Hyperfixed
Hyperfixed & Radiotopia
Maybe it’s just a quiet annoyance you’ve grudgingly learned to put up with, or a life defining issue that makes it hard to move forward. Whatever it is, Alex Goldman — reporter, radio producer, and overconfident idiot — will get to the bottom of it (if there’s a bottom to be found. Results may vary). Follow Alex as he figures out not only the vast hidden mechanisms that create these problems, but works with you, the listener, to find a solution. Or at least enough of an explanation that you’re ok with the annoyance. He’s not perfect. Hyperfixed is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX, a network of independent and listener-supported podcasts. Discover audio with vision at radiotopia.fm. Submit your problems and sign up for bonus episodes and much more at hyperfixedpod.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 38min
PREMIUM UNLOCKED: The Passion of the Fruit
Matt Nevins, a creative director who cooks up marketing stunts and influencer plans. Eric Staphne, a fruit crops researcher at Mississippi State who maps growers and production limits. They talk about why passion fruit is scarce in the U.S. and what regulatory, labor, and supply hurdles block it. Then they brainstorm bold marketing, guerrilla tactics, and jingles to make passion fruit trendy.
Mar 12, 2026 • 40min
Chris's Watchlist
A movie lover with central vision loss recounts a lifetime of film passion and the frustration of missing audio descriptions. The team breaks down how audio description is written, timed, and constrained by rights and resources. They demo strong descriptive techniques and commit to producing a feature-length track, revealing legal and industry hurdles behind accessibility.
Feb 26, 2026 • 29min
Crosswalk Jonny
Jonathan Hale, a second-year UCLA law student and grassroots safety activist who founded People’s Vision Zero. He talks about painting guerrilla crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. He explains tactical urbanism, choosing dangerous corners using data, organizing neighbors and media, and how arrests and viral attention forced city accountability.
7 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 42min
Desperately Seeking Sjowgren
Sjowgren — an anonymous indie project (singer-songwriter Maya plus producers Don and Sam) — recounts their accidental 2015 rise and why they chose to stay private. They explain how streaming sustained them, how rumors about their identity spread, and their plans for vinyl and Bandcamp releases. Short, mysterious, and full of music-world intrigue.
10 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 32min
Cry Fowl
Sari Sofer-Sukenik, a Hyperfixed producer and reporter who led FOIA reporting, digs into the mysterious disappearance of Avondale Park’s ducks and geese. She walks through records requests and federal documents. Short scenes cover pond work, city denials, APHIS findings of euthanasia, and links to World Games preparations.
34 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 40min
Brainsquatch
Matt, a new father and listener, shares his puzzling memory of an alternate Bob's Burgers episode. Joined by Wilma Bainbridge, a psychology professor studying memory, they dive into the Mandela effect and why people misremember details. Wilma explains how brains construct false memories through schema theory. Laura Silverman, a voice actor from Bob's Burgers, confirms that there was never an alternate version of 'Brunch Squatch.' Ultimately, they're able to clear up Matt's confusion, providing insights into the curious workings of memory.
8 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 1min
Two Birds, One Hundred Stones (UPDATED)
This week, Keenan Tamlin, a media enthusiast from Toronto, shares his heartfelt mission to reconnect his mother, Megan, with her lost 1980s songwriting. They dive into Megan's creative past, revealing her struggles with rejection and the emotional turmoil that led her to abandon music. The narrative unfolds as Keenan arranges a live performance of Megan’s song 'Rooms' at On Air Fest, culminating in an emotional moment of rediscovery when the original tape is recovered, leading to a powerful reunion that sparks new creativity for Megan.
14 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 23min
Grumpy Santa
Mike Federico, an actor and writer turned English professor, shares his wild journey as 'Grumpy Santa' on a chaotic promotional tour. He recounts the bizarre logistics of flying to 66 locations in just 12 days, which turned him from cheerful to grumpy due to exhaustion and health issues. Mike highlights conflicts with a persistent cameraman and recounts a health scare in Montana that added to the ordeal. Despite expecting praise upon returning, he learns the entire stunt was a financial flop. This hilarious yet eye-opening tale reflects the unpredictability of chasing acting dreams.
11 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 42min
Hyperfixmas
In a festive twist, Alex channels Scrooge, reflecting on the year's highlights and challenges in a unique year-in-review. The discussion dives deep into the emotional journey of Allie, who shares her recovery from a devastating fire, revealing the trauma of loss and the hurdles of rebuilding. They also tackle the curious case of Betty Crocker's icing label and the nuances of butter differences affecting recipes. With upcoming pledge drive antics, there's plenty of humor and heart to keep listeners engaged!
38 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 31min
The Pits
Heath battles a stubborn armpit stain problem, leading to hilarious and frustrating laundry tales. The hosts delve into why common cleaning techniques fail, and they interview a microbiologist who reveals bacteria's role in the mess. They explore stress-related sweating and its impact on fabric. Seeking solutions, they bring in professional insights on shirt care, discussing practical stain-removal methods. With a mix of science and humor, the conversation tackles a surprisingly relatable issue!
