INTERVIEW: Jon Hein, of The Howard Stern Show, takes a drive-thru America’s fast food chains

There are many professions in the world that children aspire to hold one day. From police officers and firefighters to astronauts and ballerinas, many of these dreams remain childhood fantasies, never to be realized as an adult.

Jon Hein, creator of jumptheshark.com and a frequent radio presence on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show, has scored perhaps the best job in the United States. As host of Fast Food Mania, he travels throughout the country looking for all things sweet, savory and greasy. From Taco Bell to McDonald’s to Nathan’s, his mission is to explore our fascination (and fanaticism) with iconic food done fast. Could it be a coincidence that his last name is one “z” away from that famous ketchup company?

For Hein, it all started with a red fry fork.

“People were aware that I love fast food and the culture behind it,” Hein said recently during a phone interview. “Someone had told me that they were having an audition to host the show. It said to bring one fast food item and be prepared to talk about it. And when I showed up at the audition, I looked around and a lot of people had Quarter Pounders or Whoppers or fries. And when I went in, I had a red fry fork from Nathan’s. And I explained why the fry fork meant so much and what it symbolized. And the network loved it, and since then we’ve had a great match.”

Fast Food Mania recently premiered on Destination America, a re-branded network that falls under the Discovery Communications umbrella. Hein’s show serves as a flagship series for the network’s rebirth.

“When I auditioned, I had no idea what network it was going on,” he said. “When I found out it was a brand-new network, I was thrilled. … They believe in the show. They believe in the concept, and they are willing to roll the dice on a show like this. That only fires me up to do a great job, and hopefully make a show that people will keep coming back to.”

Hein’s fascination with the golden arches of McDonald’s and infectious ringing of the Taco Bell all stem from his childhood. Growing up, he lived directly behind a fast food place and has fond memories of enjoying burgers and shakes with his family. “I remember going there as a kid, always liking the taste of it, always being fascinated by it, whether it was the toys they offered or the food they had,” he said. “Some people like fine dining; I am a big fast food guy. And I like not only the food, but everything involved, ranging from the Colonel and the different characters to just the warm sense you have when you’re at a fast food place.”

When he hit the road to film the 10 episodes of Fast Food Mania (taking strategic breaks from his commitments elsewhere), Hein found several surprises from the establishments and their devotees in the heart of America. “It’s the overall experience that everyone shares when they go to a place like this,” he said. “That really knocked me out.”

Still, despite the positive feelings for America’s fast food restaurants, these corporate chains have come under scrutiny for their high-calorie food and sugary beverages. Whether it was Super Size Me, Morgan Spurlock’s investigative documentary about McDonald’s, or New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s recent proposal to ban the sale of large sodas, America may be overweight, but they are increasingly aware of their sizable waistline.

Hein said Fast Food Mania is meant to be a celebration of the culture behind these establishments. “A large part of the country does eat like this,” he said. “But when you walk into a fast food place, make sure you do it right. So when I go to a Wendy’s, I want to be surrounded by people who also love Wendy’s and enjoy the meal. And, again, I’m not saying go to Wendy’s 365 days a year, but if you go, you might as well have a good time.”

The TV host ties it back to those childhood memories. “A lot of times you’re reliving an experience that maybe you had as a child,” he said. “Now you’re a parent bringing your child, and you associate something fond about it. And often it’s a very cost-effective meal, and a lot of the country needs a meal like that.”

The remaining episodes in the first season will have many highlights. Hein will focus one segment on America’s drive-thrus, letting viewers know how many cars need to be on the line before it’s worth parking and going inside for the meal. Other episodes will focus on the technology behind the fast food and regional restaurants not known everywhere in the country, including Whataburger, Five Guys and Hardee’s.

“We always come away with great food, great stories and something that you didn’t already know about a place you may have been going to your whole life.”

In this age of reality television, when some viewers believe everything is staged, Hein made clear that he’s the one traveling from place to place and enjoying each and every restaurant. For the series premiere, he camped out in a Chick-fil-A parking lot in Duncan, SC, awaiting the grand opening of the restaurant and a chance to win free chicken for a year.

“I don’t think you can fake the passion for the product,” he said. “That’s what’s really resonating with people so far on the show. They can tell that I’m happy to be there, that I’m passionate about the product, that I really enjoy fast food and the people who enjoy fast food. … I wouldn’t want to cheat it like some reality shows do. I’d much rather experience it, because that’s what people who go to these places want to see.”

For a man with that rare chance to travel throughout the United States and enjoy food for a living, one logical question emerges: What would be the perfect fast food meal?

“I would get either a burger from In-N-Out or a hot dog from Nathan’s on Coney Island. Fries, I would go with Nathan’s fries or McDonald’s fries. And for a drink, I’d have to go with either a shake from In-N-Out or a Frosty from Wendy’s. And dessert, because a shake isn’t dessert, I’d have to get a fresh-glazed donut off Krispy Kreme when the hot light is on, or a Blizzard from Dairy Queen. And I would be very, very happy with all of the above.”

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Fast Food Mania with Jon Hein appears Sunday nights at 10 p.m. on Destination America. Click here for more information.