Small talk like a finance bro.

Gossip, sports and memes, turned into instant small talk – from your nerdy, non-native friends.

Daily gossip email

One curated digest per day. Enough to survive hallway small talk.

Gossip collage

Three main topics we track here:

Celebrity & online gossip
🏀 Sports storylines & drama
💬 Memes & internet culture

Top Stories

Stories people are most likely talking about today.

3 stories

Hailey Bieber's Sister Alaia Baldwin Charged With Assault and Battery (Brahmjot Kaur/E! Online)

What it is

Basically, Hailey Bieber’s sister Alaia Baldwin was officially charged with assault and battery after an old nightclub incident where she allegedly threw a used tampon at a bartender and hit two bouncers. The case is just now moving forward almost two years later.

Who they are

Alaia Baldwin is a model and Hailey Bieber’s older sister; Hailey is married to pop star Justin Bieber.

Why it matters

People are talking about it because the Baldwin-Bieber family is always under a spotlight, and this story adds more drama to their public image. It also shows how old scandals can resurface and affect celebrity reputations long after the fact.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that’s wild—Hailey’s family always ends up in the headlines for something.' Or: 'Crazy how something from two years ago is just now turning into real charges.'

Intro for January 28, 2026 — The Grammy Awards are happening on Sunday and Alex Cooper ... (Lainey/LaineyGossip)

What it is

Alex Cooper just dropped a special two-hour podcast episode with Rosé from Blackpink right before the Grammys, where they talk and travel around Asia together. People are surprised because Rosé opens up more than usual in the interview.

Who they are

Rosé is a singer in the K-pop group Blackpink, and Alex Cooper is the host of the popular podcast 'Call Her Daddy.'

Why it matters

Fans are excited because K-pop idols rarely speak so openly about their personal lives, and Alex Cooper is known for getting big names to relax and share real stories. It also shows how global pop culture is mixing—American podcast meets Korean superstar right before music’s biggest night.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that Rosé interview was huge—she doesn’t usually talk that openly, so Alex Cooper really pulled it off.' Or: 'Smart timing before the Grammys, everyone’s talking about that episode.'

Where Will Prince George Attend Secondary School? (Katie Nicholl/Vanity Fair)

What it is

Basically, people are talking about where Prince George will go to secondary school, since his parents might not send him to Eton like Prince William and Prince Harry went to.

Who they are

Prince George is the 10-year-old son of Prince William and Princess Kate, and he’s third in line to the British throne.

Why it matters

It matters because Eton is the traditional school for royal men, so choosing a different one could show that William and Kate want a more modern or low-key upbringing for their kids. British media always reads these choices as signals about how the royal family is changing.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Seems like William and Kate want George to have a more normal school experience than the old royal tradition.'

Celebrity

Who dated whom, who said what, who got cancelled (for now).

3 stories

Jimmy Fallon Uses Steamy Gay Drama To Mock Trump's Falling Popularity

What it is

Basically, Jimmy Fallon made a joke on his late-night show comparing Trump’s falling approval ratings to a dramatic love triangle from a popular gay TV series, and he even threw in a Vatican reference for the punch line.

Who they are

Jimmy Fallon is a comedian and host of NBC’s 'The Tonight Show,' and Donald Trump is the former U.S. president and current political figure.

Why it matters

People are talking about it because Fallon’s humor mixes politics and pop culture, and it shows how late-night TV still shapes how audiences see political figures. It also reflects how comedians use trending shows to keep political jokes fresh and relatable.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Fallon’s joke was classic late-night — mixing politics with whatever show everyone’s watching right now.' Or: 'He’s basically saying Trump’s popularity is turning into a soap opera plot.'

‘Oh, He’s Toast’: Desi Lydic Spots Telltale Sign That Trump Is Done With Greg Bovino

What it is

Basically, on The Daily Show, comedian Desi Lydic joked that Trump seems to have lost faith in Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, calling it a clear sign that Trump is done with him.

Who they are

Desi Lydic is a comedian and correspondent on The Daily Show, and Donald Trump is the former U.S. president and current political figure.

Why it matters

People are talking about it because The Daily Show often mixes politics and comedy, and this bit plays into the larger media narrative about how Trump treats his allies when they fall out of favor. It’s also part of the ongoing late-night TV commentary on U.S. politics.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, The Daily Show was roasting Trump again — they said he’s basically over that Border Patrol guy.' Or just be like: 'Classic late-night jab at Trump losing patience with his own people.'

'Not A Great Sign': Stephen Colbert Spots Exact Moment Trump Interview Went 'Sideways'

What it is

Stephen Colbert joked about a weird moment in a recent Donald Trump interview where Trump was asked about his health, and the whole thing got awkward fast.

Who they are

Stephen Colbert is a late-night TV host and comedian, and Donald Trump is the former U.S. president and current presidential candidate.

Why it matters

People are watching Trump’s interviews closely because of questions about his age and fitness, and Colbert’s take adds to the ongoing late-night comedy vs. politics dynamic that often shapes public opinion online.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Colbert roasted that Trump interview—he caught the exact second it went off the rails.' Or just be like: 'Late-night hosts never miss a chance to turn those awkward moments into jokes.'

Shows & TV

Shows, movies, and reality moments that show up in group chats.

3 stories

Peyton List talks new season of "School Spirits" and performing in off-Broadway hit musical

What it is

Basically, Peyton List talked about the new season of her show 'School Spirits' and how she’s also performing in the off-Broadway version of 'Heathers: The Musical.' She said she hopes her character finally gets some closure this season.

Who they are

Peyton List is an American actress known for roles in teen shows like 'Cobra Kai' and 'School Spirits,' and now she’s also doing theater work in New York.

