Cousin Jay: Social Media Tricks You’re Not Using Yet | DSH #1446

Summary

Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour - Episode #1446: Cousin Jay: Social Media Tricks You’re Not Using Yet

Release Date: July 13, 2025

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Introduction & Reunion

In this engaging episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes back his guest, Cousin Jay, who joins the conversation from Las Vegas. The episode kicks off with reminiscing about past collaborations and reunions, highlighting the strong bonds within their group.

Notable Quote:

"It was actually very sentimental. The reunion in Canada. It was in Toronto, I believe."
— Cousin Jay [01:03]

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Social Media Evolution and Shadow Banning

Cousin Jay delves into the transformation of social media platforms, particularly the shift from prank-based content to more authentic and live-streamed interactions. He discusses his hiatus from YouTube due to being "shadow banned," attributing it to controversial content during his Spring Break series.

Notable Quote:

"I've been on a hiatus off of YouTube. Everyone's like, Jay, aren't you posting on YouTube? It's because I've been shadow banned."
— Cousin Jay [03:02]

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Personal Challenges and Mental Health

The conversation takes a personal turn as Cousin Jay opens up about his ex suggesting he might be on the autism spectrum. This revelation leads him to explore his own mental health, expressing empathy and a desire to support autism foundations. Additionally, both hosts share experiences related to family feuds over inheritances and the emotional toll it takes.

Notable Quote:

"I think I might be on the spectrum."
— Cousin Jay [09:11]

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Interactions with Influential Figures

Cousin Jay shares his encounters with prominent personalities like Donald Trump and Dana, recounting memorable interactions and the impact these figures have had on his journey. He emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and the influence these relationships have on his content creation.

Notable Quote:

"Donald Trump. I met him, like, two years ago or a year and a half ago at the LIV Golf tournament."
— Cousin Jay [16:24]

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Content Creation and Philanthropy

Discussing his content strategy, Cousin Jay outlines plans for a "subathon" on Twitch, pledging to donate earnings to fans. He reveals his aspiration to become a philanthropist, inspired by his grandmother's selfless nature. This segment underscores his commitment to giving back and fostering a supportive community.

Notable Quote:

"Like, I'm trying. I'm planning for this subathon that I'm going to be doing because all of the earnings that I make on Twitch, I'm actually going to be giving it to all the fans."
— Cousin Jay [11:36]

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Lessons on Business and Relationships

The hosts discuss the dynamics of hiring assistants and the challenges Cousin Jay faces in maintaining professional relationships without blending them into friendships. They highlight the importance of trust and integrity in business partnerships, sharing personal anecdotes about past experiences.

Notable Quote:

"I don't want a slave. I don't want to be slaving anyone."
— Cousin Jay [36:17]

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Future Plans and Rebranding

Wrapping up the episode, Cousin Jay announces his rebrand from "the real ish" to showcasing his authentic self across various platforms. He teases the release of his book on February 8, 2026, intertwining personal growth with professional milestones. Additionally, he outlines upcoming projects like the fall tour, aiming to highlight positive aspects of college life and fraternities.

Notable Quote:

"I'm going to show them the real me and what you guys are experiencing right now. This is me. I'm a grown ass man."
— Cousin Jay [42:18]

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Conclusion

Episode #1446 of Digital Social Hour offers a deep dive into Cousin Jay's personal and professional life, exploring themes of authenticity, resilience, and the evolving landscape of social media. Sean Kelly and Cousin Jay engage in a candid dialogue that not only entertains but also provides valuable insights for aspiring content creators and social media enthusiasts.

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Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Over Pranks: The shift from prank-based content to authentic, live interactions resonates more with today's audience.
• Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming shadow bans and personal challenges showcases the importance of perseverance.
• Philanthropy as a Goal: Moving towards giving back underscores a commitment to positive community impact.
• Navigating Professional Relationships: Maintaining professionalism without personal entanglements is crucial for sustainable growth.
• Rebranding for Growth: Continuously evolving one's personal brand is essential in the fast-paced world of social media.

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Stay Connected:

• Cousin Jay's Social Media:
  • Instagram: Real Cousin J
  • YouTube: Cousin J Live
  • Twitch: Real Cousin J_
  • Snapchat: Real Cousin Jay

For more detailed discussions and updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Cousin Jay across his social platforms and stay tuned for his upcoming book release.

