Matt Reed

Sound Designer Podcasts

10 years ago, Justin found himself on the side of the road with a blown out tire. Hours went by and no one stopped to help. But just as he was about to give up, something happened that changed Justin forever.

Rewind: Today You, Tomorrow Me: Why A Decade-Old Reddit Comment Still Resonates Today

Ben Brock Johnson

Director, Digital Audio

Amory Sivertson

Host and Senior Producer, Podcasts

<h2>Credits:</h2>Episode producers: Ben Brock Johnson and Amory SivertsonCo-hosts: Ben Brock Johnson and Amory SivertsonAdditional help: Frank HernandezMixer and sound designer: Matt Reed

10 years ago, Justin found himself on the side of the road with a blown out tire. Hours went by and no one stopped to help. But just as he was about to give up, something happened that changed Justin forever.

This episode was originally published on Nov. 13, 2020.

Uncategorized

Usually, nobody gets credit for starting a meme. But in the case of one of the most famous bait-and-switch memes of all time, the Rick Roll, we may be looking at something experts call convergent evolution. We explore the meme’s origin, the history of the

Encore: Never Gonna Give You Up

Dean Russell

Senior Producer, WBUR Podcasts

Who gets credit for starting a meme? Usually... nobody — they're made too quickly and organically. In the case of one of the most famous bait-and-switch memes of all time, the "Rick Roll," we may be looking at something experts call convergent evolution. Did the Rick Roll originate with a piece of code on the message board 4Chan, or with a prank call to a local sports show in Michigan? And why does the Rick Roll have such staying power? Is it codified in the DNA of the song itself?

We explore the meme’s origin, the history of the song, "Never Gonna Give You Up," and its impact on both internet users during COVID-19 and on the performer himself.

This episode was originally published on Oct. 08, 2021.

When a Redditor said that he was expected to stay in his Swedish friend's bedroom while the friend ate dinner with his family, the internet exploded with hot takes. Is Sweden the most inhospitable country in the world? We talk to the individuals at the ce

Episodes we love: Swedengate

<h2>Credits:</h2>Episode producer: Amory SivertsonCo-hosts: Ben Brock Johnson and Amory SivertsonShow producers: Quincy Walters, Grace Tatter, Dean Russell, Nora Saks, and Megan CattelWeb producer: Megan CattelMixer and sound designer: Matt Reed

In this image taken Jan. 30, 2012 in Concord, N.H., a Swedish meatball recipe by Rocco DiSpirito is shown.(AP/Matthew Mead)

When a Redditor said that he was expected to stay in his Swedish friend's bedroom while the friend ate dinner with his family, the internet exploded with hot takes. Is Sweden the most inhospitable country in the world? We talk to the individuals at the center of the Swedengate saga, including the OP himself. We also delve into how questioning cultural norms can shed light on Sweden's reckoning with nationalism, racism, and xenophobia.

Credits: This episode was written and produced by Amory Siverston. Mixing and sound design by Matt Reed. Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson are the co-hosts.

This episode originally aired on July 15, 2022.

Episodes We Love: Swedengate

Life

Endless Thread tunnels down a wormhole, encountering a long history of xenophobic rhetoric about so-called invasive species, and some hard truths about the field of invasion biology itself.

Episodes We Love: Worm Wars

Nora Saks

Producer

<h2>Credits:</h2>Episode producers: Nora Saks, Dean RussellCo-hosts: Nora Saks and Ben Brock JohnsonShow producers: Amory Sivertson, Dean Russell, Quincy Walters, Grace Tatter, Amy Gorel, Paul Vaitkus, and Emily JankowskiWeb producer: Nora SaksMix and sound design: Matt Reed

A jumping worm found at a community garden in Bangor, Maine. (Nora Saks)

jumpingworm

When Endless Thread producer Nora Saks learned that a "toxic, self-cloning worm that poops out of its mouth" was invading Maine, she started sounding the alarm about the impending eco-doom.

