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{{short description|American radio personality (born 1966)}} | |||
{{Unreferenced|date=September 2006}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}} | |||
{{Infobox Celebrity | |||
{{Infobox person | |||
| name = Bubba the Love Sponge | |||
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| name = Bubba the Love Sponge | ||
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| image = | ||
| caption = | |||
| birth_date = ], ] | |||
| birth_place = ] ], ] | |||
| death_date = | |||
| death_place = | |||
| occupation = ] | |||
| salary = | |||
| networth = | |||
| website = | |||
| footnotes = | |||
}} | |||
'''Bubba the Love Sponge Clem''' (born '''Todd Clem''' in ], ] on ], ]) is a ], ] radio talk show host who has had a colorful past. His radio show can be heard five days (Monday-Friday) a week between 3PM and 7PM (]) on ], a channel on ]. Replays of the show can be heard between 1-5AM (]) also on ]. Beginning February 23, 2007, the Bubba the Love Sponge® Show will broadcast live Friday mornings from 6am to 10am on Howard 101; that show will rebroadcast on Friday afternoon from 3:00 – 7:00 pm ET. Fans can further the Bubba the Love Sponge experience by checking out and for behind the scenes uncensored footage of the show at | |||
. | |||
==Bubba on Terrestrial Radio== | |||
Beginning initially on college radio station ] in ], Bubba made his professional debut on ], ]. After initially using "Rockin' Bubba Clem" as his on-air moniker, a fellow DJ gave Bubba the name "Bubba The Love Sponge" which became his permanent radio name. Bubba has trademarked the name, and he legally changed his name to Bubba The Love Sponge Clem in 1999. | |||
By the time he was 25 years old, Bubba was doing morning drive radio in Chicago. He worked as a DJ in the ] (Contemporary Hit Radio) and ] fields, earning multiple national awards from ] for his work. Bubba moved around a great deal in his early years, as many DJs have to do, working in markets like ], ], ], ], ] and ]. | |||
Bubba began to develop his edgy style at ] in Orlando. After Bubba's contract with WXXL was not renewed, he moved onto Tampa's ], then known as ''The Power Pig 93.3'' to work nights. It was there he began to draw national attention for his controversial style. One of Clem's more popular on-air bits was "No Panties Thursday." | |||
In December 1996, ], known in Tampa as ''98 Rock'', hired Bubba for the morning drive time slot. That was a departure for Bubba from his usual pop radio environment, but he welcomed the new challenge. Clem was paired with comedy writer Mike "Manson" Waters to write sketches for Clem's show. "The Bubba the Love Sponge Show" rose quickly in the ratings, with Clem becoming something of a pop culture icon in the Tampa Bay area. | |||
Clem often criticized local ] and national leaders on issues when he disagreed with the politicians. Clem was also critical of a style of radio that he called "warm and fuzzy radio", which Clem claimed to be mind-numbing ]. His brash style appealed primarily to ] workers and long-haul ]. | |||
In ] Clem opened up "Planet Bubba," a nightclub in ] He owned a series of restaurants and nightclubs in the Tampa Bay area including, Bubba's Ale House, Bubba's Beach Club in Ybor City, and Plush in Tarpon Springs, FL. | |||
During January ], "The Bubba The Love Sponge Show" went into ]. During its run in syndication, the show aired on stations in ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. ] carried the show as well, first on tape delay, and then live in east coast morning drive. | |||
] named Bubba the national Active Rock Personality/Show of the Year for ] and ]. Many stations, however, declined to carry Clem's show when offered syndication rights due to its controversial nature. | |||
===Pig Killing Controversy=== | |||
Clem was arrested in ] with two hunters and executive producer Brent Hatley and prosecuted by ] State Attorney ] on charges of animal cruelty after the hunters slaughtered a pig in an on-air event called "Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue." The suspicion of cruelty resulted from a replay button on his soundboard that was linked to a recorded group of boar feasting from a trough that Bubba played several times in succession, giving the impression that the pig was being brutally slaughtered. | |||
In reality, Bubba had called the Florida Fish and Wildlife association before the show and was given the state statute regarding the legal and humane way to slaughter wild boar. Bubba instructed the regulations to be followed by having the boar slaughtered by the professional trapper who captured it under the supervision of two Tampa Police officers. Bubba and the others were acquitted by a six person jury in 52 minutes after a 2002 trial. | |||
===Clear Channel and FCC troubles=== | |||
The ] issued a Notice of Apparent Liability (a precursor to a fine) of US$755,000 against four stations owned by ] on ], ] for complaints made by a single individual made for broadcasts that all took place in 2001. The fine consisted of the maximum of $27,500 for each of 26 airings of a segment the FCC alleged were "designed to pander to, titillate and shock listeners", plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. . This is considered to be the single largest ever fine to be elicited by the FCC to any entertainment medium. | |||
Clem's contract with Clear Channel was terminated on ], ], and his syndicated program was canceled. Clear Channel later reached a settlement with the FCC rather than fight the validity of the claims issued in the NAL. | |||
==Bubba on Satellite Radio== | |||
{{Infobox Radio Show | |||
| show_name = The Bubba the Love Sponge Show | |||
| image = Bubba_new_times.gif | |||
| imagesize = 210px | |||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| |
| birth_name = Todd Alan Clem | ||
| |
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|4|23|mf=y}} | ||
| |
| birth_place = ], U.S. | ||
| |
| occupation = Radio personality | ||
| years_active = 1986–present | |||
| executive_producer = Brent Hatley | |||
| |
| children = 1 | ||
| |
| spouse = Heather Cole (2007–2011) | ||
| |
| website = {{URL|https://thebubbaarmy.com}} | ||
| country = {{flagicon|United States}} ] | |||
| first_aired = | |||
| last_aired = Present | |||
| num_episodes = | |||
| website = http://btls.com | |||
| home_station = ] | |||
| podcast = | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Bubba the Love Sponge Clem<ref name="SPTIMES20040324" />''' (born '''Todd Alan Clem''', April 23, 1966) is an American radio personality who hosts ''The Bubba the Love Sponge Show'' on the radio station ] in Tampa, Florida, and the subscription service Bubba Army Radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioio.com/btls/|title=All the latest from Bubba Army Radio|publisher=radioio|access-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216095830/http://www.radioio.com/btls/|archive-date=February 16, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He can also be heard on Florida Man Radio. | |||
On Friday ] ], ] announced that he would bring Bubba with him to ]. His show has made its debut on Sirius ], ] in its regular timeslot, 4-8 p.m. Eastern, 1-5 p.m. Pacific, live on Howard 101. The schedule was later moved one hour earlier, from 3-7 p.m Eastern Time. Starting February 23, 2007 the show will start broadcasting live Friday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Eastern opposite Howard Stern's Mastertape Theater (with the morning show replayed in the afternoon 3-7 p.m. time slot). Monday through Thursday show schedule remains unchanged from 3-7 p.m. | |||
==Early life== | |||
===Cruel and Unusual Bits=== | |||
Todd Alan Clem was born on April 23, 1966, in ].<ref name=name>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Todd+Alan+Clem+AKA+Bubba+The+Love+Sponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA+THE+LOVE+SPONGE+BTLS+COM |title=Bubba the Love Sponge Btls.com |last=Ringler |first=Lance |date=October 26, 2011 |publisher=Zimbio |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204050641/http://www.zimbio.com/Todd%2BAlan%2BClem%2BAKA%2BBubba%2BThe%2BLove%2BSponge/articles/PSy6Bum_9sG/BUBBA%2BTHE%2BLOVE%2BSPONGE%2BBTLS%2BCOM |archive-date=February 4, 2012}}</ref> His father, Doug Clem, was a factory worker and his mother, Jane Edmond, a schoolbus driver and Warsaw city department head; he has a sister, Tara.<ref name=HAPPENED2018>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/investigations/2018/10/26/what-happened-to-bubba-the-love-sponge-2/|title=What happened to Bubba the Love Sponge?|first=Christopher|last=Spata|date=26 October 2018|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=WAYNE06>{{cite web|url=http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209003033/http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16175375.htm|title=Bubba's mom makes Sirius meatloaf|first=Ryan|last=DuVall|date=December 6, 2006|archive-date=December 9, 2006|publisher=FortWayne|access-date=October 27, 2018}}</ref> Clem's parents divorced when he was young.<ref name=ORLANDO91/> In 1984, Clem graduated from ].<ref name=TBT19990512/> He attended ] in ], with a plan to go into dentistry, but his best friend Larry Plummer told him he was better suited to a radio career, and he dropped out in his second year.<ref name=TAMPA93>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/324087934|title=Unknown title|date=27 June 1993|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|pages=1, 6|first=Anne V.|last=Hull|via=]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=TBT19990512/> Clem had a position at the campus radio station ], but before he became a full-time disc jockey, he worked at a van conversion shop, where he laid down carpets. He coached football at his former high school.<ref name=TBT19990512/> | |||
==Career== | |||
In April of 2006, Bubba shaved a man's genitals and sprayed them with ] cleaner. Most carburetor cleaners contain ], ] and various other chemicals which cause great skin ], even on the hands. | |||
===1986–1992: Early career=== | |||
