Vault: Our Inbox Overwhelmingly Votes Against "Hotlanta"

Summary

---

Podcast Summary

The Bert Show
Episode: Vault: Our Inbox Overwhelmingly Votes Against "Hotlanta"
Air Date: May 19, 2026

---

Overview

This episode of The Bert Show dives into the heated and humorous debate over the use of the nickname "Hotlanta" for the city of Atlanta. The discussion is triggered by a strong listener response to the show's campaign to banish the term. The cast reads emails and message board comments—many strongly worded—reflecting Atlantans' passionate reactions, both for and against "Hotlanta." Throughout, listeners gain insight into local identity, outsider perspectives, and the entertainment that comes with local media controversies.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Feedback: The "Hotlanta" Debate

• Majority Opinion:

  • About 70% of the emails received oppose the term "Hotlanta," with many locals finding it cheesy and unrepresentative of Atlanta’s true character.
  • A listener from Kuwait thanks the show for “banning the Hotlanta thing,” reflecting the reach and fervor over the issue.
  • Quote: “As a person born in Georgia, I hate that reference.” ([01:44])

• Minority Opinion:

  • About 30% of correspondents still embrace “Hotlanta,” struggling to let go of a term they enjoy.
  • Quote: “The 30% that like the word Hotlanta are really loving it and having a tough time letting it go.” (02:48)

2. Outsider Perspective and Local Identity

• None of the core show members are Atlanta natives; most are long-term residents but not “born and raised.”
• Quote: “None of us are from Atlanta… as the city evolves, there are fewer and fewer people that are actually born, raised generationally from the city.” (03:15)
• Emailers question whether non-natives have the right to shape local language.
• This tension underscores both evolving city demographics and questions of authenticity in community representation.

3. The Joy of Trivial Controversy

• Cast members express amusement at how worked up people get over "completely irrelevant" topics like the “Hotlanta” debate.
• Quote: “I get an incredible amount of joy over watching people get fired up over completely irrelevant things.” (03:58)
• The team points out that message boards and blogs amplify drama, especially under the cover of anonymity.
• The “venom” in online comments is highlighted as a modern media phenomenon.

4. Media Amplification

• The controversy spills outside the show as local news and blogs cover it.
• Community Impact:
  • 11 Alive sends a camera crew to Bert’s house after the Janet Jackson interview rekindles discussion.
  • AJC (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) columnist Rodney Ho writes about the debate, prompting a flood of comments.
  • Process: The cast reads choice (and outrageous) comments from the AJC message board. ([05:20])

5. Hilariously Hostile Listener Comments

• The cast reads over-the-top negative comments from local message boards. These include personal insults and mock threats, all delivered with the show’s trademark humor and self-deprecation.
• Quote: “Each member of the Bert Show should do the world a favor and slit their wrists and then jump off Buford Dam.” (05:42)
• The team laughs off the vitriol, with Bert quipping,
  • “You don’t need to multitask.” ([06:03])
• Co-hosts riff on the absurdity:
  • “Hotlanta is stupid. The Bert Show, however, is far more stupid.” ([06:06])
  • “I hope Jeff rots in hell.” ([06:27])
  • “The world would be a better place if you fell down on a farm and a pig ate your face until you were dead.” (07:56)

6. Self-Deprecation and Show's Tone

• The hosts display a playful, thick-skinned camaraderie, mocking themselves in response to online hate.
• They joke about the predictability and hyperbole of internet commentary, highlighting the performative nature of online outrage.
• The conversation maintains the show’s trademark blend of genuine discussion and irreverent humor.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “As a person born in Georgia, I hate that reference.” — Listener Email ([01:44])
• “You guys aren’t even from here…How dare you try to shape our city…It’s a word, people. Hotlanta.” — Bert Weiss ([03:44])
• “I get an incredible amount of joy over watching people get fired up over completely irrelevant things.” — Co-host 2 ([03:58])
• “Message boards, man. No accountability, say what you want.” — Bert Weiss ([04:16])
• “Each member of the Bert Show should do the world a favor and slit their wrists and then jump off Buford Dam.” — AJC comment read by Co-host 2 ([05:42])
• “You don’t need to multitask.” — Bert Weiss ([06:03])
• “Hotlanta is stupid. The Bert Show, however, is far more stupid.” — AJC comment ([06:06])
• “The world would be a better place if you fell down on a farm and a pig ate your face until you were dead.” — AJC comment ([07:56])

---

Timestamps for Main Segments

• [01:30] — Introduction of the "Hotlanta" email debate; listener feedback begins
• [01:44] — Reading of anti-"Hotlanta" emails
• [02:12] — Notable concert reference (Emily Osment uses "Hotlanta")
• [03:30] — Discussion of show hosts’ non-native status and authenticity complaints
• [04:10] — How media coverage (11 Alive, AJC) amplified the debate
• [05:20] — Reading of the most extreme AJC message board comments
• [07:56] — The most outrageous listener attack (“pig ate your face”)

---

Wrap-Up

This episode is a comedy-laced exploration of local pride, outsider perspectives, and how trivial topics can ignite major passions. The Bert Show’s playful treatment of "Hotlanta" haters and lovers alike is a showcase for their chemistry and the spirit of Atlanta’s ever-evolving identity. For anyone interested in local culture, radio personalities, or simply the joy of a city’s silly spats, it’s a must-listen—or read.

