Episode 9: The Hobbies Will Save Us All

What if the way out of our polarized era isn’t through more politics, but more hobbies? In a time when everything feels divided, hobbies might just be the thing that brings us back together (or at least a little more tolerant of our different backgrounds, perspectives, and algorithms). We explore how shared passions – whether it’s baking or birdwatching – can bridge political divides, build real community, and remind us what joy feels like. Plus: tips for finding or rediscovering the hobbies that make you feel the most like yourself.

The “Who Has Time For This?” podcast is hosted and produced by Caitlin Bagley and Katie Kelly.

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FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

Bowling Alone

Robert D. Putnam

2000

Every Hobby Has a Story

Niche to Meet You Podcast

August 2025

'Tragic optimism': The antidote to toxic positivity

Allie Volpe, BBC

March 8, 2021

Joy as Resistance

Isla Flaherty, The Preamble

August 25, 2025

Granny Hobbies

Hitha Palepu, Instagram

August 22, 2025

Having Hobbies Can Really Boost Your Well-Being – Here’s How to Find One You Love

Shelby Deering, Real Simple

February 22, 2023

Millennials Are Dying at an Alarming Rate

Elizabeth Wrigley-Field , Andrew Stokes , and Jacob Bor, Slate

August 20, 2025

Remember when people used to be interesting?

Ashley Embers, YouTube

July 2025

The Wellness Recession is Coming: Why Community, Not Consumerism, Will Save Us

Yasmine Jameelah, PopSugar

July 15, 2025

I Tried 17 Hobbies in 1 Year

Marina Cooley, Professor Off Duty

June 4, 2025

Democrats Need More Hobbies

David Litt, The Atlantic

June 19, 2025

@amandasmildtakes, Instagram

@emilyinyourphone, Instagram

How Hobbies Have Infiltrated American Life

Julie Beck, The Atlantic

January 4, 2022

How Leisure Time Became Work

Shirley Li, The Atlantic

Dec. 1, 2021

What We Lose When We’re Priced Out of Hobbies

Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic

April 19, 2025

Turning a Hobby into a Habit

Maya Chung, The Atlantic

August 1, 2025