Until, that is, state experts clued her into the "real threat" : A different creepy crawly wriggling towards The Pine Tree State's gardens and precious forests, and fast. In this rebroadcast from January 2023, Endless Thread tunnels down a wormhole, encountering a long history of xenophobic rhetoric about so-called invasive species, and some hard truths about the field of invasion biology itself.

Worm Wars

Environment

Chapter 10: Truth

Sofie Kodner

Freelance Producer, WBUR Podcasts

Paul Vaitkus

Manager of Podcast Production

<h2>Credits:</h2>Reporter, host: Amory SivertsonProducer: Sofie KodnerMix, sound design, original music composition: Matt Reed and Paul VaitkusManaging Producers: Samata Joshi and Liz StilesEditors: Ben Brock Johnson and Zac Stuart-Pontier

Read the transcript

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Amory talks to Shane about the 2010 report, along with the detective who wrote it and Rick Buckner, the lead detective on Sophia’s case 20 years ago.

She explores what can legally happen from here, both with regards to Marlyne Johnson’s homicide case and with Sophia herself.

Amory finally confronts Sophia about the 2010 report, and comes to a conclusion about the case.

***

Consider becoming a "BEYOND" member today:
This show is made at WBUR, a public radio station, which means we cannot make shows like this without public support. Join our "BEYOND" membership program and receive extra episodes and a private feed of the show for ad-free listening: <a href="https://secure.wbur.org/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=BEYREPAIR&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=yW0wjMqsJrDby3vm89gLxq1gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3d">wbur.org/beyond</a>
***

Come to our live event, Thursday, June 20th! 

Go behind the scenes with Amory and editor Zac Stuart-Pontier at WBUR CitySpace in Boston. Tickets and more info <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35123/performance/11467206?performanceId=11467206">HERE</a>.

Beyond All Repair Ch. 10: Truth

Crime & Justice

The Facebook group Wild Green Memes for Ecological Fiends began as a place for silly, nerdy fun. It turned into so much more.

Can memes save the planet?

<h2>Credits:</h2>Episode producer: Dean RussellCo-hosts: Ben Brock Johnson and Dean RussellShow producers: Katelyn Harrop, Samata Joshi, Frannie Monahan, Amory Sivertson, and Grace Tatter.Web producer: Dean RussellMixer and sound designer: Matt Reed

Adult male Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Labuk Bay, Sabah, Borneo. (Getty)

In 2017, Rhett Barker and his friends needed a way to stay in touch after graduating college. They were ecology majors, and meme groups were in vogue, so they created <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/WildGreenMemesForEcologicalFiends/">Wild Green Memes for Ecological Fiends</a> on Facebook.

It began as a place to share silly nature-centered memes. The jokes were comically esoteric: about, say, the scientific name of a rare wild feline or the bites of Brazilian wandering spiders. You needed to know the science to laugh.

In spite of this — or because of it — the group attracted hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world. Now the group is a sprawling ecosystem of memelords with a “relentlessly optimistic” take on the natural world. Rhett decided to put the group’s popularity to good use. The results were overwhelming.

Endless Thread examines the psychology of conservation online and how people are using hope, fear, and humor to repair the planet.

=====

Credits: This episode was written and produced by Dean Russell. Mix and sound design by Matt Reed. The hosts are Ben Brock Johnson and Dean Russell.

P.S. Thanks to Derek for the rad story rec!

Green Memes

Science

Sean has built himself a new life, under a new name.

Chapter 8: Anthony Snow

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After disappearing before he was supposed to testify in Sophia's second trial, Sean reappears in Guyana under the name Anthony Snow.

He has since launched various ventures, including a short-lived campaign for president of Guyana in 2011, a land development business that’s been the source of allegations of fraud, and a robust social media presence.

Sophia and Sean hadn’t seen each other or spoken in 17 years when he video-called her in early 2023 upon hearing that she’s been talking to a reporter.

