Red Delicious

This week, Kate reflects on 2025 for feeling depleting yet not defining, exhausting and sometimes forgettable; a year of endless micro-trends, political chaos, and moment sludge that somehow left very little to hold onto. Fun! She dives into "viral death cycle" and why nothing sticks anymore, explores the three stages of aging out of culture, explores why many of us feel our brains are broken, and processes the weird grief of realizing you're no longer "becoming" someone but existing deep in a routine, all while she grapples with her uncool taste in apples. TLDR: a contemplative, honest, sometimes vulnerable year-end reflection about culture, the internet, our interests, and Kate's job at the intersection, and how this is the first year she felt like she's officially getting old. Happy Holidays! SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Order Kate's NYT Bestselling book, One in a Millennial here! Text or leave a voicemail for Kate at 775-HEY-BETH! For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter -  by using promo code BETHEREINFIVE at checkout. That's AuraFrames.com promo code BETHEREINFIVE. Support the show by mentioning us at checkout! Terms and conditions apply.  Right now, Baked by Melissa is offering our listeners 20% off your order at Bakedbymelissa.com/BETHEREINFIVE. That's Bakedbymelissa.com/BETHEREINFIVE for 20% off your order.  Download the app and head to the Deals tab to start Chatbooking today. Special code: BETHEREINFIVE for 20% off your purchase. Give the gift of every day luxury and make every moment comfortable. Headto cozyearth.com and use my code BETHEREINFIVE for up to 20% off.  Don't miss this opportunity—visit DraperJames.com and use code BTIF10 for 10% off. These pieces sell out fast, especially the new arrivals, so head over today. Link is in the show notes! Right now we have a special discount just for our listeners. Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code BETHEREINFIVE at OSEAMalibu.com. That's OSEAMalibu.com code BETHEREINFIVE.