In 1986, Clem worked as a bouncer and driver at Jubilation nightclub, where he picked up radio DJ "Scary" Kerry Gray, of whom he was a fan, and took him to the club. Once there, Clem noticed people gravitating toward Gray.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ALLACCESS2010>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/power-player/archive/5871/bubba-the-love-sponge-sup-tm-sup|title=Power Player – Bubba The Love Sponge|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=February 9, 2010|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Gray gave Clem an on-air shift as an ] joke on April 1, 1986, at ] in Terre Haute as Rockin' Bubba Clem, a name someone else had suggested.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=ALLACCESS2016>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/151449/a-gofundme-page-has-been-set-up-to-help-kerry-gray|title=A GoFundMe Page Has Been Set Up To Help Kerry Gray|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> Clem became Gray's intern, making studio visits, answering phone calls, and sitting in on the show. He accepted a position hosting weekends soon after, and began a part-time midday shift starting on Christmas Day in 1986. He became the station's managing director.{{when|date=February 2023}}<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/> At a fraternity party, Gray called Clem a "love sponge" after witnessing the female attention Clem received.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=PODCAST2015/> | |||
After WPFR, Clem had a stint at ] in ].<ref name=PODCAST2015>{{cite web|url=https://jacobsmedia.com/worldwide-radio-summit-podcast-syndicated-morning-radio-host-bubba-love-sponge/|title=Podcast Interview: Radio Host Bubba the Love Sponge|date=17 November 2015|publisher=Jacobs Media|first=Seth|last=Resler|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He was fired on December 21, 1988, after a 13-year-old girl called into his show and Clem made sexual remarks about her.<ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 16, 1988</ref><ref>''The Grand Rapids Press'', December 22, 1988</ref> In 1989, Clem landed a spot at ] in San Antonio, Texas, where he was encouraged to trademark his air name and borrowed $5,000 from his parents to file a federal trademark for "Bubba the Love Sponge".<ref name=ALLACCESS2010/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He worked evenings at ] in Chicago, followed by a stint at ] in Philadelphia from March to June 1990. The station let him go as management thought his style was not what they were looking for.<ref name=WLS/> Clem took legal action, and received $75,000 from WIOQ.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/176378449/|title=A major-league lineup for AM listeners|first=Kevin L.|last=Carter|page=6-E|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/174773205/|title=A move to New York for WCAU manager?|first=Joe|last=Logan|page=6-D|date=18 June 1990|newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> | |||
Stern has made frequent references to Bubba's antics on his show, often describing Bubba as insane. Prior to the Stern Film Festival on April 27, 2006, Bubba and crew were on Stern's daily show. ], ], ] and several ] girls were victims of the shock collar. Stern and his cast now use the terms "Shock the puss" and "Shocking the balls" on a regular basis during their show as well. | |||
Clem worked nights at ] in Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 53,000 regular listeners.<ref name=ORLANDO91>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/05/26/bubba-the-love-sponge-theres-more-to-this-disc-jockey-than-his-foul-mouth/|title=Bubba The Love Sponge: There's More to This Disc Jockey Than His Foul Mouth|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=May 26, 1991|first=David|last=Smith|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> He left the station in May 1991.<ref name=NP651>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/231013651/|title=Format change leaves Bubba in the cold|first=Catherine|last=Hinman|page=E-2|date=16 November 1991|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> In August 1991, he returned to Chicago on ] as the morning host, but the position lasted under three months before management rebranded the station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/389539568/|title=WYZT's Love Sponge|first=Dan|last=Kening|page=2|date=24 September 1991|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref name=WLS>{{cite web|url=https://www.wlshistory.com/new/947.htm|title=A quick history lesson on Chicago's 94.7 FM|publisher=WLS History|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref><ref name=NP651/> Clem then moved to ] in ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | title=The Great Milwaukee Quiz | publisher=On Milwaukee | date=August 23, 2007 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822132823/http://onmilwaukee.com/articles/milwaukeequiz.html?viewall=1 | archive-date=August 22, 2016 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/343651689/|title=On the agenda: Wrestling|page=2B|date=12 June 1992|newspaper=The Journal Times|location=Racine, Wisconsin|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> | |||
===Ned Controversy=== | |||
Also during the Film Festival, fans were thrown into controversy in regards to whether Nedly Mandingo, one of the recurring characters on the show, was ] or ]. Ned's ] is certainly outrageous: he is portrayed as an elderly man who is bisexual, addicted to drugs, and a racist. Fans commenting state that the person appearing as Ned on the red carpet was an actor paid to appear in Ned's likeness widely shown on Bubba's website. Howard 100 correspondent ] interviewed Ned (or the actor) on the red carpet, leading fans to claim that Ned in fact is a character manifestation of Manson and Manson's father plays him in public.The rumor continued after an episode of Bubba Crib's aired featuring Ned's home. The show is a spin off of mtv cribs and was to feature the homes of staff members from The Bubba The Love Sponge Show on the pay service website bubba raw. In the episode featuring Ned's home, we never see Ned speak (up close atleast) to the camera. He narrates the episode as if he were holding the camera in a first person perspective. This supports the rumor that infact Manson is responsible for the voice of Ned and thus that is why he did not narrate in front of the camera like all other episodes. It has also been rumored that Hulk Hogan mistakenly revealed that Ned stands for Non Existant Dude. On the air, Bubba affirms the existence of Ned, and seems irritated by the persisting rumors to the contrary. | |||
===1992–1996: WFLZ-FM Tampa=== | |||
===On the Chip Controversy=== | |||
In September 1992, Clem started work from 7 to 11 p.m. at ] in ], where his show gained popularity, particularly among teenagers.<ref name=TAMPA93/><ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TBT1996/> His first major contract signed during this time was worth $100,000 a year.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> Clem and WFLZ host Tom Steele were temporarily suspended to settle legal issues from their ongoing on-air feud.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newspapers.com/image/323693216/|title=Radio personalities taken off the air|date=25 June 1993|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|page=8|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> | |||
On Bubba's ], ] show, he recited the tracks on his upcoming "On The Chip" dual disc cd box set, and realized that two tracks were not on the final list he approved for the cd's production. These tracks were the song "40s and Blunts" from his infamous rap album produced in the early 1990s which he dislikes and is embarrassed by, and the time Ned told a dirty story to his son Tyler, which Bubba claims may cause him child custody problems. Upon discovering this information, Bubba proceeded to have an on air meltdown and severely lash out at Executive Producer Brent Hatley for allowing this, saying that he and Ned would both pay the production costs of the 20,000 already made discs, and threatened not to release the set. | |||
Clem became involved in various business ventures. In December 1994, he invested $50,000 to open Sponges, an alcohol-free nightclub for teenagers in ]. He opened a second Sponges in Spring Hill in 1995. He performed with his rap band Boyz Wit Da Bass there.<ref name=TBTT1995>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/325265040/|title=Bubba won't sponge up their business|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=12 May 1995|first=Phyllis|last=Lipinski|page=10|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Clem was involved in an endorsement deal with an Isuzu car dealership, the Bubba the Love Sponge Limousines service, a personalized paging service called the Air Bubba Beeping Network, and a premium-rate telephone line.<ref name=TBTT1995/><ref name=TBT19950123>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/324513442|title=Because He's Cool|date=23 January 1995|first=Monica|last=Yant|pages=12–13, 15|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> In June 1995, Clem released an adult-oriented home video, ''Let Your Chia Run Wild'', described as a "private collection of events documenting a lifestyle that some can only dream of" and featuring some nudity.<ref name=TBT19951130>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/340550509/|title=Steamy 'adult' video has Bubba under fire|date=30 November 1995|first=Jennifer|last=Barrs|page=6|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Clem regretted his decision to release it, and WFLZ requested Clem cease its distribution.<ref name=TBT19951130/> In April 1996, he opened Bubba's Beach Club, a dance club and nightspot in ].<ref name=TBT19950425>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/340364038/|title=Bubba in his element at Ybor City club opening|date=25 April 1996|page=4|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> In September 1996, Clem quit WFLZ.<ref name=TBT1996>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/340279324/|title=Bubba to return on 98 Rock|date=26 November 1996|first=Rick|last=Harmon|page=16|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|via=]|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> | |||
The dual disc set was released, but only after Bubba talked with Tyler's mother to get her approval and any profanity used by Tyler was censored. Bubba said that he has intentionally not mentioned that the albums are for sale, due to his anger with what occurred.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
=== |
===1996–2004: WXTB Tampa=== | ||
Clem decided to remain in Tampa, partly because he had other business ventures there. He started a morning show at ] in December 1996,<ref name=TBT1996/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.radioyears.com/other/details.cfm?id=881 | title=WXTB - A History | publisher=Radio Years}}</ref> and continued to host a pre-recorded show that was syndicated in six other cities, including Cincinnati, Toledo, Columbus, Louisville, Atlanta, and Jacksonville.<ref name=TBT1996/> | |||