Months after this call, Amory talks to Sean herself. He offers up a new detail about the day of Marlyne Johnson’s murder.

If you have questions about the case, the people at the center of this story, or anything else about this series, we want to hear them. Email <a href="mailto:beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com">beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com</a> with a voice message or written message.

***

Consider becoming a "BEYOND" member today:
This show is made at WBUR, a public radio station, which means we cannot make shows like this without public support. Join our "BEYOND" membership program and receive early access to some of the final episodes in the series, extra episodes, and a private feed of the show for ad-free listening: <a href="https://secure.wbur.org/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=BEYREPAIR&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=yW0wjMqsJrDby3vm89gLxq1gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3d">wbur.org/beyond</a>

Beyond All Repair Ch. 8: Anthony Snow

"As long as you’re alive, there’s hope."

Chapter 6: Hope

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The jury has reached a verdict: Sophia is found guilty of first-degree murder.

At sentencing, Sophia hears victim impact statements, including one delivered by the woman raising her son.

She is sentenced to 43 years in prison, and just as she’s settling into that fate, she gets a call from her lawyer saying that she’s won the right to a new trial.

If you have questions about the case, the people at the center of this story, or anything else about this series, we want to hear them. Email <a href="mailto:beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com">beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com</a> with a voice memo or written message.

***

Consider becoming a "BEYOND" member today:
This show is made at WBUR, a public radio station, which means we cannot make shows like this without public support.
Join our "BEYOND" membership program and receive early access to some of the final episodes in the series, extra episodes, and a private feed of the show for ad-free listening: <a href="https://secure.wbur.org/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=BEYREPAIR&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=yW0wjMqsJrDby3vm89gLxq1gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3d">wbur.org/beyond</a>

Beyond All Repair Ch. 6: Hope

Was Sophia desperate enough to commit murder?

Chapter 5: The Motive

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The prosecution in Sophia’s trial claims greed was her motive for killing Marlyne. Shortly after Sophia and Brad Johnson started dating, Sophia began stealing money from her employer.

Sophia explains how the theft started and quickly spiraled out of control.

By the time of the murder, Sophia was tens of thousands of dollars in debt, with a baby on the way. Was she desperate enough to commit murder?

If you have questions about the case, the people at the center of this story, or anything else about this series, we want to hear them. Email <a href="mailto:beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com">beyondallrepairpod@gmail.com</a> with a voice message or written message.

***

Consider becoming a "BEYOND" member today:
This show is made at WBUR, a public radio station, which means we cannot make shows like this without public support.
Join our membership program, "BEYOND" here: <a href="https://secure.wbur.org/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=BEYREPAIR&amp;PAGETYPE=PLG&amp;CHECK=yW0wjMqsJrDby3vm89gLxq1gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3d">wbur.org/beyond</a>

Beyond All Repair Ch. 5: The Motive

As Shakespeare once said...all the internet is a stage, and all keyboard warriors merely players. In this episode of Endless Thread, the members of the Nashville-based musical improv group Cherry Bomb stage an homage to their very active neighborhood Face

Endless Thread: The Musical

Grace Tatter

Producer, WBUR Podcasts

So Shiny (Full song by Cherry Bomb)

Follow Me (Full song by Cherry Bomb)

Eighth Wonder of the World (Full song by Cherry Bomb)

A man talks on his cellphone through a background curtain in the arrivals area as preparation continue for Sunday's 95th Academy Awards, Friday, March 10, 2023, outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

95th Academy Awards

As Shakespeare once said...all the internet is a stage, and all keyboard warriors merely players. In this episode of Endless Thread, the members of the Nashville-based musical improv group Cherry Bomb stage an homage to their very active neighborhood Facebook group, and put some posts inspired by the Endless Thread subreddit to song.

Credits: This episode was produced by Grace Tatter. Mixing and sound design by Matt Reed. Ben Brock Johnson and Grace Tatter are the co-hosts.