2025’s Big Moments & a Ten News-Approved Gift Guide
Big Moments & Gifting with The Ten News: Episode 619
1. AI's Big Debut 🤖
2. The Love Story of the Century 💍
3. A New Leader of the Roman Catholic Church ⛪️
4. Big Records Broken 🤯
5. A Small Pup & Big Buddy 🐾
6. A Nintendo Figurine 🕹️
7. A Nintendo Video Game 🎮
7. Your Own Music Lab 🎧
9. Awesome Anime 😁
10. Owen's draw in the Secret Friend Gift Exchange? 🤔
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TRANSCRIPT
TRACY:
Okay, while Pam and Ryan are busy decorating, untangling lights, and trying not to eat all the holiday snacks before the party even starts… {SFX: off-mic chaos — tape ripping, box thump, faint argument} …I called in some backup to help wrap up 2025, my friend Jaime Albright.
JAIME: Hey Ten’ers!
TRACY: So instead of Ten Things You Need to Know, we’re doing something a little different, a look back at a few of the big moments and fun records from this past year.
{SFX: rewind / time-whoosh}
TRACY: One of the biggest changes this year? Artificial intelligence.
JAIME: In 2025, AI showed up in classrooms, hospitals, movies, music, and even video games.
TRACY: Doctors used AI to help read medical scans. Scientists used it to speed up research. Students used it to study — and sometimes argue with their teachers about homework.
JAIME:
It also raised big questions:
Who owns AI-made art?
What’s okay to use for school?
And how do we keep humans in charge?
TRACY:
And this year, 38 different state governments created laws relating to AI and all 50 states have legislation in the works.
On December 11th, the Trump administration issued an executive order restricting the state laws, setting up a potential fight between the federal government and the states in 2026.
JAIME: One story that blew up on social media this year, was Taylor Swift’s engagement to NFL Kansas City Chiefs player, Travis Kelce. The news of their engagement took over social media after Swift’s playful post - your english teacher and gym teacher are getting married.
TRACY: And this came after her record-breaking visit to the Kelce brother’s podcast, New Heights, where she discussed her new album, Life of a Showgirl. 1.3 Million people tuned in at the same time to watch her appearance on the show!
JAIME: And on a different world stage, there was an election of a new pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
In May, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pope born in the U.S. and the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo was born in Chicago leading many people to ask the big question - is he a Cubs fan or White Sox fan?
TRACY: I can report that he’s a White Sox fan and has even been seen sporting a white sox hat. Sorry Cubs fans.
JAIME: And now, let’s do some fun new records set in 2025. A kid named Aaryan Shukla broke world records for fastest mental math, solving huge math problems faster than most of us can even open a calculator.
TRACY: A man in New Zealand is motivating me to get to the gym! Maynard Williams became the oldest person to hold a plank. He’s 78 years and 135 days old and held a plank for over 30 minutes - and he only needed to do it for 3 minutes to get the record. What an overachiever.
And back here in the U.S. YouTuber Lily Hevesh brought together a team of skilled builders to make the world’s tallest domino structure. The tower stood at 33 feet, 2.74 inches tall and took 5 days to complete. You can check out the build and the final collapse from the link in our show notes.
JAIME: And now for possibly the most adorable moment of 2025?
TRACY:
The world’s tallest dog — a Great Dane — met the world’s shortest dog — a tiny Chihuahua. The dogs, Reggie, a 3 foot, 3 inch Dane and Pearl, a 3.59 inch Chihuahua met up and became best friends.
JAIME: Which proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship.
{SFX: Awe…}
TRACY: Not every story this year was easy, and some of them were confusing and at times, even a little scary. But knowing what’s going on helps everything feel a bit less overwhelming. And honestly, we’re really grateful for all our Ten’ers and the good you’re putting out into the world.
SFX: transition music
RYAN: Soooo, Pam, you’re gonna help save the Secret Friend Holiday Gift Exchange?
PAM: Yes, yes I am.
RYAN: GREAT! Does this mean I get to open my gifts now?
PAM: No, Ry. The holidays are about giving, not just getting. Did you get anybody a gift?
RYAN: Yes…and I kind of spent all of my money on that one gift. So I don’t really have much to spend on any other gifts…
PAM: That’s okay! Great gifts aren’t about how much you spend. It’s the thought that counts.
RYAN: But I haven’t thought of anything…
PAM: Alright, I can help you out.
{Some sort of <SFX> or <Song byte> to kick it off!}
PAM: Are there any lessons you could teach someone about video games?
RYAN: I could teach Kap how I beat her at Just Dance on my Switch 2. She always beats Naomi but she’s never beaten me. I think it’s the only time I’ve ever seen her get mad.
PAM: So take a greeting card and write that you’re offering one, two or three free lessons, whenever they want one!
RYAN: WAIT. I just had an idea for a gift…! I could make an RY-O-U Coupon book.
