ICYMI

A recent influencer controversy sparks a deep dive into body image and authenticity. Remi Bader, once celebrated for her body positivity, faces backlash after revealing her weight loss surgery. Her followers feel deceived, questioning the integrity of social media influencers. The discussion also touches on societal expectations and the emotional toll of navigating public perception. As the hosts analyze the intersection of personal choices and public scrutiny, they highlight the complexities of maintaining a positive narrative in the digital age.

Explore the intriguing rise of Mel Robbins' 'let them theory' on TikTok, and how it promotes emotional well-being while posing risks to genuine relationships. Discover the pitfalls of pursuing self-improvement in a world increasingly dominated by individualism, leading to a loneliness epidemic among Gen Z. The speakers discuss the balance between letting others make their choices and the necessity of tough conversations in fostering meaningful connections. Can this theory provide solace, or is it simply another trend with hidden dangers?

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim break down the saga revolving around a fashion industry employee who got fired after posting a viral TikTok about whether or not influencers were boring. From the “Brokey” challenge to internet history-making GIFs, more and more people are getting fired because of social media. But is it fair — or even legal — for a company to fire someone just because they post online? And how much control should your job have over your social media? Plus, the emerging creator whose own job might be at risk after his followers flooded his employer’s phone lines.This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim picked the wrong time to become a fan of  Emergency Intercom , the podcast hosted by former Viners Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. However, it makes her the perfect person to explain the recent backlash to her co-host Kate Lindsay. Emergency Intercom has longtime listeners threatening to quit after an out-of-touch joke about Greta Thunberg revealed a larger frustration with the hosts being out of touch, and the podcast losing its appeal. This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Special thanks to A.C. Valdez.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe play High Speed Downloads and recap the most pressing stories on their timelines. In one minute or less, they’ll explain the internet’s rising support of Snow White star Rachel Zegler. They also discuss some massive developments in a story involving one of South Korea’s hottest actors and the untimely death of a Korean actress. But first, they recap Nadira’s nostalgia-filled trip to New Jersey’s very own JonasCon.This podcast is produced by Olivia Briley, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay, with help from A.C. Valdez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Jenny G. Zhang, Slate's senior culture editor, sheds light on the journey of Connor Hubbard, an influencer who transitioned from a 9-to-5 job to full-time content creation. They explore the allure and pitfalls of daily routine videos that resonate with viewers yet can feel monotonous. The conversation highlights the 'relatability trap' social media influencers face, balancing authenticity with audience expectations. Zhang raises critical questions about the societal implications and identity crises influencers encounter in this fast-evolving digital landscape.

The hosts share hilarious experiences with self-driving cars and bumping into influencers. They dive into the tension of filming public figures without consent, raising important questions around privacy rights. The conversation critiques the polished veneer of influencer culture versus its gritty reality. Discussions reveal the thin line between satire and bullying in the public perception of influencers. They ponder the ethics of consuming content featuring unsuspecting individuals, exploring how society grapples with unwanted exposure.

Kate Lindsay and guest co-host senior Slate editor Rebecca Onion talk Adolescence, the new hit Netflix series Onion wrote is “one of the best shows of the year.” What looks on the surface to be a typical murder mystery unfolds as a brutal illustration of the rise of toxic masculinity online. Kate and Rebecca break down the manosphere ideology that radicalized the show’s protagonist, and how key manosphere figures like Andrew Tate continue to indoctrinate young boys. This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Olivia Briley, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Lindsay fills guest co-host Nitish Pahwa in on the TikTok drama that has the “NYC influencer girlies” in a tizzy. After being accused of being “boring,” certain (white, blonde, thin) creators took offense. Kate gives Nitish a crash course in this niche influencer community, and Nitish explains why people find it so hard to take control of their own algorithms, ultimately begging the question: Are NYC influencers boring…or are we?This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Special thanks to Kevin Bendis for his help with this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay explore creative and sometimes absurd ways people are protesting online. From declassified sabotage tactics to the latest internet vandalism, the discussion highlights the evolution of hacktivism. They dig into slacktivism's effectiveness, reflecting on past movements and a recent hacking incident. DDoS attacks and the challenges of digital resistance reveal the complexities of modern activism. Plus, they scrutinize the limitations of one-day protests and the need for sustained engagement to achieve real change.