ICYMI

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.

Discover how independent animation thrives thanks to the internet! With big studios scaling back, platforms like Patreon and YouTube are lifelines for unique creators. Learn how fans play a pivotal role in 'greenlighting' projects and supporting risky storytelling. The conversation dives into the breadth of animation, from adult themes to crude humor. Hear about Vivienne Medrano's rise through online exposure and how shows like Hazbin Hotel found their audience through grassroots support. Let's keep independent animation alive!

Join Jonquilyn Hill, host of Vox's Explain It To Me and a savvy commentator on internet culture, as she takes a nostalgic stroll down memory lane with Kate Lindsay. They explore the quirky online Halloween traditions of the past, from spooky Twitter names to faded Snapchat filters. Delve into the eerie world of creepypasta, the viral ghost videos haunting TikTok, and the shift from earnest to ironic online culture. Plus, they tackle how memes are shaping Halloween costumes and the impact of social media on real-life celebrations.

Laura Kate Dale, a writer and streamer passionate about gaming culture and creator safety, joins to discuss serious issues surrounding TwitchCon. They tackle the shocking assault on streamer Emiru during a meet-and-greet, highlighting the fears that compel female streamers to skip the convention. Laura shares insights on Twitch's inadequate responses to harassment, critiques security measures, and reveals the unique risks associated with meet-and-greets. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for better protections for creators, particularly marginalized voices.

In this discussion, guest Luke Winkie, a Slate staff writer known for his sharp insights on Twitch culture, dives into the controversy surrounding streamer Hasan Piker. He analyzes accusations of dog abuse and sheds light on how misinformation proliferates online. Luke shares his firsthand experience with Hasan and his dog, Kaya, emphasizing their affectionate bond. The conversation also explores the role of clout-chasing and political motives in media narratives, along with the challenges of navigating online harassment and misinformation.

On today’s episode, hosts Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay celebrate Candice’s three years at ICYMI, and send her off onto her next chapter. They talk Dan and Phil’s hard launch, Connor Franta and Troye Sivan’s Instagram beef, and the major predictions Candice has for the internet in 2026. Get more of ICYMI with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of ICYMI and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the ICYMI show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/icymiplus for access wherever you listen. This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Vic Whitley-Berry, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay get into tech’s latest effort to turn A.I. into a status symbol. Anthropic has been pushing “Thinking” caps into the trendy streets of New York. OpenAI has been handing out awards for power users akin to YouTube subscriber plaques. But one of the worst offenders is Friend, a $129 wearable necklace that spent a million dollars to infiltrate subway stations and bus stops. Why are A.I. companies trying so hard to be trendy? And how are people revolting against them? Finally, we have some news.  Get more of ICYMI with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of ICYMI and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the ICYMI show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/icymiplus for access wherever you listen. This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices