Restaurant Merch - It's a Thing 426

Sophie Cunningham Pointing - It's a Thing 425

Jun 27, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of It's A Thing, hosts Ollie Wood and Jon Meritt dive into the latest internet trends and linguistic quirks currently dominating the cultural conversation. The hosts kick off the discussion by exploring British slang, specifically the term melt, defined as someone who is being loud, oblivious, or slightly unintelligent. The main focus of the episode is the viral video of WNBA player Sophie Cunningham pointing during a game. The hosts analyze why this clip has become a versatile meme, noting that her blank expression and persistent gesture make it perfectly applicable to a wide variety of relatable, everyday frustrations, from dealing with difficult service workers to correcting stubborn family members. The conversation expands to cover other peculiar phenomena, including the gym pin—a tool used for adding extra weight to gym equipment—and the catchy techno track Du Hast Genug, which has become a popular audio overlay for reaction videos. They also touch upon topics like solo-maxing and the cultural observation of the World Cup fifteen, a humorous take on the weight gain visitors may experience while navigating American portion sizes.

World Cup - It's a Thing 424

Jun 19, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of It’s A Thing, the hosts dive into the cultural phenomenon surrounding the World Cup. Rather than focusing solely on the matches, they explore the delightful and unexpected human stories emerging from the event. Key highlights include the massive social media boost for a New Zealand footballer thanks to an Argentinian commentator’s playful challenge and the heartwarming impact of the Scottish fans, known as the Tartan Army, who have charmed Boston with their organized, kilt-wearing antics and charitable spirit. The hosts also discuss the recent attention paid to American gas station food culture, specifically noting how international visitors are discovering the joys of places like Buc-ee’s. This segment evolves into a discussion about the concept of carcuterie, where travelers assemble gourmet snacks from convenience store offerings. Additionally, the episode touches upon the internet’s fascination with the stank face Barbie meme, the growing trend of nonna-maxing in home décor, and the evolution of language among younger generations. Through these diverse topics, the hosts celebrate the wholesome and quirky side of global connectivity and shared experiences in an increasingly online world.

Bonus Best Of - It's a Thing 423

Jun 11, 202622 minSummary

In this bonus episode of It's a Thing, the hosts share a compilation of highlights from recent member-exclusive segments, offering a glimpse into the lighthearted and unpredictable conversations that usually occur behind the scenes. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, starting with the hosts' humorous frustrations regarding modern technology and the strange, viral trends circulating on social media. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the bizarre world of online health advice, specifically the viral trend of combining Pepcid and Allegra for various wellness benefits. The hosts reflect on how social media trends often get picked up by mainstream news outlets, even when the underlying claims lack medical consensus. They also venture into geography-related confusion, hilariously attempting to parse the complex political status of the Isle of Man and the broader UK. Other segments feature lighthearted anecdotes about past work experiences, wine culture in France, and personal musings on the evolution of language and pop culture. The episode serves as a playful, eclectic collection of the team's off-the-cuff musings and spontaneous debates.

Tarps Off Summer - It's a Thing 422

Jun 5, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of It’s a Thing, the hosts dive into an eclectic mix of emerging cultural trends and listener-submitted phenomena. The centerpiece of the discussion is the rise of the Tarps Off trend, a good-luck ritual originating in St. Louis Cardinals baseball games that has gained momentum across various sports leagues. The hosts explore how this tradition of fans removing their shirts has evolved from a local quirk into a widely recognized spectacle. The conversation expands into the culinary world with the Shakerado, a refreshing way to serve espresso by shaking it with ice to create a frothy texture. The hosts also analyze the Backrooms, an internet-born horror aesthetic defined by liminal spaces and glitchy, purgatorial environments. They discuss how this digital-native franchise successfully transitioned to the big screen, highlighting its nuance compared to more mainstream, big-budget sequels. Additionally, the hosts touch upon Roost Social, an experimental app that delivers messages based on the flight speed of different birds, and the growing use of TBR (To Be Read) as a metaphorical shorthand for any overwhelming list of tasks or media. The episode concludes with listener insights into the historical origins of slang and the implications of dynamic pricing in retail.

House Purse - It's a Thing 421

May 29, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of It’s A Thing, the hosts dive into a variety of cultural phenomena, ranging from practical organizational hacks to the latest social media trends. A primary topic of discussion is the concept of a house purse—a designated bag carried from room to room to keep essential items like chargers, headphones, and beverages organized, effectively eliminating the frustration of leaving items in another room. The hosts also explore the humorous and heated generational debate between Diet Coke and Coke Zero enthusiasts, touching on the branding behind these drink preferences. Additionally, they examine the recent trend of dusking, which involves taking time to mindfully watch the sunset, and discuss how the internet often creates catchy, stylized names for common human activities. The conversation extends to listener feedback, covering the introduction of electronic shelf labels in grocery stores, which prompts a debate regarding their potential role in reducing food waste versus concerns over surveillance pricing. The episode concludes with a look at other emerging trends, such as the resurgence of the hacky sack and the popularity of collectible Niedo squish toys among children.

Undertourism - It's a Thing 420

May 21, 202626 minSummary

In this episode of It’s A Thing, the hosts explore a variety of contemporary trends and social phenomena. The discussion kicks off with the concept of undertourism, a travel philosophy that encourages visiting lesser-known destinations to avoid the pressures of overtourism, allow for more authentic local experiences, and promote sustainable travel habits. The hosts analyze the shifting dynamics of global tourism and why this trend has gained traction among modern travelers. The conversation then shifts to the curious internet sensation known as the Happy Healthy Human. The hosts delve into the viral, somewhat enigmatic videos of an individual whose uncanny, vampire-like appearance contrasts sharply with his repetitive, cheery mantras. They discuss the captivating nature of such digital absurdity and why it resonates with audiences. Additionally, the hosts examine the return of the brooch as a fashion statement, noting its newfound versatility for accessorizing everything from clothing to handbags. They also solicit listener feedback regarding shifting slang, specifically debating the usage of the phrase bounce out in social settings. The episode concludes with a brief look at current supply chain issues and reader insights on generational labels.