On the Road: Regional Cooking, Armored MMA Combat, and Rubik's Cubing

Niche to Meet You

Stories of three wildly different niches (regional cooking, armored MMA combat, and Rubik's cubing) who all find their purpose in being on the road.

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EPISODE NOTES:

We all have our "third spaces," those social surroundings that aren't our homes or workplaces. These are the places where we feel a sense of belonging, comfort, and community—like cafés, bookstores, or even the local bar where everybody knows your name. But what happens when all three of your spaces are transient? When your work and home are constantly shifting, where do you find your third spaces, and what kinds of hobbies thrive in such a lifestyle?

In this episode, we explore the hobbies and niche subcultures that find their purpose in, or are affected by being on the road. From the stories of touring musicians Zach and Maggie White (who bring the flavors and experiences of their travels into their kitchen through regional cooking), to Spencer Waddell (a vagabond longswordsman and armored MMA combat fighter whose life revolves around historical reenactments and sword fighting), and from Shook (middle school speed cuber) to Jon Schneck (Relient K guitarist and creator of Cubiversity), we hear the unique dynamics of being on the road and being part of a niche subculture.

SHOW CREDITS:

Senior producer/host: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson, leslieethompson.com)

Associate producer: Chris Thiessen

Episode mastered by Kevin Morris

Show theme composed by Abigail Flowers

Show artwork by Rachel Hardacre