com/<...


The Pits
The Pits episode artwork
12/04/2025

Heath is on a path of destruction, and he doesn’t know how to make it stop.


The first ever Hyperfixed Pledge Drive is going to be Friday, December 19 at 12 noon! Stop by to watch Alex bravely humiliate himself and stay up all night! Anyone who becomes a member during those 24 hours will be able to request that Alex play a song.

Become a member:

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Follow Hyperfixed on Twitch

https://www.twitch.tv/hyperfixedpod


LINKS:

...


Presenting: American Prestige w/ Morgan Spector
Presenting: American Prestige w/ Morgan Spector episode artwork
11/27/2025

Hi! It's an off week for us but we wanted to give you something to listen to for the holiday, so we are sharing an episode of the fantastic podcast American Prestige. American Prestige gives listeners the essentials on U.S. foreign policy and global affairs, bringing new voices and ideas to those skeptical of mainstream media’s narrow perspectives on America’s role in the world.


LINKS: 

American Prestige

https://americanprestigepod.com/

American Prestige Twitter

https://x.com/AmPrestigePod

Amerian Prestige instagram

https://www.instagram.com/americanprestigepod/?hl=en...


Sailing into the Unknown with Joe Rhodes
Sailing into the Unknown with Joe Rhodes episode artwork
11/20/2025

Please support Hyperfixed! Our show doesn't exist without you -- 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

LINKS:

Joe's Substack: https://traipsathon.substack.com/
Hyperfixed episode about Jenny Phenix: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6H56YkgohkqNcr03iwedtI
Hyperfixed episode about Joe Rhodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/27oNALrE3hsxLK6rb6dhX5
MidLife Cruising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX0icUrACC8

Also it's pledge drive month for Radiotopia, so if you like the many dozens of podcasts they make, including Hyperfixed, please think about supporting!

http://b...


The Lords Work ft. Claire Saffitz
The Lords Work ft. Claire Saffitz episode artwork
11/06/2025

For the Solomon family, celebrations meant only one thing - a cake from their favorite bakery, Lords. And then suddenly, Lords Bakery was gone.


Please support Hyperfixed! Our show doesn't exist without you -- 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join




LINKS:


Claire Saffitz YouTube Channel, Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person: https://www.youtube.com/@CSaffitz

The recipe for Hope's cake. https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/recipe



Also it's p...


Phoebe's Origin Story
Phoebe's Origin Story episode artwork
10/23/2025

Phoebe is in search of a video game from her past that had an outsized impact on her, and she needs our help.


Please become a premium member! We can't exist without your support! https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS:

Books by Phoebe Wahl

Clay Routledge

McGee

Katie’s Farm (McGee 2)

McGee at the Fun Fair (McGee 3)



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A Song About Ethan
A Song About Ethan episode artwork
10/09/2025

This week, listener Manon asks why are there so many songs on streaming services featuring her brothers name - Ethan. And why are they all about poop?


Please become a premium member! We can't exist without your support! https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS:

Get a custom song by Matt Farley: https://moternmedia.com/custom-songs

Listen to A Song About Ethan on Spotify

Benn Jordan’s Using AI to Detect AI Music

Poopz’s Ethan Stop Pooping Your Pants or Move to France


Upsetting the Apple Cart
Upsetting the Apple Cart episode artwork
10/02/2025

A longer cut of our interview with Matt Welle about apples, accountants, and hospitality. It's a fun one!

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Garbage Fruit [Or, The Fruit of Theseus]
Garbage Fruit [Or, The Fruit of Theseus] episode artwork
09/25/2025

Robin has a very simple question: No one likes Red Delicious apples. Why are they unavoidable?

Please vote for us in the Signal awards!

Vote for Best New Podcast

Vote for Best Live Podcast Recording

Please think about becoming a premium Hyperfixed Member: https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS:

David Karp on KCRW's Good Food Instagram

Matthijs Welle's Apple Post on LinkedIn


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Presenting Proxy with Yowei Shaw: Alex and the Impossible Ask
Presenting Proxy with Yowei Shaw: Alex and the Impossible Ask episode artwork
09/11/2025

This week, Alex is a guest on another podcast that solves a problem for him. 

Episode description:

Alex used to host a huge podcast (Reply All). He now makes a new independent show called Hyperfixed. He loves making it. Only problem is, Alex now has to ask for money all the time to survive, which he hates doing.

