United States of Kennedy – Kennedy Year in Review (December 29, 2025)

Hosts: George Civeris & Julia Claire
Podcast: United States of Kennedy (iHeartPodcasts)
Theme: A look back at the top Kennedy-related stories—triumphs, scandals, drama, and cultural moments—of 2025, with humor, critical insight, and signature Kennedy lore.

Episode Overview

The hosts, George Civeris and Julia Claire, kick back for a special “Kennedy Year in Review,” running through the ten biggest Kennedy stories of 2025. Rather than recapping the usual historical deep-dives, they cover headline-making news, ongoing family dramas, pop culture moments, and serious political developments. Expect a mix of humor, disbelief, and sharp analysis as they examine the continued public fascination with America’s unofficial royal family.

Key Moments & Discussions

Setting the Scene & Kennedy Resilience

[03:47] George and Julia joke about recording from “one of our many properties in Hyannis Port”—tongue-in-cheek, reflecting Kennedy myth and privilege.
[04:50] They note, “What a year 2025 was for the Kennedys. One of their best, we can all agree.” (Julia)
The hosts reflect on the never-ending Kennedy cycle: “...none of it is enough to really make one year their worst year yet.” (George, [04:55])
“They are teflon, this family.” (Julia, [05:10])
George notes that the current era is not a break from Kennedy tradition: “It’s just a new Mountain Dew flavor that’s been released for 2025, but the basic syrup recipe is still the same.” ([06:04])

The Top 10 Kennedy Stories of 2025

1. RFK Jr. Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

[06:51] Julia: “If we were going to pick a number one, it would probably be this...RFK Jr. was confirmed as the United States Health and Human Services Secretary.”
Recaps RFK Jr.’s “unholy alliance” with Trump after a failed independent presidential run.
Noted for a contentious Senate hearing, viral moments, and family opposition ([08:52]–[10:48]):
- RFK Jr. is grilled on his vaccine record, accused of contradictory statements.
- Quote: “Mr. Kennedy...are you denying that your name is on the petition?” ([08:52], George as mock-Senator)
- Quote: “I’ll comply with all the ethical guidelines.” (RFK Jr., [10:21])
Confirmation passed narrowly, with notable dissent (e.g., Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor).
Julia: “So even after all this and exposing himself as a fraud and a charlatan, noted anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. became Trump’s HHS secretary by a narrow 52–48 vote.” ([11:24])
Family and media backlash continues; policies described as “detrimental to public health.”

2. Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. Affair and Media Scandal

[17:58] George explains the unraveling Nuzzi-RFK Jr. scandal: “Olivia Nuzzi…was exposed that she was having some sort of either emotional or sexting affair with RFK Jr. while he was running for president.”
Major consequences: Nuzzi fired from New York Magazine, moves to LA in “self-exile,” writes tell-all (American Canto), and becomes the subject of both a glowing Times profile and online mockery.
Her ex-fiancé, journalist Ryan Lizza, publishes serialized exposé (seven parts and counting).
George: “The only person not negatively impacted by all of this is RFK Jr. himself.” ([23:12])
Poems penned by Bobby Jr., “explicit and gross,” resurface online for further ridicule.
Julia: “If any of our listeners are hearing about this for the first time—boy, are you in for a world of hurt.” ([24:26])

3. Jack Schlossberg Runs for Congress

[25:47] Julia: JFK’s only grandson (Caroline Kennedy’s son) enters politics, running for New York’s 12th Congressional District.
George: “He can’t decide if he is a comedian, a social media influencer, a politician, a serious politician, versus a trollish figure that’s running for office.” ([26:30])
The campaign is off to a rocky start, with doubts about his chances amid a crowded field.

4. Tatiana Schlossberg’s Cancer Diagnosis and Graceful Essay

[27:27] George highlights Tatiana (Jack’s sister)’s beautifully written New Yorker essay about her terminal cancer diagnosis and Kennedy family myth.
While critical of RFK Jr.’s policies—a personal stake as NIH funding cuts impact cancer research—Tatiana’s grace “lives up to the Kennedy mythology.”