Transcript

[A]

Yo, Nick Narasina. How we all had a group together. You know, one time we went to the studio and we used to go support him all the time. We were all hanging out a bunch, and he asked Slim, yo, what do you think of my song? Like that he was working on. Slim was like, that shit's ass. And I'm like, yo, that's crazy.

[B]

Okay, guys, got him back on the show. This time in Vegas. Let's go, Cousin J.

[A]

What happens in Vegas ends up on YouTube, right? Oh, what's up? Thank you for welcoming me.

[B]

Yeah. Interesting feedback on our last episode and wanted to get to know you more, man.

[A]

No, pleasure, man. Yeah, we had a couple technical difficulties, which is why we're back here.

[B]

Yeah. Shortly after that episode, the reunion happened, which was. Kind of came out of nowhere, right?

[A]

Yeah. That was unexpected. Like a mixtape. So Kyle, he hit me up and he's like, yo, Jay, I need you. And then I was like, bet, Say less. I'm here. I never left, so.

[B]

So it's just all love.

[A]

Yeah. It was actually very sentimental. The reunion in Canada. It was in Toronto, I believe. And then we flew to Montreal for a happy dad meetup.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But, yeah, it was very heartfelt seeing Jesse, Kyle, Saleem, mtv, Pat, That's Jesse's dad.

[B]

Nine zero brought the whole squad back together.

[A]

Literally everyone. I mean, besides Bradley Martin. I'm not really sure why he wasn't there, but, yeah, I had a really great time. Honestly, it was amazing.

[B]

Other than the Bob Menary incident.

[A]

Yeah, we'll get to that.

[B]

We'll save that one.

[A]

We'll save that one for later. Put it in the oven on preheat 380.

[B]

It was cool to see that, though, man. Not a lot of groups reunite like that, you know?

[A]

Yeah. It's like when we're together, I. Kyle likes to call it, and Saleem, like the Avengers. And it really feels like that when we're all together.

[B]

I mean, you guys changed social media. I watched Nelk for years. Like, you guys created a lot of trends and a lot of movement.

[A]

Yeah. In 2020. That's like when we first joined officially, and it was unlike anything ever like this. We all leveled up times 10.

[B]

I feel like that was the peak, too. When you joined. That was like the pinnacle for.

[A]

For Kyle. Yeah.

[B]

In terms of content. Because they've kind of switched to the POD now. And they're more. They don't do, like, the pranks. The employee pranks and shit. No.

[A]

Yeah. Because, I mean, he doesn't want to get arrested. Man, I don't blame him. Getting to a certain age. He's reaching ankh now, you know, he's ANK status.

[B]

You're on your way?

[A]

Yeah, I'll be there. I actually have, like, a eight or nine nieces and nephews, actually.

[B]

Damn. So you're already on.

[A]

I've been. I've been.

[B]

Damn, you're young for an ankh.

[A]

I haven't been, like, a super active unk. I'm like a deadbeat unk. But this year's gonna be different, man.

[B]

Hell, yeah. How's the content? How it's coming along?

[A]

It's doing extremely good. You know, I've been on a hiatus off of YouTube. Everyone's like, Jay, aren't you posting on YouTube? It's because I've been shadow bananaed.

[B]

Bonnie Blue, right?

[A]

Yeah. Spring break did a lot of crazy content, and, you know, it got us off of the Internet. You know, you live and you learn. I got blued, so I've been. I've been in my blues, man.

[B]

I'm a little nervous because she's coming on next week, actually. What was the specific thing that got you blued?

[A]

It was a little nipple slip.

[B]

Oh, okay. So as long as she doesn't slip a nip.

[A]

Yeah, you'll be good.

[B]

I'm chilling.

[A]

I hope so.

[B]

I mean, you never know.

[A]

You never know with her. She's wild.

[B]

She is wild, man. She just got banned. Did you see that?

[A]

Yeah, of. Yeah, yeah, I heard.

[B]

Which is hard to do.

[A]

Yeah, she. She. She knows what she's doing, I guess. Right?

[B]

Like, that's actually impressive to get banned on of.

[A]

She knows how to get people banned, including herself, man. No, but she's a really, really nice person. Off camera.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Really nice lady.