RYAN: It could be coupons for things that I could do for someone… Like: Ry Owes You a Compliment. Or I Owe You Help with a Chore, and I don’t even like doing chores
PAM: Yeah that would be a monumental coupon to give someone. You always say you’re allergic to chores. I’ve got one last one, and I think it’s my favorite.
RYAN: Give it to me, Pam!
PAM: It’s a You Are Awesome jar. You take a normal jar, and then you fill it with little slips of paper that you write on.
RYAN: Okay that would be awesome to get. And I could ask everyone in the office to write things, so I could do this one pretty quick!
PAM: Yup! Maybe we should take a quick break so you can make as many gifts as you possibly can…
RYAN: LETS GOOOOOO!
KAP: Hey Ten’ers! We have a special deep dive episode releasing tomorrow, where we took your suggestions on things to cover. As schools head into winter break, I want to send some Ten News snaps to all the teachers out there, and any homeschool parents! You are amazing. And Ten’ers if you use The Ten News in your school, let us know! We want visit some classrooms this season in person and on zoom but we need to know where to go. Send us an email at hello@thetennews.com and let us know. Speaking of the show…let’s get back to it.
PAM: Okay Ry…you ready?
RYAN: Yes. But also, what if they get mad that they spent money on me, and I didn’t spend money on them?!
PAM: I think you’ll find our team is happy to get a gift from the heart… there’s Kap, start with her!
RYAN: Hey Kap! I ummmm, drew your name for the Secret Friend Holiday Gift Exchange.
KAP: Wow! What a coincidence. I drew you, too. Here!
<SFX Ryan takes it and unwraps…>
RYAN: OH MY GOSH. A TAMAGOTCHI PARADISE?!
KAP: Yeah, I know you have a real pet, but I thought you’d enjoy a virtual one. Tamagotchi’s first came out in 1997 and they were a huge craze… And this is the newest version. It’s in color, it has a click wheel and it links up to other Tamagotchi’s!
RYAN: This is so awesome. Wait…there’s another one?
KAP: Yeah, I thought you’ve worked extra hard this year, so I also got you a throwback version. Except with this Tamagotchi, it’s Darth Vader.
RYAN: THIS IS AMAZING! Thank you Kap! So umm, I umm, got you this card with a special offer inside…
KAP: Oh. Okay… <SFX opens card> <GASP> Ryan. You would teach me how to beat you in Just Dance…?
RYAN: Yes, and once you beat me, you will be unbeatable by every other person you know.
KAP: SWEET! I caught Naomi training, so this is exactly what I need. Thanks Ryan!
RYAN: You’re so welcome! (hushed to Pam) That went so much better than I thought it would.
PAM: There’s Adam, try him!
ADAM: Hey Pam. I didn’t draw you this year, but I got Ry, so here you go.
RYAN: <SFX Unwraps> WHAT! A Samus Amiibo AND a physical copy of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond?! This is the Switch 2 game I wanted the most! How did you know??
ADAM: You sent me seven trailers for the game and said that you hope Santa brought it for you, about 11 times. So I took matters into my own hands.
RYAN: Okay, well, ummm, I got you a, ummmm, playlist?
ADAM: Like a musical playlist? What kind of music?
RYAN: Well I know how much you like watching the Jets, Rangers and the Yankees, so I made a playlist of songs to get you pumped up while you watch them. Check these out–
ADAM: That’s a great idea, dude, these are some of my favorite songs! I can even use this playlist when I’m training to run the New York Marathon.
RYAN: Oh yeah, totally, that’s also a great idea. I didn’t even think of that. I would never want to run a marathon, because it’s like my nightmare.
ADAM: Thank you, Ry, Happy Holidays!
PAM: I think you’re knocking it out of the park! I’m impressed how much thought you put in, so quickly. Who’s left?
RYAN: HEY EARL!
EARL: Hey Ryan. Happy Holidaze. Are you my Secret Friend this year?
RYAN: It’s no longer a secret. I am that friend. So I wanted to give you something sweet…
EARL: <SFX opens box> Are these your…leftover groceries?
RYAN: No, that’s a ready to make dessert. It’s all the ingredients you need for brown butter Rice Krispie treats. It’s my favorite New York Times recipe, which is also in the box. And I’d be happy to help you make them…and eat them.
EARL: Bet. This is actually great, I’m going to a potluck tomorrow and didn’t know what to bring. Thanks Ry, here’s your gift. <SFX Ryan Opens>
RYAN: Wait. What’s a Loops Lab?
EARL: Loops Lab is a creative music platform, it’s basically a music synthesizer. So you take these figures, and you put them on the board, each figure is a different instrument. You can double or triple tap the figure to change what they play.
<SFX Single beat>
EARL: And then you add another figure… and another and another. Until you have the full band! And you can record the song and download them.
<SFX Full song plays>
RYAN: DUDE THIS IS UNREAL!!!! Thank you so much Earl!
EARL: You’re welcome! Thanks for the ready to make dessert!
RYAN: Pam, I think this is the best Secret Friend Holiday Gift Exchange, ever. And you saved the day.
