Milky Bar Kid (AKA Falling in Love)

David Farrier, a New Zealander in America, opens with a passionate critique of ICE's violent actions in Minneapolis, where he witnessed the aftermath of Alex Pretty's execution by ICE agents. Despite the heavy topic, the episode transitions into a lighthearted story featuring Doretta Hess and Hayden, a New Zealander and former Milky Bar Kid. The couple met at a party and bonded over their unique chocolate histories—Doretta's ties to the Hershey legacy and Hayden's iconic role in New Zealand's Milky Bar ads. Their story highlights cultural exchanges and unexpected connections between the U.S. and New Zealand.

• The podcast begins with a personal account of witnessing the aftermath of an ICE-related execution in Minneapolis.
• The host emphasizes the importance of awareness and advocacy against government actions and misinformation.
• The host shares his anger and frustration at the situation, despite being a New Zealander, highlighting the global implications of such events.

"It is utterly barbaric and insane that ICE goons are openly executing Americans on the street."

• The host is expressing outrage at the actions of ICE and the perceived lack of accountability.

"I was in Minneapolis on Saturday 24th January when Alex Pretty was executed. Shot 10 times in the back while being restrained by ICE officers."

• The host provides a firsthand account of a specific incident involving ICE, illustrating the severity of the situation.

• The host shares personal experiences of being tear-gassed and witnessing the behavior of ICE agents.
• He describes the smirking and dismissive attitude of ICE agents, which contributes to his anger.
• The host emphasizes the importance of discussing these issues on platforms to raise awareness.

"I saw smirking ICE agents and I still feel really angry about it, even though I'm a New Zealander."

• This quote highlights the host's personal experience and emotional response to the actions of ICE agents.

"Anyone with a platform to yap should be yapping about it, else what's even the point?"

• The host stresses the importance of using platforms to speak out against injustices.

• The host describes the community's organized response to the ICE presence and their mutual aid efforts.
• He highlights the juxtaposition of inhumane actions by ICE and the humane response of the community.
• The host finds hope in the community's solidarity and resistance.

"The way mutual aid is so embedded in that community. The way people are just. They have food and money to give and to help."

• This quote underscores the community's resilience and support in the face of adversity.

"It's the juxtaposition of the most inhumane parts of this country, but then also the most beautiful and humane parts completely."

• The host reflects on the contrasting elements of American society observed during the events.

• The host discusses the challenges of misinformation and manipulated media narratives surrounding the events.
• He advises caution when consuming and sharing information online, noting the role of AI in distorting facts.
• The host shares an example of a manipulated video used to justify the actions of ICE.

"Beware of every bit of dialogue you see being flung around on the Internet. It's like, AI is into the conversation."

• The host warns listeners about the prevalence of misinformation and the need for critical evaluation of online content.

"It's this insane thing of what the right has been doing is calling out these things that they're usually the ones guilty of doing it."

• The host points out the irony of misinformation tactics used by certain groups to deflect blame.

• The host reflects on the broader implications of the events in Minneapolis, questioning the justice system and societal norms.
• He discusses the villainization of victims and the need for systemic change.
• The host expresses concern about the public's awareness and understanding of the situation's gravity.

"The fact that like this person who is dead is being villainized and attacked."

• The host criticizes the narrative that blames victims for their own deaths, highlighting systemic issues.

"I feel like America and the world as a whole doesn't realize how fucked up and scary it is."

• The host expresses concern about the lack of widespread recognition of the severity of the situation.

• The conversation begins with concerns about the political climate, particularly the fear of a slide into fascism.
• There is a worry that people may prematurely celebrate small victories without realizing the larger ongoing struggles.
• The discussion highlights the persistence of issues despite high-profile resignations and the continued presence of oppressive forces.

"I hope you're right. I hope en masse people are coming around to how much of a slide into fascism this is."

• This quote reflects the hope that the public will recognize and respond to the threat of fascism in society.

"My worry is the reaction when someone like Greg resigns...that people cheer like that is some sort of victory and the fight is over."

• This quote illustrates the concern that people may see small victories as the end of a struggle, missing the larger picture.

• The discussion touches on the ongoing protests and the surveillance of protesters.
• There is concern over the documentation and tracking of individuals involved in protests.

"They're in Maine now, I think...taking footage and keeping a database of protesters."

• This quote emphasizes the spread of surveillance and the systematic recording of protest activities.

• The conversation shifts to concerns about the upcoming elections and the potential for power retention by the current president.
• There is fear that actions are being taken out of desperation to maintain power.

