Ben Wearing Kelly’s Shoes (ft. Liam Kyle Sullivan)

This week on It’s Ben A Week, Ben fulfills a childhood dream — sitting down with viral video pioneer Liam Kyle Sullivan, the creator of Kelly from the Shoes video that defined early YouTube and inspired a generation of comedians.They dive into everything from the origin of Kelly to how YouTube fame in the 2000s was completely different from TikTok virality today. Liam shares behind-the-scenes stories about creating Shoes, Muffins, and Text Message Breakup, how Susan Walker was born, and why Shoes almost didn’t happen.The conversation covers:The Jimmy Kimmel suspension, free speech, and how comedy is being policedThe slow rise of Shoes before “viral” was even a wordCasting friends, filming in Marshalls, and the $300 store rental that made historyWhy Susan Walker might secretly be everyone’s auntThe difference between YouTube’s golden age and today’s TikTok scroll cultureThe comeback: Liam performing Shoes live at drag shows and Pride events in 2024His upcoming projects: A Very Kelly Christmas live show and his solo show Wearing Kelly’s ShoesFor Ben, it’s more than nostalgia — he credits Kelly with inspiring him to create his own skits and chase acting in LA.Follow Liam Kyle SullivanInstagram: @liamksullivanYouTube: Liam Kyle SullivanUpcoming live shows: A Very Kelly Christmas and Wearing Kelly’s Shoes🎧 Subscribe to It’s Ben a Week New episodes every week filled with unfiltered stories, wild guests, and brutally honest laughs. Hosted by photographer and professional barrel racer Ben McDonnell.📍 Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | Wherever you get your podcasts🔗 Connect with Ben: Instagram: @itsbenaweek TikTok: @itsbenaweek Website: itsbenaweek.com💬 Want to be on the show? Submit your story or pitch at itsbenaweek.com