It's Ben a Week
It's Ben a Week
Podcast Description
"It’s Ben a Week" is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by actor, barrel racer, and photographer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes including religion, personal stories, sobriety, life challenges, and fitness journeys. Notable episodes include discussions on faith and LGBTQ+ relations, conversations around sobriety and the non-alcoholic beverage industry, chaotic personal anecdotes, and reflections on community amidst adversity.
“It’s Ben a Week” is an unfiltered, bold, and hilariously unpredictable podcast where Texas grit meets Hollywood wit. Hosted by actor, barrel racer, and photographer Ben McDonnell, it’s your weekly escape into outrageous stories, candid conversations, and unapologetic humor.
This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben fulfills a childhood dream — sitting down with viral video pioneer Liam Kyle Sullivan, the creator of Kelly from the Shoes video that defined early YouTube and inspired a generation of comedians.
They dive into everything from the origin of Kelly to how YouTube fame in the 2000s was completely different from TikTok virality today. Liam shares behind-the-scenes stories about creating Shoes, Muffins, and Text Message Breakup, how Susan Walker was born, and why Shoes almost didn’t happen.
The conversation covers:
- The Jimmy Kimmel suspension, free speech, and how comedy is being policed
- The slow rise of Shoes before “viral” was even a word
- Casting friends, filming in Marshalls, and the $300 store rental that made history
- Why Susan Walker might secretly be everyone’s aunt
- The difference between YouTube’s golden age and today’s TikTok scroll culture
- The comeback: Liam performing Shoes live at drag shows and Pride events in 2024
- His upcoming projects: A Very Kelly Christmas live show and his solo show Wearing Kelly’s Shoes
For Ben, it’s more than nostalgia — he credits Kelly with inspiring him to create his own skits and chase acting in LA.
Follow Liam Kyle Sullivan
- Instagram: @liamksullivan
- YouTube: Liam Kyle Sullivan
- Upcoming live shows: A Very Kelly Christmas and Wearing Kelly’s Shoes
🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week
New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by actor, photographer, and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.
📍 Listen & Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts
🔗 Connect with Ben:
Instagram: @itsbenaweek
TikTok: @itsbenaweek
Website: itsbenaweek.com
💬 Want to be on the show?
Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.