Episode 38: PETA's Response, Antarctic's Hammer Bras, and AI Ghosts

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22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

4 days ago 47:26

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When PETA writes you an angry email demanding corrections, you know your podcast has officially made it. In this wildly entertaining episode, we dive into PETA's semantic nitpicking over whether they "shoot" or merely "euthanize" animals deemed "unadoptable" — a distinction that feels more like confirmation than correction.
The disturbing saga of the Antarctic research station takes a chilling turn as we learn about a female researcher who slept with a hammer concealed in her sports bra, prepared to defend herself against a colleague who had threatened to kill her. The isolation and vulnerability of her situation highlights the terrifying reality of being trapped with a predator at literally the bottom of the world.
Technology's uncanny valley comes to life as we explore an 88-year-old widower who created an AI "digital twin" of his late wife, Suzanne Somers. This fascinating yet unsettling development sparks a deeper conversation about grief, denial, and the ethics of digital resurrection. When the AI replica claims to remember specific shared moments and speaks with the voice of the deceased, are we witnessing healing or harmful delusion?
From father-son death match wrestling involving electrocution to Scott Peterson's prison pickleball disputes, we examine how violence manifests in both entertainment and real life. Meanwhile, as 23andMe faces bankruptcy, millions frantically attempt to delete their genetic data before it potentially becomes corporate property, raising profound questions about privacy and ownership of our most personal information.
What stories from your childhood sibling rivalries could compete with ours? Share your thoughts at okbudpod@gmail.com or join our Patreon community at patreon.com/diebud to watch live and become part of the conversation.

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Chapters

1. Episode 38: PETA's Response, Antarctic's Hammer Bras, and AI Ghosts (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:08)

3. PETA Email Controversy (00:00:58)

4. Antarctic Researcher's Hammer Story (00:04:25)

5. The Princeton Eyeball Case Update (00:08:49)

6. Suzanne Somers AI Resurrection (00:13:35)

7. Father-Son Wrestling Electrocution (00:22:02)

8. DNA Privacy and 23andMe Crisis (00:29:30)

9. Scott Peterson Prison Pickleball Fight (00:39:21)

39 episodes

Episode 38: PETA's Response, Antarctic's Hammer Bras, and AI Ghosts

published 4 days ago

Chapters

1. Episode 38: PETA's Response, Antarctic's Hammer Bras, and AI Ghosts (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:00:08)

3. PETA Email Controversy (00:00:58)

4. Antarctic Researcher's Hammer Story (00:04:25)

5. The Princeton Eyeball Case Update (00:08:49)

6. Suzanne Somers AI Resurrection (00:13:35)

7. Father-Son Wrestling Electrocution (00:22:02)

8. DNA Privacy and 23andMe Crisis (00:29:30)

9. Scott Peterson Prison Pickleball Fight (00:39:21)

39 episodes

#News #True Crime #Comedy #pBen Kissel Jerii Aquino And Kyle Ploof #Ben Kissel #Jerii Aquino #pKyle Ploof

All episodes

1
Episode 39: When Vigilante Justice Goes Right but Everything Else Goes Wrong 44:44

2 days ago44:44

44:44

Send us a text Luigi Mangione has become a cultural phenomenon, striking a chord with Americans fed up with the healthcare system. After murdering a UnitedHealthcare CEO, his interaction with a McDonald's employee—who called police hoping for a reward but dialed the wrong number—has sparked controversy. Mangione fans are now leaving one-star reviews at the Altoona McDonald's and sending threatening messages to the cashier, raising serious questions about vigilante justice and cult-like fandom. Meanwhile, Tesla's humanoid robots made their White House debut, complete with Richard Nixon-style gestures. This unsettling development comes as Bill Gates predicts most humans will be "unnecessary" within a decade thanks to AI advancements. The hosts explore the contradiction of fearing these technologies while simultaneously inviting surveillance into our homes through countless smart devices. As one host points out, "They can't get in unless we let them in"—but we're already doing exactly that. The conversation shifts to the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, where Rex Heuermann murdered women for nearly 20 years while corrupt officials derailed investigations. A Netflix documentary reveals how Suffolk County's police commissioner and district attorney—both now convicted felons—were more concerned with covering up a stolen "dildo and porn stash" scandal than solving murders. This institutional failure allowed a predator to operate in plain sight, with neighbors later admitting they always found him creepy. The podcast wraps with two contrasting tales: a father with facial tattoos who rescued his daughter after 25 days in captivity when authorities wouldn't help, only to face further trauma at the hospital; and a Chinese couple's flirtatious game that ended in the emergency room when the husband's jaw locked with his wife's hand in his mouth. Ready for more unfiltered takes on our increasingly bizarre world? Subscribe to OK Bud and join hosts Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino, and Kyle Ploof as they navigate the strange reality we're all living in. Support the show…

