Haliey Welch, also known as “Hawk Tuah Girl,” has hit back at critics while announcing her second big career move: the launch of her podcast, Talk Tuah.
Welch skyrocketed to viral fame following an interview with YouTubers Tim & Dee TV, where she was asked a question about her sex life. Since the clip took over the internet, Welch has made the most of it.
On August 27, she announced that her “lifelong dream” had come true after she launched her animal foundation, Paws Across America. Now she’s been added to Betr Media’s expanding roster of content creators, with the first episode of Talk Tuah to debut across social, digital and audio platforms on Tuesday, September 10.
When Welch announced the news, she addressed the haters in a video she and Betr shared on social media. At the beginning of the clips, screenshots of comments people have left on social media play out over the screen, with different voiceovers reading each of them.
Haliey Welch appears at SiriusXM Studios on July 31, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. She has hit back at critics while announcing her second big career move.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Welch for comment on Wednesday.
“She’s doing anything to stay relevant,” one comment reads, with another saying: “Why are we keeping this girl relevant?”
Another person wrote: “Your 15 minutes are up.”
Welch then addresses the camera, asking: “Y’all really thought I was done? I’m just getting started, baby.”
She continues: “I’m Haliey Welch, a little while ago my life took a complete left turn and it changed forever. And along the way, I’ve realized that everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. Well now, it’s my turn to talk.
“Check out my podcast every week, Talk Tuah, where I’m sitting down with the coolest guests and having actual conversations with them.”
According to a press release from Betr, the first episode will feature guest Whitney Cummings, followed by influencers Josh Richards and Jake Paul.
“Each episode will blend insightful interviews with comedic elements, creating a compelling mix that aligns with Betr Media’s commitment to innovative and engaging sports media,” it states.
“Welch will bring her signature blend of Southern values and comedic flair to the show and will also continue to diversify her platform and voice as a regular contributor to the company’s always-on, character-driven social content.”
The response to the podcast news has been mixed, with some showing their support for Welch.
“I don’t know why people hate on her, she seems cool as a fan [shrug emoji] and she ACTUALLY has a good personality,” one person commented on Instagram.
“Best podcast intro ever,” someone else wrote.
However, others were less impressed with the news, with one person writing on X: “You either die a hero or live long enough to start a podcast.”
“They need to regulate podcast mics like guns,” said another.
Welch also uploaded a video to social media when she announced her animal foundation.
“I now have my animal foundation up and running! Paws Across America is here!!” Welch said. “Ever since my life changed so publicly, I realized there had to be a reason for it. Growing up, the one constant in my life was my pets and they helped me get through so much.
“By starting Paws Across America, my newfound financial blessings will be shared with the animals that need it most,” Welch added. “So the first place I went was my hometown in Tennessee. Now get over there and adopt some doggies!”
Welch previously said she wants to move away from the “Hawk Tuah” nickname that made her famous.
“We’re trying to step away from it,” she told Complex’s West Wilson, before discussing where she sees herself in the future. “We’re steering towards podcasts and stuff like that, and a reality TV show. We’re talking about it.”
