Strange Stories: Smashed Potatoes

Strange Stories: Smashed Potatoes

We discuss Tracy J. Renshaw’s $1.5 million lawsuit against Outback Steakhouse over a slip-and-fall on mashed potatoes. We discuss Virginia’s contributory negligence law that could either set a precedent for survivors to collect compensation for personal injury or negate their claims based on their own culpability in the fall. CW | TW: This episode discusses alleged slip-and-fall and other injuries. Profanity likely included. Listener discretion is advised. Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com [severedpodcast@gmail.com] Website: severedpodcast.com [http://severedpodcast.com] Instagram: @severed_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/severed_podcast/] Tik Tok: @severedpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@severedpodcast] Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson Logo Art: Drew Hudson Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson Available on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network [https://roguemedianetwork.com/podcast/severed/] and Radio Garden State [https://www.radiogardenstate.com/] Sources News Clip:  A Woman Is Suing Outback Steakhouse for $1.5 Million [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tBA6BZY-pBU] (ABC News) Legal Blog: “How Contributory Negligence Works in Virginia” [https://www.marksandharrison.com/blog/how-contributory-negligence-works-in-virginia/] via Marks & Harrison (marksandharison.com [http://marksandharison.com]) Legal Blog: “Outback Steakhouse Lawsuit to Proceed” [https://www.gwclaw.com/blog/outback-steakhouse-lawsuit/] via GWC Injury Lawyers (gwclaw.com [http://gwclaw.com]) Article: “Virginia Woman Sues Outback Steakhouse for $1.5M After Allegedly Slipping on Mashed Potatoes and Falling at Restaurant” [https://people.com/virginia-woman-sues-outback-steakhouse-for-usd1-5m-after-allegedly-slipping-on-mashed-potatoes-and-falling-at-restaurant-11990498] by Chiara Kim (People; people.com [http://people.com]) Article: “Woman Sues Outback Steakhouse for $1.5M, Says She Slipped on Mashed Potatoes in Sterling Restaurant” [https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/virginia/loudoun-county/woman-sues-outback-steakhouse-for-1-5m-says-she-slipped-on-mashed-potatoes-in-sterling-restaurant/] by Brian Farrell (DC News Now; dcnewsnow.com [http://dcnewsnow.com]) Article: “Outback Steakhouse Customer Sues Restaurant for $1.5M After Face-Plant Over ‘Slippery’ Mashed Potatoes” [https://nypost.com/2026/06/04/lifestyle/outback-steakhouse-customer-sues-for-1-5m-after-mashed-potatoes-fall/] by Kyra Breslin (NY Post; nypost.com [http://nypost.com]) Article: “Outback Steakhouse Closes Permanently In Sterling” [https://theburn.com/2023/08/24/outback-steakhouse-closes-permanently-in-sterling/] via The Burn (theburn.com [http://theburn.com])

Strange Stories: Perilous Patio

Drew solo hosts to discuss deceptively dangerous patio and beach umbrellas, as in the case of fatal deaths involving 56-year-old Dana Weinger from Summerton, SC. Drew outlines the details of potential negligence and why we should be vigilant with umbrellas on beach days and during patio dining. CW | TW: This episode contains graphic descriptions and imagery of patio (and other) umbrella injuries and fatalities. Listener discretion is advised. Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com [severedpodcast@gmail.com] Website: severedpodcast.com [http://severedpodcast.com] Instagram: @severed_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/severed_podcast/] Tik Tok: @severedpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@severedpodcast] Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson Logo Art: Drew Hudson Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson Available on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network [https://roguemedianetwork.com/podcast/severed/] and Radio Garden State [https://www.radiogardenstate.com/] Sources News Clip: Woman Killed by Patio Umbrella While Dining at Lakeside South Carolina Restaurant [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL1LuX6jWv4] (ABC 7 Chicago) Website: Driftwood Grill [https://driftwoodlazygator.com/] (driftwoodlazygator.com [http://driftwoodlazygator.com]) IG: @driftwoodgrilllazygator [https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodgrilllazygator/?hl=en] Article: “Wife Killed at Restaurant by Flying Patio Umbrella in ‘Sudden Weather Event’ While Out to Eat” [https://people.com/south-carolina-woman-killed-by-airborne-umbrella-while-dining-at-restaurant-11983356] by David Chiu (People; people.com [http://people.com]) Article: “Woman Killed by Flying Patio Umbrella While Dining at South Carolina Restaurant” [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/woman-killed-flying-patio-umbrella-dining-south-carolina-restaurant-rcna347124] by Minyvonne Burke (NBC News; nbcnews.com [http://nbcnews.com]) Article: “Woman Killed by Patio Umbrella While Dining at South Carolina Restaurant: Coroner” [https://abcnews.com/US/woman-killed-patio-umbrella-dining-south-carolina-restaurant/story?id=133296071] by Meredith Deliso (ABC News; abcnews.com [http://abcnews.com]) Article: “Huger Woman Killed by Umbrella in Storm-related Mishap at Restaurant, Coroner Says” [https://www.postandcourier.com/news/local_state_news/huger-woman-killed-umbrella-storm-driftwood-grill/article_3fdca3f1-4261-4635-8b04-03a11e847f81.html] by Glenn Smith (The Post and Courier; postandcourier.com [http://postandcourier.com]) Article: “Diner Killed by Flying Umbrella in Freak Accident at South Carolina Restaurant” [https://nypost.com/2026/05/26/us-news/south-carolina-restaurant-customer-killed-by-flying-umbrella/] by Anthony Blair (NYP; nypost.com [http://nypost.com]) Article: “South Carolina Wife Killed by Flying Restaurant Umbrella Described as ‘Truly Great Woman, Loved by Many'” [https://nypost.com/2026/05/27/us-news/south-carolina-wife-killed-by-flying-restaurant-umbrella-branded-truly-great-woman-loved-by-many/] by Chris Bradford (NYP; nypost.com [http://nypost.com]) Article: “Loose Umbrella Fatally Strikes Woman at Lake Marion Restaurant, Coroner Says” [https://www.wistv.com/2026/05/25/loose-umbrella-fatally-strikes-woman-lake-marion-restaurant-coroner-says/] by WIS News 10 Staff (WISTV; wistv.com [http://wistv.com]) Article: “Lifeguard Impaled ‘About a Foot’ by Beach Umbrella Amid Powerful Gust of Wind” [https://people.com/lifeguard-impaled-about-a-foot-by-beach-umbrella-amid-powerful-gust-of-wind-11761108] by David Chiu (People; people.com [http://people.com])

