Red Scare Podcast Episode Summary: "Call Him Brandon w/ Zoe Kestan"
Episode Details:
- Title: Call Him Brandon w/ Zoe Kestan
- Release Date: December 13, 2024
- Hosts: Anna Khachiyan and Dasha Nekrasova
- Guest: Zoe Kestin (formerly known as Weed Slut 420)
1. Reintroduction of Zoe Kestin
The episode begins with Anna and Dasha warmly welcoming back Zoe Kestin, highlighting her transition from her former moniker, "Weed Slut 420," to simply Zoe. Zoe explains her discomfort with the old name, stating, “[...] it's kind of uncomfortable for people to say sometimes” (00:28). The hosts reminisce about Zoe's previous appearance on the show in 2019, where she promoted her line of lingerie and weed paraphernalia.
2. Transition from Weed Slut 420 to Zoe Kestin
Reflecting on her past entrepreneurial ventures, Zoe shares, “I have 173 pieces of [Weed Slut 420 merchandise]” (40:46), indicating the substantial inventory she amassed. She discusses the emotional and practical challenges of moving away from this brand, revealing her desire to redefine herself and her creative pursuits.
3. Relationship with Hunter Biden and Media Coverage
A significant portion of the conversation centers on Zoe's former relationship with Hunter Biden. She reveals that her relationship was the subject of a New York Times profile, describing the pressure and media scrutiny she faced. Zoe states, “I decided a couple months ago to just say fuck it and talk to Joe” (03:01), referring to her decision to open up about her experiences publicly.
4. Subpoena and Witnessing the Trial
Zoe delves into the legal ramifications of her relationship with Hunter Biden, recounting the moment she received a subpoena to testify in his trial. “[...] Dealer a couple years ago came, and she said, I had a very substantial tip that you were paid not one, not two, but $5 million to, you know, delete your Instagram” (59:22). She describes the invasive process of having her digital life scrutinized, likening it to a “cavity search” and expressing feelings of violation and anxiety.
5. Impact on Personal Life and Social Media
Zoe discusses how the relationship and subsequent media attention affected her personal life and social media presence. She mentions deleting her Instagram account to distance herself from the public association with Hunter Biden, stating, “It felt really good to kind of move through the world being, like, just me” (28:24). Zoe reflects on the evolution of social media, expressing nostalgia for the simpler days of Instagram and discomfort with platforms like TikTok.
6. Creative Evolution: From Fashion to Homewares
Transitioning from her past as a designer, Zoe shares her shift from fashion to homewares and other creative outlets. She explains, “I love knitting and making plushies” (37:55), highlighting her current focus on domestic, wholesome projects. Zoe articulates her frustration with the fast-paced fashion industry and her preference for creating long-lasting, meaningful art objects.
7. Astrology and Personal Background
An interesting segment involves a brief discussion on astrology, where Zoe and the hosts explore their zodiac signs and how they may influence personalities. Zoe shares her own astrology chart, identifying herself as a Leo, Aries, Aries, and suggests that Hunter Biden is an Aquarius, adding a humorous twist to their conversation about compatibility.
8. Reflections on Addiction and Relationship Dynamics
Zoe provides deep insights into the complexities of her relationship with Hunter Biden, particularly focusing on his drug addiction. She remarks, “I never saw a change in him” (79:36), emphasizing that despite his addictions, he maintained a vibrant persona. The hosts and Zoe discuss the nature of addiction, the allure of high-functioning addicts, and the emotional toll such relationships take on individuals.
9. Legal and Emotional Turmoil
Zoe recounts the emotional strain of being involved in Hunter Biden’s legal battles, including her testimony and the stress of being a witness. She shares, “The surreal experience was everything leading up to going into the courtroom” (80:51), describing the anxiety and routine of legal proceedings. The conversation touches on the broader implications of being tied to a prominent political figure and the resulting personal upheaval.
10. Moving Forward: Personal Growth and Future Plans
Towards the episode's conclusion, Zoe reflects on her growth and the lessons learned from her tumultuous relationship. She speaks about redefining her identity, focusing on healthier relationships, and pursuing new creative endeavors. Zoe mentions her interest in learning golf as a new hobby, blending her creative spirit with personal wellness: “I started learning how to golf” (107:14).
Zoe expresses hope for the future, both personally and professionally, and hints at potential collaborations and projects to move past her previous brand and experiences. She conveys a sense of closure and resilience, aiming to rebuild her life and artistic expression independently.
Notable Quotes:
- Zoe Kestin (03:01): “I decided a couple months ago to just say fuck it and talk to Joe about.”
- Zoe Kestin (28:24): “It felt really good to kind of move through the world being, like, just me.”
- Zoe Kestin (40:46): “I have 173 pieces of [Weed Slut 420 merchandise].”
- Zoe Kestin (79:36): “I never saw a change in him.”
- Zoe Kestin (107:14): “I started learning how to golf.”
Conclusion:
In this candid episode of Red Scare, Zoe Kestin opens up about her intense personal journey intertwined with her high-profile relationship with Hunter Biden. She navigates through themes of identity, media scrutiny, legal battles, and personal growth with honesty and introspection. The conversation offers listeners a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impacts of being connected to a political figure, while also highlighting Zoe's resilience and evolving creative passions.