1
Episode 38: PETA's Response, Antarctic's Hammer Bras, and AI Ghosts 47:26

4 days ago47:26

47:26

Send us a text When PETA writes you an angry email demanding corrections, you know your podcast has officially made it. In this wildly entertaining episode, we dive into PETA's semantic nitpicking over whether they "shoot" or merely "euthanize" animals deemed "unadoptable" — a distinction that feels more like confirmation than correction. The disturbing saga of the Antarctic research station takes a chilling turn as we learn about a female researcher who slept with a hammer concealed in her sports bra, prepared to defend herself against a colleague who had threatened to kill her. The isolation and vulnerability of her situation highlights the terrifying reality of being trapped with a predator at literally the bottom of the world. Technology's uncanny valley comes to life as we explore an 88-year-old widower who created an AI "digital twin" of his late wife, Suzanne Somers. This fascinating yet unsettling development sparks a deeper conversation about grief, denial, and the ethics of digital resurrection. When the AI replica claims to remember specific shared moments and speaks with the voice of the deceased, are we witnessing healing or harmful delusion? From father-son death match wrestling involving electrocution to Scott Peterson's prison pickleball disputes, we examine how violence manifests in both entertainment and real life. Meanwhile, as 23andMe faces bankruptcy, millions frantically attempt to delete their genetic data before it potentially becomes corporate property, raising profound questions about privacy and ownership of our most personal information. What stories from your childhood sibling rivalries could compete with ours? Share your thoughts at okbudpod@gmail.com or join our Patreon community at patreon.com/diebud to watch live and become part of the conversation. Support the show…

1
Episode 37: Diamonds Are Forever (In Your Digestive Tract) 41:11

5 days ago41:11

41:11

Send us a text Diamonds might be forever, but they definitely don't belong in the human digestive tract. That's a lesson one jewel thief learned the hard way after swallowing three large diamond earrings to evade police—only to spend two weeks under surveillance while prison officials waited for nature to take its course. The resulting story (complete with photo evidence) kicks off our dive into some truly bizarre true crime tales. Nothing says uncomfortable quite like sitting beside your wife while watching her well-endowed ex-boyfriend perform naked on Broadway. Alec Baldwin shares this experience in excruciating detail, explaining how he couldn't pay attention to anything except what he describes as "a clarinet hanging from his pants." The confession leads us to wonder about the strange power dynamics in celebrity relationships and why some people feel compelled to broadcast their insecurities to the world. The darker side of humanity emerges in our coverage of a woman who, when told she couldn't board a flight with her dog, made the shocking decision to drown the animal in an airport bathroom rather than make alternate arrangements. Equally disturbing is the calculated betrayal by a registered nurse who spent years convincing her friend she had terminal cancer before administering a fatal insulin injection—all to collect a $1.5 million insurance payout. Between exploring a Queens Park murder mystery, questioning medical privacy practices, and debating the proper etiquette around hospital gowns, we navigate the strange territory where human psychology, crime, and social norms intersect. The result is a conversation that's equal parts disturbing, thought-provoking, and oddly therapeutic. Have dog photos or thoughts on these stories? Email us at okbudpod@gmail.com and check out our Patreon at patreon.com/diebud where you can watch episodes live and contribute directly to the conversation. Support the show…

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Episode 36: Is That a Mermaiby or Just Another Fyre Festival Scam? 45:01

