

ICYMI
Slate Podcasts
Join Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay twice a week as we gaze deep into the online abyss—and tell you what’s gazing back.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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2025 • 41min
Are New York City Influencers Boring?
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

Mar 15, 2025 • 28min
Hacktivism, Slacktivism, and (Cybertruck) Vandalism
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.

Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
What’s Going On with Alabama Barker and Bhad Bhabie?
Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay dive into the battle between Bhad Bhabie and Alabama Barker. Nine years ago, Bhad Bhabie was introduced to the world on Dr. Phil as Danielle Bregoli, a 13-year-old wild child who shot to viral fame as the “Cash Me Outside” girl. Bregoli, also known as rapper Bhad Bhabie, has recently made online waves for her diss track war with Barker, begging the question: why can’t the internet stop watching an internet meme and a nepo baby fight online? And did Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef create the ultimate template for feuds going forward?This podcast is produced by Alexandra Botti, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 8, 2025 • 30min
Does This Makeup Make Me Look Republican?
Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay have been tracking the many influencers “coming out” as Republicans, as well as what they all have in common: their makeup. Bad eyeliner aside, this new cast of conservative creators are younger, trendier, and ditching the typical influencer hub of Los Angeles for Nashville. With Republican influencers looking a lot different than they did five years ago, Candice and Kate break down what this could mean for the influencing industry as a whole.This podcast is produced by Alexandra Botti, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5, 2025 • 41min
The Meghan in Montecito Rebrand
Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay check in on Meghan Markle’s current relationship with the internet. First, they give their takes on With Love, Meghan, a Netflix lifestyle show created by and starring the Duchess of Sussex that brings her old, new, and famous friends into her Montecito lifestyle. Then, culture critic and Daily Fail host Kristen Meinzer joins to take a bigger look at how Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the public, the media, and themselves has changed in the last five years.This podcast is produced by Alexandra Botti, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 1, 2025 • 36min
And The Oscar Goes To…Club Chalamet
Dive into the entertaining chaos of awards season as fan accounts steal the spotlight! Uncover the fascinating lore of Club Chalamet and how social media shapes Oscar campaigns. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about actors' quirky responses and the pressures of press tours. Explore the fine line of fandom, where admiration can tip into obsession, and celebrate the powerful impact of devoted fan communities on rising stars. Plus, don’t miss the unmasking of a notable Tumblr creator—this episode is a lively exploration of cinema and its passionate followers!

Feb 26, 2025 • 33min
Ethan Klein’s Attack on Fauxmoi
The hosts dive into Ethan Klein's fierce backlash against the Fauxmoi subreddit after personal attacks involving his wife. They discuss how public figures are increasingly pushing back against online snark pages and the legal gray areas of defamation claims. The complexities of internet drama are explored, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding influencers and their followers. Also highlighted are the unique challenges faced by moderators navigating community dynamics and the implications of online criticism.

Feb 22, 2025 • 51min
Welcome to the TikTok Pharmacy
Sydney Lupkin, NPR's pharmaceuticals correspondent, dives into the captivating world of TikTok's influence on healthcare marketing. She discusses the rise of misleading health ads and the need for transparency, particularly around weight loss drugs. The conversation critiques the use of pop culture in promoting medications and explores the complexities of telehealth services on social media. With humor, Candice and Kate share early internet memories while emphasizing consumer vigilance in navigating the modern pharmaceutical landscape rife with scams.

Feb 19, 2025 • 34min
The Wishbone Kitchen vs. Bon Appétit Food Fight
The podcast delves into a fiery social media clash between chef Meredith Hayden and Bon Appétit, fueled by allegations of idea theft. While Hayden's TikTok antics gained her fame, Bon Appétit's reputation is in shambles after past controversies. The discussion highlights the struggle of traditional food media to keep up with rising independent creators. With conversations surrounding racial equality and authenticity, listeners get insight into the shifting culinary landscape and the evolving role of social media in shaping narratives.

Feb 15, 2025 • 35min
Thrifting in the Time of TikTok
Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay may not agree on thrifting, but they can confirm we’re living through a “digital thrift revolution.” From Depop to ThredUp, it’s never been easier for people to donate and shop their used clothing. However, the rise of thrifting creators is making for a crowded market, and what’s the point of thrifting if we’re still buying too much stuff?This podcast is produced by Alexandra Botti, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay.P.S. The original Style Size Index spreadsheet mentioned in the episode has been deleted, but a similar tool exists here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices