Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Kennedy Saves the World
Host: Kennedy
Episode Title: Let The Turkey Cool
Release Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brisk and witty solo episode, Kennedy revisits her long-running campaign to “let the turkey cool” before jumping headfirst into the Christmas holiday rush. She reflects on the importance of savoring each season, especially Thanksgiving, without succumbing to the premature onslaught of Christmas music, decorations, and commercial trappings. With signature humor, she unpacks the cultural impatience surrounding the holidays and advocates for mindfulness, discipline, and a genuine appreciation of seasonal transitions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Let the Turkey Cool” Movement (00:20–02:40)

• Origins: Kennedy describes reviving her campaign from her days co-hosting Fox Business’ The Independence, where she led petitions and even wrote a song urging businesses to hold off on Christmas music and decorations until after Thanksgiving.
• Core Argument: Thanksgiving should be savored as its own occasion, rather than overshadowed by early Christmas celebrations.
• Quote:

  “We really kick started the Let the Turkey Cool movement…asking them to forego the holiday music and Christmas decorations until we have satisfactorily celebrated Thanksgiving.” (Kennedy, 01:08)

2. The Dangers of Holiday Creep (01:45–03:20)

• Seasonal Authenticity: Kennedy laments the "holiday border creep," where seasonal foods and styles arrive too early—like “pumpkin spice lattes in the middle of August.”
• Need for Mindfulness: Overeager celebration erodes enjoyment; by the holiday, excitement is worn out.
• Quote:

  “The problem is when you mainline a holiday too soon, you’re over it by the time it actually happens.” (Kennedy, 02:25)

3. Proper Order of Celebrations (02:45–03:45)

• Seasonal Appreciation: Each event—fall activities, Halloween, Thanksgiving—should have its moment.

• Celebrating Halloween: Kennedy is lenient, even enthusiastic about extended Halloween festivities:

  “If you have to take the entire month of October for Halloween, I’m fine with that…That is celebratory and forward looking.” (Kennedy, 03:02)

• Thanksgiving’s Moment: Emphasizes moving to “true fall” after Halloween, focusing on autumnal themes rather than early Christmas cues.

4. Food, Rituals, and Thanksgiving Focus (03:46–04:13)

• Menu Brainstorming: Kennedy encourages listeners to get “obsessive” over Thanksgiving menus—debating recipes, sides, and desserts.
• Playful Advice:

  “Should you have an apple pie or a pumpkin cake? Why not do both? Those are the things we should be thinking about for Thanksgiving.” (Kennedy, 04:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Overindulgence & Premature Christmas:

  “When you OD on Christmas, by the time the holiday actually rolls around, you are over it and it hastens a depression that takes the entire month of January to dig your way out of. That’s why you see so many fat people at the gym, because they are miserable.” (Kennedy, 04:40)

• On Cultural Patience:

  “If you allow yourself to give in to the holiday spirit too soon, it’s like having sex at the bar on a first date. At least make it to the coat room. But no, we can’t do that because we don’t have any cultural patience, which we have to cultivate.” (Kennedy, 05:22)

• On Self-Discipline:

  “The more discipline you have, a little bit of deprivation goes a long way. Because then by the time you gorge at Thanksgiving and Christmas…you will be longing for the food you’re about to taste.” (Kennedy, 05:53)

Smart, Humorous Takeaways

• Patience benefits holiday joy: True enjoyment comes from delayed gratification and letting each season breathe.
• Be present: Focus on the moment—in both celebration and preparation—increases satisfaction.
• Avoid early burnout: Jumping ahead diminishes the specialness of holidays, leading to post-holiday letdown.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:20 – Kennedy introduces the “Let the Turkey Cool” movement
• 01:45 – Rant on holiday season creep and mindfulness
• 03:02 – Extended defense of lengthy Halloween celebrations
• 03:46 – Thanksgiving menu planning advice
• 04:40 – Effects of premature Christmas enthusiasm
• 05:22 – Analogy on cultural patience and self-restraint
• 05:53 – Advocacy for discipline and mindful holiday enjoyment

Final Thought

With wit and candor, Kennedy urges listeners to resist holiday rush culture and revel in the present season—“Let the turkey cool. Enjoy this run up to Thanksgiving. You will thank me later when you’re not depressed…You deserve to be sexy and there is nothing less sexy than celebrating the holidays too soon.” (Kennedy, 06:28)

For anyone who wants to feel more festive—on time—Kennedy saves the world, one turkey (and impatient holiday retailer) at a time.