Key Highlights
- The “MeowMix” podcast hosts, Jerry Dempster and Stephen Costner, called a hiatus due to the team’s poor performance.
- The Panthers’ winning streak since their podcast went silent has led to unexpected success for the podcasters.
- The podcasters are uncertain about returning to their show as long as the Panthers continue winning.
From Hiatus to Hot Streak: The MeowMix Podcast’s Unexpected Turnaround
In July 2019, Jerry Dempster and Stephen Costner launched “MeowMix,” a podcast dedicated to dissecting the Carolina Panthers’ every move. Their passion for the team was palpable from the outset, but their optimism quickly turned into despair as the Panthers struggled through one of the worst seasons in NFL history.
By 2025, with only one seven-win season to show for six years, Dempster and Costner decided it was time for a break. The final straw came during a game where they watched the team lose by a score of 42-13 against the New England Patriots in Week 4. “We looked awful,” recalled Jerry Dempster to Sports Illustrated.
On October 1, Costner announced their hiatus on social media: “Unfortunately, the last three seasons in particular have been extremely difficult as Panthers fans, and creating the type of content we enjoy has not been as exciting or enjoyable.” Their decision gained traction quickly, with millions of views and interactions from both Panthers fans and the general public.
The Winning Streak Takes Hold
Against all odds, the Panthers began a winning streak that would change everything. Starting in Week 5, they beat the Miami Dolphins to end a long losing skid. The momentum continued with wins against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, leaving no doubt that something special was happening.
The timing couldn’t have been better for Dempster and Costner.
Suddenly, their decision to take time off seemed like a joke compared to the reality of the team’s resurgence. Social media platforms like Reddit started highlighting the Panthers’ undefeated record since they stopped their podcast, turning it into a meme among sports enthusiasts.
Uncertain Future
Now that the Panthers are winning again, Dempster and Costner have mixed feelings about returning to their show. “Absolutely loved it,” Dempster admitted with a laugh. “And I ain’t coming back until they lose because I ain’t jinxing the streak.” He suggested maybe returning once per week if the team continues its hot start.
Week 8 brings a challenging test against the Buffalo Bills, but Dempster remains optimistic about their chances: “I predicted the Panthers to win 30-24, which would mean—yet again—there won’t be a postgame episode of the MeowMix podcast hitting the internet on Sunday evening.” For now, the future of “MeowMix” remains uncertain, tied directly to the fate of the Carolina Panthers.
As for the broader context, this story highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL seasons and how even dedicated fans can find themselves caught in a long stretch of disappointment. The MeowMix podcast’s journey from hiatus to unexpected resurgence offers a unique glimpse into the passionate yet often tumultuous relationship between fans and their teams.