[B]

You gonna add her to the Dream Squad? You pick out the members yet for Dream Squad?

[A]

I don't know about Bonnie, but we have a couple other people in mind. I'll just say that. And I want my group to be very diverse. She is diverse, you know, Bonnie. But we're gonna be a little bit more wholesome this time around.

[B]

You, like, in Miami, though, moving there?

[A]

It's. It's growing on me very, very well now. Like, last year, I was in an rv. This year, we're in a. We're in a big house now, so. And I got a house for the Dream Squad members, so.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

I'm just waiting to fill in some spots and. Yeah, that's. That's where we're at.

[B]

Big change from Cali, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You were in Sac Yeah, growing up.

[A]

From up until the age of like 18, 19 and then I traveled all the way to LA and I liked it there because at the time that was like how Miami kind of is now. You know, I feel like Miami's the new LA and you know, LA was just blowing up. At DDG, they had a bunch of different concentrators. They had Fousey 2 Vitali at the time. And I was watching all these people and I was like, I think this would be a good place.

[B]

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[A]

For me to try to like butt heads with, you know, not butt heads, but like bump into people and try to rub shoulders. And I actually did get in contact with some of these people and you know, it was like the best decision for me moving to la. But now if I were to start over, I'd say moving to Miami would be the move. If I'm like 18, 19 and I want to do content, it's really hard, but it's possible.

[B]

I agree. All the, all the guys are in Miami now. Aiden Ross is out there, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All the streamers.

[A]

Because you just want to be around people that are like minded and you know, and try not to come off as needy and you know, because no one wants to help someone who's super needy, you know, you got it. You gotta fake it till you make it.

[B]

I did it. Yeah, you gotta fake it a little bit. You gotta, you know, rub shoulders and it's part of the game.

[A]

Yeah. Just say, just say hey there, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then keep grinding, stay consistent. And then boom. You end up on a podcast like this, the digital. The Digital Social Hour.

[B]

You know, bro, we got a lot of views on our first one.

[A]

Oh yeah, the clips are going viral still. People hit me up all the time.

[B]

Millions, bro. Well, I think people wanted to know what happened, you know, so it's cool to see you explain a little bit of it. And now you have a book which you're gonna explain more of it.

[A]

Yes. Man.

[B]

Can't wait for that.

[A]

Cousin Jay, he's a really uncle. He's a. He's an author now. Not officially to the public. The book is releasing February 8, 2026.

[B]

Why'd you pick that date?

[A]

It's my birthday.

[B]

Oh, Aquarius.

[A]

Yes, I'm here.

[B]

Valentine's Day.

[A]

Yes. That's crazy. So you're spreading love that day.

[B]

Yeah, I'm always in my head. Aquariuses are so. I can relate to you, man. So, yeah, you're probably on your bed at night thinking about shit all the time.

[A]

All the time. Like, I can't stop thinking.

[B]

I can't get out of my head, dude.

[A]

Yeah, it's like ADHD inside there. Like just all over the place. Scattered.

[B]

I can't just ever be still. Yeah. I struggle to meditate.

[A]

Yeah. My Ex said I had autism.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

How'd you take that?

[A]

When she said it, I started looking more into it. Now I want to actually donate to like some autism foundations.

[B]

Oh, so you think you might have it?

[A]

I think I might be on the spectrum.

[B]

Well, a lot of people have it these days.

[A]

Elon has it, I have it. I diagnose myself. Fuck it.

[B]

Yeah, I know Steve talks about it too. Steve says he has it.

[A]

He might. He, he. But like, no, Steve. I love Steve, man. He's kind of going through it right now. Everyone who's watching this, please send your prayers out to him. He really needs us. You know, he's going through tough time in life. You know, we haven't really talked too much about it in depth, but, you know, I bumped into him the other day and I. I just really want the best for Steve, man. Like he's. He's done so much for me. He even blessed me with this chain.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

You know, and he blessed me with a $10,000 investment, you know, on my clothing line.

[B]

That's dope.

[A]

Like a few years back, you know, and I'll never forget moments like that. Not just the money aspect, but just him being such a kind hearted person, you know, he's an introvert. He has extroverted tendencies, but I think he really needs. He really needs us. And you know, he really wants to get back on YouTube and I hope that YouTube will take him back, you know?

[B]

Yeah, YouTube was. I used to love watching his videos, man. He would give away a car every video. Like, he's one of the most giving people I've ever seen.

[A]

He genuinely is. I've never seen anything like it.

[B]

Yeah. Hope he gets it back.

[A]

He will. I have high hopes for it.

[B]

People are starting to get unbanned, I think on Twitch and YouTube. So hopefully. Right. Shout out to Steve. Sending good energy your way, man. I saw his video with Nick the other day. The double date video.

[A]

Yeah, I've seen that pop up.

[B]

Nick's a good content creator too.

[A]

Yeah, he's grinding.

[B]

Yeah. He's hustling the frat parties.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I didn't know he worked at Full Send.

[A]

Yeah, he was working for Steve. He was these filmer and then he came on to Saleem's channel and when I was filming the videos and then we started going back and forth and we blew him up, you know, that's what I mean.

[B]

You guys have had such a impact, like on everyone. Like I.

[A]

Even a lot of different.

[B]

Yeah, I. I got into content because of Fullsim. Like, there's just so many people that have come from full time.

[A]

A lot of people, like, to this day, like, they tell me, like, yo, you're the reason why I started doing content. Like, I've been filming videos for the past seven years, and it's. It doesn't even feel like work to me. You know, highs and lows. But, you know, it feels really good.

[B]

That's so.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Do you have a list of video ideas you want to film?

[A]

I mean, I'm trying. I'm planning for this subathon that I'm going to be doing because all of the earnings that I make on Twitch, I'm actually going to be giving it to all the fans.

[B]

Dope.

[A]

Because I make money from Patreon and I make money from my clothing line. Like, a bunch of different things. And soon next year, like, from the book. But ideas, I just like it. Like, we're both Aquariuses. I mean, I'm not really into that Aquarius Zodiac. This.

[B]

There's levels to it.

[A]

Yeah. I'm not like those crazy girls, you know what I mean, with the Zodiacs. Like, what's your Zodiac?

[B]

I don't base my whole life off it, but I do see.

[A]

No, yeah, there's. There's. It definitely the shoe fits in some aspects. But ideas. Right now, I kind of want to. Similar to, like, what Steve was doing, I want to give back. Like, I'd naturally do that off camera. And, like, for me, it kind of feels weird, like, showing, like, you giving gifts to people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But since I do it off camera so much and I feel like I don't get credit for it, I feel like it's a great way for me to just showcase what I do. It sounds kind of contradicting.

[B]

No, you might as well. I see what you're saying.

[A]

You know what I'm saying? I really do this, like, for a living. Like. Like, I feel like, like when I get older, I want to be a philanthropist.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So you've always wanted to give back?

[A]

Yeah, a thousand percent.

[B]

Wow. I don't think a lot of people think that way.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, it comes. It really comes from. If I were to think about it, my grandma, she was really a very giving person. And, like, I want to just share that side. Like, what I remember from her.

[B]

She was big on your upbringing.

[A]

Yes. Yeah. She was the nicest person in the world. That's dope to me.

[B]

Shout out to her.

[A]

And, like, a lot of people, like, taking advantage of her. Like, if I think about that too. And I relate to that too. Like getting taken advantage of, just. And she just continues to just be selfless. Then eventually she got dementia and, you know, people just really started like using that, you know.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Imagine having so much money and then, you know, the closest people around you just like take advantage of that.

[B]

It's fucked up.

[A]

Yeah, it actually is.

[B]

No, that's super messed up, dude. I see. When parents die, the kids start fighting for the money.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And so messed up.

[A]

Yeah. Recipes to my auntie. But she was one of those people that was taking advantage of her.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And then my mom found out and it was just like a whole big family feud.

[B]

No, that's myself, dude. When my dad passed, actually, I wasn't on the will.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I had. He had two other kids, so they got everything. But I didn't. I didn't make a deal about it.

[A]

Did that make you feel any type of way?

[B]

I was upset. Yeah. I mean, not just for the money. Mainly just like, damn, he didn't. Well, he wrote it when I was in high school and we used to fight a lot, but I think if it was a more up to date, well, I would have been on there. Yeah, I was a little upset, but at the same time, I'm not going to cause a scene and fight over it.

[A]

Yeah, not going to. It's not enough to shake the room.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I can see where some people would.

[B]

Want to if you're in a bad spot. I could see.