From the episode: 

Listen to Yowei's podcast, Proxy! Subscribe to Yowei's Patreon Become a premium Hyperfixed Member Learn more about Haley Bash and Donor Organizer Hub, a support network for people who fundraise for un...


Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind episode artwork
08/28/2025

This week, Mitchell finds out he's missing something almost everyone else has, and he wants to know -- who would I be if I had it?

This show is made possible by your support so please consider joining up as a Hyperfixed premium member! https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Adam Zeman's book, The Shape of Things Unseen Sussex University Aphantasia Research Sign-up Form Future Minds Lab Radiolab's Aphantasia piece Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices


Bonus Episode *Unlocked*: Catman and Robin
Bonus Episode *Unlocked*: Catman and Robin episode artwork
08/21/2025

Even thoug this is an off week, we decided to unlock a bonus episode for our main feed listeners, because we thought this was useful context.

On this episode: Noted cat-lover Alex Goldman interviews the founder of FIP Warriors, Robin Kintz, and things get a little tense.

If you liked this, you should think about signing up for our premium feed -- https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

Thanks for listening! We'll see you next week with an episode that has nothing to do with cats, I'm pretty sure.

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Bonus Episode: The Legend of Captain Prince Tango
Bonus Episode: The Legend of Captain Prince Tango episode artwork
08/21/2025

In the last of our Cat Drug Black Market episodes, we talked to Doina Nugent, a pet parent that went to FIP Warriors for help when her cat, Captain, was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and we get her perspective on the Cat Drug Black Market, when things don't go according to plan.

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The Cat Drug Black Market, Part III
The Cat Drug Black Market, Part III episode artwork
08/14/2025

The conclusion of our series, ex members of the FIP Warriors facebook group get to work making the whole GS black market obsolete.

Become a Hyperfixed Premium member for bonus episodes, access to our discord, exclusive merchandise (soon) and much much more!

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join

LINKS:

Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994 (AMDUCA) GFI #256 FDA Announces Position on Use of Compounded GS-441524 to Treat FIP Stokes Pharmacy & Bova Group Partner to Bring Oral Treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis to U.S. U.S. Pharmacies Offering Compounded FIP Treatment Learn...


The Cat Drug Black Market, Part II
The Cat Drug Black Market, Part II episode artwork
07/31/2025

This week, a black market and community network of cat lovers sprang into existence to help pet parents get access to an illegal lifesaving drug for a cat disease called FIP. But a massive revelation threatens to tear this community apart. 

Please consider becoming a Hyperfixed Premium member. It helps make this show possible.

http://hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS

Nicole Randall Sentencing Release

FIP Vet Guide

FIP Warriors

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The Cat Drug Black Market
The Cat Drug Black Market episode artwork
07/17/2025

When Marlena's cat was diagnosed with a terminal disease, she found herself seeking help not from a vet, but a series of websites and Facebook groups. The first in a three-part series.


Support independent journalism by becoming a part of our premium user community. Join the discord, get access to exclusive merch (soon), and much much more. 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/join


LINKS:

GS treatment available in pharmacies: https://bestfriends.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/Network_09%20Webinar_FIP%20Treatment_US-Pharmacy-FIP-Treatment-Options.pdf

Dr. Pedersen's 2019 p...


Presenting: The Dream - Babies Not Having Babies
Presenting: The Dream - Babies Not Having Babies episode artwork
07/03/2025

This week, we're running an episode of one of our favorite shows, The Dream, hosted by Jane Marie. At the top of this episode I talk to Jane Marie about her show, and the fact that we went to the same high school and didn't know each other (true story!) 

THIS EPISODE:

This past year Charlotte Isenberg, a once-popular teen anti-abortion activist, found herself switching sides in this national debate. What happened to her next is unprecedented and a warning for parents and kids alike.

Find Charlotte on Tik Tok here:


The Aldean Instrument
The Aldean Instrument episode artwork
06/19/2025

Special unlocked bonus ep! And a note at the top from Alex!

Please support Hyperfixed by becoming a premium member to hear more episodes like this one and get many more perks besides! 

https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/

Astrid, the star of the episode Little by Little, talks about recreating an impossible instrument from an iconic episode of Star Trek in real life.


LINKS:

The Aldean Instrument

Astrid's Keynote at the Audio Developer Conference

Commander Riker Sits Down

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