ICYMI

In this lively discussion, Kat Tenbarge, an internet culture reporter for Spitfire News, dives into the wild world of 2025's digital moments. They explore the concept of 'brain rot' and dissect the infamous 6-7 meme. Kat and host Kate Lindsay analyze online reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination through a lens of nihilism and meme culture. They also tackle surveillance issues wrought by social media and predict the future of TikTok amid looming bans. Exciting and thought-provoking, this conversation unpacks the nuances of contemporary internet life.

In this discussion, Aymann Ismail, a Slate staff writer, delves into the viral Mehdi Hasan debate on Jubilee, revealing how the platform's approach to political discourse can be harmful. He criticizes Jubilee for turning political disagreements into attention-grabbing content that rewards extremism. Aymann highlights the problematic normalization of extremist views and the implications of click-driven media on public discourse. This insightful conversation unveils the tension between free speech and responsible dialogue in today's media landscape.

On today’s episode, host Kate Lindsay is joined by comedian and writer Youngmi Mayer to talk about a controversy that’s divided TikTok: How should Asian people feel about white people in Asian grocery stores? That’s the question creator Madeline Qi didn’t even mean to ask when she posted her now-viral video, which resulted in call-outs, doxxing, and, ultimately, a conversation too nuanced for TikTok. Youngmi’s attempts to make sense of the discourse on her Substack ended up going viral on Instagram, so she came on the show to share what people misunderstand about the controversy, and how her own experience being mixed white and Asian contributes to her perspective. This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay, with help from AC Valdez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angelina Mazza, a culture writer and expert on queer romance, joins the discussion about the viral success of HBO's Heated Rivalry. She explores the passionate online fandom that rallied behind the show long before its U.S. premiere, detailing how it originated in Rachel Reid's hockey romance novels. The conversation delves into the series’ compelling enemies-to-lovers arc and the importance of queer representation in hockey culture. Angelina also highlights the fans' creative efforts and the challenges of misinformation that come with rapid virality.

Casey Lewis, a writer and curator for the After School newsletter, joins to explore Gen Z's evolving relationship with Millennial culture. They discuss how TikTok trends have shifted from mocking Millennials as 'cringe' to a nostalgic embrace of 2010s aesthetics. Casey defines 'millennial optimism' and dives into fashion and music that shaped that era. The conversation highlights the carefree vibe of the 2010s and questions if Gen Z can craft their own version of optimism or merely inherit the past.

In this discussion with Amanda Mull, a Senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek, listeners learn about the decline of Etsy from a unique handmade marketplace to a platform flooded with low-quality goods. Amanda critiques the overwhelming chaos of online shopping, from AI-generated listings to the rise of sponsored search results. She highlights how frictionless buying tricks consumers and discusses the impact of free shipping on small sellers. Amanda also suggests that local craft fairs and vintage shops may offer more authentic shopping experiences.

In this engaging conversation, culture writer Mikala Jamison, author of the Body Type newsletter and upcoming book The Forever Project, dives into the evolving discussion around celebrity body standards. She argues that thinness never truly disappeared, exploring societal pressures and the complexities of body positivity. Mikala criticizes public scrutiny over weight loss, discussing the implications of celebrity responses. Ultimately, she advocates for a more nuanced dialogue about body image that prioritizes recovery and understanding over individual condemnation.

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