Ball of Thread is hosted by independent journalist Marcy Wheeler, who examines legal cases, government conduct and the attack on democracy in the United States. The show has 61 episodes, released roughly every nine days, with a median length of about 20 minutes. Estimated downloads are 2,000 to 8,000 per episode (estimated), with a sponsorship range of $40 to $200 per episode.
Engaged, high-rated political analysis audience tuned into long-form legal reporting
- Apple Podcasts rating of 4.9 across 168 ratings signals a highly loyal listener base
- Episodes run roughly 15 to 50 minutes, giving host-read spots room to land
- Coverage of government and legal cases draws an attentive, news-literate audience
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- solo monologue, long-form analysis
- Tone
- analytical, irreverent
- Language
- English
- Production
- Home recording
- Typical length
- 15 to 50 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
No sponsor mentions found in the feed
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
The website describes its tone as having a 'potty mouth', and episode titles cover murder and violence (e.g. 'Murder on ICE and Water').
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | www.emptywheel.net/ |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1746189942 |
| RSS feed | feeds.libsyn.com/528757/rss |
Benchmark score: 33 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| How Russia grabbed Trump and his cronies by the nuts in 2016 | 2026-10-05 | 57 min |
| Corruption is a Process | 2026-09-09 | 16 min |
| DOJ is invoking Trump v. US in an attempt to dodge accountability for | 2026-08-20 | 22 min |
| DOJ Invents Conspiracies Out of Some Dents in a Car | 2026-06-30 | 15 min |
| Donald Trump's Swamp Creature | 2026-06-22 | 20 min |
| Trump's Twin Intractable Psychological Dilemmas | 2026-04-29 | 11 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 14 days ago, a new one about every 9 days.
Independent journalist Marcy Wheeler unwinds the true story of the attack on democracy that is bringing the United States to the brink of fascism.
About Ball of Thread
Ball of Thread is an independent investigative podcast hosted by journalist Marcy Wheeler, whose website emptywheel.net describes her coverage of legal cases, politics and left theory. Each episode unwinds stories around the attack on democracy in the United States, with recent titles covering Justice Department cases, foreign policy and January 6 reporting.
The show has 61 episodes in its feed, released roughly every nine days, and typical episodes run from about 15 to 50 minutes. Apple Podcasts lists 168 ratings with an average of 4.9. The show is listed on Apple Podcasts and hosted on Libsyn.
Estimated downloads sit at 2,000 to 8,000 per episode (estimated), and the rate for a host-read mid-roll is $40 to $200 per episode. No sponsors appear in the feed. The show suits civic, legal and book-related brands seeking a politically engaged audience, according to the feed and Apple Podcasts data.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Ball of Thread can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Ball of Thread
How much does Ball of Thread charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Based on estimated downloads of 2,000 to 8,000 per episode, a host-read mid-roll is estimated at $40 to $200 per episode. Rates are estimates and depend on the agreed format and placement.
What is Ball of Thread about?
Ball of Thread is a podcast by journalist Marcy Wheeler covering legal cases, government conduct and the attack on democracy in the United States, with long-form analysis of recent news.
How do I contact Ball of Thread about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can be booked through Starbooked.
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