In June 1997, ] was fined $4,000 for airing Clem's discussions of having sex with a lesbian couple on February 25.<ref name=FINESLIST>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016035918/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/graphics/web-fcc970.html|archive-date=16 October 2011|title= FCC Indecency Fines, 1970–2004|access-date=November 12, 2009|first=Ahrens |last=Frank|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> In October 1998, ], WXTB's owner, was fined $23,000 for various broadcasts, including one from May 1997 that included one of the crew describing their enema experience.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=FINESLIST/> This was followed by a $4,000 fine for a June 12, 1997, show that had a woman masturbating over the phone, and a $7,000 fine in 1999 for a May 28, 1998, segment that involved a caller ordering a sex doll.<ref name=FINESLIST/> | |||
On ], ] of the ] ] announced she bought a ] and was considering going to racing school to learn how to race cars. ] suggested that she challenge Bubba. She agreed and challenged Bubba to a race. On ], ] of the Howard Stern Show Bubba called in to accept Robin’s challenge. Howard asked Bubba if he would agree to get breast implants for a year if he loses against Robin. Bubba suggested he could wear a dress if he loses. They decided to wait until after Robin learns to race before making any details final. The current bet is that Bubba will get to make out with Robin if he wins, but must make out with Richard Christy if he loses. | |||
By mid-1999, Clem had received four ''Billboard'' Personality of the Year awards.<ref name=TBT19990512/> He was earning six figures{{vague|reason=six figures can mean 100,000 or 999,999|date=February 2023}} and owned two nightclubs, one of them Planet Bubba in Spring Hill. His radio show crew included Mike "Cowhead" Calta, Mike "Manson" Waters,<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> Whitey Pippen, Scotty the Body, Matt "Spiceboy" Loyd, Anita Wadd and Ned.<ref name=TBT19990512/> In November 2000, Clem was a candidate to succeed the ] sheriff.<ref name=TBT19990512>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/326834098|title=The Mouth That Roars|first=Tom|last=Zucco|date=12 May 1999|newspaper=Floridian|pages=1, 3|via=]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> | |||
===The Kabuki Project=== | |||
On ], ], at exactly 4:00pm, Bubba officially unveiled the much anticipated Kabuki Project. A 9 minute trailer which began with the Paramount Home Video "Feature Presentation" bumper followed by the ] intro theme. The Kabuki Project featured all the key members of the show, including: | |||
*Bubba the Love Sponge as Mr. Big-a crime lord with a jukebox that plays only ] music, drives a yellow Miata, and offers guests various drugs including ], ], and chewable ]. | |||
*Brent Hatley as "The Brain," an informant who lives in a dumpster, loves ] brownies and makes dubious claims such as "] was the captain of the ], ] is the 51st state, ] was killed in a hang gliding accident in ] and ] was the first man to land on ]. | |||
*Ned as "NM3"-a double agent who loves sex with chickens. | |||
*Manson-as the narrator, as well as Special Agent 420, who is stuck eating pot brownies with the Brain, who says the largest planet is ]. | |||
*Spiceboy-Winner of the "Bodyguard of the Year" award, but caught having sex with ]. | |||
*CoCo as "The Interrogator," whose assignment is to have sex with Gene Lasker for information located in his groin. | |||
*Gene Lasker as a gay man in a dance club who is meant to be the target of The Interrogator, but shunned him in favor of NM3. | |||
*25 Cent as "The Monkey Man," a deal man who shows off his big black penis for sexual favors and yells like a monkey. | |||
*Chip as a pedophile who is seduced by NM3 after taking a drink laced with Rohypnol. | |||
*Hammel as Mr. Big's personal handservant. | |||
*Dr. Mark who revives a dying man with ]. | |||
In January 2001, Clem's show entered national syndication on stations in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. | |||
Bit characters include: | |||
], the object of Mr. Big's affection, and claims the Kabuki Project is "almost like seeing God." | |||
], who claims the Kabuki Project is "so fucking hot." | |||
Janey Cakes, who says the only thing better than the Kabuki Project is "ANAL!" | |||
Jimmy Jams, who says if you don't like the Kabuki Project, "I could really actually be elevated to throw fists in here." | |||
In February 2002, Clem was faced with animal cruelty charges following the February 27, 2001, broadcast, which featured the Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue. The show involved the on-air castration and killing of a feral hog a hunter had captured in the station's parking lot, and sound effects of hogs feeding were broadcast to have listeners believe it was being harassed and aggravated. The hog was cooked and eaten by the crowd present. Clem, his executive producer Brent Hatley, and two others present were charged with felony animal cruelty.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2002/LAW/02/25/ctv.florida.bubba.suit/index.html |work=CNN News |title=Florida shock jock faces animal cruelty charges |date=2002-02-25}}</ref> A jury acquitted them in March.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/01/TampaBay/Cleared_of_cruelty__D.shtml |work=St. Petersburg Times |title=Cleared of cruelty, DJ vows revenge |date=2002-03-01}}</ref> | |||
The ending of the Kabuki Project is a direct rip of ], where NM3 has Chip in a pit, recreating the "Lotion in the Basket" scene. Chip claims he knows the real identity of NM3, but when he gives out the name, the ] theme plays. | |||
In January 2004, the FCC issued a $755,000 fine to ] for objectionable comments from July 19, 2001.<ref name=FINESLIST/> The fine consisted of the maximum $27,500 fine for each of the 26 stations that aired the segments, plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. The segment involved sexual discussions among the cartoon characters ], ], and ], among others.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fcc-issues-steep-indecency-fines/ |work=CBS News |title=FCC Issues Steep Indecency Fines |date=2004-01-27}}</ref> Clem was fired on February 23. At the time he had the number one show in the Tampa area in the 18–54-year-old male demographic.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |work=Poynter |title=Let's Get Clear (Channel) About Indecency |date=2004-02-26 |access-date=December 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924115726/http://www.poynter.org/uncategorized/21260/lets-get-clear-channel-about-indecency/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
The Kabuki Project is also the name of their second CD released while broadcasting over SIRIUS. This CD opens with the bit titled The Kabuki Project. There was some minor controversy surrounding the art work for this CD cover, which was done by Jaeger(SFN Darkside Moderator). Ned's name was missing from the credits on the front cover, but Ned did have bits done on the CD. This CD was released on November 17, 2006. | |||
===2004–2010: Hiatus and Sirius Satellite Radio=== | |||
===Brent Hatley song parodies=== | |||
In July 2004, Clem announced he would run for Pinellas County sheriff again.<ref name=TBT20040717>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/329744701|title=Bubba files to run for sheriff of Pinellas|first=Michael|last=van Sickler|date=17 July 2004|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|page=32|via=]|access-date=27 October 2018}}{{subscription required}}</ref> | |||
Brent Hatley, the executive producer of the show, is the subject of numerous parody songs written and performed by Ned. The subjects range from Brent's political views and activism, his skin tone and his weight plus his being a mark for the ] football and basketball teams. The parodies include varitions of the following songs, | |||
In September 2005, ] announced the hiring of Clem to host weekday afternoons on ], his second channel on ], a subscription-based ] service exempt from FCC regulations. The show launched on January 9, 2006.{{cn|date=February 2023}} | |||
*''Touch Me'' by ] | |||
*''Popcorn'' by ] | |||
*Theme song from '']'' | |||
*''Black Betty'' by ] and later ] | |||
*University of Florida fight song | |||
*''Smoke On The Water'' by ] | |||
*Theme song from '']'' | |||
In 2008, Clem began to host two shows a day, which lasted one year. He and his crew aired an FCC-compliant show on ] in the morning, followed by the uncensored program on Sirius in the afternoon. In 2009, Sirius opted for just FM replays during the week and one live uncensored show on Friday afternoons. In December 2010, Clem did not renew his contract with Sirius, moving to RadioIO, an Internet radio service of which his agent Thomas Bean was CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|title=Tampa shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge leaves Sirius XM for Internet radio|last=Eric|first=Deggans|date=January 4, 2011|work=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=2011-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008223248/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/media/content/tampa-shock-jock-bubba-love-sponge-leaves-sirius-xm-internet-radio|archive-date=October 8, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
===Annual Shit Your Pants Contest=== | |||
On November 27, 2006, Bubba held the first annual Shit Your Pants Contest. The rules for the Shit Your Pants contest were that it would either be the last person to hold their bowel movements after taking bowel movement inducing medication, or at 6:15PM, if no one had moved their bowels, to change the rules to be the first person to move their bowels won. All of the contestants wore diapers and had to defecate into them. | |||
===2008–2019: Return to terrestrial radio=== | |||
Bubba gave his co-workers the following mixture of medications at 1:00PM the day of the contest: | |||