Strange Stories: Mt. Fuji Wi-Fi

Drew solo hosts to discuss the harrowing rescue of a 27-year-old Chinese hiker from Mt. Fuji. The hiker purportedly lost his phone; hence, the dual trek and subsequent rescues. CW | TW: This episode discusses search, rescue, and death. Listener discretion is advised. Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com [severedpodcast@gmail.com] Website: severedpodcast.com [http://severedpodcast.com] Instagram: @severed_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/severed_podcast/] Tik Tok: @severedpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@severedpodcast] Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson Logo Art: Drew Hudson Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson Available on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network [https://roguemedianetwork.com/podcast/severed/] and Radio Garden State [https://www.radiogardenstate.com/] Sources News: Man Rescued, Twice, from Mt. Fuji After Leaving Behind Phone [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4PM1t5Bn5w] (KTVB News) Website: Mount Fuji Climbing Official Website [https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/] (fijisan-climb.jp [http://fijisan-climb.jp]) Article: “Mount Fuji Climber is Rescued Twice in One Week After Returning for Lost Phone” [https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/mount-fuji-climber-rescued-twice-one-week-returning-lost-phone-rcna203445] by Arata Yamamoto and Peter Guo (NBC News; nbcnews.com [http://nbcnews.com]) Article: “Japan Imposes New Fees on Mount Fuji Climbers to Limit Tourists” [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japan-imposes-new-fees-mount-fuji-climbers-limit-tourists-rcna159706] by Reuters via NBC (nbcnews.com [http://nbcnews.com]) Article: “6 Die on Mt. Fuji in First Month of Season, Topping Last Year’s Total” [https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15391016] by Tatsuhiko Yoshizawa Article: “4 Bodies Recovered on Mount Fuji After Missing Climber Sent Photos from Summit to Family” [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mount-fuji-deaths-missing-climber-sent-photos-from-summit-to-family/] by CBS Staff (cbsnews.com [http://cbsnews.com])

