What happens when a private text message leads to a police arrest — and then goes viral on Piers Morgan’s show? Lewis breaks down the full story, plus the internet’s latest panic over AI, Meghan Markle’s Christmas special, and the chaos of Spotify Wrapped season.

Davis Fang joins Lewis Oakley on What’s Trending? to unpack the biggest stories shaping internet culture this week — from the UK’s growing free-speech battles to fake behind-the-scenes AI videos, Mars exploration hype, the Australia under-16 social media ban, and why teens are fleeing to new apps.

Featured in this episode:

• Lewis’ appearance on Piers Morgan and the free-speech arrest dividing the UK
• The rise of abusive-messaging laws and whether the public understands them
• Cashless societies, digital IDs and why China is years ahead
• AI companions, loneliness culture and the future of human connection
• Will humans walk on Mars in our lifetime?
• Spotify Wrapped reactions: who’s really dominating podcasts?
• The explosion of fake AI “behind-the-scenes” movie footage
• Meghan Markle’s Christmas special and the never-ending media obsession
• Australia’s under-16 social media ban + the rise of the app “Yoap”

This week on What’s Trending?, Lewis Oakley and journalist Nichi Hodgson unpack one of the biggest cultural moments of the year: the long-awaited release of the Epstein files. What will actually happen when the documents drop? Will justice be served — or will redactions protect the powerful yet again?

From there, we dive into the analog revival sweeping TikTok, the explosion of AI translation gadgets, the ethical line on robotics, the rise of Substack as a new home for writers, and the deeply concerning trend of AI-induced psychosis.

In this episode:
• Why the Epstein files may change nothing — and why that matters
• The return of analog hobbies in a digital-overloaded world
• Are AI translation devices killing language and culture?
• Should robots ever replace humans in care or policing?
• Why Substack is exploding — and what it means for writers
• AI-induced psychosis: the most worrying tech trend yet

If you enjoy thoughtful takes on what’s blowing up online, subscribe for more weekly episodes.

Find Nichi at: https://nichihodgson.substack.com/ 

Spencer Cooper joins Lewis Oakley to break down what’s trending this week. From Devil Wears Prada 2 hype to AI music crashing the charts, Kim Kardashian’s new TV show, and Apple’s bizarre new £220 “phone sock.” We’re diving into the stories your feeds won’t shut up about.

Featured in this episode:

• Devil Wears Prada 2 teaser reacts
• AI music charting weekly & what it means for artists
• Waitrose vs John Lewis Christmas ads
• Toy Story 5… tablets vs toys?!
• UK beach towns making a comeback
• Aurora Borealis visible in the UK
• Kim Kardashian’s new show All Is Fair
• Apple’s “pocket” meltdown
• California banning loud ads
• This week’s political drama

Chapters

00:14 — Introduction & What’s Trending Overview
02:29 — Devil Wears Prada 2 Teaser Reactions
09:22 — AI Music in the Charts
14:22 — Christmas Ads & Festive Trends
20:51 — UK Beach Towns & Nostalgia
26:40 — Aurora Borealis & Cosmic Events
29:40 — Kim Kardashian’s New TV Show
34:23 — Apple’s New Tech & The £220 Phone Pocket
37:41 — California Bans Loud Streaming Ads
41:56 — Political Drama & Digital Democracy

Can young people really buy homes anymore, or is the dream dead? Mortgage advisor Dan Knott joins host Lewis Oakley to expose the brutal truth about the UK housing market.

In this episode, we break down why London property is still out of reach, how buyers can actually prepare for homeownership, and what schemes like the Lifetime ISA get wrong. Dan shares insider tips for improving credit scores, choosing the right mortgage advisor, and avoiding costly mistakes that could set you back years.

Lewis sits down with Scott McGlynn, creator of Celebrity Skin Talk, to cut through the skincare noise. From £4 moisturisers vs. £400 marketing, to SPF myths, AI “skin analysers,” and the simple routine men can actually stick to, Scott keeps it funny, practical, and brutally honest. 

In this episode of Generation Uncharted, Lewis Oakley sits down with model and activist Yasmin Benoit, a leading voice for asexual visibility. Together they explore the misconceptions surrounding asexuality, the media’s obsession with rebranding queer identities, and the pressures that come with being a “face” of representation.

In this episode of Generation Uncharted, Lewis  sits down with wellness coach Camilla Sheeley to explore the evolving landscape of wellness, particularly in the context of modern overstimulation and the importance of intentional rest. They discuss the challenges many face in prioritising wellness amidst busy lives, the significance of finding practices that resonate personally, and the growing acceptance of wellness among men.

Camilla shares insights on seasonal resets, quick wellness tips, the role of crystals, and the benefits of attending wellness retreats. The discussion emphasises that wellness should feel harmonious and fulfilling rather than a chore, encouraging listeners to invest in their well-being without stigma.

What if the key to reducing stress, boosting focus, and even unlocking psychedelic-like states was as simple as your next breath? In this episode of Generation Uncharted, Lewis Oakley speaks with Dr. Richard L. Blake,  breathwork researcher to explore how conscious breathing can transform your mental and physical health. 

From calming high-performers on the edge of burnout to reducing anxiety and improving sleep, Dr Richard explains the science, the techniques, and why this ancient practice is making a modern comeback. 

What does it really mean to be a man in 2025? In this conversation, psychotherapist, bestselling author, and host of The Meaningful Life podcast Andrew G. Marshall sits down with Lewis Oakley to explore the father wound, the silence men carry, and why retreats might be the key to breaking cycles of isolation. 

From rituals and myths to modern masculinity, Andrew shares why men need brotherhood, not competition, and how reconnecting with each other can heal generations of pain. 

In this episode Lewis sits down with financial broadcaster Georgie Frost (host of This Is Money) for a surprisingly optimistic conversation about money in tough times. From broken housing markets and soaring taxes to pensions, scams, and whether London is still worth the price, Georgie cuts through the gloom with refreshing realism and practical advice. 

Together, they explore how to build financial literacy, why optimism matters, and how younger generations can redefine wealth and success for themselves. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money — this episode will leave you informed, reassured, and inspired to take control.