Billy Bush, the well-known entertainment host, is making headlines with the launch of his exciting new podcast, Hot Mics with Billy Bush. Set to premiere on January 13, 2025, this show promises to deliver raw and unfiltered takes on current events, sports, politics, and pop culture—all served with Bush's trademark humor.
Bush is not new to the entertainment scene; he has spent over two decades covering Hollywood through various roles, primarily known for his hosting duties on programs such as NBC's Access Hollywood and the syndicated Extra. But it was the infamous 2016 incident, where leaked footage revealed Bush's conversation with Donald Trump on sexual assault, which momentarily derailed his career and made him rethink his approach to media.
Now, with his new venture, which will air live on Tunein.com and YouTube, Bush seeks to establish Hot Mics as a place for unrestrained discussions with celebrities and cultural influencers. Referring to his past, he shared, "A hot mic was the thing led to my silencing, and now the hot mics are the vehicle by which I find an authentic, real voice." His first guest will be Megyn Kelly, signaling the show's intention to tackle significant issues head-on.
While preparing to launch this new chapter, Bush was spotted at the 2025 Golden Globes, where he interviewed various nominees on the red carpet. His interactions brought nearly as much spotlight as the awards themselves. For example, Cooper Koch, who stars alongside Kim Kardashian and is nominated for his role in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, shared his enthusiasm about the show during his chat with Bush. Koch described his experience on the project as exceeding all expectations and highlighted the camaraderie with Kardashian, noting she had wished him good luck before the event.
Another notable nominee, Cristin Milioti, discussed the transformation of her co-star Colin Farrell for the series The Penguin, praising his dramatic physical change with “incredible” makeup work. When asked about the possibility of a second season, Milioti expressed her hopes, exclaiming, “I would love nothing more, truly!”
Meanwhile, Quinta Brunson, nominated for her work on Abbott Elementary, caught up with Bush and humorously reacted to being mentioned for mayoral candidacy. "I really don’t want to be mayor—I have enough going on!" Brunson laughed, reinforcing her dedication to the beloved series she cultivates, even as fans jostle for more of her work.
With the Golden Globes serving as the backdrop, Bush made the most of his time, shaping conversations not only around the nominees but also subtly promoting his upcoming podcast. His interviews blended celebrity culture with his unapologetic approach to news, setting the stage for engaging content once Hot Mics officially launches.
According to Bush, the allure of the podcast format is its liberty from traditional broadcasting constraints, allowing for genuine discussions without fear of censorship. He remarked, "I can’t wait, and I don’t give a s—t. I’m the head of H.R. now." His plan to air episodes twice weekly signals his commitment to maintaining momentum and building a community around the show.
Listeners can expect not only intriguing guest stars but also engaging dialogues around the major cultural moments shaping our society today. With Tunein as the distribution partner, Bush's platform is set to reach audiences across the globe, leveraging digital audio’s growing popularity.
Billy Bush's return to the forefront of pop culture, paired with his new creative outlet, is not only about entertainment but also about reclaiming his narrative. He aims to connect with younger audiences who consume their media differently than traditional viewers.
Diving deep and offering insightful commentary, Bush's upcoming podcast reflects the new era of media consumption—one where authenticity connects with audiences seeking real stories behind the glamor. It’s shaping up to be a compelling watch, especially following the high-profile interviews during the awards season.