Small talk like a finance bro.

Gossip, sports and memes, turned into instant small talk – from your nerdy, non-native friends.

Daily gossip email

One curated digest per day. Enough to survive hallway small talk.

Gossip collage

Three main topics we track here:

Celebrity & online gossip
🏀 Sports storylines & drama
💬 Memes & internet culture

Top Stories

Stories people are most likely talking about today.

3 stories

Al Pacino, 85, Is Not Married, Despite Wearing What Appeared to Be a Wedding Band (Nicholas Rice/People)

What it is

Basically, Al Pacino showed up wearing what looked like a wedding ring, and everyone thought he secretly got married, but his rep said he didn’t.

Who they are

Al Pacino is a famous American actor, best known for movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Scarface.'

Why it matters

People are always curious about older Hollywood legends and their personal lives, especially when it comes to surprise relationships or marriages. It also fits the trend of fans overanalyzing celebrity photos online.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, people jumped to conclusions because of the ring, but Pacino’s team said he’s not married.'

Lacey Chabert Is Going to Disney World for Her Next Hallmark Christmas Movie! Get All the Joy-Filled Details (Breanne L. Heldman/People)

What it is

Basically, Lacey Chabert just announced that her next Hallmark Christmas movie will be filmed at Disney World, and it’s coming out in 2026. She’ll star in it with actor Travis Van Winkle.

Who they are

Lacey Chabert is an actress best known for 'Mean Girls' and many Hallmark holiday movies; Travis Van Winkle is an actor who’s been in Netflix shows and romantic comedies.

Why it matters

Hallmark’s Christmas movies are a big deal for fans who love cozy, predictable holiday stories, and teaming up with Disney World adds extra nostalgia and marketing power. It also shows how Hallmark keeps trying to stay relevant by mixing its brand with iconic family-friendly places.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Hallmark teaming up with Disney World is a smart move — total nostalgia play.' Or just be like: 'Lacey Chabert basically owns the Hallmark Christmas movie scene at this point.'

Prince Harry Jokes That Life with the Royal Family Was 'Like Downton Abbey' — Except the TV Show Had Less 'Drama' (Toria Sheffield/People)

What it is

Prince Harry joked that living with the royal family was kind of like the TV show Downton Abbey, but with even more drama. He also made a light comment about U.S. immigration rules while talking about traveling for the 2026 World Cup.

Who they are

Prince Harry is a British royal who stepped back from official duties and now lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle.

Why it matters

People care because Harry often mixes humor with subtle digs at the royal family, and every time he does, it sparks new debates about how he really feels about his past life. It also fits the ongoing story of him trying to balance being relatable in the U.S. while still being a global celebrity.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Harry’s still finding ways to joke about royal life — sounds like he’s not totally over it.' Or: 'It’s funny how he compared the royals to Downton Abbey; that’s a pretty accurate image.'

Celebrity

Who dated whom, who said what, who got cancelled (for now).

3 stories

Meghan McCain Fires Back After Being Fat-Shamed On Tucker Carlson's Podcast

What it is

Basically, Meghan McCain clapped back after Milo Yiannopoulos made a rude comment about her weight during Tucker Carlson’s podcast. She said she’s used to being attacked but still finds it gross and unnecessary.

Who they are

Meghan McCain is a TV personality and political commentator, best known as John McCain’s daughter and a former co-host of 'The View.' Milo Yiannopoulos is a far-right media figure, and Tucker Carlson is a conservative talk show host.

Why it matters

People are talking about it because body-shaming is still a big issue in U.S. media and politics, and McCain often gets targeted for being outspoken. It also shows how personal attacks are still common in political commentary circles.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that whole thing was pretty unnecessary—she handled it well though.' Or: 'It’s wild how even public figures still deal with that kind of body-shaming stuff.'

