#404 - The Boy in the Bubble (Patreon)

We look back on the prototypical modern viral media phenomenon: the "Balloon Boy" hoax of 2009. After bingeing about 90 minutes' worth of MSNBC coverage, we discuss how the Balloon Boy both presaged and diverged from the sorts of flash-in-the-pan viral sensations that would dominate the next 14 years. PLUS: fiery hot takes on the sudden resignation of Toronto Mayor John Tory.

Balloon Boy MSNBC coverage - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IuU1JEXayU&ab_channel=DavidVideosify

"In Defense of the ‘Balloon Boy’ Dad" by Frank Rich - https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/opinion/25rich.html