Club Shay Shay - Keith Lee Part 1
Released on December 4, 2024

Guests:

• Keith Lee: Internet's most popular food critic, Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024), former MMA fighter, husband, and father with over 19 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.

1. Introduction and Background

The episode kicks off with Hoda Kotb introducing Keith Lee, highlighting his impressive credentials as a viral food critic and former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Keith Lee shares his journey from the fighting arena to becoming a prominent figure in the food critique community.

Notable Quote:

• [02:15] Hoda Kotb: "God is amazing, man. I'm honored to be."

2. Favorite Cities for Food

Keith and Hoda delve into their top five cities for food, discussing the unique culinary landscapes of each. Hoda ranks New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago as her top three, emphasizing accessibility and the authentic, local flavors these cities offer. Keith counters by suggesting other cities like Atlanta and New York, but Hoda explains her criteria for selection.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:05] Keith Lee: "Let's hear your top five."
• [03:12] Hoda Kotb: "New Orleans is number one."
• [04:28] Hoda Kotb: "New York isn't in that top five for me because the accessibility to know the spots is really hard to find great spots unless you're from there."

3. Underrated and Overrated Cities

The conversation shifts to underrated cities, with Hoda highlighting Detroit, Seattle, Baton Rouge, Arizona, Milwaukee, and Dallas. She underscores the unique culinary offerings and cultural significance of each location. Conversely, both Hoda and Keith express reservations about cities like New York and Atlanta, citing issues with service and exclusivity rather than the quality of food.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:53] Hoda Kotb: "Detroit has a food scene that not a lot of people know about."
• [07:20] Hoda Kotb: "But the barbecue alone carries some of the best I've ever had in my life."

4. The Atlanta Experience and Service Concerns

Hoda shares her critical views on Atlanta's food scene, not solely based on the food but predominantly on the service. She explains how exclusivity and the necessity of having a certain status or influence to access the best spots detract from the overall dining experience. This perspective received unexpected backlash, including severe reactions from locals.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:30] Hoda Kotb: "New York, Atlanta... they be hyping this up and it ain't even like that, food-wise."
• [09:08] Hoda Kotb: "When I went on the food tour, it wasn't just to find the best food, but to highlight restaurants with great food and customer service that lack marketing support."

5. Personal Journey: From MMA to Food Critique

Keith and Hoda delve into Hoda's personal history, exploring how her background in MMA and wrestling influenced her approach to life and work. Hoda recounts her struggles with social anxiety, stemming from a challenging childhood and tumultuous family relationships. The transition from fighting to food critique was a pivotal moment, driven by necessity and a desire to support her family during financial hardships.

Notable Quotes:

• [19:59] Hoda Kotb: "During the pandemic, I started doing TikTok to help with my anxiety and social interactions."
• [39:04] Hoda Kotb: "The main reason I ended up fighting was because I got kicked out of school and couldn't afford college. My brother saw me depressed and took me to the gym, and I never looked back."

6. Overcoming Adversity and Building a New Career

Hoda describes the turning point when she was released from Bellator MMA, facing eviction and financial instability. With her family's support, she began posting daily food reviews on TikTok, a decision that rapidly transformed her life. Her authentic and unbiased critiques resonated with a broad audience, leading to viral success and lucrative sponsorships.

Notable Quotes:

• [61:14] Hoda Kotb: "I was just cooking for my wife, recording myself, and decided to start food reviews to help support us."
• [70:06] Keith Lee: "Why do you think people connect with your videos?"
• [71:25] Hoda Kotb: "I take this extremely seriously. It's about the people behind the restaurants and their stories."

7. The Sushi Incident and Its Aftermath

A significant moment in the episode involves Hoda recounting an incident where she allegedly consumed a piece of sushi that appeared to have something moving in it. Although she cannot confirm the specifics, this incident garnered substantial attention online and led to the temporary closure of the restaurant. Hoda emphasizes her commitment to supporting businesses and her willingness to return to review the establishment if given the chance.

Notable Quotes:

• [12:12] Keith Lee: "Did you try crazy foods?"
• [14:19] Hoda Kotb: "Somebody was hospitalized after we ate there. I want to send my support to that person."
• [16:30] Keith Lee: "Would you be open to going back and offering another review?"
• [16:30] Hoda Kotb: "Absolutely, if I'm welcomed and it's about supporting the business."

8. Reflections on MMA and Potential Returns

The discussion returns to MMA, where Hoda shares insights into her fighting career, including her record and the challenges she faced. She reflects on the discipline and resilience MMA instilled in her, which she now applies to her food critique endeavors. Despite her success in food critique, she contemplates the possibility of returning to the Octagon, highlighting the financial and familial considerations that influence her decision.

Notable Quotes:

• [40:45] Keith Lee: "You had an 8-5 record in MMA. What's the hardest part about MMA?"
• [48:22] Hoda Kotb: "The hardest part was relinquishing control and trusting the process."
• [49:23] Hoda Kotb: "My wife wants me to officially retire, so that's the main reason I haven't returned."

9. Impact and Community Influence

Hoda elaborates on how her food reviews not only spotlight excellent restaurants but also uplift underserved communities. By highlighting local eateries that mirror her background, she fosters a sense of community and supports small businesses struggling with limited marketing resources. Her approach ensures that her reviews are genuine and impactful, often leading to significant boosts for the featured establishments.

Notable Quotes:

• [80:19] Hoda Kotb: "It's deeper than just the food; it's about the people behind the restaurants."
• [81:50] Keith Lee: "You grade on a scale of 1 to 10, how do you come to the... Have you ever given a 10?"
• [83:45] Hoda Kotb: "A 10 means the dish is perfect with nothing to change."

10. Future Endeavors and Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, Hoda and Keith discuss potential future projects, including celebrity boxing matches. Hoda expresses skepticism about such events unless they align with her values and financial necessities. She emphasizes the importance of integrity and legacy over monetary gains, reflecting her grounded and principled approach to her burgeoning career.

Notable Quotes:

• [55:48] Hoda Kotb: "I'm not opposed to going back if it's about supporting the business, not just a review."
• [58:39] Keith Lee: "Would you do a celebrity boxing match?"
• [59:38] Hoda Kotb: "I feel like it's about integrity and standing on something lasting rather than chasing money."

Conclusion

Keith Lee Part 1 of Club Shay Shay offers an intimate glimpse into Hoda Kotb's transformative journey from a struggling MMA fighter to a celebrated food critic. Through candid discussions about her personal struggles, professional challenges, and unwavering dedication to supporting her community, Hoda exemplifies resilience and authenticity. Her unique approach to food critique not only entertains but also empowers small businesses, making her a distinctive voice in the digital landscape.

Final Notable Quote:

• [82:05] Keith Lee: "Why do you think people connect with your videos?"
• [82:18] Hoda Kotb: "It's about the stories and the people behind the restaurants."

Note: This summary focuses solely on the interview content, excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments as per the instructions.