Thanks for all the kind comments here, and those following along on the new Flightless Bird feed. I have tried to keep up with the comments, and hope I have not missed anyone so far!
I'd like to re-iterate that I'm excited to keep making the show, and to have been given the platform in the first place. Again - they didn't need to give me the IP, but they did and that's cool as fuck.
The fact is, Wondery just wanted Armchair Expert (and to clarify, I originally stated "The story said the podcast network had been sold to Wondery for about $80 million" when it should have read "The story said Armchair Expert had been sold to Wondery for about $80 million.”)
I knew the Spotify deal was coming to an end, and negotiations were being had. There was always the possibility Flightless Bird would not be a part of it. I guess I just got a fright when I read about it and it was suddenly all happening, and getting details from Deadline felt like a lot.
AE is the OG - again, there's a reason it's huge - and a reason Wondery wanted it.
And I was lucky enough to have Flightless Bird sit on their feed as it found an audience. Now - onwards. Will see if it's viable on its own two, flightless feet. If so - cool. If not, that's OK. I got to have a blast along the way.
Not gonna lie, I’m bitterly disappointed to see you found out the deal was happening via the news and given less than 3 weeks to sort your podcast life out. Feeling very conflicted about continuing to listen to AE (which has been building over the last few months but this feels like the nail in the coffin)
I just want to make sure you’re absolutely ok - financially, emotionally and if this affects your visa? I always feel a weird maternal instinct for you (and I’m only a few years older)
Belinda - very kind. I am OK. A range of emotions over the last few weeks that have made me introspective on how I view the world a little. Appreciate your Visa concern. I felt a sense of unease on a recent New Zealand trip, and invested some money into getting a new Visa, separate to that gig. Worth it.
As long as you’re ok, that’s all that matters at the end of the day. You’ve had a little more time to process so your Wormies are probably going to be angry and upset on your behalf for a while. But you’re right, you’ve created a space of kindness and support and we’ll all do whatever we can to help get you through this and on to the next beautiful phase.
Just catching up with this update. You are so unbelievably gifted as a documentarian, journalist, conversationalist, and podcaster. (And apparently game show contestant, too.) It's been a pleasure following your work since Tickled and I'll be telling everyone I know about Flightless Bird and that they should be listening. Ironically (or maybe not) it's one of the most American pieces of media I've ever come across.
It reminds me of my therapist's approach to his patients as a sort of nonjudgmental, curious extraterrestrial examining all the various cracks and crevices of life where all of its many wonderful, terrible components reside. Wishing you the best during this time of change - I have all the faith in the world you'll continue mastering your craft and reach all kinds of new listeners and readers. <3
flightless bird quickly became the only AE show i’d listen to every week without fail. love the show and excited for this new chapter. tbh i hope this means your deep dives just get weirder from here on out… you & rob have such great pod chem. i love your angle on american culture and just how completely insane this place truly is. long may flightless bird run (not fly)
I really like working with him, and having him co-host the Ren Faire episode was a blast. More of that. He's also very invested with ideas, and believes in the show which is cool. Thanks Caitlin!
You deserved a phone call before this news hit the public, full stop and now you are owed an apology which I'm certain you will never receive. You are far more gracious than I am, so you have no need to sully that now, just let an old bitch ramble and I'll be on my way. I keep seeing these $100 million deals being tossed about like nothing and yet the podcast industry is laying off workers left and right. One would think at least some of that money is meant to go to the people who make these podcast networks actually run. It's almost like handing large sums of cash to already rich people never seems to trickle down anywhere.....have to go, there are kids on my lawn.
Thanks, Bentia. Thankfully money is not a focus, so things are OK in my head. It's mostly just sorting my brain out, which likes a certain amount of order and routine (as well as some crazy). These big deals are certainly... big.
Sometimes NDAs prevent telling anyone about the deal until it has been officially announced, especially when one of the companies is a public company. I've been in a few of those over the years (including one right now) and so even if you wanted to share the information the entire deal (or your own financial situation) can be put at risk.