8 days ago45:01

45:01

Send us a text A macabre mermaid has washed ashore on a UK beach, leaving locals utterly baffled. The skeleton-like creature with fins prompted one witness to declare, "No one's going to believe what we saw" – and they weren't wrong. We dive into this mysterious discovery that drew crowds of bewildered beachgoers who couldn't determine whether they'd found a dead seal, driftwood, or something far more sinister from the depths. From ocean mysteries to Hollywood demons, we unpack the upcoming documentary series that will feature Stephen Collins, who played "America's Dad" on the family-friendly show "7th Heaven" for eleven seasons before admitting to inappropriate conduct with minors. Former cast members Jeremy London and Kyle Searles will react in real-time to Collins' confession tapes – a bizarre and troubling format that raises questions about how we process celebrity scandals and why certain figures continue receiving platforms despite admitted crimes. Meanwhile, TikTok has made the curious decision to ban its "chubby filter" while allowing countless other appearance-altering effects to remain. We question why this specific filter crossed the line when so many others that dramatically transform faces and bodies are deemed acceptable. Is the objection truly about body positivity, or does it reveal deeper societal discomfort specifically with weight-related imagery? The saga of Fyre Festival continues as founder Billy McFarland attempts to launch "Fyre Festival 2" despite serving four years in prison for fraud related to the original disaster. With tickets ranging from $1,500 to $25,000, only one act announced, and Mexican officials confirming no permits have been requested, all signs point to another potential scam. As the saying goes: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice... you can't get fooled again. Rate, review, and subscribe to join our growing community of listeners who know that no matter what bizarre news breaks, everything's gonna be okay, bud. Support the show…

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Episode 35: Dead Pools, Fake Mickeys, and Other Occupational Hazards 46:43

9 days ago46:43

46:43

Send us a text Isolation breeds madness in the most extreme conditions, as evidenced by the harrowing situation unfolding at an Antarctic research station where nine scientists are trapped 2,000 miles from civilization. Urgent messages reveal that one crew member has allegedly become violent and threatening, creating "an environment of fear and intimidation" with no possibility of rescue until December. The freezing darkness, confined quarters, and nowhere to escape have transformed their scientific mission into a real-life psychological horror story reminiscent of "The Thing." Tragedy struck a Macedonian nightclub when heroic singer Andre Gajorski of the band DNK sacrificed his life rushing back into a burning building to save fans. The warehouse fire claimed 59 lives including almost all band members—a stark contrast to other notorious nightclub disasters where performers prioritized their own safety. The podcast also explores the bizarre case of an OnlyFans model facing second-degree murder charges after a client paid her $11,000 for a kinky performance that went fatally wrong. With no training in BDSM safety protocols, she wrapped the man "like a mummy" in plastic wrap with a plastic bag secured over his head—recording content while he suffocated nearby. The hosts debate the complex questions of responsibility, consent, and whether this constitutes criminal negligence or a tragic accident. From the "Deadpool Killer" Wade Wilson's prison weight gain to a knife-wielding Mickey Mouse impersonator threatening tourists in Naples for payment, these stories highlight the strange, dangerous world we live in. The hosts navigate this territory with dark humor while reminding listeners that sometimes the most terrifying situations are those with no easy escape. Share your thoughts and stories with us at okbudpod@gmail.com or join the community at patreon.com/diebud to participate in live episodes. Because in a world where scientists go mad, singing heroes perish, and cartoon characters pull knives—everything's going to be OK, Bud. Support the show…

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Epiosde 34: Sound Weapons, Swollen Testes, and Snacks That Make Criminals Confess 46:11

11 days ago46:11

46:11

Send us a text Step into the delightfully absurd world of "OK Bud," where hosts Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino and Kyle Ploof offer a refreshing escape from the relentless heaviness of mainstream news. This episode delivers exactly what they promise: stories that won't cause family fights but will definitely make for entertaining dinner table conversations. The duo kicks things off with a surprisingly heated debate about St. Patrick's heritage—was he Irish or Italian? From there, they dive into an update on Luigi Mangione, the healthcare CEO killer whose lawyers are challenging evidence collection methods. You'll learn how police obtain DNA in surprisingly sneaky ways, from soda cans to discarded pizza crusts, raising fascinating questions about privacy and legal boundaries. Ever wondered what happens when a drone hits a porn star's testicles? Wonder no more. The hosts share the bizarre story of a Russian adult film actor whose "balls of steel" were put to the test on the Ukrainian battlefield. Meanwhile, in Belgrade, peaceful protesters experienced the terrifying reality of sonic weapons that cause vomiting and disorientation—a disturbing trend that's appearing at demonstrations worldwide. Along the way, you'll hear about Tracy Morgan's courtside mishap at a Knicks game, the tragic story of wrongfully accused politician Bud Dwyer, and a compelling theory about snack foods as criminal investigation tools. It's the perfect antidote to doom-scrolling—strange, sometimes ridiculous, but always entertaining. Join the OK Bud community by subscribing, sending your stories to okbudpod@gmail.com, or supporting the show on Patreon. Because sometimes, the news you need isn't about world-changing events—it's about the weird, wonderful absurdity happening right alongside them. Support the show…