[A]

Yeah. That's usually when it. It goes like that.

[B]

Yeah. But no, that's not cool, dude. That's your parent. Like they wouldn't want their kids fighting.

[A]

Hell no.

[B]

You still close with your fam, though?

[A]

I'm working on building them up and, you know, I want to really this year. I mean, I have go.

[B]

I hope you guys are enjoying the show. Please don't forget to like and subscribe. It helps the show a lot with the algorithm.

[A]

Thank you. Goals of retiring my mother on the 16th of October, which is her birthday. And I told her all she has to do is simply work out three times a week and send me a picture every Monday of the scale. It sounds kind of crazy, but that's all I really want from her is just to give me a little bit effort. Something that she did do, like here and there growing up. I'm not going to discredit her, you know, entirely, but I felt like I was neglected. So I want to show her a way of like, you know, just showing up for herself because I feel like she's focusing on a lot of different things that can just, like, just make her not lock in. And I just want the people around me to be locked in. So that's all you gotta do. Mom. You got a couple more months, and you'll be. You'll be there.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

June, July, August, September, October. Four months. And she's. I mean, she's been doing it for the past month and a half, like, staying consistent with it since. Since whenever I proposed it to her. And, yeah, I'm. I'm very proud of her.

[B]

Let's go. Keep it up.

[A]

She's grinding.

[B]

I love it Up, Mama J. Yeah. Let's go.

[A]

Seriously, man.

[B]

I love that, man. UFC this Saturday. You've been to a lot of UFC events. You met some powerful people at these events.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I got to hear about what it was like to meet Donald Trump.

[A]

Yeah, Donald Trump. I met him, like, two years ago or a year and a half ago at the LIV Golf tournament. And the first thing he said to me is, like, I'm going to need some clout from you guys. You know what I'm saying? I thought that was pretty funny.

[B]

I mean, you guys gave him his most viewed interview of all time.

[A]

Yeah. He got emotional.

[B]

Yeah. It got taken down. That's how many views right away.

[A]

Just boom.

[B]

Is that 10 mil in, like, two hours or something? Crazy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. That was nuts. But that dude's a legend. Shout out to him. You also met Dana a bunch of times, right?

[A]

Yeah. The first time I actually met Dana, he actually gave me $2,000.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Like, it was like one of those chips from the casino.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He's like, do whatever you want with it. And I was like, yo, that's lit. Thank you, Dana.

[B]

Dude, I'm about to spit a Dana story that's never been told.

[A]

Talk to me.

[B]

So I had this assistant. I won't say his name out of privacy, but he used to work for me, and he was really struggling at the time.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Just had a baby and was living paycheck to paycheck. He runs into Dana at the casino.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

High limit room. Tells him what's going on. 13,000 cash, bro.

[A]

Just like that?

[B]

Just like that. Off camera? Never.

[A]

He's the. Steve will do it off camera. Actually, that's exactly how I feel. I feel like Dana, but I want to mix up. I want to be like a mix of Dana. Steve, combine that. Boom. And with a little bedazzle of Mr. Beast.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, Mr. Beast. That's a good one.

[A]

You know what I'm saying?

[B]

These games was lit Bro, I can't wait for season two. They're filming it in Vegas.

[A]

Yeah. That's wild.

[B]

You gonna apply?

[A]

Where do you apply?

[B]

Like, there's a site. I think the deadline's soon, though. Yeah, you guys, I was thinking about it, but it's like six weeks.

[A]

I'm like, yeah, send me the link. I'll be down.

[B]

I'll send you about. No, I need to film pods. Like, I can't take six weeks off.

[A]

You film like eight podcasts a day.

[B]

No, six today. Yeah. Six tomorrow, and six yesterday.

[A]

I don't know how. What gives you the drive?

[B]

I'm getting really important messages out. I'm letting people express themselves. I'm inspiring their youth. The messages I get, bro, like, you would. If you saw these messages, you would. You would do it. Like, I've.

[A]

I do, like, 20 a day.

[B]

Yeah. I'm not even trying to brag, but, like, people have, like, been on the verge of suicide or whatever, and like.

[A]

Mental health is very, very.

[B]

So stuff like that just fires me up that I have the ability to do that.

[A]

That is awesome, man. Yeah, I like that. I really like that.

