Lifestyle
Sydney Sweeney ‘Good Jeans’ Outrage Explained
Welcome to The Modern Memo — where lifestyle news isn’t shallow, soft, or sold out. From what you eat to what you buy, we cover the choices that shape your freedom, health, and future—without the influencer fluff or corporate agenda. Real life deserves real reporting. And we’re here to give it to you straight. When a Pair of Jeans Becomes a Political Flashpoint It was just an ad. At least, that’s what most people saw—a playful nod to style and wordplay. But in 2025, even a lighthearted fashion campaign can set off a political firestorm. And when American Eagle teamed up with Sydney Sweeney, the backlash revealed more about America’s culture wars than it did about denim. (MORE NEWS: Trump: New Census Will Omit Illegal Immigrants) From Clever Wordplay to Culture War On July 23rd, American Eagle released its new campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney with the tagline: “Sydney Sweeney has good jeans.” The ad played on the words jeans and genes. In a short video, the Euphoria actress joked: “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color… My jeans are blue.” For most viewers, it was harmless fun. But for loudest voices on the left, it became something darker. Online commentators and media outlets compared the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad to “Nazi propaganda” and “white supremacist eugenics” because she’s blonde and blue-eyed. CNN even called it a “scary white supremacist dog whistle.” Why American Eagle Isn’t Backing Down Despite removing the “genes” video from social media, American Eagle hasn’t abandoned the campaign. The company is still running the Sydney Sweeney “good jeans” ads across its platforms and has issued a public statement defending its decision on their Instagram. And it’s paying off. American Eagle’s stock price is up 20% since the campaign launch, boosted by a high-profile post from President Donald Trump praising the ad. Other prominent conservative voices have rallied to Sweeney’s defense. Megyn Kelly posted on X: Look how scared they are about the Sweeney ad – “it’s all a right-wing invention!!” Their party is paying millions to learn how to talk to young male voters and then their lunatic voters say you’re a Nazi if you like this gorgeous white blonde actress & it’s all blown to hell. https://t.co/JeJntXHlyE — Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) August 5, 2025 Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, posting: “[Democrats] have managed to so unhinge themselves over this thing. And it’s like — did you learn nothing from the November 2024 election?” “They have managed to so unhinge themselves over this thing.” Vice President JD Vance rips the left’s overreaction to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad on @RuthlessPodcast pic.twitter.com/K2A59xwfHa — Fox News (@FoxNews) August 1, 2025 These defenses underline a growing belief on the right that the backlash is only helping the brand and pushing more young voters toward conservative politics. Amid the controversy, one major part of the campaign has been largely overlooked: the cause it supports. According to the American Eagle website: “A butterfly motif on the back pocket represents domestic violence awareness, an issue Sweeney is passionate about. 100% of the purchase price from The Sydney Jean will be donated to Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit offering free, 24/7, confidential mental health support.” Woke Advertising Is Losing Its Grip For years, corporations pushed political activism into ads. Many customers walked away. They wanted products, not politics. Now brands are moving back toward the middle. Sydney Sweeney fits that shift—beautiful, stylish, and a touch of old-school appeal. The “girl next door” is making a comeback. People are tired of the chaos of leftism. Now, companies are shifting to relatable ads with <gasp> sex appeal, like the days of Marilyn Monroe and Farrah Fawcett. It’s a cultural reset, and it’s working. (RELATED: Court Nixes California AI Deepfake Law, Free Speech Wins) What’s Driving the Cultural Divide Pew Research shows men—especially under 50—are moving toward the Republican Party. 55% of men voted for Trump in 2024, up from 50% in 2020. 46% of women voted for Trump in 2024, compared with 44% in 2020. Charlie Kirk tied this shift directly to the Sweeney outrage: Everytime they call Sydney Sweeney a fascist, 100 young men become registered Republicans. — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 4, 2025 Young men are waking up. They want to marry a “normie.” They want kids, a home, and a steady life. They don’t want the drama of woke culture. Sydney Sweeney isn’t just a woman in an ad. She represents what many men—and women—want back: normalcy, beauty, and stability. Sometimes an Ad Is Just an Ad The Sydney Sweeney “good jeans” backlash proves how quickly harmless marketing can become a political lightning rod. But here’s the truth: NO ONE should be shamed for being proud of their genes or their jeans. Appreciating beauty isn’t an insult to anyone else. We live in a culture that twists everything into controversy. Sometimes an ad really is just an ad. Unmask the Narrative. Rip Through the Lies. Spread the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t polish propaganda—we tear it to shreds. The corporate press censors, spins, and sugarcoats. We don’t. If you’re tired of being misled, silenced, and spoon-fed fiction, help us expose what they try to hide. Truth matters—but only if it’s heard. So share this. Shake the silence. And remind the powerful they don’t own the story.
