In Defense of Big Jersey
Podcast: The NightlyPublished On: Tue Jul 28 2026
Description: Josh Gondelman talks with caller Charlie about which "New" places have quietly out-shined their namesakes, from Jersey to Mexico to a very polite British devil.What You'll HearThree Coffee Tables Too Many: Josh recaps trading a cluttered old apartment for a fresh one, and the quiet triumph of finally buying a proper trunk for the towels.New Jersey vs. Jersey, UK: Charlie lays out his theory that a "New" place should only keep its modifier if the original still out-shines it, starting with New Jersey's total takeover of the name.Meet Alastair, the Polite Jersey Devil: From New Hampshire's stolen mountain to a very charming imaginary cryptid across the pond, Josh and Charlie crown their favorite Big, Little, and Lil place names.CHAPTERS00:00 Saying goodbye to three coffee tables04:47 Welcome, Caller Charlie!07:38 The New vs. Old place-name theory begins09:00 New Hampshire vs. Hampshire, adjudicated11:28 New Orleans, New Mexico, and earning the "new"17:49 Big Jersey, Little Jersey, and the Jersey Devils' cousinFor the fully immersive, phone free light + sound experience, learn more at hatch.co. Follow us on TikTok @hatchpodcasts and YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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