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They Might Be Giants is Autistic (Episode 119)
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They Might Be Giants is Autistic (Episode 119)

In this episode, Matt and Angela discuss They Might Be Giants - aka, possibly the most autistic band to ever exist.

An episode of giant proportions!

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

  • To kick off the episode, we’re diving into the origins of They Might Be Giants back in 1982 in Brooklyn—and of course, we have to talk about their legendary Dial-A-Song fan hotline, which they kept running all the way until 2008!

  • TMBG is entirely supported by their fan club rather than a record label—and as a special perk, they create a personalized song for each paying member!

  • Also, their whole fan base is definitely 90% autistic.

  • Both Johns of TMBG have openly identified as neurodivergent, with John Linnell specifically describing himself as autistic.

  • Next, we dive into the autistic coding in certain TMBG songs—like Upside Down Frown, which seems to be about masking, and Dr. Worm, which is absolutely a special interest anthem.

  • Rejection sensitivity, pattern matching, burnout, info-dumping, and sensory overload are all major autistic themes that show up throughout their music, woven into their lyrics in a way that feels both deeply personal and incredibly relatable.

  • A lot of their work also features history-infodumps, with one of the most famous examples being their 1990 hit Istanbul (Not Constantinople)—a perfect example of their love for educational, hyper-specific storytelling.

  • Finally, we explore the deep autistic connection and sense of community built through music—especially how TMBG’s fan club structure fosters that, creating a space where like-minded fans can bond over their shared love for the band’s unique, neurodivergent-friendly artistry.

“I can’t ignore music when it’s in a room. If I’m in a restaurant and I hear music, I feel oppressed by it.” - John Linnell

“I have a latent desire for maximum efficiency of movement, which is motivated by laziness. I spend a fair amount of time thinking of the easiest way to do things.” - John Linnell

“Yeah, that’s an autistic song right there. That’s the kind of song you come up with after reading Wikipedia at three in the morning.” - Matt

Did you enjoy this episode? We explored the deep autistic coding in They Might Be Giants' music, from themes of masking, rejection sensitivity, and sensory overload to their love of history-infodumps and special interest anthems. Tune in as we break down fan favorites like Dr. Worm and Upside Down Frown, and discuss how TMBG’s fan club structure fosters autistic connection and community. Share your thoughts using #AutisticCultureCatch!

Show Notes:

Angela’s TMBG is Autistic companion playlist:

Musical References of TMBG:


Stuff is the Way: ​​

Favorite TMBG Quotes: https://www.reddit.com/r/tmbg/comments/189sult/what_are_sole_of_your_favorite_lyrics_from_they/

Best TMBG Songs: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeanlucbouchard/they-might-be-giants-best-songs

https://www.moonhooch.com/

Related Episodes:

QuestLove is Autistic


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Discussion about this episode

User's avatar
Kimberly L's avatar

Amazing !!!!!🙌🏻❤️

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ProfessorJamesLee's avatar

I'd love to write/record a jingle for you guys! Music and recording are my oldest special interests. Reach out if you're interested.

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Dr. Angela Kingdon's avatar

Sure you can email it to us at info@AutisticCulturePodcast.com

We would love that.

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Cheryl Roberts's avatar

I NEED HELP FIGURING OUT HOW TO GET THE BOOK I am a monthly paid subscriber but I can't find a link to buy it just to the membership page but I can't afford 80 dollars ATM please help

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Foxy Pumpkin's avatar

I found TMBG from their Here Come Science album I had bought for my young nephew at the time. TLDR: it’s great and I kept it.

My favorite is that they made a song about the sun being made of gas but then found out that was wrong, so they made a follow up song calling themselves out “forget that song, we got it wrong, the thesis has been rendered invaaaalid…” ❤️

Apparently the “sun is a miasma of incandescent plasma”

https://open.spotify.com/track/2ifQQWZhQjK3HyEFFqqVfN?si=B2wlkznKT8-5xZhUS97Dgw&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Athe%2Bsun%2Bis%2Ba%2Bmiasma%2B

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Michelle's avatar

That powder that changes the way things taste? Look up M Berry or Miracle Fruit! My (autistic) kiddo heard about it on YouTube and we ordered some tablets online. We had the best time eating sliced lemons that tasted just like lemonade.

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Kira Barnes's avatar

Thank gods my mom was autistic; she let me take a day off when I wanted. At least in 8th grade, when there was a juvenile meningitis epidemic in our city, she said that under no circumstances was I to fake being sick; I should tell her I wanted a day off instead, and she'd let me take one.

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Kira Barnes's avatar

The answer to your grammar question at the beginning is: It depends on whether you're speaking American English or British English. In American English, it's the way Matt said. In British English, a collective noun that contains individual members takes "are". So, "TMBG are autistic" is correct in British English.

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Shelli's avatar

Yes!! All the Merch!! I Seriously want a "Time-Share in Autistica Key!!"

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Dr. Angela Kingdon's avatar

OMG We have to figure that out!!!!!

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