Once a year, Joey Chestnut becomes the main character of the internet -- but it wasn't always that way. This week, we're talking about the greatest hot dog rivalry of all time, and the media ringmaster that made it possible. Before Joey's annual stint as a main character, the hot dog eating champion of the world was one Takeru Kobayashi, a Japanese eater who turned a novelty event in the U.S. into a full-blown sensation in the early 2000s. Then, contractual issues and a huge wave of xenophobia pushed Kobi out of the professional scene in America, until Labor Day 2024 when he faced off with Chestnut for the first time in 15 years. A lot has changed since their last meeting... more than anything, the way stories are told using the internet. Jamie speaks with documentarian Nicole Lucas-Haimes, director of the 30 for 30 about the Kobi and Chestnut rivalry: The Good, The Bad, The Hungry. She's also the executive producer of the Netflix rematch, Unfinished Beef. This Thursday, Jamie ventures to Las Vegas to see the Kobi-Chestnut Netflix rematch in person. Watch The Good, The Bad, The Hungry: https://www.netflix.com/title/81752194Watch Unfinished Beef: https://www.netflix.com/title/81743617Buy Raw Dog (now in paperback): https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250847768/rawdogNowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken Bone, an internet sensation born from a question at the 2016 presidential debate, shares his journey eight years later. He discusses how viral fame significantly altered his life and perspectives on politics. Ken reflects on the toll of sudden fame and its fleeting nature while emphasizing personal identity and civic engagement. He also shares insights about navigating family dynamics and career changes, ultimately revealing how these experiences shaped his evolving political beliefs and community involvement.

Ken Bone, an undecided voter who unexpectedly became a media sensation during the 2016 presidential debate, shares his unique story. He discusses the whirlwind of fame that followed his iconic red sweater moment and how he became a symbol of voter sentiment during a turbulent election. The conversation dives into the oddity of internet fame, the scrutiny he faced after controversial comments, and the challenges of navigating public perception in a digital age. Bone's reflections provide a fascinating look at the collision of politics and pop culture.

In this engaging chat, Laina Morris, famously known as the Overly Attached Girlfriend, reflects on her unexpected rise to fame from a viral video in 2012. She shares her experience filming a Delta Airlines safety video and opens up about the struggles of maintaining mental health while navigating the pressures of online fame. Laina discusses the importance of self-worth and safe self-expression in the chaotic world of social media, all while providing a humorous take on modern dating and the meme culture that branded her iconic.

Laina Morris became a viral sensation in 2012 as the Overly Attached Girlfriend, a hilarious parody of Justin Bieber fans. In this discussion, she reflects on her swift rise to internet fame and the tough decision of possibly dropping out of college for a budding career in YouTube. The conversation dives into societal perceptions of clinginess, the dynamics of fandom, and the evolution of YouTube fame, highlighting the complexities faced by content creators in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Alyssa Grenfell, an ex-Mormon YouTuber and author known for her insights on leaving the Mormon Church, dives deep into the intriguing world of Mormon influencers. She discusses the financial ties between the LDS Church and influential figures, exploring how these connections are maintained without leaving a trace. Alyssa also delves into the complexities of identity among influencers navigating their faith while gaining online fame. Additionally, she highlights the church's strategic advertising tactics and the impact of social media on shaping perceptions of Mormonism.

Explore the intriguing rise of Mormon influencers and their connection to traditional gender roles. Discover how the cultural roots of the Church align with today's conservative social media trends. Delve into Joseph Smith's eccentric beginnings, the enchanting world of Ballerina Farm, and the nostalgic allure of 'tradwife' content. The conversation highlights the challenges these influencers face while navigating their faith in a digital landscape and how their online personas reshape perceptions of faith and femininity.

In this engaging chat, Bryan Gaw, known as Left Shark from Katy Perry's iconic Super Bowl performance, shares his journey from dancer to celebrity stylist. He reflects on the unexpected fame that came from his viral freestyle dancing and its impact on popular culture. Bryan discusses the evolution of Super Bowl halftime shows and the pressures of the performance industry. He also opens up about his transition from dance to hairstyling, highlighting the importance of creativity and support in navigating his career in the spotlight.

This week, the curvy wife saga concludes. Jamie talks to Cate Navarrete of the Body Positivity Alliance and Tigress Osborn of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance about where this moment falls in the decades-long history of fat activism, and how mainstream media narratives tend to depoliticize civil rights issues. Also, Jamie mumbles the lyrics to "Hot Wife" by curvy wife guy to herself. Also, Jamie learns what "hotwife" means. *airhorn* Learn about NAAFA here: https://naafa.org/ Follow Tigress here: https://www.instagram.com/iofthetigress/?hl=en Learn about the Body Positivity Alliance here: https://bodypositivealliance.org/ Learn about Cate here: https://bodypositivealliance.org/team-and-board/cate-navarrete Read Tigress's original essay here: https://naafa.org/blog-archive/black-history-always For more on the history of fat activism and body positivity, start here (curated by the amazing Aubrey Gordon of Maintenance Phase!): https://www.yourfatfriend.com/fat-reading-listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robbie Tripp, known for his viral post celebrating his curvy wife Sarah, dives into their journey of embracing body positivity while navigating fame. They discuss the cultural significance of their story and how it challenges societal beauty standards. The couple shares the impact of public scrutiny on their relationship and mental health. With a new single "Hot Wife" on the horizon, Robbie reflects on their evolution since 2017, while Sarah provides insight into the complexities of living authentically in the spotlight.