As 2025 heads for the exit, The Twist Podcast co-hosts Rick Rose and Mark McNease say a fond and farewell to the year that was, touching on pop culture, media moments, and our own post-holiday fun.

Then Rick flips the camera for a special interview with Mark Steines, longtime television host and familiar face to millions as the on-air host of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Steines talks about what it’s like guiding viewers through one of America’s most iconic New Year’s Day traditions, his career in television, and why the Rose Parade continues to capture hearts year after year.

With loads of snap, crackle and pop culture, this episode of The Twist Podcast blends year-end reflections with a great celebrity interview—perfect listening as we close the book on 2025 and start first-drafting the year ahead.

READ THE SHOW TRANSCRIPT HERE

🎙️ Topics include:
• Saying goodbye to 2025 (with commentary)
• Pop culture and media reflections
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Rose Parade
• A candid conversation with Mark Steines

👉 Subscribe, listen, and twist into the new year with us.

Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose for a quick take on the Kennedy Center desecration. From there we lean into the lighter side of the season with a spirited list of the worst holiday movies ever made, celebrating classic clunkers and festive films that missed the mark. The episode culminates in an engaging interview with Herbie J. Pilato, acclaimed pop culture historian and author, who joins Rick to talk classic television, celebrity legacies, media nostalgia, and why decades-old shows continue to resonate in today’s streaming-dominated landscape.

Copyright MadeMark Media

In this episode of The Twist Podcast, co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose take on politics, culture, and everyday absurdities with their trademark irreverence and personal spin. From unexpected political backbone in Indiana to linguistic crimes we’re ready to retire, Episode #312 delivers commentary, humor, and a few surprises.

The hosts congratulate Indiana’s senators for finally showing a spine, roll out a new “Worst Words of 2025” survey featuring the phrases you never want to hear again in 2026, and cool things down with fun facts about ice skating you probably didn’t know. As always, the conversation blends cultural commentary, politics, entertainment, and personal observations into one twisted take on the world.

In this episode:

• Indiana politics and a rare moment of accountability
• The Worst Words of 2025 survey (and why we’re done with them)
• Ice skating fun facts and surprising history
• Culture, language, humor, and personal reflections

The Twist Podcast is a weekly podcast covering politics, culture, entertainment, language, and life, hosted by Mark McNease and Rick Rose, featuring smart conversation with a sharp edge and a sense of humor.

👉 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and on our YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@TheTwistPodcast). Follow and share!

NOTE FOR VIDEO: Hang on till the 7 minute mark for full-screen view. Our IT department is still learning. Join Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we try out our fun Christmas hats, offer up the holiday survey results, and have a good time in the face of grim realities. READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE.

Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we shout to piggies everywhere (never be quiet!), check out some fun Thanksgiving facts (Jefferson was not a fan), and check in with Emma Zoe Lyons on the John Candy documentary.

NEW! You can treat your co-hosts to a cup of coffee … just $3 a brew!