Clem began broadcasting a live morning show from Tampa radio station ] 102.5 "The Bone" on January 8, 2008, which was simulcast on the Jacksonville radio station ] 104.5 "Rock 105".<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba the Love Sponge returning to Jacksonville airwaves|first=Mark|last=Basch|url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|format=Original|work=Florida Times Union|location=Online|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929092430/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/121107/bus_224640812.shtml#.VbUtFvlNqSp|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> During the second quarter of 2008, Bubba's show received a number one rating<ref>{{cite news|title=Bubba The Love Sponge regains No. 1 spot in Tampa Bay|first=Ryan|last=Saghir|url=http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|format=Original|work=Orbitcast|location=Online|date=May 5, 2008|access-date=June 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527183718/http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bubba-the-love-sponge-regains-1-spot-in-tampa-bay.html|archive-date=May 27, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> in the Tampa market; in 2015, the show's ratings came under investigation for possible ] tampering. In December 2016 his show was canceled on his local Tampa station, WBRN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|title=Bubba the Love Sponge investigated for ratings tampering|access-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531231229/http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/24568435-story|archive-date=May 31, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
*Magnesium citrate | |||
*6 super colon blows | |||
*Ex-lax brownies, baked by Bubba's then Fiancé/Now Wife Heather | |||
*6 papaya enzymes | |||
In July 2019, it was announced that ] would acquire WORL 660 AM in Greater Orlando (and its FM translator) for $900,000. As previous owner Salem is retaining rights to the WORL call letters; the ] calls from a sister station were swapped to WORL. JVC announced that it planned to launch a new hot talk format on the station, Florida Man Radio, featuring Bubba the Love Sponge in the morning.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv-guy/os-et-florida-man-radio-arrives-plans-to-wake-up-orlando-talk-20190909-thzydlg3sbhv3nikwvie4eoxla-story.html| title = Florida Man Radio arrives, plans to wake up Orlando talk - Orlando Sentinel| date = September 9, 2019}}</ref> Programming is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, W288CJ at 105.5 FM. | |||
Though mostly in pain, by 6:15PM no one had moved their bowels, at which point, Bubba counted down the seconds until the rules change. There was a tie between Brent, Spice Boy, and Jughead, as they were all able to instantly move their bowels. The winner was then determined by the weight, in which with 3lb, Jughead had won. | |||
===2011–present: Bubba Army Radio=== | |||
There is some minor controversy surrounding if Jughead had urinated in his diaper to give him an unfair weight advantage. Bubba ruled that urine is okay. | |||
{{Infobox Radio show | |||
| show_name = Bubba the Love Sponge Show | |||
After the contest when Spice Boy used the bathroom, his bowel movement contained a very large amount of blood. He believes that a ] broke. | |||
| image = | |||
| imagesize = | |||
Bubba later offered $50.00 to anyone who got good footage of themselves making a bowel movement later that day, if he could use it for bubbaraw. | |||
| caption = | |||
| format = Talk show, entertainment | |||
| runtime = 6–10am, Mon–Fri | |||
| country = United States | |||
| language = English | |||
| home_station = Bubba Army Radio, ] | |||
| opentheme = "]" by ] | |||
| endtheme = "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson | |||
| italic_title = no | |||
}} | |||
Clem announced on January 3, 2011, he would have an internet show on ] and feature several programming features throughout the day starting on January 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne|first=Spencer|url=http://siriusbuzz.com/radioio-credits-bubba-the-love-sponge-with-fast-growth.php |title=Radioio Credits Bubba The Love Sponge With Fast Growth |date=January 16, 2011|access-date=January 16, 2011}}</ref> In August 2013 an audiotape was released on ] of Clem voicing a commercial for Vermont Teddy Bear. In the commercial Clem makes racist remarks; he denied being racist, saying, "I never said the word in that manner, ever." He believed the audio was leaked from "someone who had access to world" and that audio bits were taken from recordings when he worked at Clear Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682/|title=Bubba the Love Sponge: YouTube audio with n-word not what it seems|work=Tampa Bay Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417004255/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/bubba-the-love-sponge-youtube-audio-with-n-word-not-what-it-seems/2136682|archive-date=April 17, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem's company, Bubba Radio Network, ordered the removal of the video from YouTube. It is now hosted on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|title=Bubba the Love Sponge -- Racist Filth Caught on Tape|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925211548/http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_2233grgx/|archive-date=September 25, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
On February 13, 2017, WWBA became the new flagship station of Bubba the Love Sponge Show after WBRN dropped the show.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Griffin|first1=Justine|title='Bubba the Love Sponge Show' to air on WWBA-AM 820 in Tampa Bay|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/the-bubba-the-love-sponge-show-to-air-on-wwba-am-820-in-tampa-bay/2312568/|access-date=22 February 2017|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=February 8, 2017}}</ref> The show also airs live on ]<ref name=HAPPENED2018 /> and on sister station WHBO. | |||
Bubba had intended to put the video from this contest on bubbaraw, but decided against it because of the "over thinkers up north" might have given him trouble with it. | |||
In July 2019, co-host Mike "Manson" Waters, who also did the voice of Ned, left the show.{{cn|date=June 2023}} | |||
===Fire Side Chat=== | |||
On the December 6, 2006 show, Bubba held what he referred to as a “Fire Side Chat.” The reasoning behind this was to address several problems he has had while working for SIRIUS. | |||
On August 23, 2019, Janessa Brazil joined the show as the new co-host. She left for family reasons on December 13, 2019.{{cn|date=February 2023}} | |||
He asked his employees to unhook the phones so that SIRIUS corporate could not reach him, made it clear that SIRIUS may cut him off and go to commercials, so stated for his listeners to pay attention for a specific closing statement, and asked all of his on air staff to leave the studio. | |||
At the start of 2020, Seth Kushner joined ''The Bubba The Love Sponge Show'' as a daily co-host, while 'Babyface' Brian Motroni, aka "Coronavirus Virus survivor", Dan Diaco, Jay Diaco and Steve Diaco make regular appearances throughout the week. Longtime contributor Lummox also makes daily appearances.{{cn|date=June 2023}} | |||
Some of the claims that Bubba made are: | |||
In February 2021, co-host Seth Kushner left the show.{{cn|date=June 2023}} | |||
*Bubba claims that after paying all of his bills and his employees’ payroll, there is no money left for him. He stated that he is living off of his savings from when he worked on terrestrial radio. | |||
*He said he took the deal because, at the time, no one else would hire him and he decided he was willing to "build for the future". He said he wasn't complaining because it was his own fault that he was in that situation, but that he felt he was giving Sirius a good deal and that he felt unappreciated. | |||
*Bubba stated that SIRIUS corporate does not do enough to advertise him self, as well as ] | |||
*Bubba also believes that some of the executives of the companies do not believe in him. | |||
*His contract is only for two years, which he intends to work out. He stated that he had previously kept this quiet until this point. | |||
*Bubba asked his listeners to buy SIRIUS radios the following weekend to show their support for his show. | |||
===Other ventures=== | |||
The following morning on ], Bubba's Fire Side Chat was discussed at length, including a number of jokes on Bubba's continued misuse of the word "intangible". Bubba's response on his following show was that he was thankful to Howard for making his boring Fire Side Chat humorous and that he would never do one again. | |||
====Total Nonstop Action Wrestling==== | |||
==Cast and Crew of the Show== | |||
On January 3, 2010, Bubba announced on his ] account that he had signed with ] (TNA) as a backstage interviewer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|title=watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know.|last=Clem|first=Todd|date=January 3, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002232524/https://twitter.com/BTLSRadio/status/7355432282|archive-date=October 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|title=New backstage interviewer for TNA|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=January 4, 2010|access-date=January 4, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831175357/http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262622463.php?style=dark|archive-date=August 31, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> He made his debut the following day on the special live, three-hour ] of '']'', participating in four short backstage segments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|title=Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=January 4, 2010|work=PWTorch|access-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106163017/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml|archive-date=January 6, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
*Bubba The Love Sponge (Birth Name: Todd Clem): Host | |||
*]: On-Air Talent, Bit Writer, Song Parody Writer, Celebrity Voice Impersonator | |||
*]: On-Air Talent, Bit Writer, performs crank calls. | |||
*]: Executive Producer, On-Air Talent | |||
*Spiceboy: Producer, On-Air Talent, Spiceboy was reinitiated to the show on May 15, 2006. He had worked both afternoon drive and more recently morning drive at WXTB 98 Rock until he was let go due to Clear Channels "Zero Tolerance" policy on indecency. | |||
*25 Cent: Associate Producer, Only Black Man On Show, Rumored to live at the studio. | |||
*David Rice: Engineer, Technical Producer, also known as "Dave the Engineer". | |||
*Jughead: Videographer | |||
*DJ Dave: Assistant Videographer, Also DJ at "Thee Dollhouse" (sic), a local Tampa strip club | |||
*Chef: Intern | |||
*Jabba: Intern | |||
*Russ/The Ferret: The newest staff member, "web guy." | |||
*Hammill: Web guy | |||
*Big Dick AKA FAT FUCKING RAT: Office Manager | |||
*Craig the Bulldog: "Mr. Fix It" of the BRN | |||
*Tom the Treeman: Intern | |||