The Final Bell: Remembering Hulk Hogan, Legend of the Ring
Terry Bollea, known worldwide by his larger-than-life wrestling persona Hulk Hogan, passed away Thursday at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida. Local police confirmed they responded to a cardiac arrest call that morning. Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities stated there was no evidence of foul play or suspicious circumstances. His passing marks the end of an era—not just for professional wrestling, but for American pop culture itself. The Man Who Made Wrestling a Global Phenomenon To describe Hulk Hogan simply as a wrestler would be to undersell a legacy that reshaped the entire entertainment industry. With his iconic horseshoe mustache, bandana, and red-and-yellow ring gear, Hogan didn’t just dominate the ring—he became the face of professional wrestling worldwide. His presence helped catapult the WWE (then WWF) from a regional sports attraction to a mainstream global empire. In 1985, Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania, teaming up with Mr. T to face off against Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. The event wasn’t just a success—it was a cultural explosion. Over a million viewers watched via closed-circuit TV, and from that moment on, Hulkamania became a household term. Two years later, his legendary bout with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III drew 80,000 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome—setting attendance records and redefining what a wrestling spectacle could look like. That match, and the iconic body slam seen around the world, remains etched in the minds of fans even decades later. Champion in the Ring and Beyond Throughout his WWE tenure, Hogan won the World Heavyweight Championship six times, holding the title for a staggering 1,474 consecutive days during his first reign. Only two other wrestlers in WWE history—Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund—held it longer in a single stretch. But Hogan was more than just a champion. He was a media powerhouse. He crossed over into television and film, playing Thunderlips in Rocky III and starring in his own series, Thunder in Paradise. His popularity extended beyond the ring, with appearances on countless talk shows and late-night television, cementing his place as a pop culture fixture. Reinvention and the Birth of the NWO As the 1990s ushered in a new generation of fans with different tastes, Hogan adapted. In 1996, he made wrestling history again by turning heel—becoming a villain—as the frontman for WCW’s notorious faction, the New World Order (NWO). Trading in his bright colors for black and white, “Hollywood Hogan” embraced a darker persona that mirrored the edgier, rebellious tone of the era. The NWO storyline rejuvenated wrestling at a critical time and led WCW to dominate WWE in ratings for 83 consecutive weeks. Hogan’s reinvention wasn’t just successful—it was transformative. Wrestling became appointment television again, and Hogan stood at the center of it. (MORE NEWS: Trump Takes on Crime in D.C.) A Hero’s Return By 2002, Hogan returned to WWE and faced off against The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. Though he was technically the villain, fans refused to boo him. The crowd erupted in cheers for their childhood hero, prompting Hogan to dig out his classic red-and-yellow gear once again. That moment symbolized the deep emotional connection fans maintained with the icon—even after decades. Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, a formal recognition of his enduring impact on the industry. More Than a Wrestler In recent years, Hogan had faced various health struggles, including lingering issues from his many years in the ring. Still, he remained active in the wrestling world, most recently launching Real American Freestyle Wrestling and opening a bar in New York City directly across from Madison Square Garden—where so many of his iconic matches took place. Reactions poured in immediately upon news of his death. Wrestling legends like Ric Flair and Triple H paid tribute online, sharing memories of their time with the larger-than-life figure who helped shape the industry. Political Ally and Cultural Icon Outside of wrestling, Hogan remained engaged in public life. He made headlines in 2024 for speaking at the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump. In response to the news of Hogan’s death, Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social: “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way—strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart… the cultural impact he had was massive… He will be greatly missed.” A Lasting Legacy Hulk Hogan’s journey from local Florida wrestler to worldwide megastar is nothing short of extraordinary. He wasn’t just part of wrestling history—he was wrestling history. His energy, charisma, and uncanny ability to capture the crowd’s imagination made him more than just a performer. He was a symbol of perseverance, showmanship, and the power of reinvention. To his wife Sky, his family, and millions of fans across the globe—he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in arenas, locker rooms, and living rooms for generations. So, to the man who told us to say our prayers, eat our vitamins, and believe in ourselves: thank you, Hulk Hogan. (RELATED: Hulk Hogan Celebrates Baptism On Social Media) You slammed giants. You turned boos into cheers. And you made the world believe in heroes—even if only for a three-count.
