Rosanna Pansino, a beloved YouTube baking influencer, shocked her audience with an unexpected turn in her career by launching a new podcast with an unconventional tribute to her late father.
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In the podcast's first episode, Pansino lit up a cannabis joint grown from plants cultivated using her father’s cremated ashes, fulfilling a unique wish he made before passing away from leukemia five years ago.
A Bold Tribute to "Papa Pizza"
Unconventional Farewell: Pansino revealed that her father, whom she affectionately called "Papa Pizza," requested his ashes be mixed with soil to grow cannabis. With the help of a local grower, she followed through, creating plants from which the cannabis for the joint was derived.
On-Camera Moment: Sitting on a visually striking set featuring a green suede couch and "Barbie-pink" walls, Pansino smoked the joint live, a symbolic and personal act that she admitted was a far cry from her usual content.
Challenging YouTube Norms
Platform Warning: Pansino acknowledged that YouTube cautioned her about potential consequences for the stunt, including revenue loss, demonetization, and suppression in the algorithm.
Defying Expectations: As a mainstream food content creator with a massive following and over 4 billion views, Pansino’s decision to incorporate cannabis into her show reflects a significant departure from her typical wholesome baking persona.
The Podcast’s Emotional Core
The episode wasn’t just about shock value. Pansino delved into grief and personal growth during a conversation with David Kessler, a renowned trauma therapist. She reflected on the loss of her father and how it has shaped her approach to life and relationships.
New Outlook: After the emotional act, Pansino shared that she plans to stop extending kindness to people who are unkind to her. “People who are cruel to me are just going to get what they give,” she said, signaling a newfound boundary in her life.
A Viral Sensation
Though some media outlets sensationalized the story with headlines like “YouTuber Smokes Her Dad’s Ashes,” it’s worth noting that the ashes were used in the plant's cultivation, not directly in the joint. This clarification didn’t stop the story from sparking widespread online fascination and discussion.
What’s Next for Pansino?
Pansino’s pivot to podcasting—especially with such a bold opening—indicates she’s ready to explore uncharted territory and topics far removed from the world of fondant and sprinkles. Whether this will resonate with her established audience or attract a new following remains to be seen, but it’s clear she’s embracing a fearless approach to her evolving career.
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