2026 Predictions: The Year in Preview (or: John Finally Got a New Computer)
As America collectively loses its mind over microwave metal objects, our podcast crew finally emerges from a six-week technology hostage situation to deliver our annual year-in-review episode. 🎱
John explains why we have three unpublished episodes (spoiler: it involves Final Cut Pro betraying its own company), while Peggy achieves her lifelong dream of recording podcasts that never actually reach human ears. 🎧
[AUDIO PLAYER EMBED] 2026 Predictions: The Year in Preview The Gang of Five
Then our hosts share their 2025 highlights and lowlights, revealing far more about themselves than intended:
Beth's Poughkeepsie adjustment period – book clubs, mahjong lessons, condo board election, and the eternal quest to find her people 🏠
Peggy's double low point – missing John's birthday card AND being 34 minutes late to recording 😬
Shelly's Halloween plot twist – getting laid off on her favorite holiday, but also: love, a Rhine cruise, and a new home with Ian 🍷
John's diaper-free victory lap – plus discovering his kids want to buy a ski house in Michigan ⛷️
Jim's alarming movie habit – 140 films in theaters this year (nearly three per week) 🎬
Along the way, we explore:
IU's miraculous football season and their first-ever Heisman Trophy winner
Why Beth got off the train on the wrong side in Poughkeepsie
The belt situation that required immediate intervention
Jim's deeply personal quiz ("How much is my rent?" "How much do I weigh?")
Our official 2026 predictions on Trump's approval rating, unemployment, inflation, and the midterms
The episode takes a heartwarming turn when we reflect on the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner, and what their deaths—and the reaction to them—say about national decency. 💔
Warning: This episode contains extensive discussion of Jim's weight loss journey (5.5 pounds), multiple references to shoes and belts, John's desperate plea for babysitters so he can see a movie, and Peggy's economic forecast that somehow combines 9.6% unemployment with Trump becoming MORE popular. We have questions. 📊
P.S. The Lost Episode from November 2024 still exists. John found it under a little box he didn't know was there.
P.P.S. Shelly predicts Peggy will remember the podcast recording time without being reminded in 2026. We admire her optimism.
Like the show?
Forward this episode to a friend!
Listen wherever you get your podcasts... #PodcastLife #2026Predictions #YearInReview #NewYear #MidtermElections #IUFootball #RobReiner
