Funny Marco asks Olympian Ilona Maher on a date mid‑podcast, she says yes without hesitation [VIDEO]
A Flirtatious Exchange Over Spiked Lemonade
A clip from the Open Thoughts with Funny Marco podcast has gone viral after the host asked two‑time Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher on a date during their conversation. Marco suggested they go out for “spiked pink lemonade,” and Maher immediately agreed.
The exchange, which lasted under a minute, shifted from a discussion about first‑date etiquette to a playful invitation. Maher, known for her outgoing social media presence and athletic career, responded with laughter and a direct “yes.” The clip, shared by @killakreww, has since accumulated over 826,000 views on X.
The 60‑Second Clip That Captured the Internet’s Attention
The video shows a professionally shot studio setting with black curtains, vertical LED light bars, and wooden director’s chairs. A small side table holds a banana and a white flower. Branding for “WAVE” and “OPEN THOUGHTS” appears on screen throughout the clip.
Ilona Maher, wearing a black halter dress with red lipstick, sits with her hands clasped. She discusses first‑date expectations, including chivalry, opening doors, and who pays the bill. She states that a man should pay on the first date, though she adds that she has covered costs when dating “broker men.”
Funny Marco, seated across from her in a blue zip‑up hoodie, blue shorts, and beige slides, listens before interjecting. The conversation then pivots as he proposes a date over spiked pink lemonade. Maher accepts without hesitation. The clip ends with both laughing and Marco smiling broadly.
Spiked Pink Lemonade and a ‘Tackle’ Joke: How Marco Made His Move
Marco’s approach was lighthearted and self‑aware. After Maher finished explaining her views on dating etiquette, he leaned forward and asked, “Fuck around and tackle me? Can it get spiked pink lemonade?” The question referenced Maher’s rugby background, where tackling is a core skill.
Maher responded, “Yeah. You can whatever you want.” Marco then joked about the cost: “That’s a lot of money.” Maher replied, “Yeah. You got that.” He continued, “You’ve got that money. Now I have the bill? Okay. Type […]. I had bread. Okay. Bread on bread here. Yeah. Let us do. That’s what it is.”
The banter included mutual acknowledgment of their respective financial situations, with both using slang terms for money (“bread”). Maher’s immediate acceptance – without a pause or qualification – gave the exchange its viral appeal. The clip’s editing focused tightly on this flirtatious peak, omitting broader episode context such as earlier discussions about the WNBA or rugby.
Ilona Maher: Two‑Time Olympian and Social Media Star
Ilona Maher is a professional rugby player who represented the United States in rugby sevens at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has become a prominent public figure beyond sports. In addition, she is known for her body positivity advocacy, humorous TikTok videos, and appearances on mainstream entertainment programs.
She was a runner‑up on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, demonstrating her crossover appeal. She also co‑hosts the podcast House of Maher with her sisters Olivia and Adrianna, where topics range from body image to dating. Her social media presence emphasizes athletic strength, confidence, and an unfiltered sense of humor.
Prior to the Open Thoughts appearance, Maher had publicly discussed her dating life, including videos about ideal partner qualities and first‑date scenarios. Her willingness to accept Marco’s invitation on camera aligns with her established persona as someone who engages openly with fans and media.
Funny Marco’s ‘Open Thoughts’ Podcast Format
Funny Marco is a comedian and host of Open Thoughts, a podcast produced under Wave Sports and Entertainment. The show features unscripted interviews with celebrities, athletes, and entertainers, often blending comedy bits, personal revelations, and spontaneous role‑play.
Previous guests include Coco Jones, Marsai Martin, Korporate, and Wale. Episodes frequently include flirtatious or boundary‑pushing moments as part of the comedic dynamic. The Maher episode followed this pattern, including cursing lessons, acting bits, and casual banter before the date invitation segment.
The full episode is available on YouTube and expands beyond the viral clip into topics such as the WNBA and Maher’s rugby career. However, the edited 60‑second version posted to X isolates the dating exchange, which has proven to be the most shareable moment. Marco’s delivery was equal parts nervous energy and playful confidence. So, it contributed to the clip’s organic spread.
Social Media Reacts: Jokes About Linebackers and ‘Supermax Contracts’
X users responded to the clip with humor and enthusiasm, largely avoiding negativity. Many comments focused on the hypothetical outcome of a relationship between the comedian and the Olympic athlete. “That’s a Supermax contract in 22 years,” one user wrote. Thus, implying that any children would become elite athletes. Another said, “He’s dreaming of having a linebacker.”
References to Maher’s physical strength appeared frequently. “She fine ngl,” one reply read. “All I’m gonna say is don’t sleep on the rugby girls,” said another. Some users joked about Marco’s safety: “Death by snu snu,” a reference to Futurama. Others offered simple congratulations: “Shooters shoot,” “Lucky man,” and “I see the vision .. carry on Marco.”
A subset of replies expressed hope that the date would actually happen off‑camera. “I hope this wasn’t just for the podcast and they actually go on a proper date,” one user wrote. Another said, “She is so lovely and I think she would be a fun person to be around.” No coordinated backlash or controversy appeared in the sampled replies.
Chivalry, Paying the Bill, and First‑Date Expectations
Before Marco’s invitation, Maher outlined her expectations for a first date. She stated that chivalry should still be present, including opening doors, walking on the roadside, and the man paying the bill. “After that, on the first date, I will… I pick up a lot, especially if I dated some broker men,” she said, adding, “Could we go to one?”
Her comments reflected a balanced view: traditional gestures matter initially, but she is willing to contribute financially depending on her partner’s situation. The exchange set the stage for Marco’s playful pivot. He acknowledged her expectations while proposing an inexpensive date – spiked pink lemonade – framing it as a low‑pressure alternative to an expensive dinner.
The dynamic highlighted a contrast between Maher’s stated preferences and Marco’s humorous self‑deprecation about his finances. Her immediate acceptance of his suggestion suggested that the chemistry between them outweighed any rigid adherence to dating rules.
What Comes Next? A Date or Just a Podcast Moment
As of press time, neither Funny Marco nor Ilona Maher has confirmed whether the proposed date will actually occur outside the podcast. The viral clip does not include any follow‑up discussion about logistics, timing, or location. Both parties have remained publicly silent on the matter since the post went viral.
The episode’s full context suggests the moment was spontaneous and unscripted, characteristic of Open Thoughts’ improvisational style. However, the podcast’s entertainment format leaves open the possibility that the invitation was a bit rather than a sincere request. Maher’s immediate “yes” could have been part of the playful dynamic rather than a committed response.
Regardless of whether a date happens, the clip has already achieved its viral purpose: generating millions of views, thousands of engagements, and positive sentiment across platforms. For both figures, the exchange served as free publicity that reinforced their public personas – Marco as the audacious comedian and Maher as the good‑natured, confident athlete.