The year-end countdown is here! Before the 2022 ball drops, Paula is putting her news hat back on to take you through the top 21 stories of 2021. Joining her for this conversational look-back is her husband, John Krueger, the everyman with the best announcer voice this side of a gameshow! Paula and John kick off the 3-part series this week with the PEOPLE who kept us talking – and these seven individuals have the Gold medals, Super Bowl rings, and receipts to prove it. From mental health to the health of the nation, from cheering to Britney’s freedom to chants of Let’s Go Brandon – and just why is gluten-free fan Tom Brady talking about bread all of the sudden? The people who made this list gave us plenty of reasons to talk, laugh, argue and even come together! Paula and John discuss what impact they each made in 2021 and what’s ahead for these big names in the new year.