

ICYMI
Slate Podcasts
Join 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 20, 2022 • 28min
Frog Eggs, Pheromones, and Yassified Ed Sheeran, Oh My!
On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle open up the mailbag to answer some more listener questions. They’ve got people wondering about a giant frog army on TikTok, Christy Carlson Romano doing sponcon cameos, dubious hygienic practices, and more.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, Madison Malone Kircher, and Daisy Rosario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 2022 • 28min
Our CEO Tried to Scam Me
Recently, it seems like our phones won’t stop buzzing with texts and phone calls about our expired car warranties or supposed IRS delinquency. On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison discuss their own recent brushes with scams, a recent piece in the Washington Post about how scams take more than an economic toll on us, and why none of us should feel bad if we get taken in by them.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, Madison Malone Kircher, and Daisy Rosario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 13, 2022 • 31min
Doja Cat and Cardi B Are Fighting, But Not With Each Other
This past week Doja Cat started fighting with Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp, and Cardi B beefed with the gossip blog the Shade Room. On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle break down what’s really going on in these two fights, and how the Shade Room became a toxic behemoth of internet gossip. Plus, they talk about Beanie Feldstein bowing out of Funny Girl on Broadway, and what it means now that Lea Michele is taking the stage.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, Madison Malone Kircher, and Daisy Rosario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2022 • 29min
The Rise of the Gentleminions
Last weekend, Minions: The Rise of Gru premiered and a bunch of teens showed up to see it dressed up in suits, launching the #Gentleminions trend across TikTok. On the show today, Madison and Rachelle talk about why teens are putting on suits to go to the movies, and how the minions became such a dominant cultural and capitalistic force. Then, they’re joined by Vox’s Rebecca Jennings to discuss her latest piece on what the minions reveal about labor exploitation.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Madison Malone Kircher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 6, 2022 • 25min
How a Social Justice Instagram Weaponized Cancel Culture
Journalist Jessica Lucas joins the hosts to discuss the implosion and controversies surrounding the Instagram account No White Saviors, including allegations of misrepresentation, embezzlement, and lack of transparency in donations. They delve into the dramatic events surrounding Kelsey Nielsen, her arrest in Uganda, and allegations of assault. The chapter concludes with reflection on the impact on victims and the decrease in trust for online activism.

Jul 2, 2022 • 27min
Daily Harvest Is Crumbling
In the past month, customers of the meal delivery service Daily Harvest have been suffering from gastrointestinal distress after eating the company’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles, and some have even required surgery. The company is currently investigating the cause of these medical issues but has yet to find anything conclusive. On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison speak to Luke Pearson, an influencer who received the product in a PR package from Daily Harvest and has since had to have his gallbladder removed. They discuss his medical journey, what it was like finding a community online that was also suffering from these problems, and how it’s affected his future plans for brand partnerships.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Madison Malone Kircher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 29, 2022 • 26min
This Episode Will Not Bum You Out
On this week’s episode, Rachelle and Madison decided that, because of the recent Supreme Court news, it was time to take respite in some good online fun. They talk about the Olsen twins making pizza, Adam Lambert’s stellar vocals, plastic bags, musicals, and plenty more. Make sure to check out our Twitter for a thread with all the things mentioned in today’s episode.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Madison Malone Kircher and Rachelle Hampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2022 • 27min
There Are No New Jokes On the Internet
Log onto any social app and you’ll quickly find content that’s been ported over from another platform. On the show today, Rachelle and Madison talk about the homogenization of internet humor and how every platform is trying to copy its competition. Then they discuss the return of anonymous online spaces with the new app NGL, an app that allows people to solicit anonymous comments and questions from Instagram, and why these anonymous spaces always tend toward toxicity.Make sure to check out our episode on period trackers, and the newest season of Slow Burn.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Rachelle Hampton, and Madison Malone Kircher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 22, 2022 • 30min
Why Can’t Lesbians Escape Men on Dating Apps?
Lesbians on dating and hookup apps aren’t looking for men, but that’s what platforms like Bumble and Tinder are serving them. On today’s show, Madison and Rachelle speak to some queer women who’ve had this problem and what sorts of issues it creates. Then they discuss the women-focused apps that’ve tried to fill that space, and why it’s so difficult to find safe queer dates online.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Madison Malone Kircher, and Rachelle Hampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2022 • 28min
American Girl Just Outed One of Their Dolls?
Earlier this month, the American Girl Doll Instagram account announced the return of the classic Molly doll, and because it was announced during Pride month everybody started wondering, “Is Molly gay?” On today’s show, Rachelle and Madison discuss the recent gay panic of the conservative American Doll Instagram community, the online life of American Girl memes, and their own histories with these beloved childhood treasures. Plus, they discuss the drama around Lizzo’s “GRRRLS” and why she’s one of the few celebrities to nail the Notes app apology.This podcast is produced by Daniel Schroeder, Madison Malone Kircher, and Rachelle Hampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


