Sixteenth Minute (of Fame)

Between June and December 2024, Haliey Welch completed one of the most astounding main character runs of all time. Beginning as someone with no social media, catapulted to fame all but against her will after talking to on-the-street YouTubers targeting drunk women, the end of the year saw Haliey "Hawk Tuah" Welch acting as the face of exploitative memecoin scandal. In our final part of the Hawk Tuah series, we look into the history of crypto, a play by play of the Hawk Coin scandal, and what it means when you scam before you can get scammed. Follow Molly White's work here: https://www.mollywhite.net/linktree/ Watch Dan Olson's "Line Goes Up" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ_xWvX1n9g Watch Coffeezilla's "exposing the hawk tuah scam" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHq8AWR1Rg  List of Displaced Black Families in Altadena: https://lasentinel.net/displaced-black-families-gofund-me-directory.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haliey Welch, known as Hawk Tuah Girl, shares her journey from a small town in Tennessee to viral sensation. She humorously recounts her childhood struggles and her rise in the media frenzy post-viral fame. The conversation dives into navigating unwanted attention and the complexities of modern celebrity culture. Haliey discusses the influence of figures like the Paul brothers and the shift towards sports betting culture in social media. Her resilience shines as she balances personal ambition with the often superficial landscape of fame.

Courtney Kocak, a former Girls Gone Wild street team member and podcaster, sheds light on the exploitative nature of the infamous franchise. She discusses the troubling consent issues that women faced then and parallels them to today’s TikTok culture. Kocak reveals the emotional toll of isolation and the societal pressures that lead to hypersexualization. Through personal anecdotes, she critiques the commercialization of personal stories and reflects on the complexities of female empowerment and image control in our digital age.

Hailey Welch, known as Hawk Tuah Girl, skyrocketed to fame from a viral moment, transforming from a factory worker in Tennessee to an internet sensation. The discussion delves into the absurdity of her rise, the ethics of consent surrounding viral content, and the societal pressures faced by internet celebrities. It also tackles the role of TikTok in amplifying her story and how rapid fame can distort personal identity and responsibility. Explore the complexities of navigating public perception and the implications of becoming a household name.

In this engaging discussion, guests dive into the aftermath of the LA fires, shedding light on those often overlooked in mainstream media. Theo Henderson shares the struggles of the unhoused in navigating crises. Alissa Walker highlights the long-term risks the fires pose to families and homes. Sara Reyes and Maebe A. Girl discuss the importance of mutual aid initiatives. Mychal Threets emphasizes libraries as vital community hubs during disasters, advocating for their role in fostering resilience and connection.

Willie McNabb is an Arkansas resident who shot to internet fame with his viral tweet about feral hogs. Joined by Professor John Tomacek from Texas A&M, an expert on the issue, and Karl Kasarda of InRangeTV, they discuss the surprising impact of McNabb's tweet amidst national conversations about gun control and wildlife management. The trio delves into the rising feral hog populations in southern states, innovative control strategies, and the cultural divide between urban and rural perspectives on firearms and feral hogs.

Sadie Dupuis, a talented musician known for her work as Sad13, joins Alex Tominsky, famous for his viral traffic cone story, in a lively discussion about the best internet moments of 2024. They dive into the inaugural Minnie Awards, celebrating memorable trends, memes, and the overall impact of digital culture this year. Humorous acceptance speeches and delightful anecdotes abound, highlighting how these viral moments shaped social media and community engagement. A festive reflection that’s sure to entertain!

Join Alyssa Davis, a sociology PhD student at Vanderbilt University researching incels, as she dives into the complex world of the manosphere. She shares insights from her journey navigating this online culture, highlighting the psychological toll it takes on individuals. The discussion uncovers the dangers posed to youth by figures like Andrew Tate and explores how toxic masculinity shapes identities. Personal testimonies reveal struggles with loneliness and the necessity of supportive relationships in breaking free from harmful ideologies.

In this conversation, FD Signifier, a YouTube video essayist known for his analyses of masculinity and race, teams up with Robert Evans, a commentator on the manosphere and alt-right. They dissect the complexities and historical evolution of the manosphere, exploring its role in shaping toxic masculinity and societal inequalities. The duo highlights the allure of these communities for young men and discusses the drastic transformation of online spaces, along with the challenges of confronting and dismantling harmful ideologies.

Dive into the evolution of the manosphere and its mainstream impact over the past decade. Explore how language has shifted, with terms like 'redpill' fueling misogynistic discourse. Delve into the intersection of online misogyny and violence, as well as the incel movement's cultural significance. Discover the complexities brought on by the Me Too movement, which empowered some while sidelining others. Uncover a critique of harmful narratives and the role of influential figures in shaping perceptions of masculinity.