Roderick on the Line

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Ep. 640: "Abundance of Georges"

The Problem: John has never welded. (Recorded on September 21, 2026.)

Sep 21

Ep. 639: "A Third App"

The Problem: John doesn’t instill enough fear in people. (Recorded on September 14, 2026.)

Sep 14

Ep. 638: "The Great Boy Theory"

The Problem: The child is the father of the horse. (Recorded on August 24, 2026.)

Aug 25

Ep. 637: "River Lion"

The Problem: Trees can’t eavesdrop. (Recorded on August 17, 2026.)

Aug 17

Ep. 636: "A Baseball Game Long"

The Problem: That type is Eric. (Recorded on August 10, 2026.)

Aug 11

Ep. 635: "Champagne Funeral Room"

The Problem: We’re living in an earnest time. (Recorded on August 3, 2026.)

Aug 3

Ep. 634: "Turnkey Friend"

The Problem: Gateway to Recreation (Recorded on July 27, 2026.)

Jul 27

Ep. 633: "The Grandmother of Europe"

The Problem: They’re all iconoclasts. (Recorded on July 13, 2026.)

Jul 13

Ep. 632: "Lady Applause"

The Problem: John tries to see the people who are singing. (Recorded on July 6, 2026.)

Jul 7

Ep. 631: "European Party"

The Problem: You can still save this. (Recorded on June 29, 2026.)

Jun 29

Ep. 630: "Until There's Shame"

The Problem: John could tell by his hair. (Recorded on June 22, 2026.) Talking Heads - Live in Rome (1980)

Jun 22

Ep. 629: "Popper Girlfriends"

The Problem: Merlin’s education is somewhat spotty. (Recorded on June 15, 2026.)

Jun 15

Ep. 628: "My Legacy"

The Problem: Nature is healing. (Recorded on June 8, 2026.) 👔 You can buy some of Roderick’s garments via eBay.

Jun 8

Ep. 627: "American Morning"

The Problem: Most of us don’t think of ourselves as a project. (Recorded on June 1, 2026.)

Jun 1

Ep. 626: "Chili Dog Meetup"

The Problem: The top bunk is the worst bunk. (Recorded on May 25, 2026.)

May 25

Ep. 625: "Sixteen-Hour Train"

The Problem: Loved ones are always the weak point. (Recorded on May 4, 2026.)

May 4

Ep. 624: "All the Words"

The Problem: I don’t like the way you are. (Recorded on Monday, April 27, 2026.)

Apr 27

Ep. 623: "Local Tony"

The Problem: An abundance of respect and caution. (Recorded on Monday, April 20, 2026.)

Apr 20

Ep. 622: "Internationally Embarrassing"

The Problem: Merlin also finds himself elusive. (Recorded on Monday, April 13, 2026.)

Apr 13

Ep. 621: "Son of the Turf"

The Problem: That’s fighting the last war. (Recorded on Monday, March 30, 2026.)

Mar 30

Chart trend

Position in the Philosophy chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#48#94JulAugSepOct

#24

all-time peak

142

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Roderick on the Line ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 4, 2026).

#77 — Philosophy US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This podcast works on the same sturdy principles that made shows like Car Talk delightful for years. 2 guys who really like each other and who share a common sense of irony and humor just go at it for an hour, spinning up yarns and ideas. It’s like eavesdropping on the most interesting people at a party.

BradPDX · Feb 2026

I only started listening to this podcast because my brother’s name is Roderick. But I was hooked immediately. I love John’s stories, but plenty of people have pointed that out. The absolute best thing for me about this podcast is Merlin Mann’s delightful overthinking of his ADHD. He speaks to me in my language, and I find his “mental technologies” to be truly life changing. It has really helped me think about my own life in a more gamified way, which makes it much easier to get through the day. Thank you Merlin, I’m so glad I randomly found you!

jess@canteen · Nov 2025

John is a phenomenal storyteller, and Merlin compliments this by being a storyteller in his own right, a shepherd for John’s stories and personality, and an excellent friend. If you want a ‘two people talking podcast’, this is the gold standard.

Lower line · Jul 2025

Merlin & John have been constant companions for the past decade. The show is as good now as ever and will undoubtedly continue to be as long as they continue to make it. I feel that much of my own thinking has been influenced for the better by the hosts introspection, humor, and kindness. Just wanted to share, even though Merlin has made it clear he’s not doing this for clapping.

Matt Priven · Oct 2023

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.