Haliey Welch, the woman who became famous on the internet this summer for her sexually explicit catchphrase “hawk tuah,” has successfully turned her viral moment into a podcasting venture. Her new show, “Talk Tuah,” has quickly risen to the top five on Spotify’s podcast chart, surpassing popular shows like “The Daily” and “Call Her Daddy.” The podcast has aired four episodes since it premiered on Sept. 10, and Welch discusses her overnight rise to fame and hosts famous guests, such as country singer Dasha and “The Bachelor” star Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Welch’s podcast ranks behind Joe Rogan’s “Joe Rogan Experience” on Spotify, as well as conservative political shows hosted by Tucker Carlson, Shawn Ryan, and Candace Owens. She launched “Talk Tuah” under Betr, a media company founded by boxer and social media personality Jake Paul, which also houses his podcast, “BS with Jake Paul.” Welch’s rise to fame began in June when she was interviewed on the street by TikTok user @DMarloww, where she coined the phrase “hawk tuah.” The phrase went viral, with the #hawktuah hashtag being used in over 250,000 posts on TikTok.
In the weeks following her viral moment, Welch has continued to maintain her fame with high-profile appearances and social media activity. She has gained 2.6 million followers on Instagram, posted pictures with celebrities like Matt Rife and JoJo Siwa, and appeared onstage with country singer Zach Bryan. Welch has also thrown out the first pitch at a New York Mets game, been parodied on Saturday Night Live, and signed with an agent in Nashville. She has founded a company, 16 Minutes LLC, under which she has registered trademarks for merchandise and launched a foundation, Paws Across America, to raise funds for animal welfare charities.
Some experts suggest that Welch’s success may be partly due to a boom in conservative podcasting, even though her podcast is not about politics and she has not shared her political views. Marquette University journalism professor Patrick Johnson believes Welch appeals to conservatives as a “southern belle” with a “shock jock edge” that they appreciate. Despite this potential political association, Welch’s podcast and fame have continued to grow, with “Talk Tuah” becoming a popular show on Spotify. Her ability to capitalize on her viral moment and turn it into a successful venture showcases the power of social media and internet fame in today’s digital age.
As Welch’s podcast continues to gain popularity and reach new audiences, she remains a prominent figure in the online world. Her story is a testament to the potential of turning a viral moment into a sustainable career through podcasting and other entrepreneurial endeavors. With her unique personality and ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, Welch’s success with “Talk Tuah” is likely to continue growing, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of podcasting and entertainment.
