Leah Shutkever (aka "The Shuts") is back for a second interview, and we couldn't be more excited! (You can read our first interview here.)
Since we last spoke with her in November 2022, Leah Shutkever has continued to make impressive achievements in the world of food challenges and competitive eating. She has obtained six more official Guinness World Records titles, bringing her current total to 33.
In addition, she has secured many more food challenge victories and even attempted to take down a 9,000,000 (million) SHU (Scoville Heat Units) lollipop.
Leah's social media following has also increased over the past year. Her YouTube channel clocks in at 450,000+ subscribers, while her Facebook page has amassed a whopping 1.3 million followers. Additionally, she has showcased multiple collaborations with fellow YouTubers and competitive eaters on her channel.
In this second interview with Leah, we'll be discussing her most difficult food challenge, her latest additions to the world record list, and more!
Let's dive right in!
FCN: What has been your most difficult food challenge? Did you complete it?
Leah: The most difficult challenge...there are a couple that come to mind. The first is a breakfast sub at the Garden Cafe; I did complete it in a record time, BUT I HIGHLY underestimated it, and you can see the struggle in the video. The other one is the world record for the 'fastest time to eat three chocolate eclairs, which currently stands at 18.02 seconds [held by Furious Pete]. I have attempted it maybe 12 times, and I just can't seem to get under that 18-second mark. Frustrating.
FCN: Do you have a specific workout routine? How do you stay active while doing food challenges?
Leah: I've always been active, long before food challenges. I'm in the gym most days lifting weights, doing some mobility or cardio...or a combination of all three. I should mention that I don't train to eat, I train because it's part of my identity and the lifestyle I'm accustomed to. I also don't do high-calorie food challenges more than four times a month, so I account for the excess and intermittently fast/add exercise to try and hit a balance.
FCN: When you start hitting the "food wall," how do you keep pushing on during a challenge?
Leah: I'm incredibly stubborn, I'm goal-orientated, and I enjoy the feeling of a win, so I focus on that feeling and just keep going.
FCN: You recently achieved five more Guinness World Records titles in London, England. How was your experience? Do you plan on achieving more world records?
Leah: A wildly fulfilling, emotional rollercoaster of a day, which I don't think I'll ever forget in the best way. That said, whilst I don't have anything in the works right now, I will never turn down an opportunity to break more world record titles, so the sky is the limit.
FCN: What is one thing you would like our readers to know?
Leah: You're capable of more than you'll ever know. Keep pushing.
We hope you enjoyed this second interview with the incredible Leah Shutkever! Her passion for food and determination to succeed shine brightly, and we will continue to provide updates on her upcoming food challenges and world record attempts in 2024. You can follow Leah's food journey through her social media links below.
Join our growing Facebook group of over 1,000+ members here.
Photo credits: Leah Shutkever Facebook.