What was this year in pop culture like? A scrappy Canadian gay hockey romance becomes the internet’s obsession while big-budget, star-packed shows are dwindling. AI rage-bait memes (some from government accounts) keep hijacking the national conversation. These are just some of the pop culture moments that defined 2025. Audie and New York Magazine staff writer Rebecca Alter break it down. 

-- 

This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson. 

Senior Producer: Matt Martinez  

Technical Director: Dan Dzula   

Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices