FT Weekend—Predictions for 2022: Britney, flip phones and the metaverse

Dec 18, 2021

In this lively discussion, Matt Vella, editor of FT Weekend, and pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explore cultural predictions for 2022. They delve into nostalgic topics, like whether Britney will release a life documentary and if flip phones will make a comeback. Ludovic also shares tips on crafting the perfect holiday playlist, highlighting standout albums and music trends. Their humorous take on the interplay between nostalgia and modern connections gives insight into upcoming cultural shifts.

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ANECDOTE

Refrigerator Christmas

Lilah Raptopoulos describes chaotic yet fun Christmases with 45 people.
They used multiple fridges, stored wine in snow, and even a turkey in a car.

INSIGHT

Nostalgia Trend

Matt Vella observes a pervasive nostalgia trend in 2021.
He attributes this to a longing for pre-pandemic times.

ANECDOTE

Analog Nostalgia

Listeners expressed nostalgia for analog experiences, like libraries and flip phones.
Lilah's sister countered, highlighting the difficulty of texting on flip phones.

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It's the final FT Weekend episode of 2021, and we are marking the end of one unpredictable year and the start of another. What do you think will happen in 2022? Matt Vella, FT Weekend Magazine editor, joins Lilah to discuss listeners’ cultural predictions. A lot of them had an air of nostalgia: Will Britney make a documentary about her life? Will flip phones make a comeback? Then, our pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney teaches us the art of the perfect holiday playlist.

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If you want a great offer on an FT subscription specifically for listeners (and not a bad Christmas gift!) use this link: http://ft.com/weekendpodcast

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Thank you for listening to the show this year. We’ll be back on January 8! What culture will you be reading, watching, listening to during the holidays? Say hi and let us know! Email us at ftweekendpodcast@ft.com. We’re on Twitter @ftweekendpod, and Lilah is on Instagram and Twitter @lilahrap.

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Links and mentions from the episode:

–Two books by the late, great bell hooks: The Will to Change, and All About Love

–The FT’s Christmas roundup-(the complete guide to eating, drinking, giving and self-caring your way to a very merry holiday this year): https://www.ft.com/content/3d6c80dd-dbc3-4e0e-939f-b917aa401dfc

Here are Ludo’s reviews of his favourite albums of the year (all free to read):

–The Weather Station: Ignorance https://www.ft.com/content/57aef341-cce1-4816-9939-3c71a3fe5edf

–Nation of Language: A Way Forward https://www.ft.com/content/ed7f3da8-d033-4ca0-90c7-1b7e4b425a19

–Pharoah Sanders, Floating Points and the London Symphony Orchestra: Promises https://www.ft.com/content/c00c0655-013d-4d3b-8c7c-bf7dea47c1fc

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Thank you to everyone who shared your notes, including: Andrei Berghianu from Romania, Olga Sihmane from Stockholm, Ashley Harris from Brooklyn, Lily Bland, Roger Ralph, Manish Prayaga, Helen Beedham, April from Los Angeles and so many more.

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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design is by Breen Turner.

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