One year ago, I launched the Here’s What Happened Podcast. Since then, I’ve somehow found myself interviewing viral creators, actors, celebrities, athletes, and some of the most interesting people I could find—and the stories behind how these interviews happened are sometimes even crazier than the interviews themselves.

For the 1-year anniversary of Here’s What Happened, I’m going solo and telling the full story of the podcast for the first time: how it started, how I connected with every guest I’ve interviewed, what happened behind the scenes, and some of the wildest situations I’ve found myself in along the way.

I tell the stories behind meeting and interviewing Little House on the Prairie stars Alison Arngrim and Dean Butler, viral creator Frankie LaPenna, Jackson Laux—the viral John Deere “Tractor Kid”—Rodney Petersen, BrendenLMAO, Rian Kanouff, and many more.

But not every story involves an interview.

I also break down the bizarre time hundreds of people online accused me of being involved in the death of Charlie Kirk, the story of Logan Paul threatening to sue me, and other unbelievable situations that have happened because of social media, viral videos, and this podcast.

I share how I actually reach out to guests, the interviews that almost never happened, the unexpected connections that made others possible, what I’ve learned from sitting across from so many different people, and some behind-the-scenes stories I’ve never fully told before.

This episode is a look back at an entire year of Here’s What Happened—every guest, every crazy connection, the successes, the mistakes, the viral moments, and the stories you didn’t see on camera.

Thank you to everyone who has watched, listened, shared a clip, subscribed, or supported this show over the past year. This podcast has already taken me places I never expected, and we’re only getting started.

Here’s what happened… in year one.

Dean Butler, best known as Almanzo Wilder from Little House on the Prairie, joins host Weston Emery and co-host Michael Babineaux to look back on the iconic series, his life and career, and the lasting legacy of one of the most beloved television shows of all time.

In this Little House on the Prairie interview, Dean Butler reveals how he was cast as Almanzo Wilder, what filming Little House on the Prairie was really like, and what happened behind the scenes of the classic TV series. Dean shares stories about Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, the Little House on the Prairie cast, and his experience joining the show as the man who would eventually become Laura Ingalls Wilder’s husband.

Dean takes us inside his years playing Almanzo Wilder, from meeting and working with Melissa Gilbert to filming some of the show’s most memorable moments. He reflects on Michael Landon as an actor, director, producer, and leader on set, while sharing what the cast and production were really like away from the cameras.

The conversation also explores Dean Butler’s life beyond Walnut Grove, including his career before and after Little House on the Prairie, the path his life took after playing Almanzo, and how his connection to Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House story continued long after the television series ended.

Now, more than 50 years after Little House on the Prairie first premiered, Dean reflects on the extraordinary staying power of the series, why new generations continue discovering it, and what Almanzo Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, and the entire Little House on the Prairie family mean to him today.

This is the full Dean Butler interview and the story of the man behind Almanzo Wilder.

Hosted by Weston Emery with co-host Michael Babineaux on the Here’s What Happened Podcast.

Here’s What Happened is a long-form interview podcast featuring honest conversations, celebrity interviews, life stories, and in-depth discussions with fascinating people about the experiences and moments that shaped their lives.

ORDER DEANS BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Prairie-Man-Little-House-Beyond/dp/B0D932FHDG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I7UZQJV86RVQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sUZ71tNRfhxuBQU12rRPM97GiaXs9rW83tViOdSNDirGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.VGge0m4Zf5sfV6_McSm6etsLyucKZrHVQKmop5ckfYE&dib_tag=se&keywords=prairie+man+dean+butler&qid=1787313021&sprefix=prairie+man+dean+butle%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

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Alison Arngrim, best known as Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie, joins host Weston Emery 50 years later to tell the full story of her life, her childhood, and her unforgettable years starring on one of the most iconic television shows of all time.

In this Little House on the Prairie interview, Alison Arngrim reveals how she was cast as Nellie Oleson, what filming Little House on the Prairie was really like, and what happened behind the scenes of the classic TV series. Alison shares personal stories about Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, the Little House on the Prairie cast, life on the set of Walnut Grove, and the friendships and memories that have stayed with her for five decades.

Alison Arngrim also opens up about her childhood, difficult home life, and the sexual abuse she survived as a child. In an honest and deeply personal conversation, Alison discusses surviving childhood sexual abuse, overcoming trauma, healing after abuse, and how she found the strength to move forward. She also shares how her experiences led her to become an advocate for survivors of child abuse and sexual abuse.

From Alison Arngrim’s childhood before Little House on the Prairie, to becoming Nellie Oleson, to her life after Little House on the Prairie, Alison tells the story of her career, personal struggles, and the experiences that shaped her life.

Now, 50 years after Little House on the Prairie first premiered, Alison Arngrim reflects on the legacy of Nellie Oleson, Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, the Little House on the Prairie cast, and the generations of fans who continue to watch the show around the world. Alison reveals what Little House on the Prairie, Walnut Grove, and playing Nellie Oleson mean to her today.

This is the full Alison Arngrim interview and the story of the woman behind Nellie Oleson.

Hosted by Weston Emery on the Here’s What Happened Podcast.

Here’s What Happened is a long-form interview podcast featuring honest conversations, celebrity interviews, life stories, and in-depth discussions with fascinating people about the experiences and moments that shaped their lives.