Strange Stories: Hipster Hotel Mixup

Drew solo hosts to discuss the Mama Shelter hotel chain, known for its sex-positive hospitality, where character masks and vibrator rubber duckies are sold. We break down content creator Hazi Adamu’s viral TikTok about the hotel, and her shock that it was a naughtier sex-cation than previously realized. CW | TW: This episode discusses mature themes involving sex; NSFW. Profanity likely included. Listener discretion is advised. Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com [severedpodcast@gmail.com] Website: severedpodcast.com [http://severedpodcast.com] Instagram: @severed_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/severed_podcast/] Tik Tok: @severedpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@severedpodcast] Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson Logo Art: Drew Hudson Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson Available on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network [https://roguemedianetwork.com/podcast/severed/] and Radio Garden State [https://www.radiogardenstate.com/] Sources TikTok:  Hipster Sex Hotel [https://www.tiktok.com/@h2okayy/video/7478741557860912406?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8fF3anEypCQOIuwYIRA8G2XkasqfVJxxga7Hx%2Bp1dgp6yLphMUuV%2F1PEVYc3xZR4bc8ByB1Cz4JZqOityGgA%3D&_r=1&share_app_id=1233&share_item_id=7478741557860912406×tamp=1745931568&u_code=dmm196ih926035&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_source=short_fallback] (@h2okayy)  Website: Mama Shelter [https://mamashelter.com/] (mamashelter.com [http://mamashelter.com]) Website: ARK Living [https://arkliving.com/coliving] (arkliving.com [http://arkliving.com]) Article: “Woman Checks Into What She Thinks Is A Trendy Hotel, Then Gets the Feeling It’s Something More (Exclusive)” [https://people.com/woman-accidentally-books-sex-hotel-viral-tiktok-exclusive-11728271] by Ashley Vega (People; people.com [http://people.com]) Article: “Londoner Expecting A ‘Hipster’ Experience Ends Up At A ‘Sex Hotel’ [https://travelnoire.com/mama-shelter-london] by Natasha Decker (Travel Noire; travelnoire.com [http://travelnoire.com]) Article: “Mama Shelter London Closes as Co-Living Operator Rebrands Site” [https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/mama-shelter-london-coliving/] by Eloise Hanson (Boutique Hotel News; boutiquehotelnews.com [http://boutiquehotelnews.com]) Article: “The London Outpost of Affordable Boutique Hotel Chain Mama Shelter Has Shut” [https://www.timeout.com/london/news/the-london-outpost-of-affordable-boutique-hotel-chain-mama-shelter-has-shut-032626] by Eoise Feilden (TimeOut; timeout.com [http://timeout.com]) Article: “Londoner Expecting A ‘Hipster’ Experience Ends Up At A ‘Sex Hotel’” [https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/londoner-expecting-hipster-experience-ends-155909771.html] by Natasha Decker (Yahoo; yahoo.com [http://yahoo.com])

Strange Stories: Foul Play

Drew solo hosts to discuss Kreisliga C referee Stefan Kahler, bitten by the young child of a FC Taxi II player in Duisburg, Germany. This surprising and strange incident is part of a larger discourse about referee abuse and the stricter policies implemented to protect them from enraged fans, from high school to professional athletes. CW | TW: This episode discusses verbal and physical abuse towards referees, including biting. Profanity likely included. Listener discretion is advised. Email: severedpodcast@gmail.com [severedpodcast@gmail.com] Website: severedpodcast.com [http://severedpodcast.com] Instagram: @severed_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/severed_podcast/] Tik Tok: @severedpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@severedpodcast] Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson Logo Art: Drew Hudson Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson Available on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network [https://roguemedianetwork.com/podcast/severed/] and Radio Garden State [https://www.radiogardenstate.com/] Sources News Clip: Bizarre Referee Incident: A Shocking Incident from Germany [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QRORGkf3iq8] (MorningKickaround) U.S. Soccer Report: “Referee Abuse Prevention: 2026” [https://www.ussoccer.com/rap] via U.S. Soccer (ussoccer.com [http://ussoccer.com]) Article: “German Soccer Player’s Child Bites Referee’s Testicle Forcing Game to Be Canceled” [https://www.latintimes.com/german-soccer-players-child-bites-referees-testicle-forcing-game-canceled-577041] by M.B. Mack (Latin Times; latintimes.com [http://latintimes.com]) Article: “German Soccer Player’s Child Bites Referee’s Crotch Forcing the Game to Be Canceled” [https://people.com/german-soccer-star-child-bites-ref-crotch-11688574] by Natasha Dye (People; people.com [http://people.com]) Article: “Soccer Player Is Run Over by Medical Golf Cart as It Transports His Injured Teammate Off the Pitch During Game” [https://people.com/soccer-player-leg-run-over-by-medical-golf-cart-during-game-11987776] by Escher Walcott (People; people.com [http://people.com]) Article: “German Soccer Match Called Off After Ref Got Bitten in the Testicle” [https://brobible.com/sports/article/german-soccer-ref-cancels-match-testicle-bitten/] by Connor Toole (BroBible; brobible.com [http://brobible.com]) Article: “German Soccer Match Canceled After Child Bites Referee’s Testicle” [https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2025/3/3/24376886/child-bites-testicle-german-soccer-match] by James Dator (SBNation; sbnation.com [http://sbnation.com]) Article: “State Legislation Aimed at Protecting Sports Officials From Assaults or Harassment” [https://www.naso.org/resources/legislation/state-legislation/] via NASO (naso.org [http://naso.org]) Article: “Assaults on Officials Raise Doubts About the Future of Youth Sports” [https://www.espn.com/high-school/story/_/id/40186581/officiating-assault-referees-umpires] by Maya A. Jones and Sara Coello (ESPN; espn.com [http://espn.com]) Article: “Why Children Bite” [https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=why-children-bite-90-P02860] via Stanford Medicine: Children’s Health (stanfordchildrens.org [http://standfordchildrens.org])