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It Burns

The Scandal-Plagued Race to Breed the World’s Hottest Chilli, An Audible Original

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It Burns

By: Marc Fennell
Narrated by: Marc Fennell
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About this listen

Winner of the Silver Narrative/Documentary Podcast Trophy at the 2020 New York Festivals Radio Awards
Nominated for the 2019 Rose D’Or award for Audio Entertainment

Please note: contains mature themes and graphic imagery.

Written and hosted by Marc Fennell, It Burns is the story of a 10-year scandal-plagued international competition that will take listeners from the Australian Coast to South Carolina (via an Indian Research Facility).

It’s a war filled with larger than life characters. There will be sledging, accusations of cheating, theft and performance enhancing drugs. And allegations that Australia was cheated out of a Guinness World Record. In the process of charting the scandal-plagued race to breed the world’s hottest chilli, the audio documentary lifts the lid on the subculture of ‘Chilli-heads’, hardcore chilli fans spread across the globe who compete in chilli eating and breeding competitions.

The internet is filled with videos of grown men being reduced to tears by a square millimetre of chilli. The docu-series asks: what motivates someone to breed and eat a demonic nugget that is so hot it no longer has flavour? At what point does this stop being cuisine and start being an endurance sport?

This humorous series shows that all this has never really been about chilli. It’s been about how people use pain to shape themselves, define themselves and make themselves feel alive.

©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd Cultural & Regional Witty Thought-Provoking Funny

About This Audible Original

Written and hosted by Marc Fennell, It Burns is the story of a 10-year scandal-plagued international competition that will take listeners from the Australian Coast to South Carolina (via an Indian Research Facility).

It’s a war filled with larger than life characters. There will be sledging, accusations of cheating, theft and performance enhancing drugs. And allegations that Australia was cheated out of a Guinness World Record. In the process of charting the scandal-plagued race to breed the world’s hottest chilli, the audio documentary lifts the lid on the subculture of ‘Chilli-heads’, hardcore chilli fans spread across the globe who compete in chilli eating and breeding competitions.

The internet is filled with videos of grown men being reduced to tears by a square millimetre of chilli. The docu-series asks: what motivates someone to breed and eat a demonic nugget that is so hot it no longer has flavour? At what point does this stop being cuisine and start being an endurance sport?

This humorous series shows that all this has never really been about chilli. It’s been about how people use pain to shape themselves, define themselves and make themselves feel alive.

This series contains mature themes and graphic imagery, and listener discretion is advised.

©2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd. (P)2019 Audible Australia Pty Ltd

Listen to audio snippets

It Burns
Ed is an addict
It Burns
Marc is hospitalised because of a chilli
It Burns
Marc meets Damiana
It Burns
Ted and Ed used to be friends
It Burns
The Carolina Reaper
  • It Burns
  • Ed is an addict
  • It Burns
  • Marc is hospitalised because of a chilli
  • It Burns
  • Marc meets Damiana
  • It Burns
  • Ted and Ed used to be friends
  • It Burns
  • The Carolina Reaper

Our new Audible Original with Marc Fennell

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Critic Reviews

"It’s so full of weird twists and turns that I binged the entire five episodes in one go during a road trip." (PedestrianTV)

"A mental image isn’t hard to conjure when your headphones swell with the frantic splutters and gags of chilli eaters in pain, or the guttural aftermath of Youtuber Ted Barrus’s infamous Carolina Reaper chilli “bong rip”. Heed Fennell’s warning in episode one: “You might want to think twice about eating while listening.” (Broadsheet)

All stars
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Well, it was free...for a limited time. Who could resist that? And it was entertaining, ...and educational (about something that I don't really need to know about). And it was connected with Australia, and as a NZer that's cool.
I don't usually read non-fiction, in fact I could count on the fingers of one hand the never of non-fiction titles I have read since school (and that was 40 years ago). So, this was fun. I will probably keep an eye out for other work by this creator.

My first non-fiction audio(book)

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It burns is a masterpiece. I assume that Marc has extremely good core strength. The timbre of his voice is very appealing It makes several parts of my body excrete fluid.

Marc Fennel is Australia's Jon Ronson

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I went in nor knowing what to expect, but happy to try a free book. I would definitely recommend it for a quick little trip into the world of competitive chilli eating.

Unexpectedly entertaining

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I don't eat chilies but this looks at society in brand new angle. It takes s look at the society in a whole new way, metaphorical and with realism that is a surprise. ITS NOT ONLY ABOUT THE CHILIES ITS SO MUCH MORE. Highly recommended. 10/10

Turning up the heat on chilies

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I really didn't expect that!
it's free, I'm curious, it's a long weekend, what the hell I'll download it ...
5 chapters later I'm enthralled, educated, entertained and emotional after a truly fascinating and engaging roller coaster of discovery. both of yourself and the mighty chilli

didn't see this coming

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Marc Fennell is a gifted storyteller who can make any subject fascinating to listen too. I have no interest in chillies but was hooked from the opening lines and couldn't stop listening. I hope Marc produces more audible books like this one as this was definitely 5 stars for me.

Marc Fennell at His Best

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It is not content I would usual go for. Marc fennel is great at unfolding all the threads in a way that makes you want more. Hearing what & why people in this subculture do this is honestly a bit terrifying but fascinating at the same time. I’m giving it 4 out 5 Marvel Tolkien chillies.

Surprisingly gripping stuff.

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marc has knocked the ball out of the park. i loved this strange, yet compelling doco about the race for the hottest chilli.

it's a great listen that demonstrates quality journalism. i hope he makes more of this stuff in the future!

that movie guy has nailed it

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Really enjoyed this...especially the exploration of the psychology behind why chilli-heads are doing what they are doing. Interesting reflection on Marc’s own food demons. Definitely recommend!

So interesting.

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Awesome work, loved every bit.
Well researched, funny and touching. Looking forward to whatever comes next Mark

Serial for chilli heads

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