POP CULTURE MONDAYS...ON THURSDAYS

London Highs, Tech Lows, and the Met Gala’s New Queen

This week, Brooke is back from across the pond with a suitcase full of tea—and we aren’t just talking about Breakfast Blend. 
From a power romance to the high-tech clinic that looks like a spaceship, we’re covering the best of London before diving into the absolute chaos of the Silicon Valley "breakup" texts and the Met Gala moment that is already winning Halloween.
The London Rundown
• The Power Couple We Didn’t Know We Needed: Brooke recounts her London sightings and pitches the ultimate cross-over romance: Kara Swisher and Idris Elba.
• Healthcare from the Year 3000: A deep dive into Neko Health, the futuristic, preventative health clinic cofounded by Spotify’s Daniel Ek. Brooke describes the experience of being scanned by "The Pod" and why this is the shift from reactive to proactive care we’ve been waiting for.
• Must-Read: Why everyone is currently obsessed with "London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe. It’s a gripping, true-crime-meets-high-society investigation into the dark underbelly of the city’s billionaire culture.  
Tech & Viral Trends
• The OpenAI "Breakup" Texts: We dissect the viral memes born from the leaked text messages between Sam Altman and Mira Murati. From Sam’s "still don't want me?" energy to the internet's comparison of the exchange to a toxic Hinge match, we look at the most fun reactions to the OpenAI trial documents.  
• Mayor Spencer? Spencer Pratt is back in the spotlight, and this time it’s political. We look at his mayoral campaign and the viral videos that have everyone wondering if the King of Crystals is actually coming for City Hall.  
The Met Gala Call-Out
• Move Over, Gowns: Forget the 10-foot trains; the actual star of the Met Gala was the "Red Flats Queen." We discuss why she is the moment. 
Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Read: London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City by Patrick Radden Keefe. 
• Visit: Neko Health – The future of preventative diagnostics. 
 
This week’s PCM:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/05/11/ai-text-drama-panny-vibes-la-mayoral-race-puerto-rico-trend-and-memes/

WHCD in Memes (sorry), Michael’s Millions & Music That Hits Different

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! 🎉
This week we’re unpacking a lot — buckle up.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner Chaos 🥗🍷**
No one was hurt, but the internet had a field day. We’re talking guests clutching their salads and drinks for dear life, people sneaking out bottles of wine, and a meme cycle that absolutely did not disappoint. Sometimes the real entertainment isn’t the speeches.
Michael the Movie: Critics vs. The People 🎬👑
The reviews were rough. The box office? Absolutely not. Michael is pulling massive numbers despite critics panning it, and we dig into the age-old question — why do fans and critics so often live on completely different planets? Spoiler: it’s complicated, and kind of fascinating.
Music Moments Worth Your Time 🎵**
First up, the new Gener8ion x Yung Lean collaboration “STORM” — and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. It’s a seven-and-a-half-minute boarding school fever dream directed by Romain Gavras. Do not skip this one.
Then, the Suno trend where people are turning text messages from loved ones into songs — we’re not crying, you’re crying. It’s sweet, it’s weird, and it’s very 2026.
PCM this week:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/04/27/whcd-memes-sorry-bible-verses-fruit-love-island-and-more/
Storm/Yung Lean:https://youtu.be/x6_mbnsh6VU

Desert Tents to Galactic Sentiments

Happy Thursday you pop culture junkies. This week we focus on the vibes. We’re scrubbing the glitter off our faces and diving straight into the desert heat to recap SOME of the first weekend of Coachella, before pivoting to the weird, wild world of TikTok and actual outer space.
In This Episode:
 
Coachella 2026: The Highs, the Lows, and the Lounges
We’re breaking down the festival beyond the stage. From the shift in desert fashion to the "where" of it all—comparing the car camping to the gated luxury estates where the "cool kids" are hiding out.
 
Biebercella & The Carpenter Effect
Did Sabrina Carpenter just become the new Princess of Pop? We recap her standout set and the controversy which came out of it! And get into the highs of Biebercella and the low (it has to do with Katy Perry). 
TikTok’s Viral Pulse
• The JENNIE Impact: Breaking down the latest trend sparked by the K-pop icon that has everyone’s FYP in a chokehold.
• The AI Banger: We discuss that one song you can’t stop humming—and the existential crisis that comes with finding out it’s 100% AI-generated.
Intergalactic Heartstrings
Why is everyone crying over NASA? We look at Commander Reid Wiseman’s emotional family moments hitting us all right in the feels.
Courtside Love
The Indiana Pacers game gave us more than just basketball. We’re dissecting that viral couple moment—what they really said and why we love them. 
 