"We have a president that doesn't want to give up power...creating a scenario where Trump sees himself being able to stay in power."

• This quote highlights the fear of undemocratic maneuvers to retain power, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.

"The actions are out of place of desperation and fear on his part, which is a much scarier place to be in."

• This quote underscores the anxiety about the motivations behind political actions and their implications for democracy.

• There is a positive reflection on the community spirit and solidarity among people in places like Minneapolis.
• The conversation acknowledges the importance of mutual support and care within communities facing challenges.

"The people in Minneapolis that are not ice goons are all frigging amazing and everyone's looking after each other."

• This quote celebrates the resilience and supportive nature of communities in the face of adversity.

• The importance of balancing engagement with current events and finding moments of calm is discussed.
• Escapism is seen as a necessary means to maintain mental health and effectiveness.

"It's important to be engaged in everything that's going on. It's also important to occasionally have moments of calm else we're all going to fall apart."

• This quote highlights the need for mental breaks and the value of escapism to recharge and remain productive.

• The conversation transitions to a lighter topic, discussing chocolate preferences and cultural perceptions.
• There is a humorous critique of American chocolate, particularly Hershey's, and a fondness for white chocolate.

"Hershey's chocolate...tastes like very off milk or sort of vomiting."

• This quote humorously critiques the taste of Hershey's chocolate, reflecting a cultural difference in chocolate preferences.

"The Milky Bar Kid in New Zealand is an icon...as big as Jacinda Ardern, as big as the All Blacks."

• This quote illustrates the cultural significance of the Milky Bar Kid in New Zealand, comparing it to well-known national figures.

• The discussion touches on memorable commercials and the impact of advertising.
• There is a reflection on the creativity and effectiveness of certain ad campaigns, contrasted with the general quality of ads.

"I do really like the progressive commercials...it's pretty much like, don't be like your parents."

• This quote highlights an appreciation for a clever ad campaign that resonates with personal experiences.

"I still am amazed at how much money goes into ads and how generally how shit they still are."

• This quote criticizes the overall quality of advertisements despite the significant investment in them.

• Coca-Cola commercials have a nostalgic and emotional impact, creating warm memories and positive associations with the brand.
• The Milky Bar Kid is a cultural icon in New Zealand, similar to Coca-Cola's polar bear in its ability to evoke fond memories.

"But I've always enjoyed Coca Cola commercials. I have, like, very warm memories in New Zealand of watching, like, the polar bear having a Coke."

• This quote highlights the emotional connection and nostalgia associated with Coca-Cola commercials, particularly the iconic polar bear ads.

• Doretta Hess reflects on her family's missed opportunity to join the Hershey chocolate empire due to a decision made by her great great grandfather.
• Milton Hershey, a pioneer in caramel creation, had offered a business partnership to Doretta's ancestor, which was declined.

"So my great great grandfather, his name was Levi Hershey and he was a cousin to Milton, as in Milton Hershey, the man who started Hershey's Chocolate in America."

• This quote explains the familial connection to Milton Hershey and the potential business opportunity that was declined, affecting future generations.

• Doretta, not initially looking for love, meets Hayden at a friend's birthday party, leading to a meaningful relationship.
• Both Doretta and Hayden have past marriages and find a unique bond through shared experiences and backgrounds.

"Hayden was the first person to introduce himself to me when I walked in the door and like, he was lovely."

• This quote captures the initial meeting and connection between Doretta and Hayden, setting the stage for their relationship.

• Hayden, originally from New Zealand, was the face of the Milky Bar campaign, a significant cultural phenomenon in New Zealand.
• The Milky Bar Kid ads were iconic, with Hayden traveling for live appearances, and the campaign remains a part of New Zealand's cultural memory.

"In the late 80s and early 90s, he was the face of New Zealand's most well known chocolate campaign for a white chocolate called the Milky Bar."

• This quote underscores Hayden's role in the Milky Bar Kid campaign and its cultural significance in New Zealand.

• Hayden works as a farrier in the United States, maintaining horses' feet, a profession with a strong presence in horse-centric regions like Maryland.
• His current work connects to his past as the Milky Bar Kid, with similarities in attire and lifestyle.

"So we basically every four to six weeks we go to a barn and we basically maintain horse's feet."

• This quote provides insight into Hayden's profession as a farrier, detailing the routine and responsibilities involved.

• Doretta experiences New Zealand culture and gains insights into Hayden's background during their visit to New Zealand.
• The trip enhances her understanding of Hayden's habits and expressions, fostering deeper cultural appreciation.

