The Assignment with Audie Cornish

What was this year in pop culture like? A scrappy Canadian gay hockey romance becomes the internet’s obsession while big-budget, star-packed shows are dwindling. AI rage-bait memes (some from government accounts) keep hijacking the national conversation. These are just some of the pop culture moments that defined 2025. Audie and New York Magazine staff writer Rebecca Alter break it down.  --  This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson.  Senior Producer: Matt Martinez   Technical Director: Dan Dzula    Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donie O'Sullivan, a CNN senior correspondent, dives into the evolving landscape of spirituality. He discusses the intriguing concept of AI Jesus and its cultural implications. The conversation explores why some young men gravitate towards orthodox Christianity, while others find solace in modern Wicca, embracing empowerment and community. Donie also shares his experiences at UFO events, drawing parallels between belief in aliens and religious devotion. Finally, they tackle the risks of zealotry in today's digital age.

Sarah Herschander, a philanthropy reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect, shares insights on charitable giving amidst economic uncertainty. She discusses the impact of funding cuts on nonprofits and the rise of personal fundraisers like GoFundMe, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Sarah offers tips on choosing who to support, encouraging subscription gifts and aligning donations with personal values. She also emphasizes that non-monetary ways, like volunteering, can be equally meaningful for those who may not have cash to give.

Allison Morrow, a senior writer at CNN Business, dives into the unsettling realities of the U.S. economy. She discusses the alarming disconnect between official data and everyday struggles, like rising grocery prices and increased miss payments. Morrow highlights how ‘affordability’ has shifted in political discourse and the nuances of consumer spending amidst economic disparity. With insights on crowdfunding essentials and the impact of corporate AI investments, she sheds light on the financial fragility many experience, even as markets seem steady.

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and author of the memoir A Different Kind of Power, discusses her transformative leadership during crises, including the Christchurch shooting and a global pandemic. She opens up about battling imposter syndrome, the challenges of parenting in the spotlight, and the importance of empathy in political discourse. Ardern emphasizes the need for kindness in politics, reflects on her early influences, and advocates for raised children to be engaged citizens in a complex world.

Anne Helen Petersen, culture writer and host of the Culture Study podcast, joins Audie to dive deep into the social ramifications of "Love Is Blind." They explore the show's rapid dating arc and why it captivates viewers. Discussion includes the ethics of casting conventions, the show's emotional grip, and how it reflects today's gender and economic issues. They also debate the potential for AI in reality TV and examine international adaptations. It's a rich conversation that reveals much about our cultural landscape.

Tananarive Due, an award-winning horror writer and UCLA lecturer, dives into the evolution of horror in modern culture. She discusses how horror has transformed from cheap thrills to a reflection of systemic oppression and collective trauma. Due links her work, like The Reformatory, to contemporary fears, particularly around policing children. She explains how horror serves as both a vehicle for racial stories and a rehearsal for survival instincts. With insights into how grief intertwines with horror, Due reveals the genre's surprising depth and relevance today.

With New York City’s mayoral election fast approaching, one candidate in particular has managed to break through the noise — even outside the five boroughs. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist-backed progressive whose campaign videos have gone viral, has become the face of a growing leftist wave. But is it a one-city phenomenon, or the beginning of something bigger? Audie talks to CNN Contributor Astead Herndon. His story about Mamdani’s campaign was just published in the New York Times Magazine. He is now a host and Editorial Director at Vox.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The WNBA just wrapped its most-watched season in history, with soaring team valuations and unprecedented public interest. But the league is preparing for possible labor tension as players push for greater revenue sharing and ask who really benefits from its success. Audie turns to CNN contributor and host of Naked Sports, Cari Champion, to talk about what the next era of the WNBA could look like: the economics of the game and how a new competitor could redefine ownership, competition, and opportunity for female athletes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film director Raoul Peck grew up in Haiti and the Congo, and is no stranger to authoritarianism. So it was an easy “yes” when he was offered access to author George Orwell’s entire body of work, from the original manuscript of “1984” to letters and journals. The result is “Orwell: 2+2=5,” a documentary about how a man named Eric Arthur Blair became the timeless face of truth. Peck talks to Audie about his take on Orwell’s legacy and what it still has to teach us.   --  This episode was Produced by Madeleine Thompson and Lori Galarreta Senior Producer: Matt Martinez  Technical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices