Big eating host wanted for new Travel Channel show

January 23, 2008 at 9:39 pm by ojrifkin · More posts about:Man vs. Food, Media

It appears there will be a good deal of competitive eating content on cable TV in 2008 even if the IFOCE contract with Spike TV is not extended. I received an email from Barbara Barna who is looking for a host for a new Travel Channel show which will have competitive eating in every episode. I assume the host will be participating in the contests because she is looking for a someone with a big appetite.

The full email follows after the jump:

I am casting the Host of an Untitled Regional Food Show for Travel Channel that will involve competitive eating in every episode and hoping you may be able to make suggestions and or help get the word out.

The ideal host (man or woman, any ethnicity) LOVES TO EAT and can really eat A LOT.

He/she must also have a fun, big personality (a little bad ass is good too), passion for food, great sense of humor, ease on camera and be able to vividly describe the tastes, smells and sights as they experience them.

No vegetarians need apply.

Anyone interested and qualified should send a recent photo (no older than 6 months), bio/resume, reel (if available) and witty cover note to:

subs@barbarabarnacasting.com

Thanks in advance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact via return email or at 718-855.9522.

Cheers,
Barbara Barna
Casting Director

barbara barna casting
249 smith street, #122
brooklyn, new york 11231
718.855.9522
http://www.barbarabarnacasting.com

Comments (64)

64 Comments »

  1. The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)

    January 23, 2008 @ 10:45 pm

    Crazy Legs can make some extra money while promoting his movie and book to the International masses

  2. Not narrow minded said

    January 24, 2008 @ 2:04 am

    Crazy Legs is not the only CE personality out there Hangman

  3. The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)

    January 24, 2008 @ 6:01 am

    I never said he was. With IFOCE not doing any contests, he can MC somewhere else.

    And yes I know there are other CE personalities out there. Even I can apply seeing I’m a CE personality too.

    I could name all I feel could be good for this job but that list would be way too long for here. Well over 25 names easily. Maybe even over 50.

  4. Super Paul said

    January 24, 2008 @ 8:20 am

    This is a job for………SPBBBMB…I’m applying right now!

  5. Carey said

    January 24, 2008 @ 9:51 am

    Hangman was on the right track. CL would be the only eater I know of that actually could supply a head shot, reel, and bio/resume that deals with the media, and have the personality to get the job. They aren’t looking for just a competitive eater.

  6. hmmm? said

    January 24, 2008 @ 10:19 am

    Invader?

  7. liz said

    January 24, 2008 @ 10:51 am

    I have to second Crazy Legs here, though I could think of a lot of eaters who would do a great job if they wanted to go for it.

  8. No Imagination said

    January 24, 2008 @ 11:52 am

    This would make a great poll question – off the top of my head, I’ve got 5 ranked eaters who should be considered

  9. Anonymous said

    January 24, 2008 @ 12:15 pm

    This has Dale Boone written all over it .

    He is a Bad ass with many eating titles.

    And has tons of TV and Film credits wiith competitive eating and projects
    abroad dealing with traveling .

    And unlike Crazy whoever Dale Boone has been apart of I.F.O.C.E and A.I.C.E

    He also has been in many contests in Asia .to including countries as India ,Thailand ,Singapore.

    My Vote is for DaLE Boone

  10. Anonymous said

    January 24, 2008 @ 1:09 pm

    Crazy Legs Brian Seiken and Don Lerman would all be great at this.

    Luther

  11. uh said

    January 24, 2008 @ 1:16 pm

    boone ur same old crap everytime would get very boring very quick

  12. Stoney Rockhead said

    January 24, 2008 @ 1:18 pm

    Me vote for Superpaul, him got rocks in head, and me like his answers on IFOCE.com article today – him nuts and funny

  13. anonymous said

    January 24, 2008 @ 1:53 pm

    Beautiful Brian all the way. No questions asked hands down! Did you forget he exists or are you purpose ignoring him cause you hate his gutts

  14. Carey said

    January 24, 2008 @ 3:45 pm

    Actually, now that I think about it, I saw the interviews Dale did at past Nathan’s events, and he wasn’t half bad. He is very energetic in front of the camera (and in front of food) and probably won’t throw those tantrums if he is the host of a show instead of a competitor. And he is a world traveller. Can he read a script? JK.

    BTW, anon, no questions asked is a phrase used like no strings attached, doesn’t work the way you used it. And we are ‘purposely’ ignoring him. Guts only has one T in it.