👍🏾My 2nd thought - commercial requirements of the buyer?🤷🏾♀️ My 1st thought ... shitty way to treat a "friend"🥹🤬, but 3rd thought at least they are letting David keep the work he did under their umbrella 👏🏾
I honestly think if you’re negotiating that big of a deal where you’re taking off part of something that was under the umbrella, you could negotiate being able to tell David. Keep in mind, they just managed to get a door for the bathroom 🤷🏻♀️
Couldn't be happier with Rob taking over as co-host. It will be a much better flow I think. I subscribed to webworm and look forward to seeing this turn into a big blessing in disguise. I fully echo the quiet undertone of this comment section that feels the unjustness of how this came about. Good on us for staying polite........
Assuming the studio you are using is the one in Rob's basement, you should let Natalie chime in from time to time (If she wants to!) to give a female perspective. Just a thought.
This comment section is pretty darn sane and great. I love it here. I'd be dead keen to hear from Natalie, and Calvin of course. Rob has a little podcast studio he has set up recently - so that may become our lil' home. Good timing.
I second having a female perspective! I have to be honest I found Monica super annoying with her Americanness but in saying that it was good having a woman as cohost instead of just being another dude with a podcast.
It would also be great to have that perspective for webworm from time to time too as most (all?) of your regular contributors are also dudes. You’re all great and I love that FB and WW are super inclusive and kind places but diversity from the creation side is good!
Thanks for this - and please know I am actively looking for some female writers to come on board. I am nagging Elle Hunt a lot as I like her work, and Izzy over at Vice too (but she is insanely busy right now). But yes - hard agree on getting some female voices here.
That’s so cool and honestly makes total sense. Her piece on China’s Vanishing Muslims is one of the bravest pieces of journalism I’ve ever seen. I love that you guys are friends :)
I really think it would be great to have Ali Mau and Zoe Lawton on and hear what they’re doing with Tika in NZ 🫠 It’s very badass and I got connected with them randomly because of something I’m working on in the US that’s similar, Callisto.
I agree to finding Monica annoying at times! I think it was her blinkered attitude about how great America is, rather than her actual Americanness. Almost an inability at times to view the world from another perspective or to accept that the way things are done in America are actually odd and different, and that that doesn't make people from other countries "wrong".
Anyway, super stoked that Rob will be cohost because I would have missed him more than Monica!
I try not to talk shit cause I know David is friends and actually knows these folks….but please do not take her as an example of most Americans. Or even an average one. She didn’t know all sorts of shit which is totally fine but when you’re then sort of in this representative role of an American….I dno. I do remember the episode where David thought she was born in India which was def bad on him but FFS, you’d think she just came from Neptune 75% of the time.
I vote for David, Rob and Calvin to continue with the reverse series and for David to take Rob and Calvin for Hobbiton part 2. Rob would have to wear his LOTR costume of course. Also a Rob food tour of iconic kiwi food would be great - I’m trying to imagine how Rob would describe a mince and cheese pie and a long cream doughnut.
Step 1 - be incredibly disappointed in how this unfolded and try (in vain) to snuff out the storming feeling of injustice - both as an AE listener and a huge David fan.
Step 2 - subscribe to Webworm.
David, you are an incredible creator and I thoroughly enjoy the magic that pours out of your brain. I’ve always been a fan of the free articles but after reading this, I’m happy to now be a paid subscriber with access to all the archived content. I have much to catch up on!
I’m so glad that you’ll be continuing to make the show (with Wob!) and I’ve subscribed to the new feed. Cant wait for all the new episodes and I’m excited to see the weird and wacky places that you will inevitably take us next.
I appreciate the transparent update. I'm excited to continue to support the show and I'm relieved that Rob will still be involved (and cohost!). What are you most excited for about "being free"? For example, are there any topics you stayed away from under the Armchair umbrella that you now feel more able to explore?
I think there was a general agreement under AE that we would not get particularly political. Which I get. It's not a politics show - it's a more of a quirky, whimsical look at American culture. That said - with Flightless Bird now doing it's own thing, I am looking forward (not the right word) to look into things like gun culture, and the Evangelical right that has such a stranglehold here (and beyond, creeping into NZ as I have written about here at length!). I also hear there is a bit election this year. Let me into that culture, please.
Actually American "Politics" is VERY Flightless Bird - for a Kiwi the endless election cycle (thank you Joe for shortening this one in a way!), the state legislatures being able to make laws contra to the public good, Governors having so much power - all of that and much more a complete mystery when you start getting into it rather than looking at the USA as a whole, which in Aotearoa we tend to do. HOWEVER, no needs to get into partisan, so glad you are now "free" to explore the weirdness without taking sides. Jordan Klepper is unsurpassed on Trump cultists, but things like how come the MAJORITY of voters don't pick the President unless certain States also decide a separate vote? I now already understand this stuff to some degree, but it is WEIRD to use an expression suddenly in common use in this election! Anyways, lots of low-level non-partisan stuff as well connected to how local and national politics run, and if one "side" is more weird than the other? that is not YOUR fault eh?
