The Bobby Bones Show - FEELING THINGS: What We Can’t Stop Watching, Reading & Eating

Episode Date: January 18, 2026
Hosts: Amy & Kat
Producer: Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

This episode of "Feeling Things" dives into the hosts’ latest obsessions, including viral food trends, binge-worthy books and shows, and even a pop culture deep dive. Amy and Kat explore the phenomenon of influencer Courtney Cook’s quirky viral lunches, chat about what they’ve been watching and reading—ranging from comforting rom-coms to darker period pieces—and swap playful commentary on everything from Weetabix prices to streaming service gripes. The tone is light, humorous, and heartfelt, making for a cozy listen packed with recommendations and fun perspective shifts.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Feelings of the Day: Excited, Proud, and Catty

Timestamps: 03:16–12:13

• Both hosts open by sharing their feelings. Kat is “excited times two,” while Amy is “excited, proud, and a little bit catty.”
• Their excitement centers around two main things:
  1. Trying Viral Weetabix Recipes (See section 2)
  2. Amy Poehler Winning Best Podcast at the Golden Globes, sparking commentary on Amy Poehler, her ex, and the evolving status of podcasts in pop culture.

"I don't know. I feel proud for Amy. She's like my daughter."
—Amy (11:49)

2. The Courtney Cook (Bales) Obsession: Viral Lunches and Infectious Positivity

Timestamps: 03:31–08:49, 29:41–38:53

Who is Courtney?

• Courtney Cook Bales is a high school English teacher and mom of four from Georgia, now a viral sensation for her “very specific teacher lunches.”
• Her food philosophy: every meal should be sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy (32:41).
• Lunches include items like baked sweet potatoes with cheese, whole green onions, onion cups (sweet onions stuffed with mayo or other fillings), marinated eggs, heaps of mayo, and, most recently, Weetabix dipped in chocolate and milk.

“No matter what she's eating, you just get drawn in... you can't stop watching it.”
—Amy (06:26)

Why is Courtney So Entrancing?

• Her relentlessly positive outlook is compared to Ms. Frizzle or the teacher everyone wishes they had.
• Even during mishaps (like a laundry room flood), she maintains cheerful energy:

  "She's like, but life is good."
  —Kat (08:31)

• The hosts theorize that Courtney's vibe actually makes food taste better for her, and her joy is contagious.

Fun Facts & Deep Dive

• Her content has become daily comfort for followers, and her following is rapidly growing (41:08–41:49).
• Courtney’s IG started June 2025; her first reel already had 167,000 views.
• Her favorite foods include “bread and butter, spicy ramen, raisins, sweet potatoes, and basically every cheese ever” (33:23).
• She inspires the hosts to try things (such as chocolate-dipped Weetabix)—with mixed taste results but unanimous enjoyment of the experimenting.

"[Courtney's] just a ray of light... she gives you an emotional hug that you need, especially on the Internet right now."
—Amy (38:39, 38:48)

3. Book & Movie Talk: What We Can’t Stop Reading and Watching

Timestamps: 12:17–18:21, 15:01–17:14

What They're Reading

• Kat bought a four-pack of Emily Henry’s rom-com novels after loving the Netflix adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation (13:48).
• Amy describes Henry’s books as “feel good,” “easy to read,” and “a good book to read on the beach” (15:16).
• Amy’s only lament: Her favorite, Funny Story, wasn’t included in the pack (16:54).

What They're Watching

• Both rave about the Netflix adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation and its charming leads (16:06–17:16).
• Amy shares a “must-read-before-you-watch” recommendation for The Housemaid (18:00), starring Amanda Seyfried.
• Cautionary movie tale: Begonia, recently in theaters (18:33–21:32), is not what Amy expected—especially with Alicia Silverstone only appearing for 30 seconds.

  “If you’re watching [Begonia] for [Alicia Silverstone], watch Clueless.”
  —Amy (21:02)

Pop Culture News

• The Golden Globes have a new “Best Podcast” category—won by Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
• The hosts note the friendly rivalry, as Poehler’s ex is part of another nominee, SmartLess (11:36).

