ICYMI

On today’s episode, host Kate Lindsay is joined by culture writer Mikala Jamison to talk about the rise in online concern about celebrities’ bodies. Mikala writes the newsletter Body Type, and her forthcoming book The Forever Project details her recovery from an eating disorder. Following the premiere of movies like Wicked: For Good, fan concern and speculation about celebrity bodies has culminated in a larger discussion about the return of “this is in.” But did “thin” really ever go away? And what is the right way, if any, to talk about it? This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario to unpack the 25-part TikTok saga titled the “Danish Deception.” After a former Bachelor contestant came forward with a story about her scamming ex, TikTok turned on her instead. Why didn’t Onyeka get the Reesa Teesa treatment? And who is the real villain of this story? This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carmen Vicente, a savvy social media manager and creator, dives into the fascinating return to offline hobbies as acts of rebellion against our digital overload. She discusses the rise of trends like the 'analog bag' on TikTok, showcasing how physical items and activities—crafts, DVDs, and nature walks—encourage real-world connections. Carmen also predicts a shift in social media apps towards supporting these offline pursuits, hinting at a future where apps focus more on community and less on constant connectivity.

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by I <3 Mess writer Emily Kirkpatrick to discuss the influx of celebrities joining Substack. As two long-time Substack newsletter writers themselves, the pair dive into all of these new celebrity publications…including the parts they may not know readers can see. What does it say about the state of celebrity that so many are becoming writers—and do they even have anything to say? This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by porn historian Noelle Perdue, author of the Porn World newsletter. OpenAI announced that they’d allow adult users to have erotic conversations with ChatGPT, just one more way AI and porn are becoming intertwined. As sex becomes more online, not only does it become more solitary, but also more surveilled. Both of these things are intended to divide us, but Noelle is confident that AI’s attempted sex-takeover will fail.  This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by New York Magazine feature writer, Rebecca Jennings, to discuss the two internet villains currently trying to get back in the internet’s good graces. First, there’s former Try Guy Ned Fulmer, who was ousted from the group after having an affair with an employee, and has now relaunched his YouTube channel as well as his own podcast. Then, Colleen Ballinger, also known as MirandaSings, appeared on Tea Time with Raven Symone and Miranda Maday to discuss allegations that she had interacted inappropriately with her fans. In both cases, fans have rejected their attempts to return. So why do they keep coming back? This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful conversation, Josh Lora, also known as TellTheBees, unpacks the cultural phenomenon surrounding dating and boyfriends. He explores the social media dynamics that lead women to hide their boyfriends, linking it to a modern critique of patriarchy and heterofatalism. Josh dissects TikTok trends that reward male presence while critiquing the cringe culture that punishes vulnerability in relationships. The discussion touches on the implications of performative content and the normalization of disrespect in romantic narratives. It's a thought-provoking take on love in the digital age!

Kelsey Weekman, a senior entertainment reporter at Yahoo News specializing in internet culture, joins to unpack who Alex Warren is and why his music is everywhere. They dive into Warren's journey from Hype House influencer to Grammy-nominated artist, exploring his pivot to music and the rise of 'secular praise music.' Kelsey explains the formula behind his viral success, including his strategic branding and emotional performance visuals. They also discuss the unique allure of TikTok stars entering the music scene and what sets Warren apart from others.

Join Manny Fidel, a culture writer and cohost of the No Such Thing podcast, as he delves into the explosion of online gambling. Discover how recent scandals unveil the deeper connections between gambling and sports media integrity, and how apps are designed to be addictive. Explore the unusual bets people are making—from political races to fashion choices—and the alarming social consequences, including financial instability and domestic issues. Can regulation help curb this trend? Manny provides insights into the gambling landscape that everyone should hear.

Angelina Mazza, a Slate contributing editor and culture writer, joins to unravel the curious case of the Hatch alarm clock's Halloween ad that sparked claims of demonic influences among Christian users. They delve into why some believe technology harbors evil, explore the phenomenon of hearing voices in white noise, and laugh over Hatch's response program. The conversation also touches on how spiritual warfare shapes tech fears and the impact of social media on such narratives, giving a unique perspective on modern anxieties around technology.