5. Caroline Kennedy’s Public Rebuke of RFK Jr.

[28:47] Caroline Kennedy breaks her usual silence to deliver a damning rebuke of her cousin during his confirmation hearings.
Memorable Quote (Caroline, [29:12]):

“It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets, because Bobby himself is a predator... Today, while he may encourage a younger generation to attend AA meetings, Bobby is addicted to attention and power. Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children, vaccinating his own kids while building a following, hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating…”
The hosts note the rarity and force of Caroline’s intervention, though in the “Trump universe,” such moments often fail to break through.

6. Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’ & Viral Production Photo Fiasco

[36:05] George calls out photos released for Ryan Murphy’s “American Love Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.”
The internet “roundly mocked” poor wigs and styling (“looked like Zara attempted to do a Carolyn Bessette collection” – Julia, [37:20]).
Host personal connections abound—George keeps running into people working on the show.
Later, with new photos, “everyone does look much better.”

7. Maria Shriver’s Memoir: Candid, Poetic, and a Little Horny

[38:55] Maria Shriver (Eunice Kennedy’s daughter) publishes “I Am: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home.”
Julia highlights its vulnerability, covering Maria’s powerful marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger (“so horny for him”—Julia, [40:40]), career sacrifice, and breakdown after personal upheaval.
Hilarious excerpt: Maria considers entering a convent, only to be told “Our cutoff age is 50 and you’re 55.” ([43:03])
Book includes (questionable) poetry and tales of Kennedy women facing impossible standards.

8. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Breakout Role

[44:21] Patrick Schwarzenegger (Maria’s son) stars in a provocative gay incest storyline on White Lotus.
The show marks his biggest career success to date; George notes, “He got to play Parker Posey’s son. He was relatively charming in all the press interviews.” ([45:14])
Patrick also marries model Abby Champion in 2025. “Congratulations. I’m sure they have really fascinating conversations.” (George, [45:45])

9. Trump Rebrands the Kennedy Center Honors

[49:21] The Kennedy Center becomes "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
Trump, now president of the Center's board, selected MAGA-friendly honorees (Kiss, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, etc.), hosted the event (usually presided over from the balcony), and changed the famous rainbow sashes to “an understated blue.” (George, [51:57])
Julia: “It’s an amazing time to be alive. And if this were happening in a vacuum, I would be like, oh, this is what he was always meant to do—host big, frankly gay, cultural events.” ([52:58])

10. Release of the JFK and RFK Assassination Files

[53:50] In March, over 63,000 pages of documents about JFK’s assassination were released; the next month, 10,000 on RFK’s.
Some relevance—unredacted Social Security numbers included by mistake. Files confirmed CIA-Kennedy tension, but “no huge revelations.”
Julia: “If you’re looking for random people’s Social Security numbers, you can do a lot worse.” ([57:00])
The hosts muse that assassination conspiracy fans likely found more to chew on than the general public.

Memorable Quotes

George ([06:04]): “It’s just a new Mountain Dew flavor that’s been released for 2025, but the basic syrup recipe is still the same.”
Julia ([11:24]): “So even after all of this and exposing himself as a fraud and a charlatan, noted anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. became Trump’s HHS secretary...”
Caroline Kennedy ([29:12]):

“Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children, vaccinating his own kids while building a following, hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating…”
Julia ([24:26]): “If any of our listeners are hearing about this for the first time, boy, are you in for a world of hurt.”
George ([44:34]): “I was about to say hot son—hunky son—hunky Hunky. I don’t want to be a—it’s not a subjective opinion. I just think he has been sold as hunky.”
Julia ([52:58]): “It’s an amazing time to be alive. And if this were happening in a vacuum, I would be like, oh, this is what he was always meant to do—host big, frankly gay, cultural events.”

