Decoder Ring - The Mall is Dead (Long Live the Mall)

What this episode covers

What do we lose if we lose the mall? 70 years into their existence, these hulking temples to commerce are surprisingly resilient and filled with contradictions. In this episode, Alexandra Lange, the author of the new book Meet Me at the Fountain: an Inside History of the Mall walks us through the atriums, escalators, and food courts of this singular suburban space. We also hear from mall-goers whose personal experiences help us make sense of this disdained yet beloved, disappearing yet surviving place.This episode of Decoder Ring was written by Willa Paskin and produced by Willa Paskin and Katie Shepherd. Derek John is Sr. Supervising Producer of Narrative Podcasts. Merritt Jacob is our Technical Director.If you have any cultural mysteries you want us to decode, email us at [email protected] you love the show and want to support us, consider joining Slate Plus. With Slate Plus you get ad-free podcasts, bonus episodes, and total access to all of Slate’s journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Rewind: CEO Jim Farley on Ford's EV gamble

Jun 25, 2026 ·63m

Can Patreon fight fire with social media fire?

Jun 22, 2026 ·73m

Who decides when AI is too dangerous?

Jun 18, 2026 ·40m

Skydio CEO argues more drones will make us safer

Jun 15, 2026 ·73m

208: No Action, No Confidence

Jun 11, 2026 ·50m

Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch on AI, the Met Gala & his secret succession plan

Jun 11, 2026 ·54m

Similar Podcasts

SUDDENLY: a Frank Sinatra podcast Rabia, Felix & Henry SUDDENLY... exploring the 20th century from a trans, queer & radical Australian perspective through the legacy of Frank Sinatra. Catgirl noir, ring a ding ding, etc. Join us as we deep dive into Sinatra's work and the nuances of history in abstract & creative ways, with episodes structured around Sinatra's albums, songs, films and radio appearances. Hosted by Rabia & Felix in Melbourne, and Henry Giardina in Los Angeles. Check out our website: suddenlypod.gay. Contact: suddenlypod at gmail dot com. I dig you the most xx Financial Decoder Charles Schwab Cognitive and emotional biases can have a big impact on your financial life. Each episode of Financial Decoder looks closely at one financial decision--and the biases that might cloud your judgment and cost you money. Host Mark Riepe, head of the Schwab Center for Financial Research, decodes the behavioral and psychological factors at play and shares strategies designed to improve the way you approach financial crossroads. Other experts join Mark to provide their unique perspective on behavioral economics, portfolio management, retirement planning, personal finance and more.Podcasts are for informational purposes only. This channel is not monitored by Charles Schwab. Please visit schwab.com/contactus for contact options. Talking to the Busdriver Absolut Absolem The trip goes on. 🚍🌲 From Cemetery Street to Dream Corner, Line 23 keeps rolling deeper into the labyrinth. Whispers in the dark, monsters humming lullabies, shadows waiting at the next stop. You thought you escaped, but the forest is waiting. The trees are already whispering…Stay seated, Traveler. Madness is the final stop. Ring the bell only if you’re ready.Fragments of Madness continues – the journey doesn’t end here. Step inside, mind the step, and listen. Tag Team JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities Step into the ring every Tuesday with Tag Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Decoder Ring?

This episode is 40 minutes long.

When was this Decoder Ring episode published?

This episode was published on July 26, 2022.

What is this episode about?

What do we lose if we lose the mall? 70 years into their existence, these hulking temples to commerce are surprisingly resilient and filled with contradictions. In this episode, Alexandra Lange, the author of the new book Meet Me at the Fountain: an...

Can I download this Decoder Ring episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.