DaBaddest Radio: How to Have a Career in Social Media Host: Dear Media (Bretman Rock) | Release Date: May 1, 2025

In this solo episode of DaBaddest Radio, hosted by the charismatic Bretman Rock, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of Bretman's extensive journey in the world of social media. Covering everything from his early viral moments to managing a dynamic team, Bret provides valuable insights and personal anecdotes that make this episode both informative and engaging.

Personal Updates and Life Balances

Bret kicks off the episode by sharing recent personal endeavors, including his newfound passion for running. He mentions, “[00:40] I have caught the running bug lately... I started running four days ago, and I've run three times since,” highlighting his commitment to fitness despite his efforts to gain weight. Bret humorously delves into the challenges of balancing cardio with weight gain, expressing his desire for a more proportionate physique.

Family dynamics also take center stage as Bret recounts celebrating Easter with his family: “[05:55] I’m always tested. My patience is always tested.” He touches on the lively nature of family gatherings, especially with children, and the need to establish boundaries to maintain order and harmony.

Navigating the Social Media Landscape

Transitioning to the core theme, Bret provides a comprehensive overview of his social media career. He reflects on his early days, stating, “[12:30] I have just been managed by my agents the past couple of year and a half... I’m about to have 20 managers girl because I love everybody.” Bret emphasizes the importance of building a robust support team, including managers, agents, lawyers, and financial advisors.

Bret's affiliation with United Talent Agency (UTA) is highlighted as a pivotal element in his career growth: “[12:30] I have been a part of UTA since I was 17 years old.” He shares anecdotes about his business manager and lawyer, emphasizing how each role has been instrumental in his professional development.

Maintaining Momentum Post-Virality

One of the standout segments features Bret addressing how he sustained his momentum after achieving viral fame. He recounts, “[17:43] My first viral video... when I woke up that morning, I was a sophomore in high school and Vine just became a thing... I went from 10k to 2.1 million followers in two months.” Bret attributes his success to relentless consistency: “[22:52] I posted so fucking much. Period.” He underscores the significance of regular content creation, comparing each post to a “lottery ticket” that could potentially alter his career trajectory.

Expanding Beyond the Beauty Industry

Bret candidly discusses his strategic pivot away from solely beauty-related content. “[23:21] I thank the Dramageddon for happening because I fell out of the beauty industry and it forced me to enjoy and share other things.” This transition allowed him to explore diverse interests such as fitness, farming, and animal care, broadening his appeal and deepening his connection with his audience. Bret proudly shares, “[27:16] People love whatever I love. That’s what I’m trying to get to.”

Achievements and Inspirations

Reflecting on his achievements, Bret highlights two major magazine covers: Vogue Philippines’ Pride cover and Playboy. “[27:35] The first Pride cover of Vogue Philippines was really such a big deal for me... I love being the Playboy cover.” These milestones not only signify his personal success but also the impact he has in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.

When discussing inspirations, Bret pays homage to the strong women in his life: “[29:39] The two women that inspire me are my two grandmothers... they gave me my wings.” This tribute underscores the foundational support that has fueled his resilience and creativity.

Team Building and Trust

Bret offers practical advice on building a trustworthy team, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and shared values. “[31:51] Both my assistants just fell into my life... just be a great person, a good person, insider and out with good morals and values.” He discusses the unique strengths of his assistants, Kat and Lindsay, and the importance of understanding their individual capabilities to maximize efficiency within his operations.

Brand Collaborations and Personal Branding

Delving into the mechanics of brand deals, Bret explains, “[48:17] Usually when they come with an offer, you can counter offer if you feel like you need to get paid more...” He advises influencers to negotiate terms that align with their personal ethos and to decline partnerships that don’t resonate with their brand values. Bret asserts, “[52:18] For me, every time I’m very honest with myself and say no to a brand, a better one always comes.”

On personal branding, Bret remarks, “[35:05] Your brand truly is you. I don’t think I sought out to be a unique brand, but I think because you’re a social media personality, the keyword there is your personality.” He emphasizes authenticity, allowing his unique personality to naturally shape his brand identity.

Financial Management and Investments

Bret shares insights into his financial strategies, introducing the “30% rule” for paycheck management: “[42:29] The 30% rule is the first rule that Brett had told me with paychecks... spending very modestly.” He encourages investing early and wisely, highlighting his own ventures in stocks, property, and retirement funds. Bret conveys his enthusiasm for financial growth: “[43:07] I love learning about it... I just love learning about it.”

Self-Love and Personal Growth

A heartfelt segment on self-love reveals Bret’s journey towards balancing his online persona with his personal identity. “[45:22] Self love is going to be the most important thing you could ever do with any career that you do.” He shares his experience with therapy, emphasizing the need to nurture both his “Internet self” and “everyday self.” Bret offers practical self-love tips, encouraging listeners to prioritize personal well-being: “[45:22] Put a face mask on. Start a bath and watch your favorite movie... Be selfish with your time.”

Vision for the Future

Concluding the episode, Bret envisions a multifaceted future, blending personal aspirations with professional ambitions. “[52:24] In 10 years from now... I hope to be living bi-coastal... start my own generational brand.” He expresses a desire to expand his brand while maintaining his close-knit family ties and continuing to share his passions, such as farming and caring for animals.

Notable Quotes

• “[22:52] I posted so fucking much. Period.”
• “[27:35] The first Pride cover of Vogue Philippines was really such a big deal for me... I love being the Playboy cover.”
• “[35:05] Your brand truly is you. I don’t think I sought out to be a unique brand, but I think because you’re a social media personality, the keyword there is your personality.”
• “[42:29] The 30% rule is the first rule that Brett had told me with paychecks... spending very modestly.”
• “[45:22] Self love is going to be the most important thing you could ever do with any career that you do.”
• “[52:24] In 10 years from now... I hope to be living bi-coastal... start my own generational brand.”

Conclusion

Bretman Rock's solo episode of DaBaddest Radio serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring social media influencers. Through personal anecdotes, professional advice, and genuine reflections, Bret not only demystifies the complexities of building a successful online presence but also underscores the importance of authenticity, financial prudence, and self-care. Whether you're navigating the early stages of your social media journey or looking to refine your existing strategy, Bret's insights offer valuable lessons for sustaining and evolving a dynamic career in the digital age.