I am incredibly excited to see what you do with this new freedom. Please make as much political content as you feel like. My favourite work of yours has always been the less filtered stuff. True indie journalism - you always keep it so real and I will be recommending your new reboot even harder than before!
While I started listening to Flightless Bird because of Armchair Expert, I've never listened to anything quite so religiously as I did Flightless Bird! And then, because of Flightless Bird and how much my partner and I loved everything you had to say, went backwards and found Armchaired and Dangerous. Now, I eagerly await Tuesdays and I save episodes and will re-listen to favourites for when we have long car rides or road trips. You've accompanied me on 13 hour drives through the mountains and walks with my dog around the neighbourhood! I'm selfishly glad that Flightless will have its own feed because it makes it so much easier for me as a listener, but I'm so sorry that there was a loss of agency in that decision and that it came on so suddenly! I am super projecting my own feelings about the American-ness of it all as well, because I would certainly feel the sting. But, I'm channeling those feelings into foregoing one less fancy coffee and becoming a paid subscriber. Can't wait to continue reading and hearing your thoughts! (and hi from western Canada!)
Joyce, this is so fucking cool to read! Thanks for sharing. Reading feedback like this makes it all very worth it, as making a weekly show is weirdly, insanely hard sometimes. Just finding the ideas, then those to talk on it - recording it, scripting it, editing it - all in a week. So - THANKS!
I truly believe your possibilities are limitless. My partner and I just rewatched tickled and have been talking about how we're excited where your documenting and production will take you within or outside flightless bird. We have listened to flightless from day one and love every episode.
I imagine being a part of the armchair umbrella comes with it's own baggage that's hard to comment on. I field that even when recommending flightless to my friends. I'm excited for you and glad you are ok amidst scary change thrust upon you. At the end of the day money is money. 80M is a lot of it. But it's priceless to share your views and content without boundaries, baggage, and with a special community that gets and appreciates you.
I feel very lucky to be able to make stuff, and have *anyone* listen. I feel like that particularly with Webworm. This thing feels like my baby, and I love the community that's sprung up about it. Heaps. But yes - glad to keep trying to make Flightless Bird. There is a lot of stuff I wanna explore.
Yes, SO excited. Rob and you have the sarcastic feng shui we all need. Serious question - what did ever happen with the Armchaired & Dangerous flat earth episode from San Francisco?
Just wanted to pop on and say that Flightless Bird is one of the things I look forward to most each week and I am so thrilled you get to keep doing it. Thanks for all that you do.
I'm so pleased to see Rob is not just producing, but co-hosting! I want to try to remain level headed and think there are 3 sides to every story, but I just can't. This was a dick move after all you have done for AE, bringing in a new kind of listener and just putting in a damn lot of work. And as a true blue kiwi, of course you don't expect or want a cut, but you helped them earn that $80M too.
I'm looking forward to what is to come from yourself, with Rob by your side. You sure find out who your friends are sooner or later!
This post inspired me to finally bite the bullet and subscribe. You deserved to find out from Dax and Monica, NOT a headline and that’s extremely disappointing. That being said, I know you are much more progressive than either of them and I admire how you have never shied away from speaking your mind - even when I suspect they didn’t love that. They’ve made some serious missteps lately (JVN episode, silence on Palestine, then ignorantly having military specialists on?). You’ve always challenged their preference for an echo chamber and I look forward to seeing more of what you put out on your own!
I echo others’ sentiment: I’m not thrilled that you weren’t part of that deal, but grateful that FB will still be part of my weekly routine - even better that Rob will be part of it!
My question: could some form of Armchaired and Dangerous make a comeback under this new format? No idea how that would work but I always loved those episodes. Could be a deep dive into weird American conspiracies or something.
Either way, I’m a happy new feed subscriber and paying Worm. Love supporting you and your work!
I'm keen to work more weird shit into Flightless Bird. Like - I am planning a trip to Skinwalker Ranch. So that'll definitely lean more into that territory.