Why it matters

People care because Peyton has successfully moved from Disney Channel fame to more mature roles, and fans are curious how she balances TV and live theater. It also shows how young actors are diversifying their careers beyond streaming shows.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, Peyton List’s really expanding her range—doing both a supernatural show and live theater now.' Or: 'It’s cool seeing her go from Netflix to off-Broadway; that’s a solid career move.'

Rosé opens up about success, self-doubt and future goals

What it is

Basically, Rosé talked about how she still feels unsure about her success, even though her song just got nominated for big Grammy awards like Record and Song of the Year.

Who they are

Rosé is a South Korean singer from the K-pop group BLACKPINK, one of the biggest girl groups in the world.

Why it matters

People care because she’s the first K-pop artist to be nominated in the Grammys’ main categories, which shows how global K-pop has become. Fans also like how honest she is about self-doubt and pressure despite her fame.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'It’s wild how Rosé’s breaking into the Grammys like that—K-pop’s really gone mainstream.' Or: 'I like that she’s open about feeling pressure even at that level.'

A "Survivor" finalist's mission to prove his late sister was murdered

What it is

Basically, Joe Hunter, who was a finalist on the new season of 'Survivor,' says his sister’s death wasn’t a suicide like police said, and he’s trying to prove she was murdered.

Who they are

Joe Hunter is a reality TV contestant from 'Survivor 48,' and his sister Joanna Hunter was found dead in California.

Why it matters

People are paying attention because it mixes true crime with reality TV fame, and it’s also raising awareness about domestic violence and how families sometimes fight official rulings. It’s a serious story, not just entertainment gossip.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that Survivor guy’s story is pretty heavy—he’s using his platform to push for justice for his sister.'

Sports

Highlights, drama, contracts and off-court gossip.

3 stories

Brady latest to slam Belichick Hall of Fame snub

What it is

Basically, Tom Brady said it’s ridiculous that Bill Belichick didn’t get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and now everyone’s debating if the committee messed up.

Who they are

Tom Brady is a retired NFL quarterback often called the greatest of all time, and Bill Belichick is his former coach from the New England Patriots.

Why it matters

People care because Brady and Belichick built one of the most successful dynasties in sports, so leaving Belichick out feels like disrespect to that legacy. It also fuels the long-running debate about who deserves more credit for their success — the coach or the quarterback.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, kind of wild Belichick didn’t make it in — love him or hate him, the guy changed the game.'

Sources: Browns hiring Monken as new coach

What it is

Basically, the Cleveland Browns are hiring Todd Monken, who used to run the offense for the Baltimore Ravens, as their new head coach. It’s a big move for the team after another up-and-down season.

Who they are

Todd Monken is an NFL coach known for his offensive play-calling, and the Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Ohio.

Why it matters

People care because the Browns have struggled for years and fans hope Monken can finally make them consistent winners. It also adds some rivalry drama since he’s coming from the Ravens, one of their biggest division rivals.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, interesting move by the Browns going with Monken — maybe they’re finally getting serious about fixing that offense.'

Sources: Giannis preps for Bucks exit amid offers

What it is

Basically, Giannis Antetokounmpo might be leaving the Milwaukee Bucks because other NBA teams are making big trade offers for him before the deadline.

Who they are

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a superstar basketball player from Greece who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.

Why it matters

People care because Giannis is one of the best players in the league, and a trade could totally change the balance of power in the NBA. Fans are debating which team could actually land him and if the Bucks are about to start over.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'If Giannis really leaves Milwaukee, that could shake up the whole league.' Or: 'Yeah, every team wants him — he’s basically a franchise changer.'

Community & Memes

Memes, Twitter drama, TikTok trends and internet chaos.

3 stories

Rob Schneider's wife Patricia files for divorce after 15 years of marriage

What it is

Basically, Rob Schneider’s wife Patricia just filed for divorce after being married for 15 years. People are surprised because they always seemed like a solid couple.

Who they are

Rob Schneider is a comedian and actor best known for movies like 'Deuce Bigalow' and for being part of 'Saturday Night Live' in the 1990s.

Why it matters

Fans are talking about it since Rob often shared family moments online and even worked with Patricia on his reality show. It also fits into the bigger trend of long Hollywood marriages quietly ending after many years.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, I saw that—15 years is a long run in Hollywood, honestly.' Or: 'Seems like another longtime celeb couple calling it quits lately.'

All the time, just can’t escape this matrix!

What it is

Basically, a meme on Reddit called 'All the time, just can’t escape this matrix!' is going viral because people relate to feeling stuck in the same daily routine, like living inside a simulation.

Who they are

It was posted by a Reddit user named /u/HHHhbkrko on the r/memes community, which is a big forum for sharing funny internet pictures and jokes.

Why it matters

People are joking about how modern life—work, screens, and constant repetition—feels robotic, like the movie 'The Matrix.' It’s part of a bigger online trend where humor is used to talk about burnout and digital life fatigue.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, that meme nails how it feels to be stuck in the grind lately.' Or: 'Everyone’s joking about living in the Matrix, but honestly, it kind of feels true sometimes.'

I'm awaiting sommeliers in comments

What it is

Basically, a meme on Reddit shows someone jokingly saying they’re waiting for 'sommeliers' in the comments, like wine experts, but it’s about something totally random and not wine at all.

Who they are

It’s a post by a Reddit user on the r/memes subreddit, where people share funny internet pictures and jokes.

Why it matters

People like this kind of meme because it mocks how online commenters often act like experts about everything. It’s part of the bigger trend of making fun of internet know-it-alls and fake sophistication.

How to talk about it

If this comes up, you can say: 'Yeah, it’s that classic Reddit humor—people pretending to be experts on random stuff.' Or: 'It’s basically making fun of how everyone online thinks they’re a critic now.'