Re-air: This is Nicheville

The statistics on loneliness are shocking. The U.S. Surgeon General released a report in 2023 about the importance of social interaction to curb the loneliness and isolation epidemic, which is having startling effects on our physical health.

One of the main ways we can interact with others is through our hobbies and niche interests. And they’ve got another benefit, too: When we learn more about other people’s hobbies and niche interests, we better appreciate the world around us and we can embrace and celebrate our differences.

Today, we delve into three vastly different niche activities and the people who pursue them. From Rubik’s cubing to cooking to professional Santa artistry, these guests illustrate the importance of finding our “niche” in all stages of life.

This episode was produced by Leslie Eiler Thompson.

Guests:

• Shook G. | Rubik’s Cube player
• Zach and Maggie White | Regional cooking
• Santa Shed (Shedrich) Webster | Professional Santa portrayal artist

Further reading and listening:

• Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast by Leslie Eiler Thompson about the little-known niche subcultures where misfits are making meaning.
• You can listen to Leslie’s three-part podcast miniseries about being Santa Claus here.
• Here’s Leslie as a guest on This is Nashville with Khalil Ekulona.