🎙️ Midnight Cheesecake: A Hug From Taylor Swift

This episode was such a ride. To kick things off, Ruha shared a hilarious tale about trying to order pizza from Whole Foods while stuck in a parking garage that felt like a never-ending maze. She kept making right turns, getting put on hold, and wondering if she’d ever escape. In some universe, she's still there, and she needs help. It was like the movie Groundhog Day, but with pizza.

Then we brought on our guest, Michael Wekall, who back in college, started a goofy little campaign called "A Hug from Taylor Swift." And it actually worked. Like, Taylor Swift showed up at Auburn University and hugged them. What started as a fun idea turned into a full-blown viral moment, complete with over-the-top videos, local news stations, and eventually, video challenges from Taylor herself - like helping an old lady cross the street, and gathering 400 college students for a sing-along.

Michael walked us through how A Hug from Taylor Swift all unfolded, from doing hug practice videos to getting a surprise call from someone on Taylor’s team. The moment she walked into the room? Total chaos - but wait till you hear the pure magic that happened after the day that got all the headlines. 

We talked about how that experience shaped Michael’s career in video production and storytelling. He’s now running his own creative agency and still keeps in touch with the team of music industry professionals who helped make the hug happen. It wasn’t just about meeting a celebrity—it was about community, creativity, and putting yourself out there.

To wrap things up, we shared what we’re into lately - books, shows, perfumes, and of course, our midnight cheesecake picks. Michael’s was a classic ice cream sandwich at the beach (solid choice), and we may or may not have plotted future hug campaigns for Pedro Pascal and Tom Hiddleston.

In this episode:

🎤 Taylor Swift & The Hug Campaign

📚 Books Mentioned

And Then There Were None – Michael’s gateway into Agatha Christie’s world. He called it “phenomenal” and said it’s often considered her best. (Ruha agrees!)

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – His next pick, known for its legendary twist and a favorite among mystery fans.

📺 TV Shows Mentioned

Ted Lasso – Ruha’s rewatch pick when she needed something uplifting, soulful, and funny. It’s her go-to comfort show.

New Girl – Michael and his wife were rewatching this one. He called it “so, so, so good” and said it’s one of their favorites for lighthearted laughs.

The Americans – Michael’s gritty rewatch. He described it as “phenomenal” and “probably the most underrated show of the last 20 years.” It’s about two Russian spies living undercover in 1980s America.

🍰 Find Ruha and Bekah Around These Parts

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/midnightcheesecake

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/people/Midnight-Cheesecake-Podcast/61577976430527

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak (The 'e' wouldn't fit)

EMAIL US: [email protected]

Chapters

0:00  Welcome to Midnight Cheesecake

0:12  The Parking Deck Pizza Purgatory

2:15  Introducing Michael Wekall

3:21  The Auburn Hug Campaign

5:56  Behind the Scenes of the Hug

8:10  The Taylor Swift Surprise

12:28  Challenges and Community Engagement

15:24  The Big Day Arrives

23:46  The Aftermath of the Hug

28:34  Global Impact of a Small Idea

31:52  Life After the Hug

32:34  Closing Thoughts and Final Questions

35:53  Leisure and Favorite Shows

39:51  Farewell and Final Thoughts

42:38  Bears in Florida?