[B]

We have a lot of influence, man, with our network. It's crazy.

[A]

Yeah. You never know who's watching it. Even if you got like 10 viewers and you're starting out podcast, that one view out of those 10 viewers, you could have changed someone's life from, like.

[B]

Committing hundred percent speed. I saw speed on an interview. He said he had one viewer, like the first month, like two viewers when he first started streaming.

[A]

Wait, was it. Was it his pops that was watching it or was it someone else?

[B]

It might have been someone he knew or a friend someone. And then he got to eight viewers and then 16. It kept doubling. And now he's the biggest streamer in the world.

[A]

Yeah, right now I'm averaging like seven viewers to 70 on my stream. So.

[B]

Like, which is probably top 1%. Honestly, we.

[A]

We up. But, you know, they like say cousin J fell off. But, you know, I look at it as like it's a new foundation, a new platform. You gotta start somewhere. So, you know, starting off at 7, 70 viewers this year, just give it one year of consistency. I haven't stopped since started a week and a half ago. And I'm the most consistent TikTok streamer, Twitch streamer in the world right now. So let's keep it going.

[B]

Good for you, man. Cause some people would see those comments and just quit. Yeah. You know.

[A]

Yeah. You know, I never quit. I'm still here.

[B]

You can in social media, you gotta be consistent.

[A]

The day you stop, the day you choose to stop the day, that's when you fall off.

[B]

For real.

[A]

You starting a new platform, you ain't fall off on that. You know what I mean?

[B]

You just started.

[A]

You just started. So this was falling off. Look like, hey, I fell off.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

People will always say that, the fall off stuff, even if you average like 10 less viewers than normal, they're gonna be like, you fell off.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. They just want to comment. They just want you to react. You're not gonna get a reaction out of me.

[B]

You don't respond to the trolls.

[A]

It depends. You know, they be saying I'll be looking like, unk, though, like. Cause I be wearing these shoes. Like, not these ones, but these, like, African sandals. And it. It's just so comfortable. And like.

[B]

Are those the wooden ones?

[A]

They. They. They look like Jesus sandals.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

You know what I'm saying?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They're coming out soon. I actually got a.

[B]

Your merch line.

[A]

New pair of shoes coming out.

[B]

Let's go.

[A]

They're called the. The Cousin J's. Like the. But the style of the shoe. We're going to call them the Uncle J's.

[B]

I like that name.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Who are your fashion influences?

[A]

You know? Mike Amiri, I really look up to him. I actually got gifted a pair of jeans from his, I think, nephew or cousin like a year before I joined now. And yeah, actually, Kyle, he lost those jeans. I'm actually gonna need those back. Kyle.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

Yeah, man. It's been a year and a half. I'm gonna need those back.

[B]

You lent them to him?

[A]

Yeah, and he just. He said he can't find them. He borrowed them for a day for a video shoot or some shit.

[B]

Left him at some chick's house or some shit.

[A]

Yeah. And I don't know, where are my jeans back? That's $2,000 down the drain. Damn.

[B]

Jeans are 2K now.

[A]

Yeah. That's how much Michael Mary charges for his jeans. Haran Preston, Virgil Abloh, Cousin Jay. You know, he's pretty. He's pretty creative. I really look up to him.

[B]

Yeah. You know, you're talking like Kanye out here.

[A]

Oh, my cousin. Yay. Oh, my God.

[B]

Talking in third person.

[A]

Oh, yeah. I actually do that a lot.

[B]

You do?

[A]

It's. It's actually. And that's parts of some of the books that I'm working on. They are speaking in third person. Like, it's. It's really interesting. It's very, very interesting. But. Yeah.

[B]

Why do you think you do that. You think it's just like a habit.

[A]

It's like a way of indirect communication, you know, and sometimes there's many different forms of communicating. There's direct, there's indirect. There's, you know, eye contact. Like, you can look someone in the eyes, and that's communicating a different way from me not looking you in your eyes.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And, you know, like, I practice not looking at people as a form of communication just because I understand, like, how people view me. Like, people are really intimidated by me when they meet me because of my influence or, you know, there's many different reasons. Everyone has. Might have a different. But, like, I don't know, like, a lot of people are scared of me.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's so weird.

[A]

It's so, so weird. It's so weird.