On January 16, 2010, Clem tweeted about the ], saying he had tired of hearing about relief efforts for the people of Haiti, writing, "Fuck Haiti", and calling the ensuing deaths of Haitians a "cleanse." He later apologized, but TNA management nonetheless temporarily removed him from the air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|title=Bubba The Love Sponge apologizes for Haiti comments|last=Eck|first=Kevin|date=January 18, 2010|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=June 20, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812110145/http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2010/01/bubba_the_love_sponge_apologizes_for_haiti_comments.html|archive-date=August 12, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
==Bubba Facts== | |||
*Attended ] but later dropped out | |||
*Was a member of ]; | |||
*Is a fan of the ] football team | |||
*Admits that he takes ]; | |||
*His favorite beer is ]; | |||
*Once was so overweight, that he had to use a beach towel to wipe himself after defecating. {{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
*Ran as the ] candidate for ] of ], Florida in ] receiving over 30% of the popular vote. | |||
*Married on January 13, 2007 to Heather Cole his girlfriend of 5 years. | |||
On January 19, 2010, Clem claimed that he had been blindsided and physically assaulted by ] while backstage for the taping of ''TNA Impact!'' the previous day.<ref name=pwtorch>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_38247.shtml|title=TNA News: Report on TNA Knockout punching Bubba the Love Sponge over Haiti remark|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=June 14, 2016|date=January 19, 2010|work=PWTorch.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813100136/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_38247.shtml|archive-date=August 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to all three, the altercation was because of Clem's tweets about Haiti.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12009/|title=Kong sent home by TNA after fight last night|access-date=January 19, 2010|date=January 19, 2010|publisher=Wrestling Observer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122122122/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12009|archive-date=January 22, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/01/19/awesome-kong-punches-bubba-the-love-sponge/ |title=Awesome Kong Punches Bubba the Love Sponge? |access-date=January 19, 2010 |date=January 19, 2010 |publisher=Diva-Dirt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120195719/http://www.diva-dirt.com/2010/01/19/awesome-kong-punches-bubba-the-love-sponge/ |archive-date=January 20, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> On February 25, news broke that Awesome Kong had filed a lawsuit against Clem for an alleged threatening phone call.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/02/25/25037.htm|title=Wrestler Accuses 'Love Sponge' of Hate Call|last=Brown|first=Karina|access-date=February 26, 2010|date=February 25, 2010|publisher=Courthouse News Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228170514/http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/02/25/25037.htm|archive-date=February 28, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On '']'', Clem confronted Kong.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1272632510 |title=Audio: BTLS confronts Awesome Kong |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |access-date=April 30, 2010 |date=July 30, 2010 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502005605/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1272632510 |archive-date=May 2, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref> | |||
==Spin-Off Shows== | |||
It is rumored that there are a few show ideas being tossed around to be picked up by Sirius in the near future. Some of the shows include, but are not limited to: | |||
*A behind the scenes show featuring all off-air producers. | |||
*A "Women of BRN" show featuring the wives of the on-air talent. | |||
*A Ned specialty hour. (Premiered in Bubba's timeslot from 7:00pm EST to 8:00pm EST, 1/22/07 on Sirius radio) | |||
*Conspiracy Corner (an hour-long program talking about some of the world's biggest conspiracy theories) hosted by Brent Hatley, the most recent episode aired 1/29/07 from 7-8pm EST on ]. | |||
Clem returned to TNA television as the personal interviewer of wrestling stable ], in late March,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40273.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S TNA IMPACT REPORT 3/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV show - cage match with Jeff Hardy, RVD, Wolfpack|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=March 29, 2010|work=PWTorch|access-date=March 30, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404072059/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40273.shtml|archive-date=April 4, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> only to be fired from the company on April 30, 2010, as a result of the Cowhead Show incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=47206 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506080258/http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=47206 |archive-date=May 6, 2010 |title=TNA Fires Bubba The Love Sponge |publisher=PWInsider |last=Trionfo |first=Richard |date=April 30, 2010 |access-date=February 13, 2023}}</ref> | |||
==Show Regulars== | |||
===Motorsports=== | |||
*]: Bubba claims that he is Hogan's number 1 fan. The two are close friends outside of the radio show. Bubba often refers to him as "Hootie." | |||
In 2011, Clem and an investor group bought the 3/8 dirt oval Ocala Speedway, which they renamed Bubba Raceway Park.<ref> - Carlos E. Medina, Ocala.com, 15 April 2011</ref> | |||
*]: Tony is a friend of Bubba's but has been banned from appearing on the show by sponsor The Home Depot and owner Joe Gibbs. | |||
*Gene Lasker: Frequent guest of the show who built Bubba's torture rack. Lasker is usually involved in the various shockings and other assorted fun stuff. Known for his bit "Gene Lasker Investigates". In April 2006, Bubba stated on-air that Lasker would either have to be tortured himself or not come back on the show. Lasker was subsequently tortured and invited back to the show, however, after intern Chip mistakenly continued to torture him after Lasker used his safe word, Lasker proceeded to break down a door in the studio, followed by smashing one of Bubba's digital cameras on the wall outside the studios and burning out with his car. Recently he underwent a makeover, in which his beloved mullet was cut off. During the haircut it was discovered that he actually had "mullet extensions". On February 7, 2007, Bubba announced that Lasker's handicapped 14 year old daughter, Jennifer, had died the previous day during the show. | |||
* ]: A friend of Bubba and pundit who currently hosts ], a national television news show, which is broadcast weekdays at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET on ]. Once known for his colorful bow-ties, which he stopped wearing in 2006, Carlson is generally considered one of the most recognizable conservative media personalties on American television. | |||
== |
==Legal issues== | ||
===Lawsuits=== | |||
*Ned's ]s (trademarked by repeatedly calling his targets and saying progressively more outrageous things to progressively more exasperated recipients; "You got your mailman drivin' around with a truck full of ] stamps and pretty soon he starts hearing little voices... kill the white man... kill the white man... kill the white man... next thing you know he's up on a water tower with a God-damned ]...") | |||
In October 2006, Clem was sued by pornographic film actress Hope Miller, known professionally as Brooke Skye. She alleged that while performing on a radio program together with porn actress Melissa Harrington, Harrington penetrated her with an oversized sex toy against her will at Clem's urging.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|title='Melissa' sued over sex act claim|date=March 13, 2013|work=Lincoln Journal-Star|access-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430095516/http://journalstar.com/articles/2006/10/11/top_story/extras/doc452c34dcce97a077426440.txt|archive-date=April 30, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In 2007, a judge turned down a request by Clem's attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, indicating that there was enough evidence that Miller had a legitimate claim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |title=Judge refuses to toss radio lawsuit |publisher=HeraldTribune.com |access-date=2011-02-05 |date=2007-07-26 |author=Thomas W. Krause |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007195441/http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070726/NEWS/707260465?p=1&tc=pg |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The case was eventually voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.<ref name=docket>{{cite news |title=Court Docket |url=http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=@5956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005/19/2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |publisher=Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711165900/http://publicrecord.hillsclerk.com/oridev/criminal_pack.doc?pcSearchMode=NS&pnPidm=5956261&pcCaseId=06-CA-009125&pnCnt=1&pcFirst=BUBBA&pcLast=CLEM&pcMi=THE%20LOVE%20SPONGE&pcSuf=&pcId=%405956091&pcByear=&pcPtyp=D003&pcDefStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pdInit=06-OCT-06&pcCaseStat=Closed%20-%2005%2F19%2F2008&pcCtyp=CD&pcLocn=TA&pcPref=&pcWarrant=&pcCaseDscr=CIVIL%20ACTION%20FOR%20DAMAGES&pcDiv=K&pcCourtType=&pnCaseYrFr=1970&pnCaseYrTo=2011&pcCtypCL=&pcLocnCL= |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> | |||
*] voice message (Callers call in looking to talk to Bubba, but are redirected to a ] of Evil Knievel controlled by Bubba. The voice recording is so convincing that most callers think they are talking to a real person. Evil Knievel yells and cusses at the caller which usually results in a befuddled or vulgar response from the caller.) This bit was discontinued after Bubba's termination at Clear Channel, but revived in totally uncensored form on his Sirius show. | |||
*Various bits involving electricity, particularly ]s. Guests have been voluntarily shocked with "fish hook" tasers, men have had their ]s shocked and women have been the subject of a bit called "shock the puss". | |||
*Faqku - A crime fighting Asian man who takes orders from Asshopper. Asshopper tries to act like ] and ] all rolled in to one. | |||
*Blackman - Blackman is a spoof of the original ]. The series is thick with racial satire between all characters. | |||
*Whenever Bubba and the crew need to discuss something off-air, they play the theme song to ] to avoid ]. | |||
