Welcome to the next in the Podcast Showcase series, where we share podcasts with you in the words of the podcasters themselves. This time, we talk to Incel.
Sum up your podcast in three sentences
Incel is my deep dive into the world of “involuntary celibates,” or “incels,” an online community/subculture of men who can’t find love (or get laid). Incels have been in the news lately because of the growing popularity of their internet memes, unique vernacular, and a handful of violent public attacks in North America.
My show features interviews with various members of the community, as well as news and perspectives from researchers, law enforcement, and psychologists about this topic.
Who is your ideal listener? Who loves your show?
My network, Crawlspace, hosts a variety of true crime shows, but my listeners hail from ~140 different countries because it’s the only show on this subject. People who are interest in psychology and social issues, as well as true crime, tend to like it!
What made you start this podcast?
I fell in love with podcasts as a medium, telling stories in audio form, and found the subject fascinating around the same time. I felt like this story could be told perfectly in this way, especially because most incels don’t reveal their appearance.
What have you learned about your subject thanks to this podcast?
I could fill a book with that. I’ve begun working with academics and people in counter terrorism, giving lectures and advising on research. Mostly, I feel incels are misunderstood — many of them are very bright, funny, and introspective, and some of their stories are heartbreaking.
What has your experience of podcasting been? What do you love / hate about the process?
It’s been amazing and a really wild ride! I love most of it – research, writing, interviews, editing, and adding audio cues for ambience like music or little sounds like Skype ringing etc.
Because of the topic I chose, it has opened me up to some very intense reactions from listeners, some quite negative, as they feel I am platforming hateful or dangerous people. But many more have been extremely positive.
I love the community I’ve built and the fact that so many people are willing to open to me, to have their story told.
If someone wants to start listening to your podcast, which episode would you recommend they start with? Why?
I would start at episode 1, because that’s the beginning, and I’ve done it in real time. After that, either keep going or look for episode topics you find particularly interesting. The bonus episodes, which are crossovers with other shows, are also good introductions.
Which other podcasts do you love listening to?
I love the other shows on my network, especially Crawlspace, Maura Murray (which began my love of podcasts), Criminal Perspective, and LA Not So Confidential. I also love the WBEZ classics like This American Life, S-town, and Serial. For lighter fare l love the reality TV analyses like Feathers in My Hair, DUNZO, and Liz Explains.
If people want to find you online, where can they do so? Drop your links here (social media, podcast subscription, etc.)
My show account @incelproject is my main hub to discuss, as well as my personal account, @naamakates. The main show page is incel, and it’s available wherever you listen to podcasts!
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