2025 sure did ebb and flow.
Is it just me, or did August through December zoom by? Nonetheless, we are at that time of the year again, which brings about some common traditions around these parts - the Pondering 10 Most Fascinating Things of the Year, and then the Dome Pondering Year in Review.
(Most Fascinating Things: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024)
Life really presented itself in unique ways this year, with a sense of a deeper layer of belonging and purpose, more so than what society has reflected since the pandemic. 2025 brought a deeper understanding of life through war, disaster, politics, the human spirit, and appreciation, among other things.
We'll get into that in the Year in Review.
For now, let's run it! Here is my Most Fascinating Things list for 2025:
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10. Marjorie Taylor Greene
Oh yeah, we're going there. MJT makes the very end of the list with a recent change in political positioning. I find it fascinating because of the sudden change, the questioning of whether this is authentic (which we should normalize in the political space), and, of course, if this is just her grifting for a future opportunity. MJT's about-face reveals so much about politics in this country in 2025, going into 2026.
9. Insight with Chris Van Vliet
Podcasts need to be regulated. Everyone has one. Everyone is talkin'...about something.
Cue Chris Van Vliet and the Insight with Chris Van Vliet Podcast. Wrestling fans are lucky this super-talented individual ended up in their space. CVV's podcast is shockingly not about hot takes, "gotcha" moments, or getting a sound bite, but about digging deep into the stories behind pro wrestlers and giving them a platform. So many of his interviews have been super fascinating and just an intriguing listen overall.
8. Victor Wembenyama
Wemby made this list in 2022, where I called him "the create-a-player we've all been generating in video games for years come to life". In 2025, that fantasy player dude is real and dominates the game. The potential is being scratched, and it is downright scary. He's must-see television for me.
7. People Voted Against Their Interests
2025 brought about so much political chaos at the federal level that it has affected our daily lives, which is rare. As we all continue to catch up or stay afloat, I'm very fascinated by those who voted against their interests and continue to do so in elections based upon the political party/individual they merged into their personal identity, or just out of sheer hate.
The best line I read in regards to voting behaviors all year was this (which obviously stayed with me):
There is a category of voters and voting behavior revealing that a strong interest in negative feelings toward a sector of people or policies outweighs voting for matters of self-interest.
6. Social Media
Data suggest that social media use is on the decline. Why doesn't it feel like it?
After all, while it is decreasing - peaked in 2022 they say, the loneliness epidemic is swallowing us all - fewer babies, declining dating and intimacy, broken masculinity, mental health struggles, and more...
Yet, key studies link so many of these issues to social media exposure and reliance.
Remember when social media connected real people? Now it's based on "influencing" and telling others how to think...among other "brain rot".
5. Epstein Files
As a country, we really debated whether those who aided or were affiliated with the biggest pedophile in modern human history should be held accountable. That happened.
I find myself thinking that if the government is going to such lengths to keep these files confidential, however bad we think they are, it's likely much, much, much worse.
4. John Cena's Retirement
It's very rare that pro wrestlers get to call their own retirement. But kudos to Cena for doing so. He's going out on his terms, and it just adds to the legacy and standup dude that Cena is. The retirement tour hasn't been perfect (I'll share thoughts in a post once it's all done), but it's been a fascinating run. And one that is well-deserved.
3. Tariffs
I don't get how taxes on imports will make the economy better. I've read reports from top economists to try to enlighten myself, yet they, too, are unsure. And those who are in support of them (likely those from #7 who voted against their own interests) struggle to make sense of them or explain why when asked to do so.
So yeah, Tariffs. And there are lots of them currently in play. Fascinating. Confusing. Head-scratching.
2. American League MVP Debate
Yes, I did say "there was no debate" in a post earlier this year. I stand by that.
However, it doesn't mean the debate wasn't fun and a VERY intriguing one. The position of catcher has been overlooked for far too long. If there is any consolation prize for Raleigh fans from this debate, it's that the catcher position will be elevated and appreciated much more for future MVP discussions.
1. Affordability