Zoe Kestan, formerly known as Weedslut420, takes us through her journey from internet personality to entrepreneur. She shares her experiences with Hunter Biden and the media attention from her New York Times profile. Kestan reflects on the complexities of public perception versus personal reality in relationships. She also discusses her newfound passion for golf and her entrepreneurial ventures in homeware and fashion. Additionally, the conversation touches on personal style, Jewish heritage, and navigating life amidst legal surrealism, all peppered with humor and candor.
Zoe Kestan's name change from Weed Slut 420 represents her desire to embrace a more authentic and personal identity beyond social media's influence.
Her recent New York Times profile allowed Zoe to share her perspective and counter sensationalized media narratives about her life.
In her discussion of addiction, Zoe highlights the emotional turmoil involved in relationships with individuals struggling with dependency, complicating intimacy and connection.
Zoe's shift from the fashion industry to homewares reflects a pursuit of deeper personal meaning and authenticity in her creative endeavors.
Deep dives
Identity and Name Change
The speaker discusses her transition from the persona 'Weed Slut 420' to simply using her name, Zoe Keston. The change signifies a desire to distance herself from a past identity that feels uncomfortable and jarring for others to say. While acknowledging that people still refer to her by that moniker informally, Zoe expresses a preference for embracing a more personal identity. This shift reflects a broader conversation about how social media influences self-perception and public identity.
Media Coverage and Personal Perspective
Zoe addresses her recent public exposure, highlighting her profile in the New York Times. She emphasizes a decision to speak freely about her experiences, noting that she wanted to share her perspective amidst a sea of sensationalized media representations. Zoe and her interlocutor reminisce about a previous episode when they were high and meandering through topics, illustrating how past interactions felt distinctly different compared to current serious discussions. This contrast underscores the evolution of her narrative from carefree to more nuanced and introspective.
Reflections on Relationships
The conversation turns towards her past relationship with Hunter Biden, where she shares personal anecdotes and insights. Zoe recalls a specific moment in a hotel where they listened to a podcast episode, creating a backdrop of intimate normalcy amid social chaos. The discussion includes reflections on how their bond was perceived externally, as well as Hunter's experiences as part of a politically significant family. This dynamic adds layers of complexity to their connection, mingling personal intimacy with the pressures of public scrutiny.
Navigating the Complexity of Addiction
Zoe reveals her observations regarding addiction, particularly Hunter's struggles, and how they shaped their relationship. She discusses the cyclical nature of addictive behaviors, highlighting the emotional turmoil that often drives individuals towards self-destructive coping mechanisms. Additionally, Zoe reflects on her understanding of how addiction can manifest in relationships, specifically noting how it complicates emotional dependency and intimacy. Through her narrative, the conversation sheds light on the often hidden dynamics of loving someone with addiction.
Media's Role in Personal Histories
Zoe explores the impact of media narratives on her life, expressing frustration with repetitive and sensationalized headlines. She shares how searching for her name online yields primarily salacious anecdotes, diminishing the complexity of her experiences and identity. This discussion includes a critique of how personal stories become fodder for public consumption, often detached from reality. Zoe's desire to present a more authentic overview stems from a need to move beyond a singular narrative, advocating for a deeper understanding of her lived experiences.
Personal Growth and New Directions
Zoe discusses her evolving interests, including a pivot away from the fashion industry towards homewares and more personal, intimate art projects. She reflects on the challenge of launching a fashion line within an oversaturated market that significantly influences trends and consumer practices. This shift symbolizes a broader desire to create items with personal meaning and artistic value rather than mass-produced fashion. Zoe's journey embodies a transition towards authenticity through creative expression and exploration of new mediums.
Navigating Personal Challenges
Zoe candidly shares the challenges of dating post-relationship with Hunter Biden and the apprehension associated with it. She reflects on how her history complicates new connections, with potential partners often responding negatively after learning about her past. This dialogue highlights the difficulty of disentangling from a highly publicized relationship while seeking personal growth and meaningful connections. Her experience points to the weight of labels and societal perceptions surrounding identity and past relationships.
Seeking Empowerment in Narratives
In recalling her experiences, Zoe emphasizes the importance of sharing her story as a means of empowerment. She discusses her hopes to create a body of work that reflects the nuanced complexities of her relationship and to reclaim her narrative amidst external speculation and judgment. Zoe sees value in illustrating the human aspects of her experience, rather than merely portraying sensational headlines. Her aspirations suggest a desire for healing and reclaiming autonomy in defining her identity.
