Stick Nation
a niche Earth Day special about paying attention,
one stick at a time.
Celebrate Earth Day, the niche way.
In this episode, Leslie heads into the wilds of Instagram to explore one of the internet’s most unexpectedly wholesome communities: Stick Nation (or should we call them Stick Nicheon?!?!). What started with a single stick and a simple review became a global phenomenon, now with over 3 million followers united by their love of nature’s simplest artifact. Leslie talks with the founders of @officialstickreviews, Logan and Boone, about how their playful videos turned into viral content and why sticks—yes, literal sticks—hold such power in our stories, imaginations, and daily lives. Along the way, Leslie finds a stick of her own, puts it through the rigorous Stick Review process, and even recruits her three-year-old daughter for a neighborhood stick hunt. Plus, New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl joins to reflect on why this niche matters more than we might think.
LINKS MENTIONED:
JOIN THE NICHE LIST
It’s our email list…every month you’ll get a Nicheletter with intel about what’s coming up. Would be glad to have you with us:
SHOW CREDITS:
Creator & Reporter: Leslie Thompson (IG: @leslieeilerthompson)
Associate script producer: Chris Thiessen
Mastering by Kevin Morris
Show theme and “My Father’s Wand” original composition by Abigail Flowers
Show theme produced & Arranged by Abigail Flowers, Chris Leidhecker, Kevin Gift
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Show artwork created by Rachel Hardacre
