Listener sentiment
Sidenote by AsapSCIENCE continues to earn deep listener loyalty, with the vast majority of reviews praising hosts Greg and Mitch for making science feel accessible, funny, and personal rather than dry or intimidating. Fans repeatedly describe the show as feeling like hanging out with friends, and many specifically value the hosts' authenticity and LGBTQ+ representation in a space where it remains rare. The most common praise centers on the duo's chemistry, humor, and the satisfying balance of learning something new while being entertained. A persistent minority of critics—mostly newer or casual listeners—feel the show leans too heavily on personal banter and tangents at the expense of scientific depth, with some reporting long stretches before research is actually discussed. A handful of negative reviews also raise concerns about tone, whether around diet culture and fat stigma, jokes about sexuality, or perceived dismissiveness toward certain groups. These critiques are far outweighed by positive sentiment, and the central divide continues to reflect differing expectations: devoted listeners come for the conversational intimacy, while critics want tighter editing and more rigor. The most recent ratings show no meaningful shift from this established pattern.
Apple4.8 · 748
Summary generated Sep 9, 2026