Kennedy Saves the World
Episode: Happy Hour With The Naked Cowboy
FOX News Podcasts | October 3, 2025
Host: Kennedy | Guest: Robert Burke ("The Naked Cowboy")

Overview

This episode is a high-spirited, candid conversation between Kennedy and New York City icon Robert Burke, better known as the Naked Cowboy. The interview dives into his origin story, the daily grind (and chill), philosophy on life and masculinity, brushes with fame and misfortune, plus the joys and sacrifices required to create your own legend. Kennedy’s fierce wit and enthusiasm find their match in the unstoppable optimism and showman’s soul of her guest.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Naked Cowboy Origin Story

• Roots and the Calling
  • Robert came to NYC from Cincinnati, Ohio, nearly 28 years ago to pursue fame, guided by what he describes as a calling from God to become “the Naked Cowboy.”
  • Inspired by self-help guru Tony Robbins, he initially chased fame in L.A.—appearing on Jerry Springer twice and posing nude for Playgirl.
  • The infamous “underwear busking” persona was born in Venice Beach. Further public stunts (with arrests) propelled him through Nashville, Atlanta, Florida, and all the way to Times Square, sometimes calling the police and news on himself to draw attention.
  • "I was called by God to be the Naked Cowboy... to dominate the commercial landscape of the world." —Robert, [01:30]

Making It in Times Square & Beyond

• Global Celebrity & Hustle
  • Robert boasts appearances worldwide—Japan, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Australia—spreading his “ambassador cowboy” brand.
  • He’s made cameo videos a major revenue stream, earning around $100,000 a year, thanks to his ability to improvise and personalize songs on demand.
  • "I put myself on the hour mode all day long, 11 to 5.… I got thousands of songs I play all day long." —Robert, [03:45-04:05] • He’s appeared in movies (notably Sharknado 2, Meet Dave) and is a SAG member.

Music, Politics, & Personal Anthems

• Signature Songs & Civic Involvement
  • Robert sings throughout the podcast—including a satirical campaign jingle promoting Curtis Sliwa for NYC Mayor.
  • On political satire:
  “Curtis stands with law enforcement. He’ll be tough on crime. Madame supports no cash bail. Sides with criminals all the time.” —Robert, [04:32-04:42] • He jokes about his niche in movies: “You can tell I'm a leading actor because you only see me from the back.” —Robert, [05:46]

Daily Grit, Physical & Mental Challenge

• Braving New York’s Elements
  • The Naked Cowboy claims to have worked every single day—sleet or shine—for 26 years, almost 27.
  • Winter performance: He endures hypothermia symptoms “four times a day” and manages about 25 minutes per outdoor stint in 20-degree weather.
  • "I'm not getting older, as anyone can see.… I just get better every day." —Robert, [12:36]

• Routine & Physical Discipline
  • His day is rigidly scheduled: early morning reading (Tony Robbins, Jordan Peterson), gym, busking from 11 to 5.
  • He estimates 65,000 steps a day—not including a five-mile morning run and gym work.
  • “Every single day at 5 to 7, I’m reading. 7 to 9, I’m at the gym. ... I make 18 trips from 42 to 47, nice and slow, all day long, pulling them in.” —Robert, [14:39]

Philosophy & Life Lessons

• Hero’s Journey & Masculinity
  • Inspired by Jordan Peterson, he frames his life as enacting the Western hero’s journey—leaving the known, facing the unknown, integrating chaos and order.
  • “If you really want to live and feel the way I feel, you gotta whip out your balls of steel.” —Robert, [09:15] • On masculinity and modernity, Robert rails against the decline of “heroic” virtues.

• Coping With Adversity
  • Perseveres through injuries, illness, and even COVID, rarely missing a day at work.
  • “I had skin cancer. Cut out. They cut it out in the morning. I had a band aid on it. I went to work.” —Robert, [13:34] • “I'm not worried about anything. The worse the situation around me, the more heroic I come across.” —Robert, [15:32]

Personal Life & Family

• Marriage & Partnership
  • Married to the “Naked Cowgirl,” a professional belly dancer and influencer, for 14 years.
  • “I told her I’d never marry anybody... and we got married like two months later.” —Robert, [11:21] • She now performs alongside him and manages her own influencer brand.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Getting Started:
  "The photographer said, why don't you play in your underwear? … Made the news. Guitar case full of money." —Robert, [02:09-02:16]
• On Adversity:
  "I got arrested like 15 times. … Those little local pieces would go national." —Robert, [02:28]
• On Masculinity:
  “Your metaphorical balls need to show themselves to the world.” —Kennedy, [09:36]
• On Daily Practice:
  “I know, it’s unbelievable. … That doesn’t include running five miles in the morning and going to the gym three days away.” —Robert, [15:03-15:09]
• On Fame and Longevity:
  “Everything costs so much. … when you're 90 years old … are you gonna be out there gumming the hits for the folks in Times Square?” —Kennedy, [12:27-12:32] “I'm not getting older, as anyone can see. I just get better every day." —Robert, [12:36]

Important Timestamps

• 00:55 — Robert recounts his move to NYC and beginnings as the Naked Cowboy
• 02:09 — Transition from country persona to underwear busking and media exploitation
• 03:03 — Nationwide and international rise to fame; cameos and brand ambassadorship
• 04:06 — Demonstrates spontaneous songwriting skills and Cameo work
• 05:41 — Discusses film appearances and SAG membership
• 06:15 — Absurdities and hazards: fans ripping his briefs, assaults, “wedgies"
• 07:07 — Surviving NYC winters: “I haven't missed a day.”
• 08:00 — Daily routine, influence of Tony Robbins and Jordan Peterson
• 09:51 — The “balls of steel” metaphor and lessons from Jordan Peterson (masculinity)
• 11:11 — Personal life: marriage to the Naked Cowgirl
• 12:27 — Reflections on aging and a 50-year plan for busking
• 13:34 — Never missing a day: working through illness and injury
• 14:19 — Anxiety, routines, and finding order amidst chaos
• 15:32 — Unshakeable confidence: “Not worried about anything”
• 15:46 — Busking income—does winter bring more money?
• 16:11 — Shout-out to his father, Kenny Burke
• 16:42 — Improvised song for Kennedy and Fox News Podcasts

Tone & Style

The episode is a humorous, warm, and occasionally irreverent ride—Kennedy’s quick wit and playful banter match Robert’s earnest, freewheeling showman persona. The conversation ranges from gritty street wisdom to raucous spontaneity, always with an underpinning of self-improvement philosophy and unapologetic self-confidence.

For Listeners New to The Show

This episode delivers the ultimate “personal journey through the prism of freedom,” as promised: from underwear stunts and viral fame to cult New York status, the Naked Cowboy’s world is equal parts absurd, authentic, and inspiring. Listeners will come away entertained, maybe a little bewildered, and with a new appreciation for the art of showing up—rain, sleet, snow, or viral video.