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/04/13/coachella-411-artemis-ii-another-viral-couple-the-latest-dance-trend/
 
The pod with Ben Sasse:https://youtu.be/7CFo6-6BN9k
 

Dumpling Dreams and Summer House Heartbreak

Happy Thursday you darling pop culture junkies!
This week, Brooke dives into the delightful chaos of the "viral toy" cycle. She breaks down the absolute frenzy surrounding The Dumplings—specifically those elusive glitter dumplings that have everyone losing their minds. To put this obsession into perspective, Brooke takes a trip down memory lane to revisit the vintage madness of Cabbage Patch Kids and why we as a society never seem to change.
Then we go to the Hamps. Brooke breaks down the Summer House drama, explaining the alliances, the blowups, and exactly why this season has managed to take over every single corner of the internet and the country really.
Finally, we look to the stars and back to the heart. Brooke discusses the astronauts currently trending, with a deep dive into Victor the pilot’s viral moment—from his powerful statement to that incredible physique. Brooke wraps things up with a much-needed dose of joy: Love on the Spectrum is back. Brooke shares why this show remains the perfect, heartwarming antidote to the rest of the world right now.
 
In This Episode:
• The Glitter Dumpling Fever: Why these toys are the new "it" item and a look back at the Cabbage Patch Kids craze.
• Summer House Breakdown: Brooke dissects the drama that has everyone talking.
• Space & Style: Victor the pilot’s viral statement (and his viral workout results).
• Pure Joy: Why the return of Love on the Spectrum is exactly what Brooke thinks we need right now.
Face Bowl:https://a.co/d/0elyC8mn
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/04/06/dumplings-are-the-new-labubu/

Kit Kats, K-9s, and Cosmic Cardigans

Happy Thursday, my darling pop culture junkies!
We are back with another episode of Pop Culture Mondays on Thursdays, and honestly? The vibes are shifting. From a major mascot overhaul to some of the wildest viral news we’ve seen all year, we are diving deep into the zeitgeist today.
 
Inside This Episode:
• The Passing of the Torch: Out with the old, in with the... wrinkly. We discuss why Potato the French Bulldog is officially replacing Baby Yoda as the Pop Culture Mondays mascot.
• The Project Hail Mary Phenomenon: It’s more than just a hit movie; it’s a fashion movement. We’re breaking down the film's success and why everyone is obsessed with Ryan Gosling’s sweater (and how to get the look).
• The Great Kit Kat Heist: Someone has a serious sweet tooth. We look into the baffling disappearance of 435,000 Kit Kat bars. Where did they go? Why? And how do you even hide that much chocolate?
• Debunking the Great Escape: You’ve seen the video of the dogs "escaping" in China. We set the record straight—the footage is real, but the narrative you’re reading in the captions is pure fiction.
• The No Kings March: Breaking down the cultural impact and the noise surrounding the latest movement hitting the streets.
• Druski’s Latest Controversy: We’re talking about Druski’s whiteface impression of Erika Kirk. Was it satire or did it cross the line? The internet is divided, we want your thoughts. 
 
This week’s PCM:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/03/30/holy-hail-mary/
 

No Rose, No Rules: The Bachelorette Cancellation, Afroman’s Victory, & Marc’s No-Deep Thought Policy

We are back! It has only been one week, but in the world of pop culture, it feels like an entire decade has passed. 
 
In This Episode:
• The "Year-Long" Week & Oscar Leftovers: We touch on the lingering vibes from the Oscars before diving into why the news cycle felt like it was on steroids this week.
• The Bachelorette’s Historic Cancellation: ABC has officially scrapped the upcoming season of The Bachelorette. We discuss the unprecedented drama behind the scenes, the investigations, and why the network decided to walk away from an entire finished season.
• Afroman’s Major Legal Win: In a victory for the ages, Afroman has won the lawsuit brought against him by the Ohio sheriff’s deputies who raided his home. We break down the judge’s ruling and why the "Lemon Pound Cake" songwriter came out on top after being sued for using his own security footage.
• Marc Andreessen’s No-Introspection Policy: The tech billionaire is trending after claiming he has "zero introspection" and that "the unexamined life is the only one worth living." Is it a visionary mindset or just a refusal to take accountability?
• The Erewhon Viral Food Craze: We wrap things up with the latest high-priced item from Erewhon taking socials by storm. 
 
Afroman videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeYsTmIzjkw
https://youtu.be/9xxK5yyecRo
Kara Swisher Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-with-kara-swisher/id1643307527?i=1000756110216
PCM:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/03/23/and-we-are-back-baby/

Pirouettes, Patties, and Polished ‘90s Icons

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. 
This week, we dive into the Timothée Chalamet "high art" discourse, the ongoing beef between fast-food giants, and a ten-year-old taking Paris by storm. Plus, we’re revisiting the ‘90s through the lens of modern TV and questionable finance interviews.
On This Week’s Menu:
• The Chalamet Controversy: We break down Timothée’s recent comments regarding the ballet and opera. Was it a sincere and rare misstep or a moment where his true colors truly come out? We look at how the internet turned his low-brow take into a high-brow meme.
• The Burger Wars Heat Up: Following the McDonald’s CEO’s "faux pas" last week, the "Burger CEOs" have entered the chat. We analyze their strategic responses and the surprising consumer trends emerging from the corporate shade.
• The 4th Grade Prodigy: Meet Max Alexander. At just 10 years old, this Los Angeles native is the youngest designer at Paris Fashion Week. We discuss his meteoric rise and why the fashion elite are actually taking him seriously.
• Interview Magazine’s Finance Bro Era: We take a peek into the recent feature on "Finance Bros" and the... interesting fashion choices they showcased. Is it satire, or just a stark look at a certain tax bracket?
• 90s Nostalgia & Love Story: The aesthetic of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is back in a big way. We also discuss Daryl Hannah’s candid response to how she was portrayed in the hit show Love Story and why we can't stop looking backward.
Daryl Hannah’s OpEd in the NYT (gifted article):https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/06/opinion/daryl-hannah-love-story-jfk-jr.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SVA.j39h.--K5DMnOXB7i&smid=nytcore-ios-share
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/03/09/arias-on-pointe/

