What is Hello Internet?

Hello Internet was an audio podcast that captivated a global audience with its engaging discussions between two prominent educational YouTube content creators: Brady Haran and CGP Grey. Launched in January 2014, the show quickly gained popularity for its unscripted conversations, which often delved into the hosts' lives, interests, and the fascinating differences in their personalities and perspectives. The podcast fostered a strong sense of community among its listeners, affectionately known as "Tims," a playful term that became a hallmark of the show's unique culture. The format typically involved Haran and Grey discussing a variety of topics, often sparked by recent events in their lives, their work on YouTube, or current affairs. Their dynamic, characterized by Haran's more spontaneous and anecdotal style and Grey's analytical and structured approach, created a compelling listening experience. This contrast was a significant part of the podcast's appeal, allowing for both humorous banter and deep, thought-provoking debates on complex subjects.

What Did They Talk About?

The content of Hello Internet was remarkably diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging interests of its hosts. A frequent subject was their professional lives as creators for YouTube, offering listeners an inside look into the challenges and triumphs of online content creation. They often discussed the intricacies of technology etiquette, the evolving landscape of social media, and the impact of digital platforms on society. Beyond their professional lives, the hosts explored a myriad of personal interests. These included detailed reviews of books, movies, and TV shows, often leading to spirited debates. More niche topics like plane accidents, the study of flags (vexillology), and predictions about the future (futurology) also found their way into discussions, showcasing the hosts' intellectual curiosity. One notable contribution was Haran's re-popularization of the term "freebooting" in 2014, used to describe the practice of re-uploading copyrighted videos to other platforms, often to profit from advertising, which was a significant issue on platforms like Facebook at the time.

History and Impact

Hello Internet debuted in January 2014 and quickly rose to prominence, reaching the #1 spot on iTunes podcast charts in the United Kingdom during its inaugural year. Its quality and innovative approach were recognized by Apple, which selected it as one of the best emerging new podcasts of 2014. The podcast's influence extended beyond chart success, as evidenced by its inclusion in The Guardian's "50 best podcasts of 2016," with episode 66, "A Classic Episode," being named their episode of the year. Over its run, Hello Internet released 136 numbered episodes and 18 unnumbered special episodes. The numbering system itself became a quirky feature, sometimes skipping numbers to accommodate these specials, which included bonus content, Star Wars-themed Christmas specials, and a "12 Days of Christmas" series. In a unique move, two episodes were released exclusively on physical media, one on a vinyl record and another on a wax cylinder, highlighting the hosts' experimental approach. Towards the end of its active period, the podcast introduced "Goodbye Internet" after-show episodes, available exclusively to Patreon supporters at a specific tier, offering additional content to its most dedicated fans.

Why It Matters

Hello Internet left a significant mark on the podcasting landscape and its dedicated community. It demonstrated how two individuals with distinct personalities could create a compelling and intellectually stimulating show through genuine conversation. The podcast's success helped to popularize the "two friends talking" format, inspiring countless other creators. Its deep dives into niche topics and the hosts' willingness to explore complex ideas fostered a community of engaged listeners who appreciated thoughtful discourse. The podcast also highlighted the evolving nature of digital media and content creation, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities faced by independent creators. Although the podcast has been on an indefinite hiatus since February 2020, with its last episode, number 136, released on February 28, 2020, its extensive back catalog continues to be a valuable resource for entertainment and intellectual exploration. The legacy of Hello Internet endures through its impact on podcasting culture and the lasting connection it forged with its global audience of Tims.

Hello Internet Podcast