Panic World

Journalist Katie Notopoulos, known for her sharp insights into internet culture, joins the crew to dish on 2026's most bizarre online moments. They hilariously dissect a Harry Potter cop mug and a viral post about consuming horse electrolytes. From outrageous fanfiction featuring political figures to quirky erotica involving the Savannah Bananas, the discussion spans the absurd. The group also critiques haunting AI-generated content, all while pondering the weirdness of internet culture and its disheartening shifts this year.

Join June Sternbach, a podcaster and commentator known for her sharp insights into internet culture, and Josh Boerman, an expert on online communities, as they delve into the dark and fascinating world of 'lolcows.' They discuss the troubling intersection of political extremism and online harassment, highlighting the Story of Chris Chan. The guests explore how trolling, doxing, and weaponization of personal narratives have shifted from mere entertainment to powerful political tools. They also caution about the future dangers posed by AI and the need for community support against such exploitation.

Join Garrett Graff, a seasoned journalist and author of several works on security, as he delves into the complexities of Russian interference in the 2016 election. He argues that this interference not only influenced media narratives but also shaped Trump's grievance-driven politics. Graff compares Russia's ongoing impact to Watergate, highlighting how tactics like social engineering and troll accounts stoked division. He explores the long shadow of these events, emphasizing the need for accountability and hope for a transformative political future.

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.

Kat Abughazaleh, a researcher, journalist, and congressional candidate from Illinois, dives into the fusion of influencers and politics. She shares her unique journey of transforming online popularity into political capital, detailing the impact of her media experience on understanding threats and narratives. Kat also discusses the evolution of campaign strategies in the digital age and the challenges women face as influencers in politics. Her insights on grassroots fundraising and the ethics of digital campaigning offer a fresh perspective on the future of political engagement.

Katelyn Burns, co-host of Cancel Me, Daddy, delves deep into the evolution and impact of cancel culture. She discusses iconic cancellations like Justine Sacco and the complexities of public outrage. The conversation reveals how financial ramifications often outweigh public opinion, demonstrated through the case of Adam 22. Burns and her fellow panelists also explore the psychology behind fan loyalty and its role in protecting figures from consequence, as well as the intertwining of cancel culture with rising online extremism.

Maxwell Frost, a U.S. Representative and progressive organizer, dives into the dangerous realm of rage bait in politics. He discusses how Trump uses federal communications to scapegoat marginalized groups while sparking outrage. Maxwell shares his personal origin in resisting trolling and offers insights on combatting these tactics by reframing conversations around economic issues. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to be bold and authentic, urging them to counteract right-wing aggression with policy-driven messages rather than mimicking cruelty.

Bridget Todd, host of There Are No Girls on the Internet, and Heather Holdridge, Managing Director at Real Voices Media, dive deep into the wellness industry’s connection to misinformation and its darker implications. They discuss how wellness trends exploit genuine health grievances, radicalizing individuals and intertwining with political movements. Topics range from the impact of social media on youth health perceptions to the commercialization of wellness capitalism, highlighting urgent solutions to combat health misinformation.

Jon Favreau, co-founder of Crooked Media and host of multiple political podcasts, shares his insights on media dynamics in today's polarized world. He discusses the right's media dominance, attributing it to nihilistic humor and algorithms favoring anger. Favreau reflects on the early days of online politics, the Obama-era optimism, and the emergence of new media shaping conversations. He emphasizes how the left's fragmentation and cultural grievances have hindered unity, while touting Pod Save America's role in fostering civil debate and coalition-building.

Join Peter Berkman and Luke Silas from Anamanaguchi as they dive into the spellbinding intersection of internet culture and witchcraft. Peter explores how algorithms echo rituals, while Luke shares insights on niche communities and identity experimentation online. They recount early online pagan networks and the rise of meme magic, including a discussion on how TikTok revives old subcultures and connection to political hexes. This lively chat unpacks the evolution of digital identities and the collective power of modern witchcraft.