ICYMI

Kat Tenbarge, an Internet culture reporter and Spitfire News writer, dives into the Gaylor fandom's tumultuous reaction to Taylor Swift's engagement. She defends the Gaylors, who believe in Swift's secret queer identity, and explores how this fanbase often becomes the punchline. The conversation unpacks the complex dynamics within the fandom, from theories surrounding Swift's sexuality to the challenges faced by marginalized voices. Tenbarge highlights the emotional impact of celebrity culture and the significance of LGBTQ representation in Swift's work.

The hosts discuss the backlash over a controversial job listing for a podcast role that offers a mere $55,000 salary without benefits. TikTok erupts with debate about the privilege required to accept such a position in New York City. They delve into the struggles of hustle culture, reflecting on the implications for early-career professionals. Amid fashion trends and community reactions, the conversation highlights the necessity for better compensation and workplace conditions in the media landscape. Accountability among content creators is a key theme.

Join Slate staff writer Luke Winkie, who explores Gavin Newsom's bold social media strategy in a humorous light. They dive into how Newsom is adopting shitposting tactics similar to Donald Trump to ridicule rivals and engage younger voters. The conversation touches on the implications of this approach for his potential 2028 run, the generational gap in political perceptions, and the reactions—both supportive and critical—from conservatives. Can humor transform political discourse? Winkie offers insightful takes on this evolving landscape.

Recent BookTok conventions have sparked chaos and controversy. One event earned the infamous title of the "Fyre Fest" of BookTok, while another faced serious allegations of misconduct. The discussions reveal the tensions between bringing a fandom together and the pitfalls that emerge. They ponder if social media plays a role in these challenges. With humor and honesty, the hosts highlight the emotional toll these poorly organized gatherings have taken on authors and fans alike.

Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay get into the war between em dashes and artificial intelligence. Back in 2024, what started as a developer question became an all-out grammar war, with the use of em dashes becoming a possible indicator that something was written using ChatGPT. In the past week alone, several writers have published their defenses of the em dash and how we shouldn’t let ChatGPT ruin our favorite keyboard shortcut. However, the em dash may be a symptom of a bigger issue: have our AI detection skills gotten worse? Or, are we all doomed to be tricked by a hyphen or two?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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into the intriguing feud between Ethel Cain and Lana Del Rey, revealing how Peter Griffin fits into their drama. A delightful TikTok sensation is highlighted, dressing as the Lorax and impressively channeling Ariana Grande. Fans might soon welcome back their favorite TikTok dolls, adding excitement to the platform. The discussion also touches on the whirlwind of online celebrity dynamics and the whimsical creativity of TikTok that brings characters to life with a humorous twist.

Scaachi Koul, a senior writer at Slate and host of Scanfluencers, joins for a lively discussion on the revival of the 'girlboss' narrative. They delve into the controversial comebacks of figures like Audrey Gelman and Ty Haney, questioning the viability of their new projects. The conversation challenges the commercialization of feminism and examines the societal pressures young female entrepreneurs face today. They also reflect on redemption arcs for public figures and the shifting dynamics of female leadership in a post-girlboss world.

On today’s episode, host Kate Lindsay is joined by senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario to talk about Kendra, the woman whose 25-part TikTok series about falling in love with her psychiatrist has captivated the internet. However, what viewers thought would be the next Reesa Teesa “Who The Fuck Did I Marry?” series turned out to be something much more complicated, as Kendra’s story went from suspicious to downright troubling. Now, TikTok is diagnosing Kendra with mental health issues, while still consuming her content like entertainment.One part of the episode uses audio from this TikTok by user @tayyy.jpegGet 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, and Kate Lindsay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aymann Ismail, a Slate staff writer known for his insights on viral media, joins the hosts to dissect the viral Jubilee debate featuring Mehdi Hasan. They delve into the dangers of sensationalism in political discourse, questioning how clickbait culture distorts meaningful dialogue. The discussion reveals the exhausting cycle of online extremism and its ramifications on public perception. Through humor and personal anecdotes, they reflect on the evolution of Jubilee’s content amidst growing polarization, emphasizing the need for genuine discussions.

Kate Lindsay and Candice Lim discuss the latest in Labubu-land, from a TikTok blackface controversy to leaving one on an iconic anti-capitalist’s grave. Then, they dive into the growing trend of fanfiction getting a big marketing push from the publishing world. From Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis starting as Reylo fanfic to Julie Soto basing her latest novel on a Dramione ship, traditional publishing is reaching into the channels of AO3, Tumblr, and Wattpad to find their next big hit. But what do we lose when our favorite fanfictions get taken mainstream? And is it good or bad for the community they originated from?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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.