The Nightly – “New Stranger Things & Shoe Updates”

Date: November 26, 2025
Hosts: KP and Jack East
Episode Theme:
A cozy, easygoing late-night chat about the ever-evolving world of shoes and a deep dive into the return of “Stranger Things,” all designed to help listeners unwind and drift off for the night.

Episode Overview

This episode of The Nightly wraps listeners in the friendly warmth of a pillow fort, as KP and Jack East settle in for a relaxing, lightly comedic discussion. The episode opens with an update on KP’s ongoing “new shoe journey”—a whimsical exploration of their ever-changing shoe rotation—before seamlessly shifting gears to dissect the evolving release schedule and cultural meaning of “Stranger Things” season five.

1. Shoe Updates and Sneaker Culture

[00:51-07:12]

KP’s Shoe Journey (00:51–02:34)

• KP reveals several new additions to their shoe rotation:
  • “Ballet flat esque” mesh Mary Janes with a strap—“helpful but...their time is almost up due to the mesh of it all.” (01:21–01:46)
  • Short, black, alligator-skin boots—untested but intended to “plus up an outfit.” (02:02–02:13)
  • Neon, tennis ball-colored Adidas sneakers—perfect for “really get[ting] a boring outfit better.” (02:14–02:26)
  • Pale yellow loafers—a stylish, gentle touch to the rotation. (02:26–02:34)
  • Notably, an “old shoe that got brought back up” after nearly being donated—“I saved it from death.” (02:39–03:06)

Notable Moment

• Jack East (on shoe resurrection):

  “You are what the shoe world calls a savior.” (03:09–03:15)

Sneakerhead and Shoe Shopping Insights (03:18–07:12)

• Jack East laments the current sneakerhead culture:
  • The bubble has “started to burst,” with resellers and unattainable price points sapping the fun. (03:47–03:56)
• On places to buy shoes:
  • KP: Most shoes come from thrift stores or online resale (e.g. Depop).

    “I’m kind of going for really good quality. Like, somebody bought them, realized they don’t fit, and then put them online. That’s perfect for me.” (04:43–04:51)

  • Jack East: Prefers specialized outlets or brand stores for sneakers, avoids department store selections (“there is a certain man who wears the JCPenney Nike...the 60 year old suburban white man.”) (06:18–06:55)
  • Both share a mild disdain for stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls for shoes—KP notes, “Too many people have them or worse, too many people said no.” (05:45–06:18)

Core Tone

• Playful teasing with real affection for the quirks of sneaker culture and personal style.
• Both are honest about their preferences but nonjudgmental, keeping conversation gentle and inclusive.

2. Pop Culture Transition: “Stranger Things” Season 5

[07:15–17:46]

Return to Hawkins: Stranger Things Discussion (08:17–17:46)

• Choice Mechanic: Jack East offers two topics—KP picks “B,” Stranger Things wins.

Declining Viewer Engagement

• KP admits they “haven’t tuned in since season two.”
• Jack East:

  “Most people haven’t...the show had its ups and downs...season[s] seemingly took two years plus to come out.” (08:27–09:07)

• Delays attributed to pandemic, strikes, and industry upheaval.

Release Format Changes & Weekly Drops

• KP misses the “weekly drop”—feels binge models hurt discussion and continuity among friends.
• Jack East:

  “The upcoming season is actually going to be released in three parts...Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and the finale on New Year's Eve.” (10:02–10:46)

  • Points out Netflix’s strategy: “If you release them all, people only gotta resubscribe for one month...this way you get two months out of this with no break.” (11:24–12:11)
• Both express skepticism about dumping episodes around major holidays, with KP remarking:

  “I like to talk to my friends about a show...it is easier when it is a weekly model...But maybe that’s old head of me.” (10:46–11:24)

The Catch-Up Problem & Binge TV Fatigue

• Jack East voices common Netflix fatigue:

  “I don’t remember a damn thing from the movie or from the TV show...I don’t want to go back and rewatch four seasons to be caught up.” (13:14–13:28)

Serial TV Pacing & LOST Burnout

• KP, burned by “Lost,” fears shows that “add more questions every season” without resolving them, and shares:

  “I’m still wondering what happened with that polar bear.” (14:28–14:34)

• Jack agrees and commiserates about long, narrative-heavy shows testing viewer patience.

Aging Casts & High School Realism

• Both chuckle over how the once-child actors are now adults:
  • Jack East: “These kids were literally 10, 11 years old...now they all have kids of their own probably.” (15:04–15:08)
  • They joke about Stranger Things (and Euphoria) struggling to keep adults as believable teens.
  • KP: “At least season one they cast the correct age, whereas like Euphoria...they were already 22 in playing high school.” (15:57–16:16)

The Challenge of Skipping Ahead

• Jack notes that Stranger Things can’t time-jump like Euphoria due to the narrative stakes:

  “The monster don’t care about y’all no more. Why you coming back?” (16:43–17:05)

• Both imagine the villain waiting around while the cast ages unrealistically.

Closing Sentiments & Winona Ryder Love

• Both hosts ultimately commit to seeing the show through to the end:
  • Jack East: “I will complete the journey. I’ve put nine years of my life into it. This is the last season. That’s it.” (17:19–17:34)
• KP beams:

  “You know, my favorite actress of all time is Winona Ryder. When she wins, we all win.” (17:46–17:54)

• Both agree she’s fantastic and unique.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• KP (on rescuing shoes):

  “I saved it from death. It was on the way out.” (03:05–03:06)

• Jack East (on sneaker culture’s bubble):

  “It’s lost the fun, the flavor.” (03:45–03:47)

• Jack East (on the Netflix model):

  “If you release them all, people only gotta resubscribe for one month...this way you get two months out of this with no break.” (11:24–12:11)

• KP (on dropping shows with endless questions):

  “Lost did this to me...I’m still wondering what happened with that polar bear.” (14:28–14:34)

• Jack East (on aging Stranger Things cast):

  “That child is not in high school. Stop that kid.” (15:08–15:57)

• KP (on Winona Ryder):

  “When she wins, we all win.” (17:54)

Important Timestamps by Segment

| Timestamp | Segment | Key Moments | |-------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:51–07:12 | Shoe journey & sneaker talk | KP’s shoe updates, sneakerhead culture, shopping habits | | 07:15–08:17 | Pop culture topic switch | “A or B” decision; leads to Stranger Things | | 08:17–17:46 | Stranger Things season 5 | Show delays, release model, binging fatigue, aging cast, expectations | | 17:46–18:12 | Closing sentiments | Love for Winona Ryder, winding down |

Episode Flow and Vibe

• Warm, witty, and soothing: The hosts’ banter is gentle and often playful, with genuine shared insights but never veering into harshness or negativity.
• Nostalgic and relatable: Whether talking shoes or TV, conversations are deeply relatable to anyone plugged into pop culture and fashion.
• Inviting, never exclusionary: Even as they poke a little fun at retail chains and Netflix strategies, hosts carefully ensure that all styles and choices are valid, keeping the mood friendly and open.
• Tailored for winding down: The pacing, laughter, and structure lightly encourage the listener to relax before sleeping, ending with intention:

  “I think I’m gonna do the same. I’m gonna turn on this hatch, listen to some beautiful ocean sounds, and drift away into dreamland.” (18:12–18:29)

In sum:
This episode is a perfect listen for winding down—offering in equal parts nostalgia, pop culture analysis, gentle humor, and an invitation to embrace the quirks of both our wardrobes and our streaming habits.