From Nicki Minaj Challenges to Fake Nurses: The Dangers of Internet Trends for 8/13/25
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From dangerous social media stunts to groundbreaking sports milestones, hosts Lawrence Elrod and Meryl Klemo tackle today's most fascinating stories with their signature blend of humor and insight.
The pair kicks off with a deep dive into the dangerous "Nicki Minaj Challenge" that has already resulted in broken bones and spinal injuries. As they question why these risky social media challenges gain such traction, they explore our collective fascination with increasingly dangerous viral trends despite obvious risks.
Entertainment industry drama takes center stage as Meryl shares her passionate disappointment with HBO's decision to cancel "And Just Like That," the Sex and the City spin-off that many fans believe destroyed beloved characters. The hosts dissect how the show's viewership plummeted and question why executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker admitted to not watching episodes of her own show.
The conversation takes surprising turns through stories about unconventional dating app reviews, Las Vegas casino unionization, and the Vatican's unexpected strategy of employing "hot priest influencers" to attract younger followers to the Catholic Church. Lawrence and Meryl bring their unique perspectives to these cultural phenomena, balancing humor with thoughtful analysis.
Some of the most compelling discussions center around boundary-breaking achievements and shocking deceptions – from Jen Paywall becoming MLB's first female umpire during regular season play to the disturbing case of a nurse imposter who treated over 4,000 patients without proper credentials before being caught. Through it all, the hosts maintain their signature conversational style, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.
Whether you're fascinated by peculiar news stories, passionate about cultural shifts, or simply enjoy listening to engaging conversation, this episode delivers thought-provoking content that will leave you both entertained and informed. Subscribe now and join the conversation about the thirstiest topics in today's culture!
Check out Meryl's upcoming performance at the Hollywood Improv this Friday for "Horror Nerd," where she'll be doing comedy about summer slasher films.
Great conversations and a place where independent filmmakers can be highlighted.
Hello, and thank you for listening to Thirsty Topics podcast! I'm Lawrence Elrod, and every week Meryl Klemow and I dive deep into the stories that matter, the conversations that shape our world."
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Chapters
1. Introduction and Nicki Minaj Challenge (00:00:00)
2. Sex and the City Spin-off Canceled (00:11:07)
3. Dating App Red Flags and Reviews (00:19:19)
4. Las Vegas Strip Casinos Unionize (00:26:44)
5. Halle Berry's Ex-Husband Controversy (00:30:19)
6. Hot Priest Influencers at the Vatican (00:37:15)
7. Nurse Imposter Treats 4,000 Patients (00:40:33)
8. Meteorologist Caught Texting During Broadcast (00:46:05)
9. Octopus Grabs Boy at San Antonio Aquarium (00:49:41)
10. First Female MLB Umpire Makes History (00:55:38)
11. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Shows (01:01:30)
38 episodes