Thirsty Topics podcast

Thirsty Topics podcast

A weekly podcast dedicated to trending topics on social media, pop culture and entertainment. Lawrence and Meryl have healthy discussions with multiple perspectives.

Episodes

May 28, 2025 68 mins

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We dive into the social media war between TGI Fridays and Chili's over mozzarella stick supremacy, with Chili's devastating comeback going viral while many people admit they didn't know Fridays restaurants still existed.

• New Orleans prison break where 10 inmates escaped by ripping a toilet off the wall and crawling through the opening
• Colorado Rockies fan suing the team after being hit ...

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We dive into an array of trending stories from the uplifting to the controversial, giving you our unfiltered take on the week's hottest headlines and cultural moments.

• American Idol crowns Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old gym teacher from Mississippi, the first African-American winner since Ruben Studdard
• Blake Lively allegedly attempted to blackmail Taylor Swift according to Justin Baldoni's la...

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Lawrence and Meryl dive into a range of headline-grabbing stories from Weight Watchers filing bankruptcy to the controversial Qatar gift of a luxury airplane to former President Trump.

• Weight Watchers declares bankruptcy with over $1 billion in debt, likely due to competition from weight loss drugs and meal prep services
• Newark Airport experiences its third system outage in two weeks with air traffic ...

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The economy shows concerning signs with Target limiting self-checkout amid theft losses and Americans taking out loans for groceries, while entertainment industry faces disruption from proposed tariffs on foreign films and Lady Gaga's Rio concert draws two million fans despite a thwarted bomb threat.

• Target limits self-checkout to 10 items or less amid $500 million in theft-related losses
• NFL fin...

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Lawrence and Meryl dive into shocking news that Oscar voters weren't required to watch all nominated films before voting, raising questions about the integrity of past Academy Award winners.

• The NFL draft controversy surrounding Shedeur Sanders, who dropped to the fifth round despite expectations of a higher selection
• A cruel prank call to Sanders from the son of an Atlanta Falcons coordinator wh...

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Lawrence and Meryl dive into celebrity relationships, viral challenges, and technological advancements that are making headlines this week. They explore everything from Birdman and Toni Braxton's whirlwind marriage to the amusing but terrifying reality of alligators ringing doorbells in Florida.

• Toni Braxton and Birdman had a secret wedding last August but filed for divorce days later before reconcilin...

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Ever wondered what Gayle King and Katy Perry saw at the edge of space? Lawrence and Meryl tackle Blue Origin's headline-making all-female flight with refreshing skepticism. Beyond the celebrity excitement and "space tourism" narrative lies a fascinating conversation about what these private space ventures might really represent—and what information might be filtered before reaching the public.

...

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The latest Thirsty Topics episode takes listeners on a journey through America's economic anxieties and cultural curiosities with hosts Lawrence Elrod and Meryl Klemo. 

From the opening exchange about White Lotus to startling revelations about aggressive sea lions, the conversation quickly establishes a pattern of finding humor and insight in unexpected places. Lawrence shares news about comedian Jeff Ro...

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Dive into the latest celebrity controversies as we explore Justin Bieber's erratic social media behavior amid his ex Selena Gomez's new relationship, and examine a high school basketball coach who was fired for yanking a player's hair during a game.

• Justin Bieber's concerning Instagram activity including bird photos and account deactivation
• Debate over appropriate physical contact ...

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The world has never been short on bizarre stories, but this week's roundup takes things to a new level of strange. Lawrence and Meryl dive deep into news stories that leave us both concerned and bewildered - from privacy invasions to celestial misadventures.

We unpack the alarming story of Tesla owners having their personal information leaked online, alongside the troubling trend of people setting Teslas...

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Dawn Robinson of En Vogue is living in her car despite creating hits we still hear today. Lawrence and Meryl unpack this shocking revelation about the music industry's exploitation of artists who received mere pennies per sale while creating cultural touchstones. How many other stars from our youth are facing similar financial hardships behind the scenes?

Meanwhile, Harvard University just revolutionized...

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Two friends reconnect over the airwaves as Lawrence shares exciting news about his cousin, Ashley Lauren Elrod, landing a role on the CBS show "FBI." Their celebration quickly shifts to a more sobering discussion about a 20-year-old college student who vanished while on spring break in the Dominican Republic, prompting a candid conversation about travel safety and the importance of looking out for friends in...

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From Oscars drama to workplace surveillance, Lawrence Elrod and Meryl Klemow tackle the zeitgeist of our current moment with humor and insight.

The duo kicks off with a spirited debate about the Oscars, questioning whether Demi Moore was truly "snubbed" for her performance in "The Substance" - a film ironically about youth and beauty being valued above all else. Their conversation reveals ...

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Kenny Elrod shares his journey from a casual music creator during the pandemic to an aspiring indie pop star at Berklee College of Music. He emphasizes the importance of self-marketing, learning from experiences, and the joy that comes from live performances. 

• Kenny’s evolution from bedroom recordings to serious music career 
• The significance of music education in shaping his path 
• The differenc...

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This episode reveals the significance of exploring family history through the lens of genealogy with expert Nick Sheedy. He shares insight into the emotional landscape of ancestry research, the challenges of limited records, and the transformative impact of DNA testing in uncovering hidden familial ties. 

• Understanding the role of a genealogist in uncovering family mysteries 
• The emotional intricacies...

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This episode of Thirsty Topics tackles pressing societal issues through humor and personal anecdotes, starting with Ruby Bridges' courageous story, highlighting ongoing struggles for racial equality. Ranging from the backlash against the Tesla Cybertruck to the strange divorce settlement involving a Netflix account, the conversation delves into the absurdities of fame, health risks tied to Super Bowl excitement, ...

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The Superbowl served as a backdrop for a lively discussion on the best and worst commercials of the night, exploring everything from ad creativity to celebrity appearances. The episode also touches on the Eagles' performance, Taylor Swift's unusual reaction, and celebrates Black History Month, emphasizing the cultural significance of these events. 
• Breakdown of favorite Superbowl commercials 
• Dis...

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Can public figures truly sway our thoughts on pressing social issues, or are their gestures merely for show? Examining Selena Gomez's recent emotional video, we question the genuine impact of celebrity influence and its entanglement with political landscapes, highlighted by the Trump administration's unexpected engagement. We also dissect the broader ramifications of immigration policies on the ground level,...

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Can AI truly capture the essence of love in wedding vows? Lauren Selrod and Meryl Clemo dive into the fascinating world of AI in wedding planning, debating the balance between convenience and authenticity. As the conversation unfolds, the episode takes an unexpected turn with a quirky trend involving GameStop’s interest in devices loaded with TikTok, sparking laughter and curiosity about the bizarre lengths people wil...

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What happens when harmless fun on an empty plane leads to a termination? We explore this and more as we kick off our latest episode with a bold claim about the intersection of workplace culture and modern social media antics. From a flight attendant's twerking escapade that cost her job to the whimsical roles of food brand ambassadors driving giant peanuts, we bring you the quirkiest and most thought-provoking st...

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