"Some of the New Zealand homes, the toilet is not in the powder room."

• This quote illustrates Doretta's cultural learning about New Zealand's home layouts, enhancing her understanding of Hayden's expressions.

• Doretta and Hayden's relationship humorously reflects their chocolate backgrounds, with her connection to Hershey's and his to Milky Bar.
• Despite their chocolate affiliations, they choose not to disclose their preferences, maintaining harmony in their relationship.

"You can see what kind of dilemma I'm in though, mate. I promoted a white chocolate. Now I'm dating a girl that comes from the dark chocolate side."

• This quote humorously highlights the playful tension between their chocolate backgrounds, symbolizing their unique relationship dynamic.

• The conversation highlights personal preferences for chocolate over caramel, with A expressing a strong inclination towards chocolate, particularly mint chocolate.
• A discusses the challenge of self-control when it comes to chocolate, indicating a need to give away chocolate to avoid overconsumption.

"I have to not buy chocolate at the supermarket because if I have a block at home, I'll just eat the whole thing."

• This quote illustrates A's struggle with self-control regarding chocolate consumption.

"Whitaker's is our main brand and I bring back a ton of it. And I have to make sure I give it away to friends almost immediately because if it's just sitting in my house, I'll be like, oh, maybe I'll have a little bite."

• A describes the necessity of giving away chocolate to prevent personal overindulgence.

• The discussion touches on the historical origins of surnames, particularly how they are derived from ancestral occupations.
• A explains the origin of their surname, "Farrier," relating it to the occupation of shoeing horses.

"My dad's a veterinarian but back in the day relatives would shoe horses. We would make sure that shoes have great looking feet."

• This quote provides insight into the historical occupation associated with A's surname.

"I quite like having a surname that like says something you're professional like what we do."

• A expresses a sense of pride in having a surname that reflects an ancestral occupation.

• The conversation briefly explores the farrier profession in America, noting its unregulated nature and the existence of both skilled and rogue practitioners.
• A mentions the potential for a future episode focusing on American farriers due to its interesting dynamics.

"One interesting thing is it's kind of unregulated. Like you don't train to be a farrier and get a qualification."

• This quote highlights the lack of formal regulation and training in the farrier profession in America.

• The discussion touches on the childhood fame of the Milky Bar Kid and the existence of a fan club.
• A describes the financial compensation received by the Milky Bar Kid and how it was not substantial enough to secure a lifetime of financial stability.

"He did not set him up for life. Apparently. At the time, I can't remember the exact amount, but it wasn't amazing. It was like 10 grand or something."

• This quote reveals the limited financial gain from the Milky Bar Kid's advertising role.

"He was like a celebrity. Like, he'd go into malls and on school holidays, and people would turn up to see him deliver his signature line."

• The quote highlights the level of fame achieved by the Milky Bar Kid during his childhood.

• The conversation shifts to celebrity endorsements and their increasing acceptance in the advertising industry.
• A and C discuss the financial motivations for celebrities to engage in advertising, despite already having substantial wealth.

"It used to be that celebrities would go to places like Japan and get their big payday somewhere else entirely, whereas now the. It's not seen as selling."

• This quote discusses the changing perceptions of celebrities participating in advertisements.

"It just comes down to greed. Like, you just want more money."

• A expresses a critical view of celebrities' motivations for engaging in advertising, attributing it to greed.

• The conversation touches on the financial realities faced by celebrities, including the need for fundraising for medical expenses.
• A expresses surprise at the financial struggles of celebrities who were once considered well-off.

"Even if you made a ton of money back in the day, like, you're not set up for life in this country necessarily."

• This quote highlights the precarious financial situations that some celebrities face despite past success.

• A introduces the topic of Chick Tracts, small comics warning of perceived evils, and their connection to the satanic panic.
• The conversation suggests a potential episode exploring the influence of Chick Tracts and similar cultural phenomena.

"These tracts might make a good episode. And I agree with Jason on that."

• This quote indicates interest in exploring the cultural impact of Chick Tracts in a future episode.

• The hosts discuss listener feedback and suggestions for future episodes, including topics like banana pudding and cults.
• They express appreciation for listener contributions and encourage continued engagement.

"We will do a banana pudding episode. Banana pudding episode."

• This quote confirms the plan to create an episode focused on banana pudding based on listener interest.

"If you escaped a cult, know someone that escaped a cult or maybe ran a cult, if you're still in the cult."

• The hosts invite listeners with experiences related to cults to contribute to future episodes on the topic.