193 - The Gang Goes To War With Walmart?? ft. Wendigoon | Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 193
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Deep Dive
What is the Appalachian Rebuild Project and why was it created?
The Appalachian Rebuild Project is a nonprofit charity created to aid disaster relief efforts in Southern Appalachia, particularly after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage. It was established to fund and support local efforts to rebuild homes, provide temporary housing, and assist communities affected by the hurricane. The project was initiated after friends in the region started paying out of pocket for relief efforts, which was unsustainable. The nonprofit aims to provide a more organized and sustainable way to help those in need.
How much money was raised for the Appalachian Rebuild Project?
Over a quarter million dollars was raised for the Appalachian Rebuild Project through a combination of YouTube video ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and direct donations. The funds are being used to rebuild homes, provide temporary living solutions, and support community initiatives like toy drives for affected families.
What challenges did the Appalachian region face after Hurricane Helene?
After Hurricane Helene, the Appalachian region faced extensive flooding, road destruction, and infrastructure damage. The floodwaters were so severe that they took out concrete bridges, leaving communities isolated. Many people lost their homes, and some relied on contaminated river water, leading to health issues like Legionnaire's disease. The region also struggled with power outages, with millions of customers losing electricity, and the recovery efforts were complicated by the mountainous terrain and lack of communication.
What is the significance of the 'Born to Math' shirt and its connection to Walmart?
The 'Born to Math' shirt was originally created by the Unsubscribe Podcast to raise money for autistic charities, generating over $200,000. Walmart was found selling a similar design without permission or credit, leading to allegations of unauthorized sales. The podcast hosts called for Walmart to either credit them or donate proceeds to autism charities, sparking a viral social media campaign.
What is the Sovereign Citizen movement and what are its core beliefs?
The Sovereign Citizen movement is a loosely organized group of individuals who believe they are not subject to government laws. They claim that the United States is a corporation rather than a legitimate government, often citing historical events like the Civil War or the creation of the Federal Reserve as the point when the government 'dissolved.' They believe in using legal loopholes, such as maritime law or paperwork tactics, to avoid legal consequences. The movement has roots in both white nationalist and black nationalist ideologies, and its followers often engage in 'paper terrorism' by overwhelming courts with frivolous legal filings.
What is the 'government cheese' phenomenon and how did it start?
The 'government cheese' phenomenon began during the 1970s energy crisis when the U.S. government started buying excess dairy from farmers to prevent them from going bankrupt. This led to an overwhelming surplus of cheese, which was stored in caves, including one in Kansas City. By the 1980s, the government was spending millions daily on refrigeration. President Reagan proposed dumping the cheese into the ocean, but instead, it was distributed to food shelters. The surplus was so large that it influenced dairy advertising campaigns like 'Got Milk' in the 1990s to encourage consumption.
What is the 'In Praise of Shadows' controversy involving Wendigoon?
The 'In Praise of Shadows' controversy involved a YouTuber who criticized Wendigoon in a 38-minute video, accusing him of various issues. Wendigoon responded calmly, and the critic later apologized, explaining that he was in a bad mental state at the time. The video was taken down, and the critic issued a public apology. Wendigoon emphasized forgiveness and understanding, noting that the critic seemed genuine in his beliefs, even if they were misguided.
What is the 'paper terrorism' tactic used by Sovereign Citizens?
Paper terrorism is a tactic used by Sovereign Citizens to overwhelm legal systems with excessive paperwork, such as frivolous lawsuits, liens, or evidence requests. The goal is to create so much bureaucratic hassle that authorities drop the case. This tactic is often employed in traffic violations or DUIs, where Sovereign Citizens represent themselves and flood the court with documents, making it difficult for the legal system to proceed efficiently.
- Live show stories and audience reactions
- Encounter with Kevin Brittingham
- Hunter's grandfather's story
- Artwork inspired by the podcast's tangents