Microtrending

We’re back with 39 minutes of complaints disguised as social commentary, and 1 minute of me apologizing for my absence. Much to snark on re: those AI commencement speeches, the Victoria’s Secret mall “casting,” and a specific moment in the Summer House finale that deserves more attention. 

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

It was the best of times, it was the beigest of times (aka the worst) and it’s time to celebrate it all. We’ve got a very full mailbag of 2025’s salty moments and silver linings (thanks!) plus some reflective corniness. HNY & ILYSM. 

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

The only thing whiter than the grab and go food at Meadow Lane is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026 (spoiler alert, it’s white). I have some belated thoughts on the unbearable beigeness of Meadow Lane’s make-believe grocery store, plus a deeper look at “Cloud Dancer”: the color of playing in our face. 

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

I thought we had put Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign to bed, but I forgot that Spokane Sam the groundhog came up to burp last week, signaling six more weeks of bullshit. A little on that GQ interview, some TV opinions, plus a light investigation into the “Penmar Person” archetype. Venice MAGA, if you will.

P.S. The Salt on the Table substack is live ⁠HERE⁠

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

Personally, I hadn’t considered the idea of hot ice cream before, but Tyra’s Smize Cream is here to change our minds. Need to know if you would try. Also need to know if you’re in Group 7 and your feelings on a proposed American nostalgia based amusement park (this is every amusement park). We’ve never been in more Kidz Bop times.

P.S. The Salt on the Table substack is live ⁠HERE⁠

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

This one’s for the eldest daughter girl boss billionaires. You know who you are, chicas! I have some thoughts on a recent article on the concept of performative intellectualism, more on The Flop of a Showgirl (28:20) and a little Q&A feat. what the hell is up with barrel leg jeans and Disney adults (double derogatory).

P.S. The Salt on the Table substack is live ⁠HERE⁠

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

Have you seen Flight of the Conchords reject Mr. Fantastic? Totally not actor KJ Apa. A little on whatever that stunt is (probably another distraction from the Epstein files) and then extended thoughts on Victoria’s Secret’s threat to bring “unapologetically sexy” back to the brand. Go girl, give us nothing (again). Bonus: a little Q&A thanks to your questions! More of those in episodes to come. Love you, mean it.

P.S. The Salt on the Table substack is live HERE

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

We’re back after a brief hiatus! I’ll save the groveling for the pod, in addition to some commentary on work/life balance, and of course the latest in B.E.I.G.E (20:04). Plus, a half-baked new theory on 2D vs. 3D music, and why Sabrina’s new album failed to deliver. 

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

I’m joined by author and incredible multi-hyphenate Kaila Yu, whose new book “Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism and Beauty” is out now. We chat “that moment” on Love Island USA Season 7, how Asian representation in media has changed since the 00s, and of course a little on Y2K trends.

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)  

Hey girl! How do you feel about your 9th favorite frat house sleep paralysis demon selling you budget mascara? I’m taking my Ulta points elsewhere, personally. Let’s dig into the Matt Rife X elf campaign (18:06) and then unpack if “pretty people humor” is really just “popular people humor.” Or you know, beige. 

Want to put a microtrend under the microscope? Send your topic submission to [email protected] 

XO, Gabrielle (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@saltlacroix⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)