ICYMI

Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay investigate the disappearance of SylvanianDrama. The creator behind the account gained millions of followers for role-playing salacious narratives with the fuzzy Calico Critters children’s toys, but a copyright lawsuit from the brand itself has threatened the future of the account. Fans of SylvanianDrama are in an uproar, but the story isn’t black and white. Instead, it’s a warning for all of us about how personal posts online could end up paying professional consequences. 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

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim break down everything that’s happened since a software CEO was caught in a suspicious position with his co-worker at a Coldplay concert. From Chris Martin’s viral dialogue to the dearth of content emerging from this story, they run through the tenets of a monocultural moment and debunk the misinformation that has transpired alongside this scandal. 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

Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay are joined by New York Times reporter and former ICYMI host Madison Malone Kircher to break down the internet history of Jojo Siwa. The 22-year-old got her start on Dance Moms over ten years ago, and has gone on to be a singer, performer, and serial reality TV show contestant. During this time she came out as queer, and attempted to have her own Miley Cyrus Bangerz rebrand. Now, with a new single and a new boyfriend, Jojo is entering yet another era, prompting the question: Who is Jojo Siwa, anyway? This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Vic Whitley-Berry, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay, with help from Benjamin Frisch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the quirks of modern tech as the hosts tackle the frustrations of constant logins and app overload. Discover the 'Gen-Z stare' and its roots in digital communication. They humorously critique smart appliances that complicate everyday tasks. Navigate the messy world of fast food delivery apps and their hidden costs. Explore the troubling trade-off between data privacy and convenience. Join a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving internet landscape and how it shapes our interactions.

The discussion dives into the turbulent relationship between Love Island and social media, emphasizing how online platforms shape viewer interactions and influence contestants' mental health. Tragic stories of public shaming and social media backlash frame the conversation, highlighting the need for better support for reality TV participants. The hosts analyze the inconsistency in the show's handling of controversies and the responsibilities of producers to protect contestants. They ponder the balance between entertainment and social responsibility in the reality TV landscape.

Laura Pitcher, a senior writer for Dazed, explores the fascinating trend of people turning to ChatGPT as their therapist. The discussion dives into the allure of using AI for emotional support and the potential consequences, including loneliness and diminished interpersonal skills. Pitcher shares insights on how users are outsourcing their emotions to ChatGPT and the implications of crafting personal messages through AI. The conversation also raises critical questions about data privacy and the balance between technology and genuine human connection.

Tony Ho Tran, a senior tech editor at Slate specializing in technology and its societal impact, joins the discussion to unpack Meta’s recent AI lawsuit victory. The conversation dives into the potential dangers of AI tools like ChatGPT on creativity and online expression. Tony shares insights on the urgent need for regulatory measures as AI expands its reach, often without users' awareness. They also discuss the evolving nature of data ownership and privacy concerns in the digital age and the ongoing legal battles that could reshape our understanding of copyright.

A woman in her 50s goes viral on TikTok after sharing her journey of getting a facelift and chin implant in Guadalajara. The discussion reveals how influencers like Kylie Jenner have also opened up about their cosmetic surgeries, sparking conversations around beauty standards. The hosts explore the societal implications of this growing transparency and how it empowers individuals to embrace their transformations. They reflect on how these candid discussions are reshaping perceptions of aging and body image in 2025.

Ingrid Nilsen, known as the iconic beauty lifestyle YouTuber MissGlamorazzi, reflects on her groundbreaking coming out video from 2015 that gained over 18 million views. She discusses the emotional turmoil she faced before uploading and the mixed reactions that shaped her journey. Delving into how coming out videos transformed LGBTQ+ representation on YouTube, Nilsen shares nostalgic memories and emphasizes the importance of community support during such personal revelations. The conversation highlights the evolution of acceptance and authenticity in the digital age.

Kelsey Weekman, a Yahoo News senior entertainment reporter specializing in internet culture, shares insights from this year's VidCon. She discusses YouTube's stronghold despite TikTok's popularity, highlighting the emotional highlights of VidCon's 20th anniversary. The conversation dives into the cultural clash between the two platforms, how YouTube remains favored by adults, and the nostalgic impact of early creators like the Vlogbrothers. They also touch on the dynamic interactions within the social media space and playful ideas for engaging panels.