Early access
Hear new episodes before the public release window opens.
The Compendium Patreon
Support The Compendium Podcast on Patreon
If you want to support the show and unlock more of the show, this is your official membership desk (Form C-17, mostly ceremonial). Compare every tier side by side, see exactly what each level unlocks, and set up private RSS listening in your preferred podcast app where supported. Choose the tier that fits your listening habits and your appetite for well-managed circus bureaucracy.
What your supporter pass unlocks
Ad-free listening
Supported tiers remove ad breaks from main episodes.
Bonus back catalogue
Unlock additional episodes from the growing bonus archive shelves.
Private RSS
Listen in your own podcast app with your personal private feed key.
Supporter perks
Unlock shout-outs and eligible merch perks at higher tiers.
Merch on eligible tiers
Keychain perks are included where tier rules and timing allow.
Why join The Compendium Patreon?
Patreon is the backstage lane for listeners who want more than the public feed. It keeps the show sustainable, funds new research, and gives members earlier releases, cleaner listening, and bonus archive access. Think premium access with only a modest amount of delightful circus paperwork.
Early access to new episodes
Members get episodes earlier, so you can listen before the rest of the internet catches up.
Ad-free listening on supported tiers
Skip ad interruptions in the main feed on tiers that include ad-free playback.
Bonus back catalogue episodes
Go beyond the public archive with extra episodes and additional context drops.
Private RSS access
Use your personal private feed URL so member episodes appear in your own podcast app.
Listen in your preferred app
Patreon membership does not trap you in one player. Use compatible podcast apps you already like.
Support the show directly
Your membership helps fund research, writing, production polish, and new releases.
Keychain perks on eligible tiers
Physical supporter perks kick in on specific membership levels and timelines.
Personalized shout-outs
Higher tiers include on-show recognition for members who want their name entered in the official applause ledger.
Compare Membership Options
No hidden slider and no mystery clauses. Every active tier is listed in full so you can compare perks, listening access, and supporter benefits in one clear view.
Tier availability and annual billing can change by region and capacity on Patreon. We call it bureaucracy, Patreon calls it settings. Please confirm details at checkout.
Little Freak
Entry-level supporter access
$5/month
Annual plans save 10% where available.
Best for listeners who want to support the show, collect their official supporter stamp, and unlock early access plus bonus archive listening when spaces are open.
- Inducted as a Little Freak
- Early access to new episodes
- Bonus back catalogue episodes
- Instant access to your private RSS feed
Certified Freak
Best-value supporter tier
$8/month
Annual plans save 10% where available.
Best for regular listeners who want the full core member experience, including ad-free listening, bonus archive access, and a neatly processed premium upgrade.
- Inducted as a Certified Freak
- Ad-free main episodes
- Early access to new episodes
- Bonus back catalogue episodes
- Instant access to your private RSS feed
- The Compendium keychain after 3 months
- A personalized shout-out
Big Top
Highest-access premium tier
$15/month
Annual plans save 10% where available.
Best for superfans who want top-level access, full ad-free support, and immediate premium perks with minimal waiting-room energy.
- Inducted as a Big Top member
- Ad-free main episodes
- Early access to new episodes
- Bonus back catalogue episodes
- All latest Things episodes
- Instant access to your private RSS feed
- The Compendium keychain with no waiting
- A personalized shout-out
What you get at each level
Each tier builds on the one before it. As you move up, you keep the base benefits and unlock more convenience, more recognition, and faster perks, all fully approved by the Department of Compendium Affairs.
Little Freak: entry-level supporter access
For listeners who want to back the show at the starting tier when capacity opens.
Little Freak is the on-ramp. It gives early access and bonus archive entry without the higher perk stack. If you mainly want to support the show and unlock core bonus listening, this is the cleanest low-friction route when slots are available.
Certified Freak: best-value supporter tier
For regular listeners who want stronger day-to-day listening perks.
Certified Freak is where most members land because it balances price and value. You get ad-free listening, early releases, bonus archive episodes, private RSS access, plus timed merch and shout-out perks. It is built for consistent listeners who want the full middle lane and a properly stamped badge.
Big Top: premium supporter tier
For superfans who want top-level access and immediate premium perks.
Big Top is the highest-access route. It includes everything from lower tiers and removes waiting on eligible perks. If you listen heavily, want every major supporter feature, and prefer fast-tracked clearance at the velvet rope, this is the tier built for you.
How Patreon works
Patreon is the membership platform we use for supporter access. It handles billing, tier access, and private feed delivery so our tiny circus civil service can focus on making episodes instead of hand-stamping forms.
What is Patreon?
Patreon is a membership platform where you subscribe to a creator tier and receive member-only content and perks. For The Compendium, it is the official supporter ledger and access desk.
Why support through Patreon?
It is the cleanest way for us to deliver private RSS access, member-only episodes, and tier perks in one place while keeping the public show sustainable and operationally sane.
Do I pay monthly or annually?
You can select monthly billing, and annual billing is available where Patreon enables it for your selected tier and region. Annual plans typically include a savings note.
What happens if a tier is sold out?
If a tier is sold out, new joins are temporarily closed at that level. You can join an available tier now and upgrade later when capacity changes and the allocation desk reopens.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Patreon supports tier changes, so you can start at one level and move up whenever you want more access.