Former Atheist Actor Describes His Faith Journey In Moving Interview
Actor and former atheist Kirk Cameron shared a moving interview with Joe Pags on “Unshaken & Unafraid” in May, and we thought we’d share it with you today. Most of us remember Kirk Cameron as Mike Seaver in the hit sitcom “Growing Pains,” which ran from 1985 to 1992, captivating audiences and earning a slew of Hollywood awards. Since graduating from his sitcom days, Cameron’s career moved into a slew of faith-based films. From “Unshaken & Unafraid” Kirk Cameron found Jesus as a teenager after being an atheist. How did that happen? What did he experience as a child in Hollywood? How did he find his faith and how does it apply to his life now. Plus, why he started a new network to take on Disney and Netflix and he explains how you can get it. You can subscribe to Joe Pags on YouTube by clicking here. The Modern Memo will be bringing you as many of Pags’ episodes as humanly possible, but please follow and subscribe to him across all of the following platforms. Check out Joe Pags on X: always the hottest takes and the news you need Joe Pags Official Website Rumble — Joe Pags If you care about any of the issues you learned about today, you should consider contacting your locally elected official to voice your concerns. Did you know that if a politician — from your local town Mayor, all the way up through Congress — receives as few as 10 letters on the same issue, they will be forced to take action? Learn more about this brilliant political loophole by joining Million Voices today. TMM Action As we grow, The Modern Memo will be elevating the most important voices for the social sustainable future of American society. We will elevate good people, great ideas, and stuff our editorial team finds interesting, funny, or valuable to you, dear readers. MORE NEWS: Kay Hill On America’s Spiritual Revival & The Battle With Secular Power At the same time, we will never be above calling out wrongdoers, stupid ideas and the things that endanger our survival as a society and species. If you’d like to be more involved, contact us today to learn more.
ANGEL STUDIOS: ‘Homestead’ Receives Greenlight For 2 Seasons Starring Huge Cast
Press release received by The Modern Memo. Provo, UT – May 13, 2025 – Angel, the film & TV platform curated by more than one million members of the Angel Guild, has officially greenlit both the completion of season one, as well as the full second season of its gripping post-apocalyptic drama Homestead: The Series. Following the success of the 2024 feature film Homestead, the spin-off series stars Bailey Chase (Longmire), Charles Esten (Nashville), Dawn Oliveri (1883), Jill Wagner (Lioness), and Jesse Hutch (Freddy vs. Jason). “Homestead has captivated audiences worldwide with its bold and uplifting vision of the post-apocalyptic genre,” said Jordan Harmon, President of Angel. “The stellar cast, fueled by the unwavering support of our Angel Guild, has not only has allowed us to greenlight the completion of Season 1 but also secured an early greenlight for Season 2, ensuring fans can dive back into the story sooner than ever.” Season 2 will continue to follow the residents of the Homestead as they navigate new threats, internal conflicts, and the ongoing struggle to rebuild in a fractured world. Directed by Ben Smallbone and produced by Ben Kasica and Andrea Royer, the series promises to deliver more of the intense drama and redemptive storytelling that made the first season a standout. (RELATED: Best Crops To Grow During A Nuclear Apocalypse, According To Scientists) Showrunner Kasica explains, “The remaining Season 1 & 2 takes us deeper into the aftermath, as the Homestead transforms from a survivalist stronghold into the fragile heart of a new civilization – where rising hope collides with the threat of war, and the choice to lead could cost everything.” Based on the bestselling Black Autumn book series by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross, Homestead captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, faith-driven hope, and themes of resilience and community. The story follows ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson (Chase), who leads his family to a fortified prepper compound after a nuclear detonation in Los Angeles plunges the nation into chaos. Alongside key characters played by Esten and Hutch, the series explores survival, unity, and the strength of the human spirit in a collapsing world. Season 1 of Homestead: The Series premiered alongside the theatrical release of