  15. anonymous said

    January 24, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

    cant use boone, you cant understand him
    cant use brian, hes too scuzzy
    cant use lerman, hes insane
    cant use crazylegs, unless you pay off the sheas

  16. Jake from SF said

    January 24, 2008 @ 4:46 pm

    If not Beautiful Brian gets the job no one will watch and the show will be cancelled after a couple shows.

  17. RussK said (Registered February 3, 2007)

    January 24, 2008 @ 6:11 pm

    I just send all my info.

    I’m ready for my close-up.

  18. Badlands Booker said

    January 24, 2008 @ 6:40 pm

    My top 5 picks for this job:
    -Crazylegs Conti
    -El Toro Jimenez
    -Super Paul Bonebreaker Barlow
    -Don Lerman
    And Last but not least:
    -Badlands Booker

  19. The_Hangman said (Registered August 30, 2006)

    January 24, 2008 @ 7:02 pm

    anonymous said,
    January 24, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

    cant use crazylegs, unless you pay off the sheas

    I ask why not use Crazy Legs. The Sheas can use CL to get more PR for IFOCE and this will give them another market. They tried ESPN. They tried Spike. They tried the National Geographic channel. Next they can try the Travel Channel.

    In the entertainment as I have been in for almost 4 decades. One thing you learn early one is there is no such thing as bad press. If they are talking about you, it is good. Just spell my name right they say. And CL can go on as a host and further promote IFOCE and in turn further line his and the Sheas pockets.

  20. beautifulbrian said

    January 24, 2008 @ 7:40 pm

    Thanks alot Badlands for not including me in the top 5 . I’ll make sure to promote your next CD before it hits the stores. For everyone’s info i checked into this and it has nothing to do with casting a CE host for the travel channel . They are looking for someone to do an eating stunt of some sort. Almost like Don’s gig with Airlines on A&E. I would check with the bosses to see if this sits well with them . I would hate to give up my great eating and media career for a few seconds on the travel channel. Im being funny so i give you permission to laugh!

  21. My 2 cents said

    January 24, 2008 @ 7:45 pm

    Top 5 candidates

    Super Paul
    Crazy Legs
    Beautiful Brian
    Kevin Carr
    Eater X

    No Chance: Boone

  22. beautifulbrian said

    January 24, 2008 @ 8:25 pm

    My two cents is my kinda guy

  23. US MALE said

    January 24, 2008 @ 9:33 pm

    Perhaps some of you have not seen the suave, smooth style of the US MALE. Looks & moves all in one package! The travel channel can cast me somewhere hot with beautiful women all around. As Ric Flair would say, “WHHHEEEEWWWWW!”

  24. anon said

    January 24, 2008 @ 9:54 pm

    Crazy Legs would be the Shiznit

  25. travel show said

    January 24, 2008 @ 11:37 pm

    My pick is Dale Boone

  26. Philly guy said

    January 24, 2008 @ 11:40 pm

    Boone hands down . he is free from contract of the Sheas.

  27. mike landrich said

    January 25, 2008 @ 12:38 am

    Badlands is the man for the job.

  28. SyKoBOZO said (Registered September 17, 2007)

    January 25, 2008 @ 12:54 am

    US MALE your wife would kick your ass,who you kidding,lol

  29. Philly Guy said

    January 25, 2008 @ 7:39 am

    Notice at 11:40 Philly guy posted not Philly Guy. Turns out that makes a difference.

  30. Badlands Booker said

    January 25, 2008 @ 7:55 am

    My Bad Beautiful Brian:

    My top 5 picks for this job(Revised)
    :-Crazylegs Conti
    -El Toro Jimenez
    -Super Paul Bonebreaker Barlow
    -Don Lerman
    -Beautiful Brian Seiken
    Also the Godfather will definitely shine at this y’all

  31. My 2 cents said

    January 25, 2008 @ 8:23 am

    They want a show people will like, not hate…therefore, the India idiot is eliminated

  32. Pete said

    January 25, 2008 @ 8:25 am

    Brian S
    Crazy Legs
    Bison

  33. Rhonda Evans said

    January 25, 2008 @ 10:36 am

    My choice is Crazy Legs’ Mom, because she is a well versed world traveler who not only understands competitive eating, but she can present the information to a diverse audience in such a way that its members will appreciate. She would also make a great tag team partner with the likes of DML, BB, Cookie, or Legs himself.

  34. Carey said

    January 25, 2008 @ 10:41 am

    I don’t know who Brian talked to, but they aren’t looking for someone to do a stunt. They are actually casting a host for a series that travels around the country showing off local foods.

  35. i know said

    January 25, 2008 @ 10:50 am

    Crazy Legs has the power of words and is quick witted but Brian is Howard Cosell and Howard Stern all in one . Dont count out Barlow he is made to order for hosting a show

  36. KevinRoss said

    January 25, 2008 @ 12:04 pm

    Pat Bertoletti = the next Anthony Bourdain

  37. i know said

    January 25, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

    The whole thing is nothing but bullshit. I wouldnt waste my time. If you have alot of free time on your hands thats a different story. I assume someone like a crazy legs conti has plenty of that . If they choose a variety of eaters to switch off as a host every other week then it makes some sense. If they are choosing just one person to host the show then its like hitting the lotto. Very difficult.

  38. beautifulbrian said

    January 25, 2008 @ 9:05 pm

    I have an interview with the travel channel next week. I dont expect to get the job if it is an actual hosting gig with the travel channel. Im already behind the 8 ball when i told the casting director i hardly ever watch the travel channel with the exception of battle of the buffets. That didnt sit very well with her. They want a resume? How can i show them a resume when Crazy Legs got all the media stuff. Just kidding May the best man get in . I work a few blocks from the studio so its no biggie for me. BTW you must supply your own food. I filled Super Paul in on that earlier in the day. As long as they dont take BB corner away from me im fine. US Male Goldstein will deliver on the upcoming pre wingbowl show this weekend.

  39. Pete said

    January 26, 2008 @ 7:13 am

    Bison has a strong and clear voice .

  40. Badlands Booker said

    January 26, 2008 @ 8:10 am

    Thanks Mike, Your The Man!

  41. SuperPaul Campaigner Barlow said

    January 26, 2008 @ 6:48 pm

    I promise:
    1.If elected Travel Channel Host, I will refuse to serve until they ask me to serve
    2.I will make every effort to have Badlands Booker’s “Eatin Good” be the show’s theme song.
    3. Beautiful Brian will get a one minute “breaking news” segment, or at least a one minute “breaking wind” segment
    4. CoonSkinhead will never, never be allowed to be mentioned by his real name, or appear on the program
    5. Both IFOCE and AICE members should be able to be on the show, if they promise to let me beat them, or at least come within 73 of their total. However, if this interferes with MLE/IFOCE/AICE policy, this here promise is null and void.
    6. I will make every effort to have Jenny McCarthy be my bunnette, no matter how distracting this may be-even if it lowers my already microscopic consumption totals.
    7. All monies paid to me will be immediately donated to the SPBBBMB Stop The Poverty Fund (details on IFOCE “10 Questions” article)
    8. Coleman’s Bar and Grill will be the “official favorite watering hole” of the show.
    9. Anyone who can cook, and also has the initials PB, and roots for the Chicago Bears can be our official chef, and eater of stuff I don’t wanna touch – Pat, do you like beets??
    10. When invited on the progam, El Toro must barf in the opposite direction of me, not on me
    When appearing,
    11. Russ Keeler must wear TV friendly tye-dye.
    12. Dr. Juris Yabbadabbado must clean up his own Kool-Aid mess
    13. Don Lerman must not speak in capital letters
    14. Steakbellie must wear underwear under his kilt
    15. Crazy Legs must not get me fired in order to steal all available TV shows that need a colorful announcer
    16. And finally, if at all possible, I will attempt to get Stoney Rockhead and Fred Flintsone to engage on-camera in a Bronto Burger Eating Contest, even if it has to be done in animation!

  42. Boone For Host said

    January 27, 2008 @ 2:15 am

    I see Boone all over the NET . Wow what nice Interviews with people from all over the world .

  43. Badlands Booker said

    January 27, 2008 @ 11:49 am

    May the most qualified individual receive the job. Good Luck to you all! ‘Nuff Said.

  44. DON'' MOSES'' LERMAN said

    January 27, 2008 @ 7:18 pm

    I think that Beautiful Brian should get the nod for the job , I have no interest in it and he did a first rate job on eats of strenth better than anyone else ..don lerman

  45. Russ Harris said

    January 27, 2008 @ 11:05 pm

    Here are my odds picks and reasons as to why these following names will or will not be chosen to host the travel channel show
    1. Crazy Legs Conti 6:5 has to be the odds on choice because he has the only job in the world that would allow him to take a long hiatus anytime he pleases. Shea’s backing as a reference is huge. Personality is a big plus. Friendly, great salesman, well versed and can adapt to any situation when called on. SPIKE shows might have been enough to put him over the top. Can prob promote or sell shit and people would buy it

    2. Super Paul Barlow 3-1 Has rubbed elbows with some of the top names in the entertainment field. Great promoter and salesman but lack of television exposure(thanks to the Shea’s) might hurt his chances. If given a chance he can pull it off

    3. Beautifulbrian 5-1 Knows what the public wants and like Crazy Legs can prob convince the public to buy shit and get away with it. On the downside, take him out of his cushy BB corner show and he is like a fish out of water. He can carry a talk show for more than one hour but i think he might have problems with anything that is scripted and not to his liking.(ex Eats of strength) Might also have problems taking orders from anyone but BB.