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Episode 33: Culinary Nightmares Unveiled 50:29

12 days ago50:29

50:29

Send us a text A St. Patrick's Day episode filled with chilling tales and bizarre food stories that will leave you questioning humanity and your dinner choices. The ghost of Rachel Hurley haunts this episode as we explore her tragic unsolved murder from St. Patrick's Day 1990. Despite testing DNA from 127 suspects and interviewing countless witnesses, this 35-year-old cold case remains open, with Detective William Springer coming out of retirement specifically to pursue justice. Rachel's spunky personality and the eerie Ouija board session shortly before her death add layers to this heartbreaking mystery that continues to baffle investigators three decades later. From the macabre to the merely stomach-turning, we dive deep into controversial food combinations after a Taco Bell employee reveals a secret menu hack involving steak quesaritos mixed with Cinnabons. The sweet-savory debate gets heated as we question where to draw the culinary line. Is it acceptable to dip fries in a milkshake? What about egg drop soup or blue cheese ice cream? The conversation takes unexpected turns as we explore cultural food differences and personal boundaries. Things go from questionable to horrifying as we discuss a viral video of a man casually devouring a rat on a New York City street corner, a Florida stalker who decapitated cats as an intimidation tactic, and two teenagers who contaminated a hot pot restaurant's communal broth, affecting 4,000 customers. These stories of food contamination and extreme behavior will have you reconsidering your next meal out. Subscribe to hear more wild stories and heated debates at patreon.com/diebud, or send us your own strange tales at okbudpod@gmail.com. Support the show…

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Episode 32: Gray-skinned Space Brothers and James Van Der Beek's Vanderbutt 37:42

15 days ago37:42

37:42

Send us a text Cancer, werewolves, and aliens collide in this wild exploration of the unusual and unexplained. We begin with James Van Der Beek's heartbreaking revelation about his battle with stage three colorectal cancer. The Dawson's Creek star opened up about how his diagnosis stripped away his identity as a husband, father, and provider – leaving him questioning his purpose and worth. Through this struggle, Van Der Beek discovered something profound about self-love and divine connection that transcends his roles in life. From one rare human experience to another, we meet the extraordinary 18-year-old Indian teenager who just claimed the Guinness World Record for the world's hairiest male face. With 95% of his face covered in hair due to the ultra-rare "werewolf syndrome," this young man shows remarkable confidence, declaring "I like who I am and I don't want to change my look" despite facing significant challenges and occasional cruelty from strangers. The conversation then launches into the cosmos as we navigate the fascinating taxonomy of alleged alien species – from the classic "Greys" with their almond-shaped eyes to the Nordic "Space Brothers" and the controversial reptilian theories popularized by David Icke. We examine how attitudes toward UFO sightings have evolved; where witnesses once faced ridicule and ruined lives, there's now growing mainstream acceptance of unexplained aerial phenomena. We ponder the philosophical implications of human space exploration – are we not aliens ourselves when we travel to other planets? The search for extraterrestrial life continues through legitimate scientific fields like astrobiology and exobiology, focusing particularly on environments containing water as the fundamental building block for life as we understand it. Whether you're a UFO enthusiast, fascinated by rare medical conditions, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations that challenge conventional perspectives, this episode delivers with humor, heart, and the occasional uncomfortable truth. Join us as we celebrate the weird and wonderful aspects of human existence – both on this planet and potentially beyond. Support the show…

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Episode 31: Apple Seeds and Rosary Beads 50:50

16 days ago50:50

50:50

Send us a text Join Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino and Kyle Ploof as they discuss the weirdest news from Thursday, March 13 2025. Support the show

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Episode 30: From Prison Pickleball to Mortuary Mayhem 47:11

