How Long Gone's Wild Awards Show Is Squashing Beef and Redefining Pod Culture

From Podcast to Performance

Let me tell you about the most absurd yet endearing awards show you've never heard of. Tonight in Los Angeles, the world's attention is on the Emmys, but a different kind of star is about to shine at Racket NYC — and it's not even a real star. It's a podcast.

That's right, my dear readers, the hosts of How Long Gone, Chris Black and Jason Stewart, are pulling off what can only be described as the ultimate podcast-to-real-life crossover event: the Goneies Awards Show. The brainchild of a late-night joke about how much they love the Las Culturistas Awards — but not quite as much as their own brand of cultural commentary — the Goneies is now a full-blown spectacle that's equal parts roast, tribute, and pure creativity.

"We're trying to make the things the guys say on the show happen in real life," Ian Wheeler, co-founder of Talkhouse and the podcast's fairy godmother, explains with a wink.

But here's where it gets interesting. The Goneies isn't just another vanity project. It's a cultural phenomenon — a testament to how digital creators can transcend their platforms and build communities that extend far beyond the screen. And while we're on the topic of community, let's talk about the moment when Chris Black decided he had some beef with one of his fellow podcaster friends.

Beef Squashed (Literally)

The internet has a funny way of making us all become friends, even when we think we're enemies. For years, Black and Stewart have been mercilessly poking fun at Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers' podcast, Las Culturistas, with a mix of affection and snark that's become part of their brand.

But here's the thing: they've been doing it for so long that it almost became a habit. Then came the realization that this was all happening in the realm of online comedy, where boundaries blur and punchlines are just the tip of the iceberg. And then they had to face their own reflection — or rather, their podcasting self-reflection.

"I want to say something right here, right now on the record," Black said recently. "Two days ago, I sent Bowen a heartfelt apology. I was like, 'You know what? We're biting his whole shit right now. I need to pay respects.' And so I did, and he received it warmly." That's the kind of moment that makes you think — maybe, just maybe, we all have more in common than we realize.

It's Not About the Awards, It's About the Culture

The Goneies awards show isn't about the glitz or glamour. It's about something much more precious: community. And while the podcast has its own audience of discerning cultural commentators, the Goneies is a place where everyone gets to be part of the fun.

"Some of our early bonding moments were gathering around a hotel room to watch the VH1 Music Choice Awards or some shit," Stewart reflects. "Awards shows are cultural zeitgeist moments, and those don't happen very often anymore."

And that's exactly why Black and Stewart wanted to create something better — a celebration of the things that make us laugh, connect, and feel seen. In a world where awards shows have become increasingly irrelevant and formulaic, they're trying to bring back the heart.

How Long Gone's Unlikely Stardom

It's easy to forget how revolutionary it was when these two guys from Los Angeles decided to start podcasting about pop culture. Their show was an instant hit with a bicoastal audience that craved something different — something that didn't take itself too seriously, but still mattered.

What makes their journey so fascinating is that they've built not just a podcast, but a lifestyle brand. They're part of the new wave of creators who are using their platforms to build actual communities — and now, it looks like they're about to turn those communities into full-on experiences.

"In an era where digital platforms are looking for ways to mobilize their audiences to in-person events, the Goneies marks an 'IRL' extension of the 'How Long Gone' brand," says Black. "We're not trying to be traditional. We're trying to be ourselves, and make it real."

The Goneie: A Trophy That's Actually Useable

One of the most delightful aspects of the Goneies is the trophy itself — a beautifully absurd award that's designed to be used rather than just admired. "Not like those stupid Emmy awards," Stewart notes, "All those can do is sit in your bathroom in Brentwood."

The Goneie isn't just a trophy; it's a statement. It's the kind of award that says, "You're not just getting something pretty to look at — you're getting something practical, and maybe even useful." And when Black tells us about how the trophy is so big it dwarfs his real awards, including a Peabody, we get a sense of just how much this thing matters.

"It's kind of perfect," Black says. "I like that it means less but is more." It's a philosophy that echoes through the entire event — not about trying to outshine the traditional awards shows, but creating something uniquely valuable for their audience.

A New Kind of Culture Festival

The Goneies isn't just an awards show; it's a full-on cultural festival. The lineup includes performances from indie rock icons like Kevin Morby and J. Mascis, as well as surprise appearances that are guaranteed to keep the energy high.

"The second best thing about awards shows is the music," Black explains, "and we're going to make sure that happens in spades." The event promises to be a perfect blend of nostalgia, creativity, and genuine fun — exactly what you'd expect from a show that's been building its own universe for years.

Final Thoughts: When Culture Meets Community

The Goneies is more than just another awards show. It's a cultural moment that proves the power of digital creators to evolve and adapt. Chris Black and Jason Stewart have managed to take their podcast from a simple late-night conversation into a full-blown celebration of what makes them, and their audience, special.

As we watch these two men turn their joke into reality, we're reminded that creativity isn't just about being funny or clever — it's about building connections. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is say "I'm sorry" to someone who's been the target of your jokes.

In a world that often feels divided, the Goneies stands as a reminder that we're all in this together — even when we're roasting each other on the internet.