2025’s Big Moments & a Ten News-Approved Gift Guide

Summary

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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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 [e-mail] 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)

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Ryan.

[B]

Happy holidays, Pam. What's up?

[C]

I drew your name for the secret friend holiday gift exchange and was putting your present in the pile sweet.

[B]

You give the best gifts.

[C]

And I noticed that all the gifts here are addressed to you.

[B]

Wow, what a crazy coincidence.

[C]

That's not a coincidence. What did you do?

[B]

So I might have kind of rigged the secret friend holiday gift exchange, so everyone probably drew my name.

[C]

Oh, boy. So if everyone got you a gift, did you get gifts for everyone who drew your name?

[B]

Oh, that's how that works. Yeah. I've made a big mistake because I'm Ryan Willard.

[C]

And I'm Pamela Kirkland. It's Thursday, December 18th.

[B]

We are the 10 News. But today we're not going to do the news because this is our holiday special. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

[A]

Okay. While Pam and Ryan are busy decorating, untangling lights, and trying not to eat all the holiday snacks before the party even starts, I called in some backup to help wrap up 2025, my friend, Jamie Albright.

[D]

Hey, tenors.

[A]

So instead of 10 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. One of the biggest changes this year, artificial intelligence.

[D]

In 2025, AI showed up in the classrooms, hospitals, movies, music, and even video games.

[A]

Doctors used AI to help read medical scans. Scientists used it to speed up research studies. Students used it to study and sometimes argue with their teachers about homework.

[D]

It also raised big questions. Who owns AI made art, what's okay to use for schools, and how do we keep humans in charge?

[A]

And this year, 38 different state governments created laws relating to AI and all 50 states have legislation in the works. On December 11, though, 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.

[D]

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.

[A]

And this came after her record breaking visit to the Kelsey Brothers 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.

[D]

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 United States 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?

[A]

I can report that he's a White Sox fan and has been seen sporting a White Sox hat. Sorry Cubs fans.

[D]

And now let's do some fun. New records set in 2025, a kid named Iron Shukla broke world records for fastest mental math solving huge math problems faster than most of us can even open a calculator.

[A]

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 three minutes to get the record. Such an overachiever. And back here in the U.S. lily Heves brought together a team of skilled builders to make the world's tallest domino structure. The tower stood at 33ft 2.74 inches tall and took five days to complete. You can check out the build and the final collapse from the link in our show notes.

[D]

And now for possibly the most adorable moment of 2025.

[A]

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.

[D]

Which proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to friendship.

[A]

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 little bit less overwhelming. And we're really grateful for all our tenors out there and the good you're putting out into the world.

[B]

So, Pam, you're gonna help save the secret friend holiday gift exchange?

[C]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[B]

Great. Does this mean I get to open my gifts now?

[C]

No, Ry, the holidays are about giving, not just getting. Did you get anybody a gift?

[B]

Yes, and I kind of spent all my money on that one gift, so I don't really have much to spend on any.

[C]

That's okay. Great gifts aren't about how much you spend. It's the thought that counts.

[B]

But I haven't thought of anything.

[C]

Alright, I can help you out. Are there any lessons you could teach someone about video games?

[B]

I mean, I could teach Cap 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 Cap get mad.

[C]

So take a greeting card and write that you're offering one, two, or three free lessons whenever they want one.

[A]

Wait.

[B]

I just had an idea for a gift. I could make a ryou coupon book. It could be coupons for things that I could do for someone like Ryo's you a compliment or Ry owes you help with a chore. And I don't even like doing chores.

[C]

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.

[B]

Give it to me, Pam.

[C]

It's a you are awesome jar. You take a normal jar, then you fill it with little slips of paper that you write on.

[B]

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.

[C]

Yep. Maybe we should take a quick break so you can make as many gifts as you possibly can.

[B]

Let's go.

[A]

Hey, tenors. 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 10 news snaps to all the teachers out there and any homeschool parents. You are all amazing. And tenors, if you use the 10News in your school, let us know. We want to visit some classrooms this season in person and on Zoom. But we need to know where to go. Send us an email@hello, thetennews.com and let us know. That's hello, thetnnews.com Speaking of the show, let's get back to it.

[C]

Okay, Rye, you ready?

[B]

Yes. But also, what if they get mad that they spent money on me and I didn't spend any money on them?

[C]

I think you'll find our team is happy to get a gift from the heart. There's Cap. Start with her.

[B]

Hey, Cap. I drew your name for the Secret Friend holiday gift exchange.

[A]

Wow, what a coincidence. I drew you too. Here.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. A Tamagotchi paradise.

[A]

Yeah. I know you have a real pet, but I thought you'd enjoy a virtual one. Tamagotchis 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 Tamagotchis.

[B]

This is so awesome. Wait, there's another one?

[A]

Yeah. I thought you've worked extra hard this year, so I got you a throwback version. Except this Tamagotchi is Darth Vader.

[B]

This is amazing. Thank you, Cap. So I got you this card with a special offer inside.

[A]

Oh, okay. Ryan, you would teach me how to beat you in just dance?

[E]

Yes.

[B]

And once you beat me, you will be unbeatable by every other person you know.

[A]

Sweet. I caught Naomi training, so this is exactly what I need. Thanks, Ryan.

