Hot Mics Wednesday July 29

Hot Mics Wednesday July 29

July 29, 2026 · 52 min · Season 2

About this episode

Billy Bush discusses the backlash against influencer culture, the return of Dr. Fauci in media, and the latest developments in Amy Griffin's legal battle.

Influencers are getting banned... Dr. Fauci is back in the spotlight... and Amy Griffin's legal battle just took another dramatic turn. Today on Hot Mics with Billy Bush, Billy dives into the growing backlash against influencer culture after Nantucket businesses publicly push back against social media creators. Is "influencer" becoming a dirty word? Billy breaks down the controversy surrounding Paige Lorenz, Dave Portnoy's reaction, and why the label itself may be the problem. Plus, Arizona State University's journalism program is offering students a path to becoming influencers. Is it preparing students for the future of media—or blurring the line between journalism, marketing, and personal branding? Then, Billy revisits one of the biggest influencers of the COVID era: Dr. Anthony Fauci. Why is old celebrity-backed Fauci content suddenly resurfacing, and what does it say about influence, accountability, and public trust years later? The show also covers major developments in the Jane Doe v. Amy Griffin litigation. A California judge issues a tentative ruling dismissing Penguin Random House under California's anti-SLAPP law, while Amy Griffin's own motion remains pending…

People in this episode

Host: Billy Bush

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Arizona State University, Penguin Random House, Joleene Altum

Places: Nantucket

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