PAM: Well the day’s not over, maybe we should pop over to the Trivia Throne and see what Owen’s up to.
<SFX Door Opens to the Trivia Room>
OWEN: Welcome to the Trivia Room…Hey Pam, hey Ry.
PAM: Hi Owen! We thought we could use a little holiday trivia, do you got anything for us?
OWEN: Of course I do, Ryan, wanna step up to the Trivia Throne?
RYAN: Absolutely.
OWEN: The holidays are upon us and the spirit of giving can make them great. This year, the Ten News had a Secret Friend Holiday Gift Exchange. Can you guess whose name I drew? Is it…
Pam
Adam
Midnight or
Ryan
PAM: Oh this one’s easy.
RYAN: Ummmm, I’m gonna guess… C. Midnight?
OWEN: INCORRECT! The answer is, D, Ryan. But the real question is… how did I draw your name, when everyone else drew your name?
RYAN: Ummmmm—
OWEN: Because you rigged it. Didn’t you?
RYAN: Yes… I did, how did you know that?
PAM: Because he’s the Trivia Master.
OWEN: Yeah. And Trivia Masters know everything. So lemme see this coupon book you made me.
RYAN: Oh wow, you really do know.
OWEN: <SFX turns pages in book> (reads) Ry Owes U your choice of anything in his secret snack drawer. Really?
RYAN: Yeah…
OWEN: Ry Owes U the chance to borrow ANY of his gaming consoles? AND a coupon to do CHORES for me?! Okay, this is pretty awesome. Thanks Ry! Here’s your gift:
<SFX unwraps>
RYAN: WAIT. This looks like anime…? A GIANT LUFFY FIGURE?
OWEN: That it is!
RYAN: One Piece is my favorite Anime! Dude this is SWEET! Thank you so much.
OWEN: You’re most welcome. And thank you in advance for cleaning my bathroom.
RYAN: Wait, what?
PAM: Everyone seemed to love the gifts you got them! And, well, here’s the gift I got you.
RYAN: Wait! Before I open that, you gotta open mine to you…
PAM: Okay… <SFX Unwraps gift> WAIT. Ry. You got me a Switch 2?!
RYAN: Yeah…I know you have a Switch 1, but I wanted to get you a Switch 2 so we could play Mario Kart World together. When we’re not together.
PAM: That’s so kind of you, Ry. Thank you so much! And here’s yours!
<SFX unwraps gift>
RYAN: YOU MADE ME A YOU ARE AWESOME JAR?!??!?
PAM: And the whole team wrote you little notes–
RYAN: <SFX pulls a note out> Kap said, “Ryan you keep the office very lively and not quiet.” <SFX unfolds another note> and Adam said, “Ryan you don’t smell like burnt cheese anymore.” THESE ARE SO NICE!
PAM: Wanna read more? Or…play some Mario Kart World?
RYAN: Both…? By the way, we are doing a Holiday collab with First Stop News, one of our favorite YouTube channels! If any of you Ten’ers want to see some of the holiday gifts I got, check out First Stop News on YouTube!
PAM: I’m subscribing right now… Should we give out some Ten News Snaps?
RYAN: OBVIOUSLY. And before that, here’s a quick note for the grownups.
<AD BREAK>
RYAN: Time for Ten News Snaps!
PAM: A Ten’er left us this review on Apple Podcasts and said, “I love this podcast. Can you do an episode on brain rot? PS life tip: when you are growing up don’t think about what comes after, just enjoy the journey to get to adulthood. You’re welcome.
RYAN: That’s actually great advice, he also said, “PPS I’m 8 years old and my dad told me that life tip. He is one of the smartest people I have ever know. PPPS I’m Filipino too and I also LOVE sinigang my grandma makes it for me too!!!!!!” Yoooooo, my Filipino Pare! Sinigang is the best, and so are grandparents. Your dad seems pretty cool too. And thank you for all the Filipino flag emojis.
PAM: And two extra notes for the grown-ups, you can now get ad-free versions of our episodes when you join the Ten’ers Club on our website.
RYAN: And if you want to help support the Ten News, you can make a tax-deductible donation at the link in our show notes. The whole team thanks you for your support!
PAM: “The Ten News” is a co-production of Small But Mighty Media and Next Chapter Podcasts, and part of the Airwave Podcast Network.
RYAN: The Ten News creative team is about to take two weeks off for the holidays and includes Tracey Not a Crooks, Adam the Great Bambino Bernard, Brian Not Ryan Douglas, the Duke of Earl Davis, and Carson Not So Harry Potter. Big thanks to Owen, Not Slowin Down for Anybody.
PAM: Our Production Director is Jeremiah “On Fyaaah” Tittle, and our Executive Producers are Donald “Albright, Albright, Albright!” and show creator Tracy Takes the Leeds Kaplan. I’m Pamela Kirkland.
RYAN: And I’m Ryan Willard, thanks for listening to the Ten News.