[B]

You're so welcome. That went so much better than I thought it would.

[C]

There's Adam. Try him.

[F]

Hey, Pam. I didn't draw you this year, but I got Rye. So here you go.

[B]

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?

[F]

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.

[B]

I. Okay, well, I got you a playlist.

[F]

Like a musical playlist. What kind of music?

[B]

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.

[F]

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.

[B]

Oh, yeah, totally. That's a great idea. I didn't even think of that because I would never want to run a marathon because it's, like my actual nightmare.

[F]

Thank you, Ry. Happy holidays.

[C]

I think you're knocking it out of the park. I'm impressed how much thought you put in so quickly. Who's left?

[B]

Hey, Earl.

[G]

Hey, Ryan. Happy holidays. Are you my secret friend this year?

[B]

It's no longer a secret. I am that friend. So I wanted to give you something sweet.

[G]

Are these your leftover groceries?

[B]

Nope. 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.

[G]

Bet. This is actually great. I'm going to a potluck tomorrow and didn't know what to bring. Thanks, Rye. Here's your gift.

[B]

Wait. What's a Loops Lab?

[G]

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. And then you add another figure and another and another. Then you have the full band and you can record the song and download it.

[B]

Dude, this is unreal. Thank you so much, Earl.

[G]

You're welcome. Thanks for the. Ready to make dessert?

[B]

Pam, I think this is the best secret friend holiday gift exchange ever. And you saved the day.

[C]

Well, the day's not over. Maybe we should pop over to the trivia throne and see what Owen's up to.

[E]

Welcome to the trivia room.

[B]

What is going on here?

[E]

Trivia on the 10.

[C]

Hi, Owen. We thought we could use a little holiday trivia. You got anything for us?

[E]

Hey, Pam. Hey, Ry. Of course I do. Ryan. Want to step up to the trivia throne?

[B]

Absolutely.

[E]

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 A, Pam? B, Adam, C, Midnight, Or D, Ryan?

[C]

Oh, this one's easy.

[B]

I'm gonna guess C, Midnight.

[E]

Incorrect. The answer is D, Ryan. But the real question is, how did I draw your name when everyone else drew your name? Because you rigged it, didn't you?

[B]

Yes, I did. How did you know that?

[C]

Because he's the trivia master.

[E]

Yeah, and trivia masters know everything, so let me see this coupon book you made me.

[B]

Oh, wow, you really do know.

[E]

Ry owes you your choice of anything in his secret snack drawer. Really?

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

Ry owes you the chance to borrow any of his gaming consoles and a coupon to do chores for me.

[B]

Yeah. Okay.

[E]

This is pretty awesome. Thanks, Rye. Here's your gift.

[B]

Wait, this looks like something anime. A giant Luffy figure That. It is One piece is my favorite anime. Dude, this is so cool. Thank you so much, Owen.

[E]

You're most welcome. And thank you in advance for cleaning my bathroom.

[B]

Wait, what?

[C]

Everyone seemed to love the gifts you got them, and, well, here's the gift I got you.

[B]

Wait, before I open that, you gotta open mine.

[C]

Okay. Wait, Rye, you got me a Switch two?

[B]

Yeah, I know you have a Switch one, but I wanted to get you a Switch two so we could play Mario Kart World together when we're not together.

[C]

That's so kind of you, Rye. Thank you so much. And here's yours.

[B]

You made me a you are awesome.

[C]

Jar, and the whole team wrote you little notes.

[B]

Cap said, ryan, you keep the office very lively and not quiet. Hmm. And Adam said, ryan, you don't smell like burnt cheese anymore. These are so nice.

[C]

Wanna read more or maybe play some Mario Kart World?

[E]

Both.

[B]

By the way, we are doing a holiday collab with First Stop News, one of our favorite YouTube channels. If any of you tenors wanna see some of the holiday gifts I got, check out First Stop News on YouTube.

[C]

I'm subscribing right now. Should we give out some 10 new snaps?

[B]

Obviously. Before that, here's a quick note for the grownups. It's time for 10 new steps.

[C]

A tenor left us this review on Apple Podcast and said, I love this podcast. Can you do an episode on brain Rot? PS Life Tip. When you're growing up, don't think about what comes after. Just enjoy the journey to adulthood. You're welcome.

[B]

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 known. PPPs. I'm Filipino too and I also love synagogue. My grandma makes it for me too. Yo my Filipino party sinigang is the best and so are grandparents. Your dad seems pretty cool too. And thank you for all of those.

[C]

Filipino flag emojis and two extra notes for the grownups. You can now get ad free versions of our episodes when you join the Tenors Club on our website.

[B]

And if you want to help support the 10News, you can make a tax deductible donation at the link in our show notes. The whole team thanks you for your support.

[C]

The 10 News is a co production of Small But Mighty Media and Next Chapter Podcast and part of the Airwave Podcast Network.

[B]

The ten News creative team is about to take two weeks off for the holidays and includes Tracy, Nada, 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 slowing down for anybody.

[C]

Our production director is Jeremiah on Fire Tittle and our executive producers are Donald Albright. Albright Albright. And show creator Tracy takes the leads. Kaplan. I'm Pamela Kirkland.

[B]

And I'm Ryan Willard. Thanks for listening to the 10 news.