4. Streaming Services & Fees Rant

Timestamps: 28:10–29:36

• Amy bemoans that even with steep streaming costs, ads are now unavoidable.

  "If I’m paying at least 15 or more for something, why—?"
  —Amy (28:34)

• Kat, ever the voice of reason, explains tiered services, while Amy just wants to be “upset.”

5. Courtney Cook Deep Dive—Food Trends & Fun with Weetabix

Timestamps: 29:41–43:17, 46:41–49:20

• The hosts dissect the pricing and viral popularity of Weetabix, speculate on Amazon’s algorithm capitalizing on trends, and debate the differences between Weetabix and American shredded wheat (47:07–49:20).
• The power of social media in creating food phenomena and comfort culture is highlighted.

6. Listener Engagement: Parasocial Relationships, Newsletters, and Community

Timestamps: 49:44–58:27

• The hosts discuss “parasocial” relationships—like their own fascination with Courtney Cook—and address a listener’s in-depth email theorizing about a true crime segment (“Beth’s Dead”).
• They encourage listeners to keep the emails and updates coming, promising a friendly and approachable community.
• Mini-segment about the podcast newsletter, with assurance that it remains succinct and “just what you need for the day” (58:16).

7. Favorite Quotes & Uplifting Perspective Shift

Timestamps: 38:54–40:18

"What a privilege to be tired from the work you once begged the universe for... To feel overwhelmed by the growth you used to dream about... What a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for."
—Kat, quoting a perspective-shifting post (38:54–40:18)

Amy and Kat reflect on how it's important to reframe stress and growth in terms of privilege and gratitude—a theme that carries through their own positive, whimsical approach.

8. Trader Joe’s Dream Partnerships (and Snacks They Love)

Timestamps: 58:27–61:16

• Imaginary scenarios about having their faces next to their favorite Trader Joe’s treats: Amy wants the cookie butter ice cream; Kat wants the elote corn chips.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It's kind of like flaky cardboard dipped in chocolate.”
  —Amy on Weetabix (05:10)
• “I feel like she could eat gravel and be like, ‘This is crunchy. I love it.’”
  —Amy on Courtney Cook (07:49)
• “What a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for.”
  —Kat (39:47)
• “If you’re watching [Begonia] for [Alicia Silverstone], watch Clueless."
  —Amy (21:02)
• “Courtney was doing it for nothing—because she’s a better person than me, I really do think she is.”
  —Amy (60:59)

Highlights with Timestamps

• Viral Food Experiments (Weetabix, Sweet Potato + Cheese): 03:31–08:49
• Pop Culture: Podcasts & Awards: 09:02–12:15
• Book & Movie Chat (Emily Henry, The Housemaid): 12:40–18:21, 18:32–21:32
• Parasocial Relationships & Listener Mail: 49:44–54:58
• Perspective Shifts: 38:54–40:18
• Trader Joe’s Tangents: 58:27–61:16

Takeaways

• Courtney Cook’s positivity is a viral superpower—she’s the balm the internet needs right now and a reminder that food content can be “comfort viewing.”
• Pop culture and feel-good books/movies are lifelines during tough or dreary seasons. Amy and Kat recommend leaning into “easy” pleasures—whether it’s a rom-com novel, a chocolate-dipped cereal, or a delightfully weird TikTok.
• Pay attention to what you settle for and how far you’ve come: The episode closes on encouragement to appreciate growth and privilege, even amid overwhelm.
• Community matters: The hosts want their listeners to engage, email, and participate—with none of the weirdness, just friendly fun.

For More

• Follow the hosts on Instagram: @FeelingThingsPodcast
• Try the newsletter for extra tips and recommendations
• Email: hey[at]feelingthingspodcast.com
• Listener line: 877-207-2077

End on this note:
“Have the day you need to have.” —Amy (61:32)