On another note, since you are not supposed to say the SW word (it makes them come get you 👻), I’ve heard people refer to them as “Flesh Pedestrians,” which really tickles me 😂
I can't imagine seeing that headline. I'd immediately be making plans and full of excitement about the deal and what this could mean for the future (not to mention a possible raise, higher budget to travel, so many things). I can't imagine the rollercoaster of emotions you've felt. That said, I'm very excited for these new beginnings! Taking Rob with you and having a whole new space to do your own thing is exciting! It's YOURS and only yours! (team, of course, not excluded). This is huge, David, and I can't wait to see what you have in store next
Thanks for all the kind comments here, and those following along on the new Flightless Bird feed. I have tried to keep up with the comments, and hope I have not missed anyone so far!
For anyone new here... these are some older Webworms that you might enjoy: https://www.webworm.co/p/favs
Oh, and please listen to Spaceman Barry - and the comments section is so insightful and wonderful: https://www.webworm.co/p/spacemanbarrypod
I'd like to re-iterate that I'm excited to keep making the show, and to have been given the platform in the first place. Again - they didn't need to give me the IP, but they did and that's cool as fuck.
The fact is, Wondery just wanted Armchair Expert (and to clarify, I originally stated "The story said the podcast network had been sold to Wondery for about $80 million" when it should have read "The story said Armchair Expert had been sold to Wondery for about $80 million.”)
I knew the Spotify deal was coming to an end, and negotiations were being had. There was always the possibility Flightless Bird would not be a part of it. I guess I just got a fright when I read about it and it was suddenly all happening, and getting details from Deadline felt like a lot.
AE is the OG - again, there's a reason it's huge - and a reason Wondery wanted it.
And I was lucky enough to have Flightless Bird sit on their feed as it found an audience. Now - onwards. Will see if it's viable on its own two, flightless feet. If so - cool. If not, that's OK. I got to have a blast along the way.
Thanks for being here. Webworm is my OG.
Not gonna lie, I’m bitterly disappointed to see you found out the deal was happening via the news and given less than 3 weeks to sort your podcast life out. Feeling very conflicted about continuing to listen to AE (which has been building over the last few months but this feels like the nail in the coffin)
I just want to make sure you’re absolutely ok - financially, emotionally and if this affects your visa? I always feel a weird maternal instinct for you (and I’m only a few years older)
Belinda - very kind. I am OK. A range of emotions over the last few weeks that have made me introspective on how I view the world a little. Appreciate your Visa concern. I felt a sense of unease on a recent New Zealand trip, and invested some money into getting a new Visa, separate to that gig. Worth it.
I am beyond pissed.
It is all OK - life goes on! I just wanted to be clear that I am not a millionaire (and that's OK!)
I am really lucky to have the IP and back catalogue and to see if this thing survives on its own!
As long as you’re ok, that’s all that matters at the end of the day. You’ve had a little more time to process so your Wormies are probably going to be angry and upset on your behalf for a while. But you’re right, you’ve created a space of kindness and support and we’ll all do whatever we can to help get you through this and on to the next beautiful phase.
Just catching up with this update. You are so unbelievably gifted as a documentarian, journalist, conversationalist, and podcaster. (And apparently game show contestant, too.) It's been a pleasure following your work since Tickled and I'll be telling everyone I know about Flightless Bird and that they should be listening. Ironically (or maybe not) it's one of the most American pieces of media I've ever come across.
It reminds me of my therapist's approach to his patients as a sort of nonjudgmental, curious extraterrestrial examining all the various cracks and crevices of life where all of its many wonderful, terrible components reside. Wishing you the best during this time of change - I have all the faith in the world you'll continue mastering your craft and reach all kinds of new listeners and readers. <3
flightless bird quickly became the only AE show i’d listen to every week without fail. love the show and excited for this new chapter. tbh i hope this means your deep dives just get weirder from here on out… you & rob have such great pod chem. i love your angle on american culture and just how completely insane this place truly is. long may flightless bird run (not fly)
I really like working with him, and having him co-host the Ren Faire episode was a blast. More of that. He's also very invested with ideas, and believes in the show which is cool. Thanks Caitlin!