the Homestead film on December 20, 2024, and garnered praise for its compelling narrative and strong ensemble cast. The film grossed $6 million during its opening weekend, and achieved a domestic gross box office of over $20M, outperforming expectations in a competitive holiday box office. (RELATED: Mainstream Media Finally Wakes Up To Massive Geological Threat To US) “We’re thrilled to bring Homestead back for another season,” said director Ben Smallbone. “The story’s heart lies in its characters and their journey to find hope amidst chaos. With Bailey and Charles leading the charge, we’re excited to explore new dimensions of their stories and the world they’re fighting to protect.” Production for the remainder of Season 1 is slated to begin in summer 2025, with a targeted release beginning in late 2025. The series will stream exclusively on the Angel Studios website and mobile app. Action Suggestion from The Modern Memo Right now, there’s not a lot to do with this information other than wait for the series to drop. In the meantime, why not catch up on “Homestead” via the Angel Studios app? Alternatively, there are countless post-apocalyptic thrillers available to stream and watch online. Many of them are quite scary, and probably not recommended for family viewing. Why not check out something lighter instead, like “The Chosen?”
Kay Smythe Hill On America’s Spiritual Revival & The Battle With Secular Power
Editor-in-Chief of The Modern Memo, Kay Smythe-Hill joined The Joe Pags Show for her weekly “Kray News with Kay” segment on Monday, where the duo discussed the Great American Revival. From Joe Pags: Kay Smythe-Hill joins Pags to unpack the powerful resurgence of faith across the country—from mass baptisms to packed churches, something big is happening in America. Kay explores how this movement is clashing with a deeply entrenched secular government, and what it reveals about the country’s future. (RELATED: WATCH: Is The Commonwealth A Lost Cause? What Are Long-COVID And ‘Long Vax’?) They also touch on the U.S. Surgeon General’s latest role in shaping cultural narratives, and why this spiritual awakening couldn’t come at a more critical time. Raw, insightful, and full of fire—this one hits deep. The Great American Revival Did you know that the whole “separation of church and state” thing was never an actual law? As of 2022, religious freedoms are on the legal rise thanks to a major Supreme Court ruling that further broke down walls between faith and public spaces. That’s why The Modern Memo is a huge supporter of Million Voices, and their work in breaking down the barriers between you and your elected officials. Million Voices has engaged well over 150 million American voters with non-partisan Candidate Fact Sheets, and helped more than 650,000 low-propensity voters pledge to vote. Outside of major election years, Million Voices helps you contact your reps in ways they can’t ignore — allowing you to finally Use Your Voice in the way our Founding Fathers designed. Did you know that if just eight to 10 people write letters to their elected officials about the same issue, that politician has to take action? If they don’t, that politician is ignoring a crisis — and we won’t let them get away with it. You can tell your lawmakers to end anti-Christian bias today. Click here to find out more today. Follow Pags For So Much More! You can subscribe to Joe Pags on YouTube by clicking here. The Modern Memo will be bringing you as many of Pags’ episodes as humanly possible, but please follow and subscribe to him across all of the following platforms. Check out Joe Pags on X: always the hottest takes and the news you need Joe Pags Official Website Rumble — Joe Pags
Best Crops To Grow During A Nuclear Apocalypse, According To Scientists
An article published in early May by Live Science revealed what some experts believe would be the best crops to grow during a nuclear winter, or following a solar storm or similarly catastrophic event. Congratulations, you’re one of the few people who managed to survive nuclear war, the next extreme pandemic, or the crushing blow of a solar storm. Your goal is to plant sugar beets, spinach, wheat and carrots, as these are your go-to apocalypse crops, according to a study published in the journal PLOS One. The scientists wanted to figure out the best crops for people surviving on small amounts of land. While the study wasn’t inspired by any particular global event, lead author Matt Boyd noted to Live Science that the study “turned out to be very relevant, obviously, to