    4. Don Moses Lerman 8-1 Give him script and he’ll fall apart or become totally disorientated. His only chance is Don Lerman being himself ad libbing and not following a scripted format.

    5. Tim Janus 10-1 Not sure if this is his speed. He has the looks and the personality to host this show but he might get bored after awhile and become homesick for his pizza job.

    6. El Toro 12-1 Would be right there with the top pick but his bad boy persona might hurt his chances plus he might kill someone if they mess up his hair

    7. Kevin Carr 15-1 Has the face for radio not TV. One of the greatest competitive eating audio hosts in the business but the jury is out as to whether he can cut anything but a fart in front of the camera

    8. Dale Boone 25-1 With his backround on Hindu tv (unless he’s bullshitting) he could pull it off. He can be very persuasive and charming when he wants something but after a few weeks on the job he will lose his temper piss the wrong people off and atttempt to slam someone over the head with his cowbell. He’ll end up getting arrested before he gets fired.

    9. Ryan Nerz 30-1 If he had a few (eating) contests under his belt he could easily grab the position. He might feel its about time the Shea’s made him a partner in the organization instead of remaining a third tier carnival barker.

    10. Juliet Lee & Sonya Thomas 75-1 If the travel channel broadcast in South Korea or China both of these ladies would be 3-1 instead of the longshot . They would make ideal hosts if the language barrier wasnt the sole factor in determining the position. Both extremely intelligent and well versed sales ladies . They have the misfortune of being in the wrong country at the wrong time.

    Honorable mention : Erik the Red, Charles Hardy, Badlands Booker, Juris Shibamaya Brian Subich Krazy Kevin
    Not even considered for Honorable mention Joey Chestnut, Peter Miernicki, Ron Koch , Humble Bob, Seaver Miller

  46. anonymous said

    January 28, 2008 @ 1:59 am

    its disgusting the only mention of an aice eater was ian hickman
    most of you people would bring back ifoce guys back from the dead before mentioning aice guys
    what makes any of you think the sheas would allow you to do the show
    better than most of the ifoce guys already listed would be coondog chowhound gjoe and the boy king
    superpaul at least he knows hes a joke

  47. Boone wins said

    January 28, 2008 @ 3:20 am

    Wow I hear big news is coming soon .

  48. Rhonda Evans said

    January 28, 2008 @ 8:43 am

    Russ, it’s amazing how much I agree with your list and mentionables in their entirety. That’s a fine assessment!

  49. beautifulbrian said

    January 28, 2008 @ 8:59 am

    Thanks Don. Im going down there today to check it out . I’ll keep everyone posted and let you know what it’s all about .I’m not expecting to get hired but its worth a shot. I have a job so its not like im desperate for money. If it doesnt pan out they always have my pic and resume for a future gig Ive heard two different stories regarding the host position and the only way to get the real facts is go down there and find out. As far as eats of strength it was ok but more like we were forced to play “guess what im thinking” with George Shea.. I had a strong feeling that after the tapings of those shows we were a done deal regardless of how many times Shea told us that he loved what we did. They planned on using Crazy Legs for future shows and that was that. That guy with the predictions is more than likely correct. I dont care much for scripted material unless im the one writing .

  50. beautifulbrian said

    January 28, 2008 @ 6:38 pm

    Got back from the interview. Instead of reporting it on my site . eatfeats has become the best forum for up to the minute news. It went well. I sat in a waiting room with several other hopefuls. I didnt seen any competitive eaters at least ones that i know .You were required to bring you favorite food and salespitch it to death or in other words what makes it so delectable and delicious. You are also required to fill out a short questionaire relating to your favorite types of food and how much you can consume etc etc One gentleman a former stanford football player and part time actor with a shaven head brought wings from NJ eatery. He made a three hour trip by train from NJ . Another dude brought 4 boxes of krispy kremes and when he realized he only had to eat one or two doughnuts , he left the three remaining boxes for everyone in the waiting room. That was nice of him. Without going into major detail , it appears they are looking for another Rachel Ray. I did my thing with pickles. As soon as two of the receptionists saw the pickle jar they went nuts. Not nuts over me, but the pickles! I glady offered several pickles because they were dying to have one. Now i can see how pickles and the male sex organ have alot in common and very popular with the opposite sex. You do five minutes in front of the camera talking about competitive eating , describing you fav food in detail and then reading a short script promoting some cheesesteak joint. She loved my pitch but ive been on casting calls before. They tell you how great you are and when you leave they rip up your resume . These people seemed real nice and down to earth so i dont want to pre judge them in any way. It seems that the applicants are not just limited to competitive eating . You have people from the entertaiment field applying as well. I inquired about Crazy Legs and they told me that name is not scheduled for today or tommorow. Tommorow tues i believe is the last day to apply.I would be shocked if they picked me for the slot. Thought i would fill everyone in. BTW the supermarket i bought the sour dills from charged $4.49 at the checkout counter for the 32 oz jar . The retail price is $2.99 .They have a policy that if a price is incorrect on an item you get it free. Guess what? Pickles on the house courtesy of shop & stop.