You deserved a phone call before this news hit the public, full stop and now you are owed an apology which I'm certain you will never receive. You are far more gracious than I am, so you have no need to sully that now, just let an old bitch ramble and I'll be on my way. I keep seeing these $100 million deals being tossed about like nothing and yet the podcast industry is laying off workers left and right. One would think at least some of that money is meant to go to the people who make these podcast networks actually run. It's almost like handing large sums of cash to already rich people never seems to trickle down anywhere.....have to go, there are kids on my lawn.
Thanks, Bentia. Thankfully money is not a focus, so things are OK in my head. It's mostly just sorting my brain out, which likes a certain amount of order and routine (as well as some crazy). These big deals are certainly... big.
Sometimes NDAs prevent telling anyone about the deal until it has been officially announced, especially when one of the companies is a public company. I've been in a few of those over the years (including one right now) and so even if you wanted to share the information the entire deal (or your own financial situation) can be put at risk.
As I said, I am really lucky to have the back catalogue and to be able to see if this thing can survive on its own feed. Onward!
👍🏾My 2nd thought - commercial requirements of the buyer?🤷🏾♀️ My 1st thought ... shitty way to treat a "friend"🥹🤬, but 3rd thought at least they are letting David keep the work he did under their umbrella 👏🏾
I honestly think if you’re negotiating that big of a deal where you’re taking off part of something that was under the umbrella, you could negotiate being able to tell David. Keep in mind, they just managed to get a door for the bathroom 🤷🏻♀️
Couldn't be happier with Rob taking over as co-host. It will be a much better flow I think. I subscribed to webworm and look forward to seeing this turn into a big blessing in disguise. I fully echo the quiet undertone of this comment section that feels the unjustness of how this came about. Good on us for staying polite........
Assuming the studio you are using is the one in Rob's basement, you should let Natalie chime in from time to time (If she wants to!) to give a female perspective. Just a thought.
This comment section is pretty darn sane and great. I love it here. I'd be dead keen to hear from Natalie, and Calvin of course. Rob has a little podcast studio he has set up recently - so that may become our lil' home. Good timing.
I second having a female perspective! I have to be honest I found Monica super annoying with her Americanness but in saying that it was good having a woman as cohost instead of just being another dude with a podcast.
It would also be great to have that perspective for webworm from time to time too as most (all?) of your regular contributors are also dudes. You’re all great and I love that FB and WW are super inclusive and kind places but diversity from the creation side is good!
Thanks for this - and please know I am actively looking for some female writers to come on board. I am nagging Elle Hunt a lot as I like her work, and Izzy over at Vice too (but she is insanely busy right now). But yes - hard agree on getting some female voices here.
When you say Izzy from Vice do you mean Isobel Yeung?? If so that would be amazing. She’s an absolutely incredible journalist.
She's a buddy!
That’s so cool and honestly makes total sense. Her piece on China’s Vanishing Muslims is one of the bravest pieces of journalism I’ve ever seen. I love that you guys are friends :)
I really think it would be great to have Ali Mau and Zoe Lawton on and hear what they’re doing with Tika in NZ 🫠 It’s very badass and I got connected with them randomly because of something I’m working on in the US that’s similar, Callisto.
I agree to finding Monica annoying at times! I think it was her blinkered attitude about how great America is, rather than her actual Americanness. Almost an inability at times to view the world from another perspective or to accept that the way things are done in America are actually odd and different, and that that doesn't make people from other countries "wrong".
Anyway, super stoked that Rob will be cohost because I would have missed him more than Monica!
Yes, you articulated my feelings much better!
Are we just throwing out ideas? I'd love to hear from Rosabel!
Rosabel will be peeping in from time to time, I hope.
We are being very polite for a ragtag bunch of invertebrates, aren't we? 🪱
I try not to talk shit cause I know David is friends and actually knows these folks….but please do not take her as an example of most Americans. Or even an average one. She didn’t know all sorts of shit which is totally fine but when you’re then sort of in this representative role of an American….I dno. I do remember the episode where David thought she was born in India which was def bad on him but FFS, you’d think she just came from Neptune 75% of the time.
+1 vote for giving Calvin weekly review opportunities lol. "Like and subscribe!"
CALVIN!!! He’s the greatest. You should let him do reviews of any films or TV shows he sees 😎
I vote for David, Rob and Calvin to continue with the reverse series and for David to take Rob and Calvin for Hobbiton part 2. Rob would have to wear his LOTR costume of course. Also a Rob food tour of iconic kiwi food would be great - I’m trying to imagine how Rob would describe a mince and cheese pie and a long cream doughnut.
