Ep-114 - "Live Stream Fiascos, Billionaire Space Trips & Kendrick’s Super Bowl Takeover"- Cassie Betts

Live Stream Fiascos, Billionaire Space Trips & Kendrick’s Super Bowl Takeover

In episode 114 of "talktechto.me," hosted by Cassie Betts on KBLA Talk 1580, listeners dive into some of the week's biggest stories in tech, space, and entertainment. From live streaming mishaps to billionaires exploring space, and even Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, this episode explores the intersection of tech, pop culture, and current events.

Live Stream Fiascos: Shannon Sharpe’s Instagram Mishap

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, also known as "Unc," accidentally went live on Instagram during an intimate moment with a companion. Initially, Sharpe claimed his account was hacked, but later admitted on his podcast, "NightCap," that the live stream was an accidental mistake, revealing that he isn’t very tech-savvy. Though some speculated that it was staged, Sharpe took full responsibility for the incident.

The aftermath wasn’t all bad—Sharpe capitalized on the attention, generating buzz and monetizing his content. With 300,000 live viewers on YouTube, he promoted brands like DraftKings and Ro, launched new merchandise, and continued to engage with his fan base. His popular catchphrases from the incident, like “My Michelle” and “I Gave it all I Got,” became T-shirt slogans, driving new sales.

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

In another major headline, Kendrick Lamar is set to perform at the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans. This announcement stirred mixed reactions, particularly from fans and artists like Master P, Boosie, Nicki Minaj, and Birdman, who felt that Lil Wayne, a New Orleans native, should have been selected for the performance.

Lil Wayne himself responded to the public outcry, stating that not being chosen "broke him." While Lamar is widely celebrated for his artistry, the debate over the halftime show's representation of New Orleans' local talent underscores the significance of hometown pride, especially in such a global spotlight.

Billionaires in Space: Jared Isaacman’s Spacewalk with SpaceX

Billionaire Jared Isaacman made history with a two-hour spacewalk, becoming the first civilian to perform such a feat. Part of a series of three space trips purchased from Elon Musk's SpaceX, Isaacman’s adventure took him 870 miles above Earth, surpassing even the International Space Station’s orbit.

Isaacman, alongside engineer Sarah Gillis, demonstrated mobility in newly developed SpaceX spacewalking suits during the livestreamed event. This mission is another step forward in space tourism and private space exploration, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what civilians can achieve in space.

Presidential Debate and Swifties Get Political

The episode also touched on the recent presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris outperformed Trump, according to social media and mainstream reactions, leading to a host of viral memes and clips. One of the most shocking moments was Trump's false claim about Haitian immigrants eating pets, which resulted in bomb threats at schools in Ohio. This conspiracy theory stirred concern for immigrant communities and escalated tensions during an already heated political climate.

Adding to the political drama, Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Kamala Harris following the debate. Swift’s influence resulted in over 400,000 users visiting vote.gov the next day, showing the power of celebrity endorsements in mobilizing voter participation.

Astronauts Stuck in Space: Starliner Capsule Delays

In other space news, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were left on the International Space Station when Boeing's Starliner capsule returned to Earth without them. While they expressed gratitude for staying on the ISS and awaiting their return via SpaceX's Crew Dragon, they noted that more data analysis might have allowed them to return on Starliner. This delay highlights the ongoing challenges of developing new space travel technology, with both NASA and Boeing working to ensure the Starliner program progresses safely.

Fearless Fund Settles Lawsuit and Launches $200M Debt Fund

Another major tech and business story is the Fearless Fund’s recent settlement in a lawsuit brought by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, led by conservative activist Ed Blum. The lawsuit argued that the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest, which awarded $20,000 to women of color entrepreneurs, violated the Civil Rights Act by being discriminatory. Though the contest was canceled, the Fearless Fund responded by unveiling a $200 million debt fund to continue supporting minority founders, doubling down on its mission to promote diversity in business.

This legal challenge reflects broader tensions in the business world, as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face increased scrutiny and backlash.

Ephemeral Posts on Threads

Cassie also covered the latest in social media, highlighting Threads’ live test of ephemeral posts, which disappear after 24 hours. This new feature aims to reduce the anxiety associated with permanent posts, aligning with the trend of less permanent interactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Users can expect to see a more flexible way to engage with content, reducing the pressure to curate a lasting online presence.

The Impact of These Stories

As Cassie Betts wrapped up this episode, she reflected on the broader impact of these viral moments. From Shannon Sharpe’s social media blunder to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance and the latest advances in space tourism, these events all highlight how technology and media are reshaping entertainment, politics, and even space exploration.

Key Takeaways

• Shannon Sharpe turned a live-streaming mishap into a lucrative branding opportunity, underscoring the power of personal branding and social media engagement.
• Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl performance has sparked conversations about representation and local pride in New Orleans, with fans advocating for Lil Wayne’s inclusion.
• Jared Isaacman’s spacewalk demonstrated the potential of civilian space travel, marking another milestone for SpaceX’s vision of commercial space exploration.
• Political engagement continues to be influenced by high-profile events and endorsements, with Taylor Swift’s support for Kamala Harris driving voter registration.

Follow Cassie Betts and "talktechto.me" on Instagram (@instabetts and @talktechto.me) to stay up-to-date with the latest in tech, pop culture, and social media trends. To learn more about Made In South LA (MISLA) and its programs, visit misla.org.

This has been “talktechto.me,” pushing the envelope of tech one keystroke at a time. Peace out!