the current geopolitical environment.” What Is The Best Inner-City Crop? The study looked at the best crops to grow in a city during normal times, and then during a nuclear winter. It turns out that peas are the best because of their high protein content and they’re well adapted to grow in small spaces. “If you want to feed someone, growing peas minimizes the amount of land you need to feed that person,” Boyd continued. (RELATED: Guys, We May Have Found The Most Addictive New Outdoors Show On YouTube) But if you live in climates that can get a little chilly, peas aren’t going to be your best friend. The plant isn’t frost resistant, meaning they’re not great for growing during a nuclear winter (or volcanic winter, or the aftermath of an asteroid impact, all of which have relatively similar outcomes day-to-day). Spinach and sugar beets were found to be the best for such conditions, so be sure to stock up on some seeds before it’s too late! The major limitation of the study is that city dwellers are probably the least likely to survive any type of apocalypse. (RELATED: Joe Pags Launches ‘Unshaken And Unafraid’ With Salem Media Group; WATCH The Epic Premiere Episode) Actually, city folks are the least likely to survive in a minor societal disruption that upends our food and water supply. Those who did make it through will either hunker down in their homes or venture out into the natural world and somehow find a way; and they might set-up themselves and their communities for long-term success. “People settled cities where they did for a good reason,” one expert Theresa Nogeire-McRae told Live Science. “It was the rich soil near riverbanks. It’s a good commodity. Let’s not throw that away.” Get Involved Today! Very few mid-sized American cities have open, clean land around their major rivers, and the waterways are typically filled with filth. Most of these areas were turned over to industry over the last hundred years, or coated in concrete for the purposes of “urban planning.” Urban gardening and agriculture is something we care about deeply at The Modern Memo. If you live in a city or town on a river, take a photo of any open land that you think could be used for crop production. Post it and tag us on social media (X — @TheModernMemo) Together, we can start reshaping minds around how best to use the planet God gave us to support ourselves and our future.
Guys, We May Have Found The Most Addictive New Outdoors Show On YouTube
Getting into a small piece of plastic and launching yourself into a murky body of water, spouse in tow, is not exactly what most people think of when they hear the phrase “couples therapy,” but new YouTube creator Dan Gosner is going to change that. Dan is annoyingly good at pretty much everything he turns his hand to, but we’re not supposed to tell him because our friendship group has that sense of humor. He is the most adventurous person I know in real life, almost always bringing his family along for the ride. (MORE MEMOS: ‘Separation Of Church And State Is So Stupid’: National Radio Host Joe Pags Goes Off) When Dan’s wife, my dearest friend Tara, told me he had launched a video channel, my insides groaned. Great, now I get to see Dan be better than me at everything … on video! Or, even worse, what if this is the one thing he’s terrible at and we have to pretend it’s good? But guys, I think Dan might be the best new thing on YouTube and we’re getting to see him before he becomes a superstar. Please don’t tell him I said this: I think this is what he was called to do. “Every now and again, Tara and I take the tandem out to test our skills and test our marriage,” Dan says nonchalantly in the introduction to my favorite video thus far (“Couple’s Therapy – Tandem Whitewater Kayaking“). “Tandem kayaks, much like tandem bicycles, are known as ‘divorce boats.’ TURTLE!” What you’ll find in Dan’s videos is not your typical outdoorsmanship. Where so many creators focus on the mystery, the danger, often teasing what’s ahead, Dan’s going to take you on a rollercoaster of emotion. If you watch his episodes on a full size TV you may (like me) go “AHHHHH” when you forget you’re not in the boat with him. Why We Love … Dan Gosner on YouTube You’ll hold your breath. You’ll laugh out loud. You’ll lull yourself into a serene sense of relaxation. If you can’t get out into the wild today, turn on one of Dan’s videos. Even with the audio turned off, you are guaranteed visually stunning footage with some truly unique choices in the direction that make this one of the best new channels on YouTube.