Step 1 - be incredibly disappointed in how this unfolded and try (in vain) to snuff out the storming feeling of injustice - both as an AE listener and a huge David fan.
Step 2 - subscribe to Webworm.
David, you are an incredible creator and I thoroughly enjoy the magic that pours out of your brain. I’ve always been a fan of the free articles but after reading this, I’m happy to now be a paid subscriber with access to all the archived content. I have much to catch up on!
I’m so glad that you’ll be continuing to make the show (with Wob!) and I’ve subscribed to the new feed. Cant wait for all the new episodes and I’m excited to see the weird and wacky places that you will inevitably take us next.
Thanks for coming on board - I listed some of my favs here: https://www.webworm.co/p/favs
(probably needs an update!)
Very glad to be continuing the FB journey with Wobby Wob! We came up with the idea on a road trip years back, so seems fitting!
I appreciate the transparent update. I'm excited to continue to support the show and I'm relieved that Rob will still be involved (and cohost!). What are you most excited for about "being free"? For example, are there any topics you stayed away from under the Armchair umbrella that you now feel more able to explore?
I think there was a general agreement under AE that we would not get particularly political. Which I get. It's not a politics show - it's a more of a quirky, whimsical look at American culture. That said - with Flightless Bird now doing it's own thing, I am looking forward (not the right word) to look into things like gun culture, and the Evangelical right that has such a stranglehold here (and beyond, creeping into NZ as I have written about here at length!). I also hear there is a bit election this year. Let me into that culture, please.
A suggestion for a future ep: third parties. Though it may be to big for one episode.
Very curious as to what Jill Stein actually does in between election years.
Love this. Have not ever given them much thought! They sort of just disappear....
Why, she enjoys a meal with Putin of course!
I'm excited for you to be able to explore these topics more freely, especially now with the election coming up!
Actually American "Politics" is VERY Flightless Bird - for a Kiwi the endless election cycle (thank you Joe for shortening this one in a way!), the state legislatures being able to make laws contra to the public good, Governors having so much power - all of that and much more a complete mystery when you start getting into it rather than looking at the USA as a whole, which in Aotearoa we tend to do. HOWEVER, no needs to get into partisan, so glad you are now "free" to explore the weirdness without taking sides. Jordan Klepper is unsurpassed on Trump cultists, but things like how come the MAJORITY of voters don't pick the President unless certain States also decide a separate vote? I now already understand this stuff to some degree, but it is WEIRD to use an expression suddenly in common use in this election! Anyways, lots of low-level non-partisan stuff as well connected to how local and national politics run, and if one "side" is more weird than the other? that is not YOUR fault eh?
Excellent. A wee bit more 'weight', occasionally, suits me. :-)
I am incredibly excited to see what you do with this new freedom. Please make as much political content as you feel like. My favourite work of yours has always been the less filtered stuff. True indie journalism - you always keep it so real and I will be recommending your new reboot even harder than before!
Much support from Canada!
Yeeeessssssss!
This makes me excited for future episodes!
Oh JD Vance would be such a weird episode in God knows what way 🤡
Yes, yes, yes!! I’m so excited for these types of deep dives.
This is so exciting!!!
While I started listening to Flightless Bird because of Armchair Expert, I've never listened to anything quite so religiously as I did Flightless Bird! And then, because of Flightless Bird and how much my partner and I loved everything you had to say, went backwards and found Armchaired and Dangerous. Now, I eagerly await Tuesdays and I save episodes and will re-listen to favourites for when we have long car rides or road trips. You've accompanied me on 13 hour drives through the mountains and walks with my dog around the neighbourhood! I'm selfishly glad that Flightless will have its own feed because it makes it so much easier for me as a listener, but I'm so sorry that there was a loss of agency in that decision and that it came on so suddenly! I am super projecting my own feelings about the American-ness of it all as well, because I would certainly feel the sting. But, I'm channeling those feelings into foregoing one less fancy coffee and becoming a paid subscriber. Can't wait to continue reading and hearing your thoughts! (and hi from western Canada!)
Joyce, this is so fucking cool to read! Thanks for sharing. Reading feedback like this makes it all very worth it, as making a weekly show is weirdly, insanely hard sometimes. Just finding the ideas, then those to talk on it - recording it, scripting it, editing it - all in a week. So - THANKS!
