This week, I share my observations on the dominant cultural patterns of Fall 2025, most of which can be traced back to the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) craze sweeping through New York and hot girl Internet circles (think: breakfast soup, seasonality, heightened Lunar awareness, lymph and fascia care, etc.). Also discussed: the grifter energy of the online healer community, leaning into political grayness with health-related interests/intuition, some recent mainstream criticism of GLP-1s and SSRIs, and reflections/intentions after my birthday last week <3

Links:

• Alix Earle on DWTS (Maleficent, Maneater/Sports Car Mashup)

• Emily Gates on TikTok

• Ballerina Farm addresses criticism for the first time (to my knowledge?)

• Sigh Swoon Ayahuasca Recap Video

• ALP Sponsors Red Scare after Dasha gets dropped from her agency

• Getty Museum Twelve Days of Medieval Illuminations exhibit

• TCM on TikTok

• “How the Right Coopted Psychedelics" Justin Smith-Ruiu in GQ

• “The MAHA-Fueled Rise of Natural Family Planning” Caroline Kitchener in NYT

  “More Teens are Taking Antidepressants. It Could Disrupt Their Sex Lives for Years” Daniel Bergner in NYT