Panic World Our favorite middle school conspiracies
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Nov 19, 2025 Joining the discussion are Noah, Devin, and Grant from the No Such Thing podcast collective. They dive into wild middle school conspiracies, like the infamous rumor about Ciara and the jenkem panic, revealing how rumors spread without social media. Devin highlights the origins of the jenkem story, while Noah shares insights on the psychological reasons behind celebrity gossip. They also tackle the classic rumor about Marilyn Manson and debunk each myth, showcasing a fascinating look at how and why these stories captivated a generation.
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Ciara Intersex Rumor In Middle School
- Devin recalls the Ciara rumor at his middle school that she was born intersex and had 'revealed' it on Oprah.
- He and others vividly participated in spreading and debating that claim despite no Oprah appearance existing then.
Career Success Fuels Gender Rumors
- The hosts connect Ciara's rise and provocative songs like "Goodies" to why rumors about her gender circulated.
- They suggest industry rumor mills weaponize sexualized narratives to knock rising female stars down a peg.
Ciara's Rise And Cultural Context
- Noah summarizes Ciara's rise: Atlanta roots, working with Jazze Pha, and hits like "1, 2 Step" that made her ubiquitous.
- This context helps explain why rumors about her personal life spread widely among teens.