In this episode, viral influencer Frankie LaPenna finally answers the question everyone asks while also sharing the craziest stunts he’s ever pulled, the worst injuries he’s suffered, and what he’s really like when the cameras are off.

Host Weston Emery and co-host Michael Babineaux sit down with Frankie for a hilarious and surprisingly deep conversation covering his viral videos, the insane amount of work that goes into making them, his faith in Jesus Christ, and some of the internet’s biggest conspiracy theories—including the Flat Earth theory, the Moon Landing, Brigitte Macron, and more.

Frankie also shares stories about meeting celebrities including the late Hulk Hogan and John Cena, talks about internet fame, and gives an inside look at the life of one of social media’s most recognizable stunt creators.

A huge thank you to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport for hosting this episode. The staff was incredibly professional, welcoming, and kind throughout our stay and filming experience.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
4747 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
📞 (616) 957-0100

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In this episode of the Here’s What Happened Podcast, Weston Emery sits down with Jackson Laux — the viral “John Deere Tractor Kid.”

At just 10 years old, Jackson has built a massive following online through his love for farming and tractors, but there’s a lot more to him than what you see on the internet.

Jackson shares how he became famous, what his life looks like growing up around farming, and what he wants his future to be. Throughout the episode, we joke around, play games, and have a lot of laughs.

But what stands out most is his intelligence.

Weston puts Jackson to the test, asking him about history — and he breaks down World War I, World War II, and the Civil War in a way that’s hard to believe for his age.

This episode is fun, unexpected, and gives a real look into the life and mind of one of the internet’s most unique young personalities.

In this episode of the Here’s What Happened Podcast, Weston Emery sits down with Kinsley Tate White a recent contestant in two of MrBeast’s latest videos.

Kinsley was the runner-up in one of the challenges and came incredibly close to winning $100,000, giving her a front-row seat to what it’s really like behind the scenes of a MrBeast production. She shares what the experience was like competing, what Jimmy (MrBeast) is like off camera, the pressure of the challenges, and the moment she almost walked away with the prize.

But this episode goes far beyond YouTube challenges. Weston and Kinsley talk about faith in Jesus, influence online, dating, purpose, and staying grounded while opportunities and attention grow. Kinsley also opens up about her life outside of YouTube — studying at Oxford, leading worship, playing multiple instruments, hunting, flying planes, and more.

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In this episode, Weston sits down with Nate Weber, a survivalist from the hit series "Alone", for a conversation about what the show doesn’t show you.

Nate opens up about his full experience on Alone — from the application process and orientation to the mental and physical challenges of surviving completely solo in the wilderness. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, how contestants are really selected, and what life is like before and after the cameras stop rolling.

Beyond survival, Nate dives into his 24 years of military service, including moments where his life was in real danger. He talks about how those experiences shaped him as a man, a husband, and a father — and how they prepared him for isolation, fear, and leadership.

This episode goes deeper into faith in God, resilience, and what it truly means to be a man in today’s world. Nate shares his perspective on raising boys into men, building character through hardship, and why strong values matter now more than ever.

This is more than a survival story — it’s a conversation about purpose, masculinity, faith, and enduring when life strips everything away.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, Rian Kanouff—the infamous “naked skydiver”—opens up like never before. He dives into his wildest skydiving stories, the moments that pushed him to the edge, and the controversy that made him known worldwide. But beyond the stunts and headlines, Rian gets real about his battle with depression, the mental toll of chasing extremes, and how skydiving ultimately saved his life. This is a deep, honest conversation about fear, freedom, mental health, and finding purpose when everything feels lost.

In this episode, I sit down with Rodney Petersen, better known as “Not Logan Paul.”

We discuss the chaos that comes with looking exactly like one of the most recognizable people on the internet. Then Rodney dives into his craziest stories ever—from wild public encounters and insane moments of mistaken identity to how his lookalike fame completely changed his personal life.

Rodney opens up about the opportunities, the pressure, and the unbelievable situations he’s been put in just for looking like Logan. He also shares what it’s really like behind the scenes—what Logan Paul and Jake Paul are actually like off camera, and the genuine kindness and respect they showed him, his kids, and his family.

This episode is raw, hilarious, and unexpect—full of stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Former January 6 defendant Luke Lints sat down with me to tell the full, unfiltered story of what he saw inside the Capitol that day when he broke in. From the moment the crowd turned from a rally into chaos, to the second he stepped inside the building and realized his life was about to change forever, Luke breaks down every detail without holding back.

He explains what pulled him into the building, what he witnessed inside, who was involved, how the police reacted, and how that day turned into federal charges, prison time, and a label he’ll never escape.

In this episode, we cover:
– What he actually saw inside the Capitol
– Why he went in & what he believed at the time
– The charges, sentencing, and jail experience
– How prison changed him
– What he thinks about America now
– What January 6 really felt like from the inside

Also joined with me is today’s co-host and friend, Justin Reid, who supports the Democratic Party and disagrees heavily with the ideas, beliefs, and actions of Luke, and everyone who was there at the capital on January 6th. 

Whether you agree with him or not, this is his story — raw, emotional, and honest.
No scripts. No agenda. Just what he lived.