ICYMI

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by porn historian Noelle Perdue, author of the Porn World newsletter. OpenAI announced that they’d allow adult users to have erotic conversations with ChatGPT, just one more way AI and porn are becoming intertwined. As sex becomes more online, not only does it become more solitary, but also more surveilled. Both of these things are intended to divide us, but Noelle is confident that AI’s attempted sex-takeover will fail. This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode host Kate Lindsay is joined by New York Magazine feature writer, Rebecca Jennings, to discuss the two internet villains currently trying to get back in the internet’s good graces. First, there’s former Try Guy Ned Fulmer, who was ousted from the group after having an affair with an employee, and has now relaunched his YouTube channel as well as his own podcast. Then, Colleen Ballinger, also known as MirandaSings, appeared on Tea Time with Raven Symone and Miranda Maday to discuss allegations that she had interacted inappropriately with her fans. In both cases, fans have rejected their attempts to return. So why do they keep coming back?This podcast is produced by Vic Whitley-Berry, Daisy Rosario, and Kate Lindsay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!