[B]

Just because of your influence and followers, you think?

[A]

I think so. Even Slim has that effect, too. Like, I think it's because we're so blunt, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, I'm not afraid to tell you, like, if you have flaws in a constructive way, you know, I always want the people around me or whoever I meet to, like, just better themselves and, you know, it. A lot of people don't like that, you know, you giving them constructive advice.

[B]

That's true.

[A]

Whether they ask for it or even if they don't. Like, even, you know, Salim is so blunt. You know, Nick Narasina, how we all had a group together? You know, one time we went to the studio and we used to go support him all the time. We were all hanging out a bunch, and he asked Slim, yo, what do you think of my song? Like that he was working on. Slim was like, that shit's ass. And I'm like, yo, that's crazy. Like, I'm. I'm more like the guy, you know, to be like, yo, it's cool, but you could do better. But that hurt his feelings to where he left the studio and pretty much almost cried, you know, because, you know, at that time, we were all kind of fresh with knowing each other and, you know, you know, being an artist, it's very. What's the word for emotional? Emotional. It's almost like vulnerable, you know, you're pouring your heart out into the mic, and for someone to just say that, it's like ass. Like, I can understand where it makes you want to cry, you know?

[B]

Yeah, I'm pretty blunt, too. I think it's a East coast thing.

[A]

Yeah, but I'm from the west coast, and I'm. I'm blunt, but I don't Smoke.

[B]

Maybe it could be a sack thing, too. Are people blunt out there? Yeah, yeah, could be a sack thing. Because LA people are the opposite. They're not blunt. They're more.

[A]

Yeah, but he's from Chicago, and so I would think that he's more of a.

[B]

Maybe it's a tough neighborhood thing, too, you know, because you got to be honest to get. Get by.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. But, yeah, the truth hurts. And that's why people call me the truth now.

[B]

All Pierce.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Look at you. That's a good nickname, though.

[A]

We ain't in the NBA, but we balling up.

[B]

You said you could be Angel Reese last time.

[A]

Yeah, man. I'll dunk on her.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. What sports you playing right now?

[A]

Pickleball. Yeah.

[B]

You want the pickleball?

[A]

I'm really big on the pickleball. I want to go probably for real. Yeah. Not right now. Like, once I, like, build up my dream squad cast and everything like that, and I have more free time, I'll be able to do that. I'm looking for an assistant right now.

[B]

That's a tough role.

[A]

I need a. I've been through five assistants exactly.

[B]

In a year. Oh, wow, they're tough, bro.

[A]

Like, how long do your assistants last?

[B]

It ranges from a week to, like, three months. One of them got drunk on the job. I was like, what the fuck are you doing?

[A]

You can't be drinking on the job, especially when you're first trying to start. Come on now.

[B]

Yeah, so, no, I wasn't even at first. He got too comfortable too quick. My issue is I think I need to hire a girl.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. A thousand percent.

[B]

Because when I hire the guys, I become friends with them, and then it gets too friendship and the business, and.

[A]

Then they forget that it's a business.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so they're like, bro, like, we. They don't say that we're homeboys, but that's the vibe that they're giving you. And you're like, okay, I see. Yeah, Yeah, I felt you on that one.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I want to actually hire, like, 70% women at least.

[B]

They're great at organizational stuff. Great communication.

[A]

Great. It's benefiting you. So me trying to help you. Like, that's. That's all I want, for the cast members to just listen to simple, simple steps and, you know, and not drink on the job, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, when we're working, we're working, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Have fun on your own time. You know what I'm saying? Like, if I put two years in to this to Two and a half years into, like get a big moment like once we all. Once Nelkie and I align forces, that was a pretty big moment. If it took me two years to get a moment like that. And for the characters who I bring around, for them to get into a big moment like that, it takes two weeks to four or five months, you know, that's a pretty big difference. And I actually want the best for my team. Like, I want them to outgrow me. I'm not afraid to fall off, you know.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You wouldn't care if one of them got bigger than you?

[A]

Nah. Honestly, a lot of people in this industry are afraid of that. And I understand why. Because, you know, you don't want your people to just leave you like when you raise them. You know what I'm saying?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You want your kids to be around you. It's similar almost to like parenting. Like, I can see like how that relates to it.

[B]

I think the houses are coming back. Bob House is doing well. Faze is doing pretty well again.