Pop Star Explains Why She Broke Royal Protocol To Hug Kate Middleton

What it is

Basically, singer Jessie J said she hugged Kate Middleton even though she was told not to because it’s against royal rules. She said it just felt natural in the moment.

Who they are

Jessie J is a British pop singer, and Kate Middleton is the Princess of Wales, married to Prince William.

Why it matters

People are amused because the British royal family is known for strict protocol, and Jessie J breaking it makes her seem more down-to-earth. It also adds to the ongoing fascination with how celebrities act around royals.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Jessie J said she hugged Kate even though she wasn’t supposed to—kind of funny how the royal rules still surprise people.'

Miley Cyrus Tells Jimmy Kimmel Her Most Gag-Worthy Aversion — Then Realizes It's Sitting On His Desk

What it is

Basically, Miley Cyrus told Jimmy Kimmel that she has a weird fear of certain kinds of paper, like the kind used for wrapping Christmas gifts, and then realized the same paper was right on his desk during the interview.

Who they are

Miley Cyrus is a famous American singer and actress, and Jimmy Kimmel is a late-night TV host.

Why it matters

People found it funny and kind of relatable because everyone has random quirks, but it also showed Miley being open and self-aware on live TV, which fans love. It became a lighthearted viral moment during the holiday season.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Miley’s paper phobia thing was pretty funny—at least she owned it on live TV.' Or: 'I didn’t know wrapping paper could freak someone out that much, but she made it entertaining.'

Shows & TV

Shows, movies, and reality moments that show up in group chats.

3 stories

Prominent U.S. playwright arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling

What it is

Basically, the American playwright Jeremy O. Harris got arrested in Japan because officials say he tried to bring in ecstasy pills. It happened in Okinawa in mid-November, and now everyone’s shocked since he’s a big name in theater.

Who they are

Jeremy O. Harris is a U.S. playwright best known for his hit play 'Slave Play' and for appearing in the Netflix show 'Emily in Paris.'

Why it matters

People care because he’s seen as one of the most talked-about young writers in American theater, and this arrest clashes with his image as a high-fashion, artsy intellectual. It’s also drawing attention to how strict Japan’s drug laws are compared to the U.S.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, wild story — Japan doesn’t play around with drug laws, even for celebrities.' Or: 'He’s a big deal in theater, so this is definitely going to mess with his reputation for a while.'

Trump awards medals to the Kennedy Center honorees in Oval Office ceremony

What it is

Basically, Donald Trump gave out the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medals to a group of famous artists during a ceremony in the Oval Office. It’s a big cultural award that celebrates people who’ve made major contributions to American arts and entertainment.

Who they are

Donald Trump is the former U.S. president, and the honorees include people like actor Sylvester Stallone and country singer George Strait.

Why it matters

People are talking about it because the Kennedy Center Honors are usually seen as a non-political event, and Trump’s return to hosting it adds a political twist. It also sparks conversation about how celebrities and politics keep overlapping in American culture.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Trump handing out the Kennedy Center medals definitely got people talking again about how politics and Hollywood always mix in weird ways.'

From the archives: Architect Frank Gehry

What it is

Frank Gehry, the famous architect behind many wild-looking buildings, passed away at 96. CBS shared old interviews showing his long career and creative ideas.

Who they are

Gehry was a world-famous Canadian-American architect known for designing buildings like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

People care because Gehry changed how modern buildings look—his style was bold, curvy, and artistic. His death marks the end of an era for architecture and design culture.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Gehry basically made architecture feel like art. The Disney Hall in LA is his—super iconic.'

Sports

Highlights, drama, contracts and off-court gossip.

3 stories

IU basks in glow of Big Ten title, CFP's top seed

What it is

Basically, Indiana University’s football team beat Ohio State 13–10 to win the Big Ten championship, staying undefeated and grabbing the top spot going into the College Football Playoff.

Who they are

Indiana University’s football team, known as the Hoosiers, plays in the Big Ten Conference, one of the top college football leagues in the U.S.