---

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay, can we talk about how confusing weight loss has become? Like, one minute it's carbs are bad and then the next it's no, actually carbs are fine, but only if you walk 10,000 steps and drink a green juice. And honestly, it's just a lot. And then even if you do lose the weight, keeping it off is a whole different story. If you're struggling and want something that fits your real life, hers can help. It's designed to support you in reaching your goals in a way that actually fits your life. That's why weight loss by hers is getting so much attention right now. Hers connects you with licensed medical providers who create doctor developed treatment plans tailored to you. They offer access to an affordable range of FDA approved GLP1 medications, including the Wegovy pill and the Wegovy pen. It helps regulate your appetite so you eat less and keep the weight off. If you're ready to reach your goals and want to try something new, visit for hers.combert to get personalized affordable care that gets you that's f o r h e r s.comb for hers.com Bert Weightliftsbyhurst is not available in all 50 states, but go via registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A S to get started and learn more, including important safety information with Gobi clinical study information and restrictions. Visit borhears.com

[Lowe's Advertiser]

during Memorial Day at Lowe's Shop Household must haves for less. Save $80 on the Char Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill to chef up something special plus get up to 45% off. Select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Lowe's we help you save valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. See Lowes.com for details.

[Commercial Announcer]

Visit your nearby Lowes.

[Bert Weiss]

You're on the vert show. About 70% of the emails that come in regarding this don't refer to Atlanta as Hotlanta campaign. The RID Hotlanta campaign are great. Here's one this morning from Kuwait.

[Co-host 1]

Wow.

[Bert Weiss]

From somebody that said, thanks for banning the Hotlanta thing. As a person born in Georgia, I hate that reference. Here is another one. This one says, hey gang, I was cracking up this morning when you were reading the emails from people that didn't like your campaign against Hotlanta. I love it. But you should encourage these people to call the show and then slow down the audio so it sounds like they're drunk like you were doing last night.

[Co-host 1]

Oh my God, that's fantastic.

[Bert Weiss]

This one says Emily Osment this is a Hotlanta alert. Emily Osment used the term Hotlanta at her recent concert in Atlanta, saying, we're here in Atlanta. Or excuse me, I was informed it is now Hotlanta, which is against our campaign. Not cool, misinformed.

[Co-host 2]

Somebody didn't understand.

[Bert Weiss]

Maybe totally misinformed. But most of them say, you know what? Go do away with it. I've hated it for a long time. We're too cool a city to be called such a cheesy name. So they're cool with just doing away with Hotline.

[Co-host 2]

Right.

[Bert Weiss]

But the 30% that like the word Hotlanta are really loving it and are having a tough time letting it go.

[Co-host 1]

Do you think that they're just trying to disagree with us on purpose because they just disagree with us or like to disagree with us or they really love Hotlanta.

[Bert Weiss]

No. These are as venomous as the ones that we used, the random ones we used to get about American Idol.

[Co-host 1]

Oh, right.

[Bert Weiss]

When we really hardcore about against one American Idolist, how those venomous emails used to come in same way with these.

[Co-host 1]

Well, because we don't understand because none of us are from Atlanta. And that's. I think that's a complaint. I'm assuming that's where this passion of white knuckling, of this comes from, is because as the city evolves slowly and slowly, there are fewer and fewer people that are actually born, raised generationally from the city.

[Bert Weiss]

That is, I think, the major complaint. Like, nobody in that studio right there was born and raised in Atlanta. Although I think, Wendy, I mean, I

[Co-host 2]

lived here since I was 10, 11 years old. You're not a native kind of sorry, you should be stoned. Death.

[Bert Weiss]

And the emails are like, you guys aren't even from here. You've only been here like 9, 10, 11 years. So how dare you try to shape our city form our city. It's a word, people. It's a word. Hotlanta.

[Co-host 2]

It's fun, though.

[Co-host 1]

It's the identity of Atlanta.

[Co-host 2]

Like, I get an incredible amount of joy over watching people get fired up over completely irrelevant things.