Final Thoughts

[57:09] “What a year 2025 was. And a lot of these stories are ongoing... the Ryan Murphy show is going to be released next year, Jack Schlossberg’s election is next year, the Ryan Lizza files concerning Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. are ongoing… By that time, there will be no magazines or media or maybe, you know, American government.” (George)
[58:15] “And dare I say, 2026 is going to be our year… And it’s going to be the Kennedys’ big [year]…” (Julia)

Timestamps for Major Topics

| Topic | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Kennedy myth & year set-up | 03:43–06:13 | | Top 10 Kennedy stories intro | 06:13–06:46 | | 1. RFK Jr. nominated as HHS Secretary | 06:51–14:13 | | 2. Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. saga | 17:57–25:38 | | 3. Jack Schlossberg’s Congressional run | 25:47–27:27 | | 4. Tatiana Schlossberg’s essay & diagnosis | 27:27–28:47 | | 5. Caroline Kennedy’s public rebuke | 28:47–32:35 | | 6. ‘American Love Story’ production photo “scandal” | 36:05–38:55 | | 7. Maria Shriver’s memoir | 38:55–44:21 | | 8. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ success | 44:21–46:00 | | 9. Trump hijacks Kennedy Center Honors | 49:21–53:44 | | 10. JFK/RFK assassination documents released | 53:50–57:04 | | Hosts reflect, look ahead | 57:09–58:31 |

Episode Tone & Style

Tone: Wry, irreverent, sharp, deeply informed, but always playful and relatable.
Dynamic: The hosts swap witty banter, cultural references, and deep-dive insights, never shying away from mocking both the Kennedys’ self-mythologizing and America’s obsession with them.

For New Listeners

This episode offers a whirlwind tour of the Kennedy family’s 2025—and, by extension, the absurd circus of American politics, pop culture, and tabloid spectacle. Whether newly introduced to Camelot or a seasoned Kennedy-watcher, you’ll be entertained and informed by the hosts’ candid, funny analysis and the ongoing saga of America’s most mythic dynasty.

End of Summary

United States of Kennedy – Kennedy Year in Review (December 29, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Moments & Discussions

Setting the Scene & Kennedy Resilience

[03:47] George and Julia joke about recording from “one of our many properties in Hyannis Port”—tongue-in-cheek, reflecting Kennedy myth and privilege.
[04:50] They note, “What a year 2025 was for the Kennedys. One of their best, we can all agree.” (Julia)
The hosts reflect on the never-ending Kennedy cycle: “...none of it is enough to really make one year their worst year yet.” (George, [04:55])
“They are teflon, this family.” (Julia, [05:10])
George notes that the current era is not a break from Kennedy tradition: “It’s just a new Mountain Dew flavor that’s been released for 2025, but the basic syrup recipe is still the same.” ([06:04])

The Top 10 Kennedy Stories of 2025

1. RFK Jr. Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

[06:51] Julia: “If we were going to pick a number one, it would probably be this...RFK Jr. was confirmed as the United States Health and Human Services Secretary.”
Recaps RFK Jr.’s “unholy alliance” with Trump after a failed independent presidential run.
Noted for a contentious Senate hearing, viral moments, and family opposition ([08:52]–[10:48]):
- RFK Jr. is grilled on his vaccine record, accused of contradictory statements.
- Quote: “Mr. Kennedy...are you denying that your name is on the petition?” ([08:52], George as mock-Senator)
- Quote: “I’ll comply with all the ethical guidelines.” (RFK Jr., [10:21])
Confirmation passed narrowly, with notable dissent (e.g., Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor).
Julia: “So even after all this and exposing himself as a fraud and a charlatan, noted anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. became Trump’s HHS secretary by a narrow 52–48 vote.” ([11:24])
Family and media backlash continues; policies described as “detrimental to public health.”

2. Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. Affair and Media Scandal

[17:58] George explains the unraveling Nuzzi-RFK Jr. scandal: “Olivia Nuzzi…was exposed that she was having some sort of either emotional or sexting affair with RFK Jr. while he was running for president.”
Major consequences: Nuzzi fired from New York Magazine, moves to LA in “self-exile,” writes tell-all (American Canto), and becomes the subject of both a glowing Times profile and online mockery.
Her ex-fiancé, journalist Ryan Lizza, publishes serialized exposé (seven parts and counting).
George: “The only person not negatively impacted by all of this is RFK Jr. himself.” ([23:12])
Poems penned by Bobby Jr., “explicit and gross,” resurface online for further ridicule.
Julia: “If any of our listeners are hearing about this for the first time—boy, are you in for a world of hurt.” ([24:26])

3. Jack Schlossberg Runs for Congress

[25:47] Julia: JFK’s only grandson (Caroline Kennedy’s son) enters politics, running for New York’s 12th Congressional District.
George: “He can’t decide if he is a comedian, a social media influencer, a politician, a serious politician, versus a trollish figure that’s running for office.” ([26:30])
The campaign is off to a rocky start, with doubts about his chances amid a crowded field.

4. Tatiana Schlossberg’s Cancer Diagnosis and Graceful Essay

[27:27] George highlights Tatiana (Jack’s sister)’s beautifully written New Yorker essay about her terminal cancer diagnosis and Kennedy family myth.
While critical of RFK Jr.’s policies—a personal stake as NIH funding cuts impact cancer research—Tatiana’s grace “lives up to the Kennedy mythology.”

5. Caroline Kennedy’s Public Rebuke of RFK Jr.

[28:47] Caroline Kennedy breaks her usual silence to deliver a damning rebuke of her cousin during his confirmation hearings.
Memorable Quote (Caroline, [29:12]):

“It’s no surprise that he keeps birds of prey as pets, because Bobby himself is a predator... Today, while he may encourage a younger generation to attend AA meetings, Bobby is addicted to attention and power. Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children, vaccinating his own kids while building a following, hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating…”
The hosts note the rarity and force of Caroline’s intervention, though in the “Trump universe,” such moments often fail to break through.

6. Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’ & Viral Production Photo Fiasco

[36:05] George calls out photos released for Ryan Murphy’s “American Love Story: JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.”
The internet “roundly mocked” poor wigs and styling (“looked like Zara attempted to do a Carolyn Bessette collection” – Julia, [37:20]).
Host personal connections abound—George keeps running into people working on the show.
Later, with new photos, “everyone does look much better.”

7. Maria Shriver’s Memoir: Candid, Poetic, and a Little Horny

[38:55] Maria Shriver (Eunice Kennedy’s daughter) publishes “I Am: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home.”
Julia highlights its vulnerability, covering Maria’s powerful marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger (“so horny for him”—Julia, [40:40]), career sacrifice, and breakdown after personal upheaval.
Hilarious excerpt: Maria considers entering a convent, only to be told “Our cutoff age is 50 and you’re 55.” ([43:03])
Book includes (questionable) poetry and tales of Kennedy women facing impossible standards.

8. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Breakout Role

[44:21] Patrick Schwarzenegger (Maria’s son) stars in a provocative gay incest storyline on White Lotus.
The show marks his biggest career success to date; George notes, “He got to play Parker Posey’s son. He was relatively charming in all the press interviews.” ([45:14])
Patrick also marries model Abby Champion in 2025. “Congratulations. I’m sure they have really fascinating conversations.” (George, [45:45])

9. Trump Rebrands the Kennedy Center Honors

[49:21] The Kennedy Center becomes "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
Trump, now president of the Center's board, selected MAGA-friendly honorees (Kiss, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, etc.), hosted the event (usually presided over from the balcony), and changed the famous rainbow sashes to “an understated blue.” (George, [51:57])
Julia: “It’s an amazing time to be alive. And if this were happening in a vacuum, I would be like, oh, this is what he was always meant to do—host big, frankly gay, cultural events.” ([52:58])

10. Release of the JFK and RFK Assassination Files

[53:50] In March, over 63,000 pages of documents about JFK’s assassination were released; the next month, 10,000 on RFK’s.
Some relevance—unredacted Social Security numbers included by mistake. Files confirmed CIA-Kennedy tension, but “no huge revelations.”
Julia: “If you’re looking for random people’s Social Security numbers, you can do a lot worse.” ([57:00])
The hosts muse that assassination conspiracy fans likely found more to chew on than the general public.

