What is Hello Internet?

Hello Internet was an audio podcast that captivated listeners with its unique blend of casual conversation and deep dives into various topics. It was hosted by two prominent educational YouTube content creators: Brady Haran, known for channels like Numberphile and Periodic Videos, and CGP Grey, famous for his explainer videos. The podcast debuted in January 2014 and quickly gained a loyal following, with its listeners affectionately calling themselves "Tims." The show's format was largely unscripted, allowing Haran and Grey to explore their interests, discuss their experiences as professional online creators, and often debate their differing perspectives on life and technology. This conversational style made listeners feel like they were part of an ongoing chat between two knowledgeable friends. The podcast became a significant part of internet culture, influencing other creators and shaping discussions around online content creation.

Key Themes and Discussions

The discussions on Hello Internet were wide-ranging, reflecting the diverse interests and distinct personalities of its hosts. A frequent topic was the world of YouTube itself, including the challenges and rewards of creating content, algorithm changes, and the evolving landscape of online media. The hosts often shared insights into their own video production processes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their work. Beyond YouTube, the podcast delved into subjects such as technology etiquette, the future of artificial intelligence, and reviews of books, movies, and TV shows. Haran's fascination with plane accidents and Grey's interest in futurology often led to detailed and engaging segments. Another recurring theme was vexillology, the study of flags, which became a popular segment due to Grey's passion for the topic. The dynamic between Haran's more spontaneous and Grey's more structured approach to life provided endless material for humorous and thought-provoking discussions.

History and Impact

Hello Internet launched in January 2014 and quickly rose to prominence, reaching the #1 spot on iTunes podcasts in the United Kingdom during its debut year. Apple also recognized it as one of the best emerging new podcasts of 2014, highlighting its immediate success and appeal. The podcast's influence extended beyond its listenership, particularly in the realm of online content ethics. In 2015, Brady Haran was credited with popularizing the term "freebooting" through an early episode of the podcast. This term describes the practice of re-hosting someone else's video content on a different platform, often without permission, to profit from advertisements. This discussion brought significant attention to copyright infringement issues on platforms like Facebook, prompting some platforms to develop better tools to address such practices. The podcast's quality was further acknowledged when The Guardian included it among its "50 best podcasts of 2016," specifically praising episode 66, "A Classic Episode," for its "in-depth debates and banter that is actually amusing." The podcast released 136 numbered episodes and 18 unnumbered specials before going on an indefinite hiatus after its last episode on February 28, 2020.

Episode Structure and Special Releases

The numbering of Hello Internet episodes could sometimes be a bit quirky, reflecting the hosts' unique approach to content. While there were 136 numbered episodes, the actual count of "normal" numbered episodes was 133, as the numbering occasionally skipped to accommodate special unnumbered episodes. These special releases added an extra layer of content for dedicated listeners. Among the 18 unnumbered episodes were a bonus episode, three Christmas specials dedicated to discussing Star Wars movies, and a series of twelve episodes released during the end of 2018 known as the "12 Days of Christmas." Uniquely, two episodes were not released digitally; one was made available exclusively on a vinyl record, and another on a wax cylinder, showcasing the hosts' playful experimentation with media formats. Towards the later years of the podcast, starting with episode 123, companion "Goodbye Internet" episodes were released exclusively for Patreon supporters, offering additional content for their most dedicated fans.

Hello Internet Podcast