[Co-host 1]

Just angry.

[Co-host 2]

Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

Completely dumb things. Yeah.

[Co-host 2]

Yes. And this is one of them. And it's so good.

[Bert Weiss]

So random.

[Co-host 2]

And the best place to find the venom, if you will, is on a blog.

[Bert Weiss]

Message boards, man. No accountability. Say what you want.

[Co-host 2]

Create any name you want on ajc.com right on the front page all day yesterday or the day before yesterday, because I think two days ago is when we aired our Janet Jackson interview or at least replayed it. And that's when it really caught on. People heard us ask Janet Jackson, heard her agree to to share the message with Jermaine Dupre. And for whatever reason, it just caught on that day. Somebody from 11 Live was listening. They sent a camera guy over to Burt's house. They did a 3 minute piece on 11 Alive about it breaking news. Yeah. And then also Rodney Ho, who writes about radio and tv, he just happened to have it. It was just bugging him because he was in an award show and somebody now from Atlanta heard it. So he wrote a big article about it on ajc.com and then opened it for comments like, you know, what do you guys think about Hotlanta? So as with every message board, the first three comments are, oh, I agree with them. I don't like Hotland. And the second one's like, I do like Hotlanta. And then the third one's like, they're a bunch of losers.

[Bert Weiss]

Yeah, that's always the third post on a message board right there. Comes from this place. All right? So Jeff, please do. Please read from the AJC message board from those not happy with the Burt Show's Hotlanta campaign.

[Co-host 2]

I wish I got paid as much as Burt and his sidekicks to do something so meaningless. Who the hell cares? Each member of the Bird show should do the world a favor and slit their wrists and then jump off Buford Damage.

[Bert Weiss]

I said this yesterday. I don't know why you have to do both.

[Commercial Announcer]

One or the other people.

[Bert Weiss]

One or the other.

[Commercial Announcer]

One or the other.

[Bert Weiss]

You don't need to multitask.

[Co-host 2]

Bert Weiss is the most annoying wannabe in this city. Hotlanta is stupid. The Bird show, however, is far more stupid.

[Co-host 1]

I'm not sure I can disagree with that one.

[Bert Weiss]

You might have posted it.

[Co-host 2]

No member of the Bird show is even from Atlanta. And they're all stupid. Who cares what they attempt to do? And I hope Jeff rots in hell. The Bird show stopped being the Springer show of Atlanta with slutty relationship bits. To conquer the terrible act of saying Hotlanta. All they have are fake fame. Wannabe women call in for advice on irrelevant and obvious relationship crap. They're stupid.

[Co-host 1]

See a thing,

[Co-host 2]

Bird Show.

[Co-host 1]

This is our relationship report card.

[Bert Weiss]

Should have called in two posts ago and said, I can't take it anymore.

[Co-host 2]

No more Bird Show. Nobody thinks you're even remotely interesting or important. Just keep on prattering about Twilight, Facebook and tampons or whatever the hell you talk about all day. But please stop telling people what to do. Bert is a loser. Who cares about the Burt Show. Bert Show. I cannot begin to express how irrelevant you all are. And the only reason I'm investing 15 seconds of my life into posting this is because you think you're irrelevant.

[Co-host 1]

What?

[Bert Weiss]

Because we think we're relevant?

[Co-host 2]

Think we're relevant? Sorry, Gentle voice sometimes confuses my mind. And finally, Bircho the world would be a better place if you fell down on a farm and a pig ate your face until you were dead. Listen, it's the vert show

[Lowe's Advertiser]

during Memorial Day at Lowe's Shop Household must haves for less save $80 on the Char Broil Performance Series 4 Burner Grill to chef up something special plus get up to 45% off select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's Lowe's we help you Save valid through 527, while supplies last selection varies by location. See Lowes.com for details.

[Commercial Announcer]

Visit your nearby Lowes

[Rebel.com Advertiser]

so here's how you can save up to 70% on your favorite brands from rebel.com has everything for your home, family and life, from strollers to skincare at unbeatable prices. Every day, Rebel drops thousands of new products for up to 70% off. It's a constant stream of endless deals from brands like Uppababy, Nuna, Baby Bjorn, Nespresso, Breville, Wilson, Dyson, Caraway, and more. Every listing is one of a kind, and the best things go first, so you have to move fast. Save big on your favorite brands. Shop now for up to 70% at from rebel.com

[Lowe's Advertiser]

during Memorial Day at Lowe's Shop Household must haves for less save $80 on a char broil performance series 4 burner grill to chef up something special plus get up to 45% off select major appliances to keep things fresh. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's. Lowe's we help you save valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. See Lowes.com for details.

[Commercial Announcer]

Visit your nearby Lowe' Sam.