What is immediate vs. delayed access?
Most digital perks are immediate after successful join. Some physical perks have eligibility timelines, such as keychain rules that depend on your tier and paid duration.
How to listen after joining
Joining is step one. Here is the short official procedure for getting from checkout to actual listening, quickly and with minimal administrative drama.
A private RSS feed is a personal podcast feed URL tied to your membership. You paste it into a compatible podcast app and member episodes appear there. Treat it like a confidential supporter credential because it is linked to your account.
1. Join on Patreon
Choose your membership tier on Patreon and complete checkout. Once payment is confirmed, your supporter status is officially activated.
2. Choose your tier benefits
Confirm the tier you selected and review the included perks. If your preferred tier is sold out, join an available one now and upgrade later if needed.
3. Open your private RSS instructions
Inside Patreon, open your membership benefits and copy your private RSS link. Patreon also shows app-specific setup instructions for supported players.
4. Listen in your preferred podcast app
Paste your private RSS feed into a supported app and start listening. New member episodes appear there as they are released, with no extra hoop-jumping required.
A note from the circus office
Every membership directly funds the work behind each Compendium release: research rabbit holes, script drafting, episode production, edits, publishing overhead, and the extra bonus drops that do not fit into the public feed. Patreon support lets us spend more time making better episodes and less time negotiating with the budget clipboard and its many clip-on forms. If you already back us, thank you. If you are thinking about joining, you are helping us build a stronger show week after week.
Listener proof
No fabricated applause signs here. Real listeners consistently mention depth, storytelling quality, and the value of going deeper with the show.
“I learn something new every time I listen but I also find the hosts unbelievably funny, and relatable. Their banter makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, like we're in the room with them. If someone mentions beanie babies, tetris or nuns - I have 3 incredible tales ready to go, all because of this podcast! Everytime I've recommended it to a friend, they love it, it's one of those podcasts that everyone can find an episode that they enjoy, there's so many to choose from now!”
Sarahs so bossy but she means well
Website review
Rating: 5/5
3 Mar 2026
“I love the range of interesting topics this podcast covers and the amusing way Kyle and Adam cover them. Their overview of the Chinchilla kidnapping is my favourite so far - truth is stranger than fiction!”
Dep Dale
Apple Podcasts
Rating: 5/5
24 Feb 2026
“Absolutely love how you guys tell stories catch myself talking back as if i am the third podcast member! keep going🩷”
ranad4
Apple Podcasts
Rating: 5/5
23 Feb 2026
“Great show really love the way you tell these story’s”
Carlingryderpeyton
Apple Podcasts
Rating: 5/5
20 Feb 2026
“Found these guys recently and have been binge listening the back catalogue daily! Interesting topics and great voices to listen to. Thanks guys, love the banter and friendly jibing.”
Melissa
Website review
Rating: 5/5
20 Feb 2026
“Love Kyle and Adam! Really great and concise storytelling! Topics are always really interesting. Well done, mates!”
Bec Ballard
Apple Podcasts
Rating: 5/5
3 Feb 2026
Frequently asked questions
Everything below is visible on-page so you can make a confident decision before proceeding to checkout and light ceremonial form stamping.
What do I get with Little Freak?
Little Freak includes early access, bonus back catalogue access, and private RSS listening when spaces are open.
Why is Little Freak sold out?
Little Freak is capacity-limited. When slots are full, new joins pause until availability reopens and fresh places are released.
What do I get with Certified Freak?
Certified Freak includes ad-free main episodes, early access, bonus catalogue episodes, private RSS access, keychain eligibility after 3 months, and a personalized shout-out.
What do I get with Big Tops?
Big Top membership includes every core supporter benefit, including ad-free listening, early access, private RSS, bonus episodes, and immediate keychain eligibility with no waiting.
Which tier is the best value?
Certified Freak is the best value for most members because it unlocks the core ad-free and bonus stack at a balanced monthly price.
What does Most Popular mean here?
Most Popular marks the tier currently chosen by the largest share of active supporters. Think of it as the most commonly approved route through the system.
What is private RSS?
Private RSS is a personal podcast feed URL provided by Patreon for your account so you can listen in compatible podcast apps.
How do I listen after joining?
After checkout, open your Patreon benefits, copy your private RSS feed, and add it to a supported podcast app using Patreon instructions.
Are episodes ad-free on every tier?
No. Ad-free listening is available on supported tiers, including Certified Freak and Big Top.
When do I get the keychain?
Certified Freak includes keychain eligibility after 3 paid months. Big Top includes keychain eligibility with no waiting period.
What does After 3 Months mean?
It means you become eligible for that perk once three full paid months at that tier have completed.
What does No Waiting mean?
No Waiting means the perk is available immediately once your membership is active at that tier.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Patreon allows tier changes, so you can move up whenever you want additional access.
Is annual billing available?
Annual billing is supported where Patreon enables it for your selected tier and account region.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. You can manage or cancel your Patreon membership directly through your Patreon account settings with no dramatic exit interview or departure parade required.
Ready to back the show and unlock more?
Join The Compendium Patreon to support the show, get early access, unlock bonus back catalogue episodes, and pick the supporter tier that fits how you listen. Your membership card can be metaphorical, but the perks are very real.