ICYMI

Join Slate staff writer Molly Olmstead as she dives into the whirlwind world of Pope Leo XIV, described as the Taylor Swift of Catholicism. Discover how his papacy is reshaping the digital landscape and sparking conversations among both traditional and new Catholics. From the trend of hair covering influenced by social media to memes blending pop culture with papal moments, Olmstead explores the vibrant changes and the emerging new Catholic culture. She also touches on the significant demographic shifts and the appeal of Catholicism in today’s conservative climate.

Explore the bizarre world of influencer baby names, where competition is fierce and names like 'Malibu Barbie' and 'Laikynn' reign. Delve into the quirky subreddit r/Tragedeigh, highlighting the ridiculousness of these naming conventions. The discussion uncovers the cultural implications of unique names and how influencer culture shapes these trends. Listen as the hosts share humorous experiences while balancing the unique with the conventional in naming. It's a playful dive into a digital frontier where even names become part of a social media strategy.

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim explain the situation surrounding influencer Kayla Malec and beauty YouTuber James Charles. Malec is a 19-year-old TikToker who was in a 9-month relationship with a content creator named Evan Johnson. After their breakup, Malec posted a YouTube video accusing her ex-boyfriend of domestic abuse and violence. Days later, Johnson was charged by officials in Tennessee with domestic assault, and last week, he pled guilty to those charges and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. While Malec did win this case, somehow, the controversial makeup influencer James Charles entered the scene and caused more drama than necessary. ICYMI will explain how Malec’s story got sabotaged and overshadowed by influencers who may be trying to get clout off of her trauma, and why James Charles is somehow always involved in internet drama. 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

The podcast dives deep into Tattle.Life, a controversial UK gossip site known for its harsh critique of influencers. Hosts unpack the site's origins and its founder's anonymity. They discuss the clash between accountability and cruelty in influencer culture, particularly following high-profile breakups. A significant focus is on the ongoing governmental scrutiny Tattle faces and the potential implications for online speech. Listeners will find a riveting exploration of the impact of digital harassment and the complexities of moderating public discourse.

The hosts explore the end of Skype and its nostalgic impact on internet culture. They dive into the 'caveman skincare' debate and how health trends evolve on social media. A TikTok influencer's controversial interview with a White House press secretary sparks discussions on the intersection of fitness and politics. They highlight the challenges influencers face when blending casual content with serious subjects. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how running culture intersects with political issues, all delivered with a humorous twist.

Princess Weekes, a pop culture expert and journalist, joins Vic Whitley-Berry, a producer and longtime Harry Potter fan, to navigate the complex feelings surrounding J.K. Rowling’s controversial views. They discuss the emotional struggle fans face reconciling nostalgia for the franchise with the author's anti-trans sentiments. The conversation touches on loyalty, ethical dilemmas, and the need for diverse representation in literature. Together, they explore how to engage with beloved works while being sensitive to the broader implications in today’s social climate.

Tensions rise as controversy brews over an influencer's upcoming book that blends queer themes with a mainstream narrative. The hosts dissect accusations of queerbaiting and the complexities of ghostwriting in the influencer space. They delve into the audience's feelings of betrayal and the ethical dilemmas surrounding authorship. With humorous banter, they explore personal development in the context of internet culture and the appeal of BookTok. This lively conversation challenges norms about who gets to tell certain stories in today's publishing landscape.

Dive into the wild world of internet inside jokes! From the hilarious claim that J.D. Vance killed the Pope to Demi Lovato's twin rumored to be locked in a basement, the hosts explore absurd memes and their real-world impact. Discover the legacy of a progressive pope and how misinformation spreads through social media. They also tackle the evolution of internet humor, examining quirky tales that blur the lines between fact and satire. It's a delightful exploration of how we laugh and connect in the digital age.

The hosts dive into the drama of a $50 million lawsuit against Revolve, accusing it of deceptive practices impacting over a million shoppers. They unpack the ethical dilemmas in influencer marketing, spotlighting the importance of transparency and disclosing paid partnerships. Coachella's blend of music and commerce sparks discussions on celebrity culture, while the rise of sponcon skepticism raises questions about authenticity in digital promotions. The evolving influencer landscape and its challenges add depth to this conversation on modern marketing ethics.

The hosts dive into the chaotic world of family vlogging and the recent laws aimed at protecting child influencers. They highlight Utah's new legislation that confuses the realities of content creation with financial responsibility. The discussion raises questions about lawmakers' understanding of social media and its dynamic impact on creators. Ethical dilemmas surrounding child welfare and audience engagement come to light, alongside humorous takes on the complexities of regulations in the digital age. This leads to a thought-provoking exploration of balancing creativity with responsibility.