The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Author: CNN Podcasts

Every Thursday on The Assignment, host Audie Cornish explores the animating forces of this extraordinary American political moment. Its not about the horse race, its about the larger cultural ideas driving the conversation: the role of online influencers on the electorate, the intersection of pop culture and politics, and discussions with primary voices and thinkers who are shaping the political conversation.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: News, News Commentary, Politics

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Trailer:

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

The Year in Pop Culture: AI, Gay Hockey, and Rage Bait
Episode 207
Thursday, 11 December, 2025

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