Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast Ep 593 - Nollywood (feat. Ben Avery & Kevin Iso)
Jan 8, 2026
Ben Avery, a stand-up comedian known for his sharp observations, and Kevin Iso, an up-and-coming comic with a knack for storytelling, dive into a variety of topics. They tackle the viral Minnesota daycare controversy and discuss the implications of Somali-run scams, revealing deeper social issues. The trio explores Nollywood's quirky storytelling, AI scams, and personal anecdotes about parenting and psychedelics. Their candid conversations blend humor with cultural insights, making for an engaging and thought-provoking listen.
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Scams Existed Before Virality
- Minnesota had documented large-scale frauds tied to some immigrant-run programs, but public exposés can be premature and messy.
- Kevin Iso and Ben Avery emphasize scams existed while criticizing sensationalist solo videos that inflate claims.
Visibility Fuels Collective Suspicion
- Public scrutiny often pools onto visible immigrant communities, producing both justified probes and unfair collective blame.
- The hosts note this intensifies stigma for innocent Somali individuals in Minnesota.
Verify Before Amplifying Viral Claims
- Check official investigations before sharing viral claims to avoid amplifying misinformation.
- Matt McCusker suggests legal and political actors would have exposed fraud if it existed as portrayed.