Finding connection in the niche: How hobbies can save lives

From competitive dog agility to the world of Warhammer 40,000, Nashville-based audio storyteller Leslie Eiler Thompson immerses herself in the little-known but deeply loved worlds of niche interests. Her project, Niche to Meet You, explores how these communities offer more than just fun — they provide a lifeline.

In a time when loneliness has become a public health crisis, hobbies and niche interests have become a vital form of connection. Through interviews with puzzle champions, tabletop gamers, and even Santa Claus portrayers, Thompson uncovers the ways niche interests help people find belonging, especially in times of isolation. Whether it’s a construction worker who discovered painting miniatures during the pandemic or speed puzzlers who met online before forming real-life friendships, Niche to Meet You celebrates the surprising, life-changing power of passionate communities.

Learn more about the show at WPLN.org/niche.