Sandstorms, Boy Kibble, and the Golden Arches

Welcome back to Pop Culture Mondays on Thursdays, you pop culture junkies. This week, we are diving into the bizarre intersection of geopolitical crisis and "aesthetic" content. From the luxury high-rises of Dubai to the depths of the looksmaxxing subculture, we’re unpacking a week that felt more like a fever dream than a news cycle.
What’s In This Episode:
• The Dubai "Frontline": We look at how influencers in the UAE are reacting to the escalating war in Iran. While the world watches in tension, the "Dubai Crew" is providing a very different perspective.
• The Tate Factor: Speaking of questionable content, we analyze the latest social media outbursts from Andrew Tate. Gross. 
• Move Over, Girl Dinner: Remember when a plate of cheese and crackers was the peak of internet relatability? Enter Boy Kibble. We explore the newest trend in the looksmaxxing community where men are optimizing their "fuel" in the most unappetizing ways possible.
• The McUnboxing: In a move that absolutely no one asked for, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski has entered the influencer ring. We break down the "astonishing" footage of a corporate titan doing a taste unboxing. Is it authentic, or just a really expensive "How do you do, fellow kids?" moment?
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/03/02/war-through-the-eyes-of-creators/
 

Monkeys, Medals, and Model Mayhem

Grab your tissues and your skates—this week, we’re oscillating between "crying in the club" and "main character energy." From a tiny monkey seeking maternal warmth in a plush toy to an Olympic icon reclaiming her narrative, we are dissecting the high highs and the messy lows of the zeitgeist.
In This Episode:
• The Gospel of Pan-kun (Punch): We’re breaking down the story of the Japanese baby monkey rejected by his mother who found solace in an IKEA stuffed orangutan. Why did this hit us all so hard? We discuss the social commentary on loneliness, our collective "inner child" triggers, and why we’re all just looking for our own version of a plushie to hold onto.
• Alysa Liu’s Rebirth: At 20, Alysa Liu is doing the unthinkable: actually enjoying her life. We dive into her journey from early burnout and retirement to her defiant comeback. She’s eating the food, picking the music, and wearing the fits she wants. We crown her the world’s first IDGAF Olympic Champion and talk about why her "agency" is the most radical thing in sports right now.
• The Tyra Effect: The new docuseries on America’s Next Top Model is here, and the internet is in a tailspin. We break down the most unhinged Tyra Banks memes, the questionable "smize" ethics of the mid-2000s, and whether the show was a fashion boot camp or just beautiful chaos.
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/02/23/we-ride-at-dawn-for-punch/
 
Alyssa Liu's full performance:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCrFaRsezGo
 

From Pam Bondi Memes to Brontë Dreams

Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies. 
 
In this episode of Pop Culture Mondays on Thursdays, we’re breaking our usual "no-politics" rule because the internet simply wouldn’t let us look away. From viral memes to heavy hearts, here is everything moving the needle this week.
 
• The Pam Bondi Meme-fication: Normally, we skip the Sunday shows, but the "50,000 memes" spawned by Pam Bondi’s latest media appearances were too creative to ignore. We dive into how digital creators turned a political moment into a masterclass in internet humor.
• Clavicular Goes Mainstream: Following up on last week’s deep dive into the "looksmaxxing" trend, the movement’s poster child, Clavicular, has officially hit the big leagues with a feature in The New York Times. We discuss whether this profile helps or hurts the community’s controversial reputation.
• Remembering James Van Der Beek: A somber look at the passing of a TV icon. We discuss the heartbreakingly intimate photos shared by his inner circle and address the growing online controversy surrounding the GoFundMe organized for his family.
• Wisdom from Kuwait: On a lighter note, we’re obsessed with the two young boys from Kuwait currently dropping life lessons and accidental philosophy across social media. It’s the wholesome content we all needed.
• Wuthering Heights Discourse: The internet has thoughts on the latest adaptation of the Brontë classic. Is it a cinematic triumph or a gothic miss? We round up the best (and snarkiest) takes.
• The Watch List: Stick around for a quick-fire round of the new trailers, drops, and hidden gems you need to have on your radar for the weekend.
 
 
NYT article on Clavicular:https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/style/clavicular-looksmaxxing-braden-peters.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
This week’s newsletter:https://popculturemondays.com/2026/02/16/but-50000/