Ina Garten, Abby Wambach & Taylor Swift are playing beer pong

That’s it. That headline is all I have to say for you to know that there’s some sort of intriguing story on the horizon.

I was listening to Barefoot Contessa on the “We Can Do Hard Things” Podcast hosted by the Olympian, Best-Selling Author Glennon Doyle and her sister, Amanda Doyle, and I knew right away I was in store for a treat. Not just because I adore and respect all 4 of these women, but because they were about to let me in on something that felt exclusive. Here's why this headline hooks, right from the start.

1. The Power of Unexpected Pairings You’ve got three iconic names from completely different worlds—Ina Garten (beloved chef), Abby Wambach (legendary soccer player), and Taylor Swift (global pop star)—and suddenly they’re all together doing something unexpected, like playing beer pong. This kind of unusual combination of personalities immediately piques curiosity. According to research by Celeste Kidd and Benjamin Hayden, unexpected or surprising elements stimulate curiosity and release dopamine, making readers want to know more.

2. Relatability Meets Celebrity Beer pong is a casual, everyday activity that many of us have played at some point. By putting celebrities in a relatable situation, the story feels accessible, which is essential for connecting with an audience. According to Forbes, relatability is a key factor in creating viral stories because readers feel more personally connected when they can see themselves in the scenario.

3. Cultural Relevance Each name in the headline taps into a different audience. Ina Garten appeals to foodies and homebodies, Abby Wambach to sports fans and those who admire leadership, and Taylor Swift to pop culture lovers and Swifties. By bringing together these huge names from different industries, the headline maximizes its potential audience—there’s something for everyone.

4. Visual Appeal The mental image of these three unlikely personalities competing in a beer pong game is instantly entertaining. It sets the stage for humor, light-hearted fun, and maybe even some viral video moments. People can immediately imagine what this scene would look like, which makes the story more engaging.

I'm Erin Peterson, part of the team at Scout Stories. We specialize in innovative storytelling, production services, and media coaching. We help brands and creators craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, driving engagement and success in today’s dynamic media landscape.