Why it matters

This is huge because Indiana hasn’t won the Big Ten since 1967, and Ohio State is usually the powerhouse. It’s one of those underdog stories that gets sports fans hyped and fills social media with memes about the upset.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Crazy that Indiana finally took down Ohio State — total underdog story.' Or: 'Yeah, that Big Ten win was wild, nobody saw Indiana going undefeated this season.'

Smart, Bulldogs finally tame Tide, win SEC title

What it is

Basically, Georgia finally beat Alabama in the SEC championship game, winning 28–7, and their quarterback Gunner Stockton threw three touchdowns. It’s a big deal because Alabama usually dominates these matchups.

Who they are

Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide are top college football teams, and Gunner Stockton is Georgia’s quarterback.

Why it matters

Fans are excited because Georgia broke Alabama’s long streak in the SEC title game, which changes the usual power balance in college football. It also boosts Georgia’s chances in the national playoff, which is like the college version of the NFL playoffs.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Georgia finally got their revenge on Bama—Stockton looked solid, and now they’re in great shape for the playoff.'

Diaz: Blue Devils 'deserve' CFP bid after ACC win

What it is

Basically, Duke’s football team beat Virginia in overtime to win their first ACC championship since 1962, which totally shook up the College Football Playoff picture.

Who they are

Duke Blue Devils are a college football team, and the ACC is one of the major college sports conferences in the U.S.

Why it matters

People care because Duke wasn’t even ranked, so their win messed with the playoff predictions and opened the door for smaller programs like James Madison to possibly get in. It’s one of those classic underdog stories that sports fans love.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Wild that Duke came out of nowhere and flipped the whole playoff picture.' Or: 'College football’s chaos season just keeps delivering.'

Community & Memes

Memes, Twitter drama, TikTok trends and internet chaos.

3 stories

What happened to Susan Dell's face? Experts share insight on plastic surgery claims; 'before-after' pics go viral

What it is

Basically, new photos of Susan Dell started trending because people think her face looks very different, and now everyone online is debating whether she had plastic surgery or not.

Who they are

Susan Dell is a philanthropist and the wife of Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Technologies.

Why it matters

People are curious because she’s usually very private, and this kind of 'before and after' talk always sparks bigger conversations about wealth, aging, and how rich people manage their looks. It’s also part of the ongoing online obsession with celebrity plastic surgery speculation.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, I saw that—people love to analyze any change in how billionaires look. It’s kind of wild how fast those photos go viral.'

Its about time

What it is

Basically, a meme called 'It’s about time' went viral on Reddit, and people are joking about something finally happening after a long wait.

Who they are

It was posted by a Reddit user named MiserablePhilosophy on the r/memes community, which is a big forum for sharing funny pictures and jokes.

Why it matters

People love this kind of meme because it captures that universal feeling of waiting forever for something obvious or overdue. It’s part of the ongoing trend where Reddit humor spreads fast across other platforms like X and Instagram.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that “It’s about time” meme is everywhere right now—classic Reddit humor about waiting forever for something simple.'

Kim Kardashian Claims ChatGPT Made Her Fail The Bar Exam Tests — Star Still All In Until She Passes

What it is

Basically, Kim Kardashian said she used ChatGPT to help study for her law exams, but it gave her wrong answers and made her fail one of the tests. She’s still determined to keep trying until she passes the bar exam.

Who they are

Kim Kardashian is a reality TV star and businesswoman who has been studying law for several years.

Why it matters

People are amused that someone as famous and wealthy as Kim is blaming AI for failing, but they also respect that she’s serious about becoming a lawyer. It ties into the bigger talk about how much we can trust AI tools for real work or study.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Kind of funny that even Kim Kardashian got burned by AI. Shows how easy it is to overtrust these tools.' Or: 'At least she’s sticking with it—passing the bar isn’t easy even with all the help in the world.'