We’re back after a brief hiatus! I’ll save the groveling for the pod, in addition to some commentary on work/life balance, and of course the latest in B.E.I.G.E (20:04). Plus, a half-baked new theory on 2D vs. 3D music, and why Sabrina’s new album failed to deliver. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
I’m joined by author and incredible multi-hyphenate Kaila Yu, whose new book “Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism and Beauty” is out now. We chat “that moment” on Love Island USA Season 7, how Asian representation in media has changed since the 00s, and of course a little on Y2K trends.Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Hey girl! How do you feel about your 9th favorite frat house sleep paralysis demon selling you budget mascara? I’m taking my Ulta points elsewhere, personally. Let’s dig into the Matt Rife X elf campaign (18:06) and then unpack if “pretty people humor” is really just “popular people humor.” Or you know, beige. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
However you feel about Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign, we can all agree on declining literacy of all kinds in this great nation. I have time to fight with stupid today, so let’s answer some of the most common defenses of the ad that’s “just about jeans” (12:53). You don’t have to be the friend that’s too woke to care about Operation B.E.I.G.E. <3Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
If you plan on cheating on your significant other, you might want to consider what the global population and your dentist’s favorite band have to say about your choices, too. I have some thoughts on the Coldplay Cheaters, but many more on how “surveillance culture” is making us into neurotic little weirdos. Unpaid mall cops of the internet, if you will. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
I think we can all agree that we as a country got the Love Island season we deserved. Interpret that as you will. Still, we can’t let this season pass without some very deserving awards in highly esteemed categories. Did your favorites make the cut? Listen to find out! CORRECTION: There is a moment when I mistakenly refer to “Love is Blind” as “Love Island” and you’re going to have to deal with that. You know what I meant. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
It’s time to sit down with the men in your life and assess how attracted they are to computers—or at least designer chatbots. I have thoughts on the trending story of the guy who proposed to his latin robot lover, and why this slippery slope is as dangerous as it is funny. Not unlike the Boston cop slide. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Sorry it’s been a minute—I went to Disneyland? Also, many teenagers are still afraid of Sabrina Carpenter, and by teenagers I mean the general public. Some mixed feelings on the yet-to-be-released “Man’s Best Friend” album cover, and some unexpected connections with Love Island USA (walk with me).Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
If you haven’t seen Kris Jenner’s new face, that’s just part of the Kardashian-Jenner biological lifecycle. For the rest of us, what does it mean to move from an era of Body Positivity to one of Body Optimization? Why are body parts trending, ever? (10:19)Btw I somehow managed to get through this without reference to GLP-1s or The Substance but you can imagine where those things fall in, darling. Life imitating art, etc. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
The netizens are fighting over chicness and their immunity to propaganda again! Let’s dive into the trends that are currently making us look like the spidermen pointing at each other meme (you know the one). I’ve got a list of things I’m “not falling for” (16:38) followed by your submissions (tysm).Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
If you’ve ever encountered the phrase “let people like what they like” this one’s for you, bestie. Diversity of taste is kind of the glue of a functioning society, but that’s not us, is it? Digging into this dilemma at (11:24) then YOUR submitted icks, or things you get hate for hating.Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
No one is trending more than the pope rn, but not too much on him. Just a little in the name of Catholicism. Then, a much needed gentle roasting of some of the worst 2010s style trends (8:56) because “recession indicators” seem to be rearing their heads. Stay back, mustache motif!Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
We're back! In the wake of Operation B.E.I.G.E., a new school of thought emerges: have we become the Kidz Bop versions of ourselves? (5:32) Then, a look at some of your submitted "signs of the times" (derogatory). Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Late but worth the wait? You be the judge! Let's start with a few complaints, followed by a reflection on Katy Perry and Gayle King's (alleged) trip to space (8:37). Then, a more affordable STEM adventure brought to you by a very personal storytime. Yw, nerds!Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
We're back! Let's take a moment to reflect on White Lotus season 3, then jump into the spookier depths of ghostwriting morality in the influencer space (8:00). To wrap it up: some hot takes on pop culture news items like Bon Iver's smoked salmon collab (???). Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
If you're not familiar with the 4 horsemen of the AI apocalypse, class is in session <3. I also have some choice thoughts on Studio Ghibli being roped into prompt "trends," and YOU have some thoughts on other abominations. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Is it a crime to visit the Eiffel Tower? What if there are 17 year olds who fear adult pop stars in attendance? Most importantly, what can the lurid ways of Trader Joe's teach the countless unsexy businesses stuck in in the Puritan era? We've got a gameplan at 16:46. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Me again! We've got some minor TikTok drama on the menu, followed by a deeper dive into Operation B.E.I.G.E. There's still time to think for yourself and escape the oat milk matrix.Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
“Weren’t the Oscars two weeks ago?” Some of us have issues with rumination. Anyway, this is mostly about our microtrend du jour: Republican makeup (10:12). Is clowning a poor foundation match an act of resistance? Much to consider.Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)
Wow hi! You're going to love it here. We have a single folding chair, some IKEA art, and expansive views of Roku City. The amenities are humble (for now), but let's kick things off with a come to Jesus moment about using food delivery apps featuring an unforgettable date. Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to saltlacroix@gmail.com XO, Gabrielle (@saltlacroix)