*State of the Bubba Address created by .NET -Done at the last broadcast day of the month, SOTB is a Q&A session moderated by Doug of and Mutt. Fans from both sites supply Doug and Mutt with questions, which are then answered by Bubba and his crew. | |||
In 2007, Clem was sued for defamation by competitor disc jockey ] over on-air remarks Clem made about Schnitt's family. A court ruled in Clem's favor, and Schnitt vowed to appeal. In March 2013, after 13 hours of negotiations, Clem settled with Schnitt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|title=Bubba, Schnitt reach legal settlement|last=Trenkmann|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2013|publisher=ABC Action News|access-date=April 12, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423044542/http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/bubba-schnitt-reach-legal-settlement|archive-date=April 23, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
==Common show sayings and soundbites== | |||
===Euphemisms=== | |||
Due to content regulations on terrestrial radio, Bubba developed a system of euphemisms when talking about sexually explicit or controversial topics. This slang has persisted into the satellite radio show. | |||
In October 2015, ] sued Clem for $1 million over allegations of tampering with the ratings system by offering to pay several Nielsen panelists to manipulate the ratings by saying they listened to his show more than they did. Clem admitted to paying one person to manipulate the ratings, but Nielsen claimed he influenced several. Clem's lawyer filed a motion asking that Nielsen's lawsuit be dismissed, but it was denied by a judge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230213140314/https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/investigations/bubba-in-more-trouble-with-rating-company/67-45913423 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |title=Bubba in more trouble with rating company |publisher=WTSP |last=Deeson |first=Mike |date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |title=Judge denies Bubba the Love Sponge request to dismiss Nielsen ratings tampering lawsuit, including WBRN Beasley Broadcast Group station - Tampa Bay Business Journal |access-date=2016-12-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201210/http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2016/02/22/judge-denies-bubbas-request-to-dismiss-nielsen.html |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After years of trial delays, Clem and Nielsen settled out of court on July 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbr.com/bubba-nielsen-settle-ratings-tampering-lawsuit/|title=Bubba, Nielsen Settle Ratings Tampering Lawsuit - Radio & Television Business Report|date=July 6, 2018}}</ref> | |||
*"McGillicutty" (A word that can be used in place of any noun, "Put the McGillicutty over there.") | |||
*"Jones" (Another placeholder, usually for actions, "He gave her the three finger jones".) | |||
*"Deal" (A catch-all term mostly used as a noun, i.e. "Here's the deal." Also used to refer to male genitalia, "Put the McGillicutty on your deal.") | |||
*"Diacos" (Fake Breasts, named after Bubba's favorite plastic surgeon Dr. Dan Diaco, "Look at the Diacos on that chick!") | |||
*"Rattler" (A bottle of pills/pharmaceuticals that are abused, "They say we can't smoke weed or eat pot brownies on the air, but we can drink beer, and I have my "rattler" right here.") | |||
*"Lady Bug" (The term Bubba uses when referring to his own penis.) | |||
*"Burn a Wheel" (Smoking marijuana, "do you need to go out back and burn a wheel?") | |||
*"Willie" (An extraneous word often added for emphasis. "The website's bogged down willie.") | |||
*"Yellow Bird" (an unspecified narcotic that Bubba and Hootie have in their rattlers) | |||
*"Wrapping The Toots" (Snorting ]; "Brent wrapped the toots once again this weekend...") | |||
*"Chalking Lines" (Same as Wrapping The Toots.) | |||
=== |
=== Hulk Hogan sex tape=== | ||
{{Main|Bollea v. Gawker}} | |||
Whenever Bubba and the staff want to discuss something off the air, Bubba will play the ] theme song and turn the microphones off. They refer to this as "Price-is-righting it" or "Price is Right jones". | |||
In early 2012, it was reported that Clem had secretly filmed his wife Heather Clem and ] having sex in his bedroom. On October 4, 2012, ] released a short clip of the video.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |title=Even for a Minute, Watching Hulk Hogan Have Sex in a Canopy Bed is Not Safe For Work but Watch it Anyway |last=Daulerio |first=A. J. |date=October 4, 2012 |publisher=Gawker |access-date=February 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150703232454/http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |df=mdy }}</ref> In the clip, Clem can be heard saying that the couple can "do their thing" and he will be in his office. At the end of the video, Clem can be heard telling Heather, "If we ever need to retire, here is our ticket".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sextape.com/hulkhogan/|title=Hulk Hogan Sex Tape|date=February 4, 2013|publisher=SexTape.com|access-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124092747/http://sextape.com/hulkhogan/|archive-date=January 24, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Hogan filed a lawsuit against the Clems for invading his privacy on October 15, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 | title=Hulk Hogan to sue former friend Bubba the Love Sponge, sex tape partner Heather Clem for invasion of privacy | publisher=The New York Daily News | access-date=October 15, 2012 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017032733/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 | archive-date=October 17, 2012 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Clem settled the suit on October 29, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/10/29/us/ap-us-hulk-hogan-sex-tape.html?ref=news|title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With DJ|work= The New York Times }}</ref> Following the settlement, Clem publicly apologized to Hogan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge|title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With Bubba the Love Sponge|last=Gicas|first=Peter|date=October 29, 2012|publisher=E! Online|access-date=February 12, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310213147/http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge|archive-date=March 10, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Hogan sued ] for publishing the tape, and a jury of six awarded Hogan more than $140 million in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/gawker-trial-jurors-made-absolutely-correct-decision-awarding/story?id=37887552|title=Jurors in Hulk Hogan v Gawker Trial Say They Made 'Absolutely Correct' Decision Awarding Hogan $140M|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}</ref> Gawker announced it would appeal as it was "disappointed" that the jury was unable to hear Clem's testimony,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/hulk-hogan-sex-tape-closing-arguments-2016-3|title=Gawker says it may appeal the Hulk Hogan sex-tape case|last=Turkel|first=Dan|date=March 18, 2016|publisher=Business Insider|access-date=April 12, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408201331/http://www.businessinsider.com/hulk-hogan-sex-tape-closing-arguments-2016-3|archive-date=April 8, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but ultimately settled with Hogan for $31 million in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html?_r=0 |title=Gawker and Hulk Hogan Reach $31 Million Settlement |date=November 2, 2016 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105235429/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html?_r=0 |archive-date=November 5, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | |||
===Slang used on the show=== | |||
In October 1998, Clem legally changed his name to Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.<ref name=SPTIMES20040324>{{cite web|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414230751/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/24/Tampabay/Report__Station_fires.shtml|archive-date=April 14, 2004|title=Report: Station fires Bubba|first=Brady|last=Dennis|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=February 24, 2004|access-date=October 27, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That year, he lost 148 pounds, going from 488 to 340. Clem does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.<ref name=TBT19990512/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=ORLANDO91/> | |||
The show is notable for the large vocabulary used by the staff. Many of the terms have their origin in ] and ] culture. | |||
Clem has been married twice; his first marriage lasted 91 days.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/> He said "things got sticky" after he wanted to make it in radio and had to develop in different cities and his wife preferred to stay in Terre Haute.<ref name=TAMPA93/> In January 2007, Clem married model Heather Cole at the First Baptist Church of ]. Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man.<ref name=HAPPENED2018/><ref name=TB2011>{{cite web|title=Shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem files for divorce|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|publisher=Tampa Bay Times|date=15 September 2011|access-date=October 28, 2018|first=Eric|last=Deggans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008070103/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/shock-jock-bubba-the-love-sponge-clem-files-for-divorce/1191495|archive-date=October 8, 2012}}</ref> The couple agreed to separate in March 2011, and Clem filed for divorce that September.<ref name=TB2011/><ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge Alimony Payments|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|publisher=Tampabay Times|access-date=October 6, 2012|first=Joshua|last=Gillin|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010042631/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/juice/content/bubba-love-sponge-owes-wife-1150-month-divorce-not-much-else|archive-date=October 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Clem has a son from a previous relationship; Hogan is his godfather.<ref name=TB2011/><ref name=HAPPENED2018/> | |||
*"]" (Real, not staged) | |||
*"]" (The person in charge) | |||
*"]" (Fake, staged) | |||
*"]" (Gullible fan, or generally used to signify an embarrassing buffoon) | |||
*"jabroni" (an idiot or bufoon; worse than a mark, implies wimpiness or effeminate qualities) | |||
*"jobber" (pro wrestling term referring to a wrestler whose role is to lose matches on a regular basis; when used on the show usually means just some random person) | |||
