Podcast Summary: The Ten News

Episode: 2025’s Big Moments & a Ten News-Approved Gift Guide
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Small But Mighty Media
Episode Theme:
A festive, playful holiday special that both recaps the biggest and quirkiest moments of 2025 and delivers a “Ten News Gift Guide”—spotlighting thoughtful, creative, and budget-friendly gift-giving ideas. The episode’s fun, interactive tone and emphasis on kindness and connection make it a perfect listen for families heading into the holidays.

Episode Overview

This holiday-themed episode of The Ten News moves away from the usual news format to focus on joy, friendship, and generosity. After some comedic mishaps with a “secret friend” gift exchange, the team—including hosts Ryan Willard and Pamela Kirkland, along with guests Jamie, Cap, Adam, Earl, and Owen—wraps up the year by looking back at 2025’s big news stories and new world records. They also exchange creative, heartfelt gifts and offer easy, accessible gift ideas for listeners of all ages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Secret Friend Holiday Gift Exchange Goes Awry

• Opening Antics: The episode begins with playful banter about Ryan rigging the secret gift exchange so everyone drew his name—and forgetting to get gifts for others (00:08–00:43).

  • Memorable Quote:
    • “I might have kind of rigged the secret friend holiday gift exchange, so everyone probably drew my name.” — Ryan (00:29)

• Life Lesson: Pam reminds Ryan (and listeners) that thoughtful, personal gifts matter more than expensive ones (05:34).

  • Notable Quote:
    • “Great gifts aren't about how much you spend. It's the thought that counts.” — Pam (05:34)

• DIY Gift Ideas:

  • Video Game Lessons Coupon: Teaching friends how to beat a favorite video game (05:41–06:06)
  • Coupon Book: Custom coupons for favors, chores, or compliments (06:07–06:22)
  • ‘You Are Awesome’ Jar: A jar filled with kind notes from friends (06:33–06:48)

2. 2025 Year-in-Review: Big Moments and Fun World Records

• AI’s Expansion:
  • AI became ubiquitous: used in classrooms, hospitals, entertainment, and more. Sparked debates about ownership, ethics, and human oversight (01:36–02:03).
    • “In 2025, AI showed up in the classrooms, hospitals, movies, music, and even video games.” — Jamie (01:36)
  • Major U.S. state legislation on AI and a federal executive order create a legal standoff to watch in 2026 (02:03).
• Pop Culture Phenomena:
  • Taylor Swift's engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce captivated the internet, fueled by her viral comment:
    • "Your English teacher and gym teacher are getting married." — (02:31)
  • Swift’s record-breaking interview on “New Heights” podcast: 1.3 million live viewers (02:39–02:53)
• Religious Milestone:
  • Election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born in the U.S., from Chicago (03:09)
    • Humorous local color: “Is he a Cubs fan or White Sox fan? … He's a White Sox fan and has been seen sporting a White Sox hat. Sorry Cubs fans.” — (03:21)
• Remarkable World Records:
  • Iron Shukla: fastest mental math (03:30)
  • Maynard Williams: oldest person to hold a plank (78 years, 135 days for 30+ minutes) (03:46)
  • Lily Heves: world’s tallest domino structure (33ft 2.74in, took 5 days) (03:59)
• Most Adorable Moment:
  • The world’s tallest and shortest dogs—Reggie the Great Dane (3ft 3in) and Pearl the Chihuahua (3.59in)—met and became best friends (04:31–04:46)
    • “Proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship.” — Jamie (04:51)

3. Creative, Thoughtful Gift Giving—Ten News-Approved Guide

Gift exchange highlights:

• Pam & Ryan:
  • Ryan receives: Switch 2, “You Are Awesome” jar full of team notes
  • Pam receives: Switch 2 for Mario Kart World
• Cap & Ryan:
  • Cap gives Ryan: “Tamagotchi paradise” and Darth Vader Tamagotchi (07:55–08:23)
  • Ryan gives Cap: Card promising dance lessons for “Just Dance” (08:32)
• Adam & Ryan:
  • Adam gives Ryan: Samus Amiibo and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond for Switch 2 (08:57–09:06)
  • Ryan gives Adam: Sports-themed music playlist for watching Jets, Rangers, Yankees, and marathon training (09:20–09:46)
• Earl & Ryan:
  • Ryan gives Earl: Ready-to-make dessert kit for brown butter Rice Krispies (10:13–10:29)
  • Earl gives Ryan: Loops Lab music synthesizer platform (10:39–10:59)
• Owen & Ryan:
  • Ryan gives Owen: Coupon book for snacks, chores, gaming (12:29–12:52)
  • Owen gives Ryan: Giant One Piece Luffy figure (12:58–13:09)

4. Trivia Segment

• Host: Owen
  • Humorous trivia about the (rigged!) gift exchange (11:20–12:26):
    • “But the real question is, how did I draw your name when everyone else drew your name? Because you rigged it, didn't you?” — Owen (12:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Great gifts aren't about how much you spend. It's the thought that counts.” — Pam (05:34)
• “Proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to friendship.” — Jamie (04:51)
• “Ry owes you the chance to borrow any of his gaming consoles and a coupon to do chores for me.” — Owen reading Ryan’s coupon (12:47)
• “I wanted to get you a Switch two so we could play Mario Kart World together when we're not together.” — Ryan (13:34)
• “Cap said, Ryan, you keep the office very lively and not quiet. Hmm.” — Ryan reading “You Are Awesome” jar notes (13:51)
• “One piece is my favorite anime. Dude, this is so cool. Thank you so much, Owen.” — Ryan (13:00)
• “But I haven't thought of anything.” — Ryan, before learning about DIY gifts (05:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:08–00:43: Secret friend gift exchange mishap
• 01:21–04:51: 2025 year-in-review (AI, Taylor Swift, new pope, world records)
• 05:34–06:48: DIY, thoughtful gift ideas
• 07:33–11:03: Gift exchanges among cast
• 11:20–12:58: Holiday trivia (with Owen)
• 13:09–14:09: “You Are Awesome” jar revealed, special gifts open

Listener Involvement & Holiday Wishes

• Shout-outs to teachers, homeschool parents, and listeners using Ten News in classrooms.
• Invitation for listeners to reach out if they'd like a classroom visit: “Send us an email at hello@thetennews.com and let us know.” (06:56)
• Listener review spotlight: wise advice from an 8-year-old (“Just enjoy the journey to adulthood. … I'm Filipino too and I also love synagogue. My grandma makes it for me too.”) (14:38–15:26)

Conclusion

The episode combines laughter, heartwarming stories, and a spirit of giving. It covers important societal moments and reminds young listeners that meaningful, creative gifts don’t require big budgets. The holiday special wraps up with gratitude, messages of community, and a reminder to enjoy both the season—and life’s journey—together.