  51. Anonymous said

    January 28, 2008 @ 11:00 pm

    who in the hell is Russ Harris…what has he ever done to think he can rate eaters…put him up against beautiful brian, and brian will kick his ass..another whanabe eater who live the game through the internet

  52. SuperPaul said

    January 29, 2008 @ 7:43 am

    well, I’ve heard nothing, so I guess my “normal” job hunt continues…and, I don’t know Russ Harris either, but I loved his comments! Good Luck, Brian – thanks for the update

  53. anonymous said

    January 29, 2008 @ 8:32 am

    I think the real Russ Harris is a horse racing handicapper for the Daily News in NYC .

  54. Rhonda Evans said

    January 29, 2008 @ 10:10 am

    Good luck to you Brian. I hope you get it. You deserve having a nice thing or two happen to you in 2008.

  55. Gentleman Joe said

    January 29, 2008 @ 4:45 pm

    If BB gets this gig I will… quit competitive eating.

    I nearly said kill myself, if I had, I’m sure i’d be safe.

    Some of you talked about Kevin Carr having a face for radio, times it a few dozen times & you’ve got BB.

    That’s NOT to say I will get it. I did well answering the questions, but not on the describing the food or on the Tony Luke’s script.

    With the people that I know went, i’d say its Coonie, if they go with an eater. Though it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Chowhound got it either.

  56. SuperPaul said

    January 30, 2008 @ 7:57 am

    I guess you had to be near NYC for this one…I didn’t hear diddly….NEXT!

  57. Rhonda Evans said

    January 30, 2008 @ 9:12 am

    Joe I think any of the three independent folks you mention (yourself included) would do a respectable job. I have always been very entertained by Brian. I must also say that the BB Corner segment that you did with him was my second favorite episode. (The one with Crazy Legs was my very favorite.)

    The one constant they both had was Brian Seiken, and I think that speaks volumes.

  58. Anonymous said

    January 30, 2008 @ 11:14 am

    “To Catch a Predator”…that’s one of the best jokes anyone has written here in a very long time.

  59. Gentleman Joe said

    January 30, 2008 @ 11:46 am

    Hey Super Paul is Cuyahoga Falls, OH near NYC?!?

    BB, We all felt good about being interviewed until we found out you went, which means they may as well have taken the security guy from downstairs.

  60. Brian fan said

    January 30, 2008 @ 12:16 pm

    All time fav BB corner
    1. Charles Hardy
    2. Crazy Legs
    3. Menchetti
    4 Krazy Kev

  61. Super Paul said

    January 30, 2008 @ 12:26 pm

    Joe, It’s closer than me, but what can I say…?? Good luck, I hope an eater gets the job, whether it’s IFOCE or AICE, as long as it’s not Coonskinhead, the Indian cow.

  62. ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)

    January 31, 2008 @ 2:12 pm

    The comment by “Time to shut up” was not approved due to personal attacks on eaters who had not previously said anything negative in this thread.

  63. beautifulbrian said

    February 1, 2008 @ 1:22 pm

    Joe, for your info if i dont pass the audition it wont be based on my merits as a commentator or talk show host but more along the lines of the childlike or shall i say lowlife mentality of you and your two scum dirtbag friends trying to sabatoge or putting in a bad word about me to the casting director of the show. It would not surprise me one bit if all three of you pulled a move like that

  64. Gentleman Joe said

    February 1, 2008 @ 3:48 pm

    The only thing I said about you was after I was interviewed, I realized I did a mediocre job & said so. After saying that, I said ‘just tell me I was better than Beautiful Brian’.

    I can’t speak for the other two.

    After a host is in place, i’ll let you know the answer.

RSS feed for comments on this post

Leave a Comment

Log in | Register | Comments by users who have not logged in will be held for approval