*"cricket" (a woman who is not your spouse, attractive; not a term of endearment, synonymous with whore or groupie, but less offensive to the ear; often used when referring to strippers) | |||
*"cricket caper" (an illicit or shady sexual encounter with a woman who is not your spouse) | |||
*"]" (Portrayal of staged events as real, illusion, also a way to tell others to shut up about a secret) | |||
*"K-5" (something '''very''' secret, see kayfabe above) | |||
*"]" (To lower someones status, humiliate) | |||
*"rib" (a joke, usually at someone else's expense; a mild burial) | |||
*"put over" (to compliment or praise; the opposite of a burial) | |||
*"cut a promo" (to yell or curse someone out) | |||
*"iggy" (private or secret information; as in "I've got the iggy on the Spice Boy situation") | |||
*"grease" (to attack, disrespect or defeat another; "Howard had me on the show and just greased me with fat jokes") | |||
*"Full Trucker Effect"/"FTE" (a long-haul trucker that listens to the show, a phrase adopted from the ] song, Full Trucker Effect, with which Bubba opens every show.) | |||
*"babyface" (to flatter or to be a nice guy; "Don't try to babyface Brent, tell us what's got you so angry!") | |||
*"stiff" (to be stern or angry or mean; to be overly aggressive; the opposite of babyface) | |||
*"full hot" (dual meaning. 1:to be very pissed off; 2:to be very attracted to a woman. variants include "half hot", "quarter hot", etc) | |||
*"on the chip" (to be angry, annoyed or grumpy) | |||
*"chicken sandwich" (a freebie or gift given by a mark) | |||
*"dark match" (a non-televised wrestling match that serves as a crowd warm-up before the main show goes on live tv; when used on the show it usually refers to a subpar substitution/imitation or something of less inspiring quality. "Kurt and Kyle Busch are nothing but a bunch of dark match Tony Stewarts") | |||
*"heel" (the bad guy in a wrestling match; "Is it me or has Brent been a heel towards Bubba since he took up mixed martial arts?") | |||
In 2012, Clem started a four-year relationship with Nicole L'Ange. In February 2017, she requested an order of protection against Clem, claiming he had abused her "emotionally and physically".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/bubba-clems-ex-seeks-restraining-order-says-radio-host-has-history-of/2314775/|title=Bubba Clem's ex-girlfriend seeks protection order, says radio host abused her|date=28 February 2017|work=Tampa Bay Times|first=Sara|last=DeNatale|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Clem denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court that March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/request-for-restraining-order-against-bubba-dismissed|title=Request for restraining order against Bubba dismissed|publisher=Fox 13 News|date=13 March 2017|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> | |||
===Random Soundbites=== | |||
*"I think I'm gonna have to choose...Bubba!" (] appearing on the show and choosing between Bubba and Brent who she would rather have sex with) On January 16, 2007, Robin later recanted and said she would chose Brent. | |||
*"Save that for Cheech or Bob Kane." (Statement made when Bubba feels someone is trying to mislead him) | |||
*"Anal!" (A sound bite of Bubba's mother, Janie Cakes) | |||
*"Here's the deal..." (How Bubba starts off nearly every show, often imitated by ] on the '']'') | |||
*"He baffled me with bullshit!" (sound bite of Ned's response to one of Brent's rants) | |||
*"Shut up Brent" (sound bite of Ned telling Brent to shut up) | |||
*"Dave's not here!" (sound bite of ] from their self titled ] which is used to refer to Bubba's engineer Dave Rice) | |||
*"I am a fucking idiot" (sound bite of Jughead, played whenever he acts like an idiot or screws up on the job) | |||
*"Fuck this place. It's bullshit. I'm outta here." (How Bubba now ends every show - started 7/6/06) (The phrase is an inside joke. Bubba told the story of the joke the first day, but says he will never again reveal it) This is the explanation for the joke: Bubba talked about an ongoing rib stemming from a guy named T-Quest they used to work with who would always say, “Fuck this place, it’s bullshit – I’m outta here!” Anyway T-Quest would always say this when they’d leave a gig at a local nightclub no matter how nice the establishment was to them just as an inside joke. Bubba said that he’d be using the phrase as his signature good bye from now on and hoped that the bosses got wind of this since it’d be the only time he even mention it from now on. | |||
In June 2017, Clem put his St. Petersburg home up for sale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bubba the Love Sponge's Mansion Up for Sale: The Home That Brought Down Gawker|url=https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|website=realtor.com News|date=June 9, 2017|access-date=14 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315195959/https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/bubba-the-love-sponge-florida-mansion/|archive-date=March 15, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
*] | |||
*] | |||
== |
==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
* | |||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{noitalic|Bubba the Love Sponge}}}} | |||
{{Howard_Stern_Show}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bubba The Love Sponge}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 02:09, 11 November 2024
American radio personality (born 1966)
Bubba the Love Sponge | |
---|---|
Born | Todd Alan Clem (1966-04-23) April 23, 1966 (age 58) Warsaw, Indiana, U.S. |
Occupation | Radio personality |
Years active | 1986–present |
Spouse | Heather Cole (2007–2011) |
Children | 1 |
Website | thebubbaarmy |
Bubba the Love Sponge Clem (born Todd Alan Clem, April 23, 1966) is an American radio personality who hosts The Bubba the Love Sponge Show on the radio station WWBA in Tampa, Florida, and the subscription service Bubba Army Radio. He can also be heard on Florida Man Radio.
Early life
Todd Alan Clem was born on April 23, 1966, in Warsaw, Indiana. His father, Doug Clem, was a factory worker and his mother, Jane Edmond, a schoolbus driver and Warsaw city department head; he has a sister, Tara. Clem's parents divorced when he was young. In 1984, Clem graduated from Warsaw Community High School. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a plan to go into dentistry, but his best friend Larry Plummer told him he was better suited to a radio career, and he dropped out in his second year. Clem had a position at the campus radio station WISU, but before he became a full-time disc jockey, he worked at a van conversion shop, where he laid down carpets. He coached football at his former high school.
Career
1986–1992: Early career
In 1986, Clem worked as a bouncer and driver at Jubilation nightclub, where he picked up radio DJ "Scary" Kerry Gray, of whom he was a fan, and took him to the club. Once there, Clem noticed people gravitating toward Gray. Gray gave Clem an on-air shift as an April Fool's Day joke on April 1, 1986, at WPFR-FM in Terre Haute as Rockin' Bubba Clem, a name someone else had suggested. Clem became Gray's intern, making studio visits, answering phone calls, and sitting in on the show. He accepted a position hosting weekends soon after, and began a part-time midday shift starting on Christmas Day in 1986. He became the station's managing director. At a fraternity party, Gray called Clem a "love sponge" after witnessing the female attention Clem received.
After WPFR, Clem had a stint at WGRD-FM in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was fired on December 21, 1988, after a 13-year-old girl called into his show and Clem made sexual remarks about her. In 1989, Clem landed a spot at KTFM in San Antonio, Texas, where he was encouraged to trademark his air name and borrowed $5,000 from his parents to file a federal trademark for "Bubba the Love Sponge". He worked evenings at WBBM-FM in Chicago, followed by a stint at WIOQ in Philadelphia from March to June 1990. The station let him go as management thought his style was not what they were looking for. Clem took legal action, and received $75,000 from WIOQ.
Clem worked nights at WXXL in Orlando, Florida, where he averaged 53,000 regular listeners. He left the station in May 1991. In August 1991, he returned to Chicago on WYTZ as the morning host, but the position lasted under three months before management rebranded the station. Clem then moved to WLUM-FM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1992–1996: WFLZ-FM Tampa
In September 1992, Clem started work from 7 to 11 p.m. at WFLZ-FM in Tampa, Florida, where his show gained popularity, particularly among teenagers. His first major contract signed during this time was worth $100,000 a year. Clem and WFLZ host Tom Steele were temporarily suspended to settle legal issues from their ongoing on-air feud.
Clem became involved in various business ventures. In December 1994, he invested $50,000 to open Sponges, an alcohol-free nightclub for teenagers in Largo, Florida. He opened a second Sponges in Spring Hill in 1995. He performed with his rap band Boyz Wit Da Bass there. Clem was involved in an endorsement deal with an Isuzu car dealership, the Bubba the Love Sponge Limousines service, a personalized paging service called the Air Bubba Beeping Network, and a premium-rate telephone line. In June 1995, Clem released an adult-oriented home video, Let Your Chia Run Wild, described as a "private collection of events documenting a lifestyle that some can only dream of" and featuring some nudity. Clem regretted his decision to release it, and WFLZ requested Clem cease its distribution. In April 1996, he opened Bubba's Beach Club, a dance club and nightspot in Ybor City. In September 1996, Clem quit WFLZ.
1996–2004: WXTB Tampa
Clem decided to remain in Tampa, partly because he had other business ventures there. He started a morning show at WXTB in December 1996, and continued to host a pre-recorded show that was syndicated in six other cities, including Cincinnati, Toledo, Columbus, Louisville, Atlanta, and Jacksonville.
In June 1997, Jacor Communications was fined $4,000 for airing Clem's discussions of having sex with a lesbian couple on February 25. In October 1998, Citicasters, WXTB's owner, was fined $23,000 for various broadcasts, including one from May 1997 that included one of the crew describing their enema experience. This was followed by a $4,000 fine for a June 12, 1997, show that had a woman masturbating over the phone, and a $7,000 fine in 1999 for a May 28, 1998, segment that involved a caller ordering a sex doll.
