Common Language

We’re back — and a lot happened while we were gone. Mak + Case catch up on the biggest headlines from the break, then get into what’s in for 2026 and what we’re officially leaving in 2025. Same language, new year.

Before we close the books on the year, we’re pulling the receipts. In our final episode of 2025, we revisit some of our biggest conversations, reflect on how the year actually unfolded, and crown the political moments that defined 2025.

A big thank you to all of our listeners for the support and see you next year!

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

The comments were loud — so we listened. Mak + Case head straight to the TikTok comments to break down your hottest takes, questions, and critiques from the year… plus a little fact-checking along the way.

don’t forget to like, comment, and argue respectfully :)

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

The auto-reply is on — but not by choice. From shifting workplace culture to what unemployment actually looks like on the ground. Listen as we discuss how workers can navigate uncertainty and what policy changes could make the system work better for everyone!

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

When lawmakers play the market, who’s really benefiting? Let's break down congressional stock trading, insider access, and the ethics of cashing in while writing the rules.

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

Warning: this is a full-on Michelle Obama fan club. This week, we’re diving into The Look — Michelle’s new book written with longtime stylist Meredith Coop and key members of her glam squad. From iconic fashion moments to the way style shapes culture and politics, we’re breaking down why Michelle Obama remains that woman. Because at the intersection of politics and culture… it’s always fashion.

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

works cited

Michelle Obama, Meredith Koop, et al. The Look. Crown Publishing Group, 2024.
Accessed November 24, 2025.

Climate change doesn’t take a year off — but apparently, the U.S. can. This week, Mak + Case break down America’s decision to sit out the UN Conference of the Parties (COP), what it means for global climate goals, and how the rest of the world is moving forward on green energy without us. *hint - we're already behind*

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, Substack and YouTube

Healthcare in America — it’s complicated (and expensive). From insurance gaps to prescription costs, Mak + Case dive into why the system feels designed for confusion and who’s left behind. Access, affordability, and politics collide — and what is this all costing us in the end?

Follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

Is it finally time to get off Zillow? Between skyrocketing rents, stagnant wages, and a housing supply that can’t keep up, millions are being priced out of stability. This week, we break down what’s really fueling the housing crisis, who’s benefiting, and what it means for economic mobility in the U.S.

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

works cited:

McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility. “Mapping the U.S. Affordable Housing Crisis and Unlocking Opportunities for Economic Mobility.” McKinsey & Company, 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.mckinsey.com/institute-for-economic-mobility/our-insights/mapping-the-us-affordable-housing-crisis-and-unlocking-opportunities-for-economic-mobility. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Don’t forget to vote on November 4th! 

It’s election szn here in the U.S., and we are chatty. This off-year election could shape the next chapter in American politics — from New Jersey to Virginia to NYC, every vote counts, and every race tells a story. Tune in and exercise your rights!

follow us on socials!

@commonlanguagepod

insta, TikTok, YouTube and Substack

works cited:

• Fox News. “Trump Warns ‘I’d Rather Have a Democrat Than a Communist’ as NYC Mayoral Race Enters Homestretch.” Fox News, 21 Oct. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-warns-rather-have-democrat-than-communist-nyc-mayoral-race-enters-homestretch. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025. Fox News

• NPR. “New Jersey Governor Election, Trump.” NPR, 21 Oct. 2025, https://www.npr.org/2025/10/21/nx-s1-5580619/new-jersey-governor-election-trump. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

• Wikipedia. “2025 United States Elections.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_elections. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025. Wikipedia

• The New York Times. “2025 New Jersey Governor Election Polls.” The New York Times, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/new-jersey-governor-election-polls-2025.html. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

• The New York Times. “2025 Virginia Governor Election Polls.” The New York Times, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/virginia-governor-election-polls-2025.html. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

• The New York Times. “2025 NYC Mayoral Election Polls.” The New York Times, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/nyc-mayoral-election-polls-2025.html. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.