I truly believe your possibilities are limitless. My partner and I just rewatched tickled and have been talking about how we're excited where your documenting and production will take you within or outside flightless bird. We have listened to flightless from day one and love every episode.
I imagine being a part of the armchair umbrella comes with it's own baggage that's hard to comment on. I field that even when recommending flightless to my friends. I'm excited for you and glad you are ok amidst scary change thrust upon you. At the end of the day money is money. 80M is a lot of it. But it's priceless to share your views and content without boundaries, baggage, and with a special community that gets and appreciates you.
I feel very lucky to be able to make stuff, and have *anyone* listen. I feel like that particularly with Webworm. This thing feels like my baby, and I love the community that's sprung up about it. Heaps. But yes - glad to keep trying to make Flightless Bird. There is a lot of stuff I wanna explore.
We love you back! 🪱
The merch is super dope too!
Deranged Bitch Hoodie > Birkin Bag. There. I said it. 🥸
Oh I’m so excited that Rob will be cohosting I think this will be such a fun new chapter of the show!!! Can’t wait to listen.
We came up with the basic idea on a roadtrip over three years ago, so seems very fitting he co-hosts!
Yes, SO excited. Rob and you have the sarcastic feng shui we all need. Serious question - what did ever happen with the Armchaired & Dangerous flat earth episode from San Francisco?
Just wanted to pop on and say that Flightless Bird is one of the things I look forward to most each week and I am so thrilled you get to keep doing it. Thanks for all that you do.
Thanks a tonne for popping in to say that, Michele. It's cool to hear. Really.
I'm so pleased to see Rob is not just producing, but co-hosting! I want to try to remain level headed and think there are 3 sides to every story, but I just can't. This was a dick move after all you have done for AE, bringing in a new kind of listener and just putting in a damn lot of work. And as a true blue kiwi, of course you don't expect or want a cut, but you helped them earn that $80M too.
I'm looking forward to what is to come from yourself, with Rob by your side. You sure find out who your friends are sooner or later!
Glad to have Rob here. Loved when he stepped in and co-hosted Ren Faire episode. Many more to come, I hope!
This post inspired me to finally bite the bullet and subscribe. You deserved to find out from Dax and Monica, NOT a headline and that’s extremely disappointing. That being said, I know you are much more progressive than either of them and I admire how you have never shied away from speaking your mind - even when I suspect they didn’t love that. They’ve made some serious missteps lately (JVN episode, silence on Palestine, then ignorantly having military specialists on?). You’ve always challenged their preference for an echo chamber and I look forward to seeing more of what you put out on your own!
I knew change was in the air and that a new deal would mean who knows what. It just rushed up suddenly there on Deadline!
I was lucky to have an audience, and I am lucky to still have the show. Onwards!
Also, if anyone is interested. I just noticed there is officially a Flightless Bird subreddit.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FlightlessBirdPod/s/qTl6uAyumg
Oh, rad.
Scratch that. The Flightless Bird subreddit is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/FlightlessBird/s/kdWXtcDGEr
I echo others’ sentiment: I’m not thrilled that you weren’t part of that deal, but grateful that FB will still be part of my weekly routine - even better that Rob will be part of it!
My question: could some form of Armchaired and Dangerous make a comeback under this new format? No idea how that would work but I always loved those episodes. Could be a deep dive into weird American conspiracies or something.
Either way, I’m a happy new feed subscriber and paying Worm. Love supporting you and your work!
I'm keen to work more weird shit into Flightless Bird. Like - I am planning a trip to Skinwalker Ranch. So that'll definitely lean more into that territory.
Omg. I love this. Back to Dark Tourist territory!
On another note, since you are not supposed to say the SW word (it makes them come get you 👻), I’ve heard people refer to them as “Flesh Pedestrians,” which really tickles me 😂
Omg Skinwalker Ranch! I’ll be stoked for that.
I can't imagine seeing that headline. I'd immediately be making plans and full of excitement about the deal and what this could mean for the future (not to mention a possible raise, higher budget to travel, so many things). I can't imagine the rollercoaster of emotions you've felt. That said, I'm very excited for these new beginnings! Taking Rob with you and having a whole new space to do your own thing is exciting! It's YOURS and only yours! (team, of course, not excluded). This is huge, David, and I can't wait to see what you have in store next
What is life for but a rollercoaster of weird, conflicting emotions! Thanks, Emily.