By mid-1999, Clem had received four Billboard Personality of the Year awards. He was earning six figures and owned two nightclubs, one of them Planet Bubba in Spring Hill. His radio show crew included Mike "Cowhead" Calta, Mike "Manson" Waters, Whitey Pippen, Scotty the Body, Matt "Spiceboy" Loyd, Anita Wadd and Ned. In November 2000, Clem was a candidate to succeed the Pinellas County sheriff.
In January 2001, Clem's show entered national syndication on stations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Hartford, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Wichita, Kansas, Shreveport, and Macon, Georgia.
In February 2002, Clem was faced with animal cruelty charges following the February 27, 2001, broadcast, which featured the Bubba's Road Kill Barbecue. The show involved the on-air castration and killing of a feral hog a hunter had captured in the station's parking lot, and sound effects of hogs feeding were broadcast to have listeners believe it was being harassed and aggravated. The hog was cooked and eaten by the crowd present. Clem, his executive producer Brent Hatley, and two others present were charged with felony animal cruelty. A jury acquitted them in March.
In January 2004, the FCC issued a $755,000 fine to Clear Channel Communications for objectionable comments from July 19, 2001. The fine consisted of the maximum $27,500 fine for each of the 26 stations that aired the segments, plus $40,000 for record-keeping violations. The segment involved sexual discussions among the cartoon characters Alvin and the Chipmunks, George Jetson, and Scooby-Doo, among others. Clem was fired on February 23. At the time he had the number one show in the Tampa area in the 18–54-year-old male demographic.
2004–2010: Hiatus and Sirius Satellite Radio
In July 2004, Clem announced he would run for Pinellas County sheriff again.
In September 2005, Howard Stern announced the hiring of Clem to host weekday afternoons on Howard 101, his second channel on Sirius Satellite Radio, a subscription-based satellite radio service exempt from FCC regulations. The show launched on January 9, 2006.
In 2008, Clem began to host two shows a day, which lasted one year. He and his crew aired an FCC-compliant show on WHPT in the morning, followed by the uncensored program on Sirius in the afternoon. In 2009, Sirius opted for just FM replays during the week and one live uncensored show on Friday afternoons. In December 2010, Clem did not renew his contract with Sirius, moving to RadioIO, an Internet radio service of which his agent Thomas Bean was CEO.
2008–2019: Return to terrestrial radio
Clem began broadcasting a live morning show from Tampa radio station WHPT 102.5 "The Bone" on January 8, 2008, which was simulcast on the Jacksonville radio station WFYV-FM 104.5 "Rock 105". During the second quarter of 2008, Bubba's show received a number one rating in the Tampa market; in 2015, the show's ratings came under investigation for possible Nielsen Ratings tampering. In December 2016 his show was canceled on his local Tampa station, WBRN.
In July 2019, it was announced that JVC Broadcasting would acquire WORL 660 AM in Greater Orlando (and its FM translator) for $900,000. As previous owner Salem is retaining rights to the WORL call letters; the WDYZ (AM) calls from a sister station were swapped to WORL. JVC announced that it planned to launch a new hot talk format on the station, Florida Man Radio, featuring Bubba the Love Sponge in the morning. Programming is also heard on a 250-watt FM translator, W288CJ at 105.5 FM.
2011–present: Bubba Army Radio
Radio showGenre | Talk show, entertainment |
---|---|
Running time | 6–10am, Mon–Fri |
Country of origin | United States |
Language(s) | English |
Home station | Bubba Army Radio, Twitch |
Opening theme | "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson |
Ending theme | "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson |
Clem announced on January 3, 2011, he would have an internet show on RadioIO and feature several programming features throughout the day starting on January 10, 2011. In August 2013 an audiotape was released on YouTube of Clem voicing a commercial for Vermont Teddy Bear. In the commercial Clem makes racist remarks; he denied being racist, saying, "I never said the word in that manner, ever." He believed the audio was leaked from "someone who had access to world" and that audio bits were taken from recordings when he worked at Clear Channel. Clem's company, Bubba Radio Network, ordered the removal of the video from YouTube. It is now hosted on TMZ.
On February 13, 2017, WWBA became the new flagship station of Bubba the Love Sponge Show after WBRN dropped the show. The show also airs live on Twitch and on sister station WHBO.
In July 2019, co-host Mike "Manson" Waters, who also did the voice of Ned, left the show.
On August 23, 2019, Janessa Brazil joined the show as the new co-host. She left for family reasons on December 13, 2019.
At the start of 2020, Seth Kushner joined The Bubba The Love Sponge Show as a daily co-host, while 'Babyface' Brian Motroni, aka "Coronavirus Virus survivor", Dan Diaco, Jay Diaco and Steve Diaco make regular appearances throughout the week. Longtime contributor Lummox also makes daily appearances.
In February 2021, co-host Seth Kushner left the show.
Other ventures
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
On January 3, 2010, Bubba announced on his Twitter account that he had signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) as a backstage interviewer. He made his debut the following day on the special live, three-hour Monday night edition of TNA Impact!, participating in four short backstage segments.
On January 16, 2010, Clem tweeted about the 2010 Haiti earthquake, saying he had tired of hearing about relief efforts for the people of Haiti, writing, "Fuck Haiti", and calling the ensuing deaths of Haitians a "cleanse." He later apologized, but TNA management nonetheless temporarily removed him from the air.
On January 19, 2010, Clem claimed that he had been blindsided and physically assaulted by Awesome Kong while backstage for the taping of TNA Impact! the previous day. According to all three, the altercation was because of Clem's tweets about Haiti. On February 25, news broke that Awesome Kong had filed a lawsuit against Clem for an alleged threatening phone call. On The Cowhead Show, Clem confronted Kong.
Clem returned to TNA television as the personal interviewer of wrestling stable The Band, in late March, only to be fired from the company on April 30, 2010, as a result of the Cowhead Show incident.
Motorsports
In 2011, Clem and an investor group bought the 3/8 dirt oval Ocala Speedway, which they renamed Bubba Raceway Park.
Legal issues
Lawsuits
In October 2006, Clem was sued by pornographic film actress Hope Miller, known professionally as Brooke Skye. She alleged that while performing on a radio program together with porn actress Melissa Harrington, Harrington penetrated her with an oversized sex toy against her will at Clem's urging. In 2007, a judge turned down a request by Clem's attorneys to dismiss the lawsuit, indicating that there was enough evidence that Miller had a legitimate claim. The case was eventually voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.
In 2007, Clem was sued for defamation by competitor disc jockey Todd Schnitt over on-air remarks Clem made about Schnitt's family. A court ruled in Clem's favor, and Schnitt vowed to appeal. In March 2013, after 13 hours of negotiations, Clem settled with Schnitt.
In October 2015, Nielsen sued Clem for $1 million over allegations of tampering with the ratings system by offering to pay several Nielsen panelists to manipulate the ratings by saying they listened to his show more than they did. Clem admitted to paying one person to manipulate the ratings, but Nielsen claimed he influenced several. Clem's lawyer filed a motion asking that Nielsen's lawsuit be dismissed, but it was denied by a judge. After years of trial delays, Clem and Nielsen settled out of court on July 6, 2018.
Hulk Hogan sex tape
Main article: Bollea v. GawkerIn early 2012, it was reported that Clem had secretly filmed his wife Heather Clem and Hulk Hogan having sex in his bedroom. On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a short clip of the video. In the clip, Clem can be heard saying that the couple can "do their thing" and he will be in his office. At the end of the video, Clem can be heard telling Heather, "If we ever need to retire, here is our ticket". Hogan filed a lawsuit against the Clems for invading his privacy on October 15, 2012. Clem settled the suit on October 29, 2012. Following the settlement, Clem publicly apologized to Hogan. Hogan sued Gawker Media for publishing the tape, and a jury of six awarded Hogan more than $140 million in March 2016. Gawker announced it would appeal as it was "disappointed" that the jury was unable to hear Clem's testimony, but ultimately settled with Hogan for $31 million in November 2016.
Personal life
In October 1998, Clem legally changed his name to Bubba the Love Sponge Clem. That year, he lost 148 pounds, going from 488 to 340. Clem does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.
Clem has been married twice; his first marriage lasted 91 days. He said "things got sticky" after he wanted to make it in radio and had to develop in different cities and his wife preferred to stay in Terre Haute. In January 2007, Clem married model Heather Cole at the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida. Hulk Hogan was Clem's best man. The couple agreed to separate in March 2011, and Clem filed for divorce that September. Clem has a son from a previous relationship; Hogan is his godfather.
In 2012, Clem started a four-year relationship with Nicole L'Ange. In February 2017, she requested an order of protection against Clem, claiming he had abused her "emotionally and physically". Clem denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court that March.
In June 2017, Clem put his St. Petersburg home up for sale.
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