18 days ago47:11

47:11

Send us a text Death, revenge, and dark humor collide as we explore the strangest headlines you won't hear anywhere else. Scott Peterson, convicted of murdering his wife in 2004, now fights for his reputation and physical safety in prison—over pickleball, of all things. While the California Innocence Project works to clear his name, Peterson finds himself at the center of recreational yard drama that represents the bizarre reality of life behind bars. Meanwhile, Josh Duggar and his fellow inmates have launched a hunger strike after losing their recreational privileges at a Texas facility. We dive into the psychology of prison protests and how even the most reviled offenders seek to maintain some control over their circumstances through collective action. From prisons to funeral homes, we examine the shocking case of a Texas embalmer who took justice into her own hands by mutilating the corpse of a sexual predator. This raises profound questions about professional ethics, revenge, and our cultural attitudes toward the bodies of those who committed terrible acts in life. Should we feel sympathy for her actions or condemn them? We also explore the digital world's darker side through two disturbing stories: a young mukbang streamer who died from obesity-related complications after years of extreme eating content, and a man who literally Googled "Can I kill an illegal human?" before murdering his undocumented fiancé. Both cases reveal how our online behaviors can lead to tragic real-world consequences. The episode takes a lighter turn with news of Harry Potter actress Jessie Cave launching an OnlyFans account focused on "hair fetishes" and "slutty Mormon" aesthetics—proving that even in the wizarding world, bills need to be paid. Join Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino, and Kyle Ploof as they navigate these bizarre stories with their signature blend of empathy, outrage, and dark humor. Email us at okbudpod@gmail.com or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/diebud to watch the show live and become part of our community. Support the show…

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Episode 29: When Justice Systems Get It Wrong: From Stripper Cops to Pizza Abominations 46:59

19 days ago46:59

46:59

Send us a text Something's deeply wrong with our justice system when a British serial killer goes on hunger strike because prison officials took away his PlayStation, while an NYPD detective gets pulled from active duty for dancing in a music video on her own time. Robert Moudsley, the 71-year-old "Hannibal the Cannibal," has spent 49 years behind bars for killing four people and allegedly eating part of a victim's brain. Yet until recently, he enjoyed video games, books, and a music system in his special prison-within-a-prison cell. Meanwhile, Detective Melissa Mercado found herself removed from the Special Victims Unit for the "morally wrong" act of appearing in a hip-hop video where she danced on a pole—a decision that's left real victims without her expertise. The conversation takes a darker turn with the story of a Wisconsin teen who murdered his mother after watching a Menendez brothers documentary, claiming "pain" as his only motive. In a bizarre counterpoint, we explore another Wisconsin tale—this time of a four-year-old who called 911 because his mother ate "his" ice cream, only to be rewarded by officers who brought him more ice cream the following day. The hosts debate the long-term consequences of teaching children that snitching pays off, especially with sprinkles. Before wrapping up, we venture to Australia where a pizza chain called Bubba Pizza has created an unholy abomination—ham and orange pizza—sparking fierce debate about where society should draw its culinary boundaries. Because apparently, some lines simply shouldn't be crossed. Drop us an email at okbudpod@gmail.com or support us on Patreon.com/DieBud for $10 a month to watch episodes live and become part of the conversation! Support the show…

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Episode 28: Updates and Rage-Inducing Art 42:36

23 days ago42:36

42:36

Send us a text Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino and Kyle Ploof discuss updates on previous stories, horrible art and more! Tune in to LIVE episodes of OK Bud! Monday through Thursday every week on www.patreon.com/diebud Support the show

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Episode 27: Luigi Mangione or Squeegee ManJuiceOnMe? 42:23

24 days ago42:23

42:23

Send us a text Ben Kissel, Jerii Aquino and Kyle Ploof discuss the Luigi Mangione sex tapes, OF models that shoot robbers, sell farts and more! Tune in to LIVE episodes of OK Bud! Monday through Thursday every week on www.patreon.com/diebud Support the show

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Episode 26: From Pugs to Haboobs 46:08

25 days ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text A listener shares a unique perspective on her high school bully, revealing a blend of humor and personal growth. Reflecting on life's absurdities, the episode features discussions on relationships and the impact of loss, all woven with laughter. • Listener email recounting a high school bully and her unexpected fate • Shared insight on the morality of wishing harm to a bully • Host interactions filled with humor while discussing serious topics • Tribute to Carl Dean and commentary on lasting relationships • Tangential discussions on public figures and celebrity gossip • Light-hearted critique of corporate ethics surrounding Chipotle • Observations on love, loss, and the nature of forgiveness Support the show…

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Episode 25: Cat-tastrophe Averted and Casey Anthony Returns 43:03

26 days ago43:03