In this episode, we kick off 2026 by throwing caution to the wind and making bold predictions across 13 topics—from politics and culture to tech, religion, and even rollerblading. After acknowledging the grim moment we’re living through, we dive into what the coming year might hold: midterm forecasts, the future of Trump’s influence, who could emerge in the 2028 presidential race, and what might happen with religion in the U.S. We also predict cultural trends like the potential resurgence of rollerblading (yes, really), the “analog year” vibe creeping into consumer culture, social media fatigue, and a possible AI backlash.

Whether it’s geopolitics, Taylor Swift, or the coalitions shaping the parties, this episode is all about being right or wrong together and starting the year with curiosity and nuance. Plus we’re turning it into a Bingo game, and everybody (Emily) loves a chance to compete.

Segments & Timestamps:

0:00 Intro + Remembering Rene

1:42 Prediction Season Rules

4:58 2026 Midterms

9:37 Trump, Power, and the Courts

15:12 Midterms & Movement Signals

21:04 2028?

26:41 Religion in 2026

31:55 Culture as Forecast (Yes, Rollerblades)

37:18 AI Backlash & the “Analog Year”

43:06 Social Media Fatigue

48:22 American Imperialism

1:00:36 Good Take: Dan Carlin — “First Day, First Term”

Mentioned:

Dan Carlin: Common Sense Ep 325

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Produced and Engineered by ⁠Ken Wilson⁠ | Original Music by ⁠Robert Lanterman⁠

Website: ⁠thenuancehour.com⁠

Instagram: ⁠@thenuancehour⁠

Email: thenuancehour@gmail.com