Memorable Quotes

George ([06:04]): “It’s just a new Mountain Dew flavor that’s been released for 2025, but the basic syrup recipe is still the same.”
Julia ([11:24]): “So even after all of this and exposing himself as a fraud and a charlatan, noted anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. became Trump’s HHS secretary...”
Caroline Kennedy ([29:12]):

“Bobby preys on the desperation of parents of sick children, vaccinating his own kids while building a following, hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating…”
Julia ([24:26]): “If any of our listeners are hearing about this for the first time, boy, are you in for a world of hurt.”
George ([44:34]): “I was about to say hot son—hunky son—hunky Hunky. I don’t want to be a—it’s not a subjective opinion. I just think he has been sold as hunky.”
Julia ([52:58]): “It’s an amazing time to be alive. And if this were happening in a vacuum, I would be like, oh, this is what he was always meant to do—host big, frankly gay, cultural events.”

Final Thoughts

[57:09] “What a year 2025 was. And a lot of these stories are ongoing... the Ryan Murphy show is going to be released next year, Jack Schlossberg’s election is next year, the Ryan Lizza files concerning Olivia Nuzzi and RFK Jr. are ongoing… By that time, there will be no magazines or media or maybe, you know, American government.” (George)
[58:15] “And dare I say, 2026 is going to be our year… And it’s going to be the Kennedys’ big [year]…” (Julia)

Timestamps for Major Topics

Episode Tone & Style

Tone: Wry, irreverent, sharp, deeply informed, but always playful and relatable.
Dynamic: The hosts swap witty banter, cultural references, and deep-dive insights, never shying away from mocking both the Kennedys’ self-mythologizing and America’s obsession with them.

For New Listeners

End of Summary

Kennedy Year in Review

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

United States of Kennedy – Kennedy Year in Review (December 29, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Moments & Discussions

Setting the Scene & Kennedy Resilience

The Top 10 Kennedy Stories of 2025

1. RFK Jr. Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

2. Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. Affair and Media Scandal

3. Jack Schlossberg Runs for Congress

4. Tatiana Schlossberg’s Cancer Diagnosis and Graceful Essay

5. Caroline Kennedy’s Public Rebuke of RFK Jr.

6. Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’ & Viral Production Photo Fiasco

7. Maria Shriver’s Memoir: Candid, Poetic, and a Little Horny

8. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Breakout Role

9. Trump Rebrands the Kennedy Center Honors

10. Release of the JFK and RFK Assassination Files

Memorable Quotes

Final Thoughts

Timestamps for Major Topics

Episode Tone & Style

For New Listeners

Summary

United States of Kennedy – Kennedy Year in Review (December 29, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Moments & Discussions

Setting the Scene & Kennedy Resilience

The Top 10 Kennedy Stories of 2025

1. RFK Jr. Confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

2. Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. Affair and Media Scandal

3. Jack Schlossberg Runs for Congress

4. Tatiana Schlossberg’s Cancer Diagnosis and Graceful Essay

5. Caroline Kennedy’s Public Rebuke of RFK Jr.

6. Ryan Murphy’s ‘American Love Story’ & Viral Production Photo Fiasco

7. Maria Shriver’s Memoir: Candid, Poetic, and a Little Horny

8. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s ‘White Lotus’ Breakout Role

9. Trump Rebrands the Kennedy Center Honors

10. Release of the JFK and RFK Assassination Files

Memorable Quotes

Final Thoughts

Timestamps for Major Topics

Episode Tone & Style

For New Listeners