[A]

Faze is blowing up, man. They're killing it.

[B]

Shout out to Banks. I doubted him at first. I didn't know if he could pull it off again.

[A]

Really? No, he's. He got. He got all these characters on the rise.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The lacy kid, he got the Ronaldo, he got the light skinned one. When I'm out of town, I'll be tripping. I'll be on one.

[B]

Yeah, I know who you're talking about. I forget his name.

[A]

The.

[B]

I know who you're talking about. But yeah, all the streamers, just. Brilliant move. He's good at adapting to the new social media trends.

[A]

And that's literally what I'm doing with my cash. Like adapting. Because if you don't adapt, you're going to. That's when you fall off.

[B]

What works a year ago doesn't work anymore.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

Prank videos don't get the same amount of views anymore.

[A]

It doesn't. Like, people just want to see the real authentic you now. You know, it's going to Twitch and YouTube are going to be the ones battling with each other. You know, it goes with live. Then people want to see more like chopped up edits, sound effects underneath it. Which is why YouTube, I feel like that's the bread and butter. But you got it. Live streaming is a new wave and that's why we're on Twitch now.

[B]

Yeah, people love the IRL shit.

[A]

They love it because you get to see another side of the creator like you. It's exposing people who have no personality like that. Just douche. Say for example, short form or just like a 10, 15 minute video. That's way different from doing what the grace are doing like Kai or speed. Like these guys are really showing like 10 hour streams, 6 hour streams of just pure on comedy like for a long period of time.

[B]

Anyone could fake it for 10 minutes.

[A]

You can't fake it for three hours, bro. You can't fake it for 30 days, bro. You actually have to be like, you have to be so invested in this to where.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like it exposes like, imagine if like you're a music artist and you do auto tune and then now you're just in front of everyone with no auto tune. That's what YouTube is compared to streaming.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

100 auto tune versus no auto tune.

[B]

Your subathon about to be crazy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You already started planning the days?

[A]

Yeah, I think I want to do it in the month of like December. I want to go all in 30 days straight. Just boom. Just every single day have like a different event plan. Or maybe we can even do it for the fall tour.

[B]

That'd be sick. Yeah. Let's talk about the fall tour. What's going on with that?

[A]

So, like all the Dream Squad characters, we're just going to be traveling around a bunch of different colleges and just interacting, showcasing like the good side of the frats and the sorority life. And a lot of times, like when I'm interacting with the college kids, it just goes super viral. And a lot of the characters that I'm bringing up are young. I can't announce who is going to be next, but it is a guy and he's amazing. He's from Connecticut and Connecticut. Or we're going to announce someone who's from Pennsylvania and he's very special. He's graduated. Very diverse group. But yeah, we're just going to be traveling and just highlighting like the good parts of every location that we go to.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Like highlighting the frats. And like I said earlier, we're going to be. I mean, I'm going to be investing all the money I make from Twitch into all the fans and I want to give someone a car this year. Like a Tesla. I want to give. I want to. What else? What other plans do we have? Listen, I spot talent. I feel like I could be like a talent, like finder. What do you call those people that?

[B]

Talent booker.

[A]

Yeah, I'm going to start talent agent. Talent agent. I don't know. Found Saleem, Found Chaffee.

[B]

Found Chaffee.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That was you? Wow.

[A]

Like, I was like, yo, Kyle. I was like, really? Like, yo, you need a verta. Put the camera on that guy. You know what I'm saying? I mean, Saleem, like, that's a huge find. That's the number one find for me, you know? Cause at first he was just gonna be, like, a music writer. That's what he was planning to do. And I was like, I really think that you could, like, perform on camera. So, like, let's shift it a little bit.

[B]

You're like, a visionary.

[A]

Like, it just takes me like, three seconds to, like, three minutes to really tell if someone has it. And, like, that doesn't mean other people don't have it. It's just I might not have caught it, you know, And I only want, like, four, five people in my group too. So it's gonna be really.

[B]

I wonder if that's like a learnable skill or if people just have it or they don't.

[A]

I think you got it or you don't really, but, like, yeah, you can learn anything you want. But, like, to find talent, like, for social media influencers, I could tell. It's just like, I look at everything like a movie. Like, my. My favorite movie is Crazy Stupid Love with Ryan Gosling. And, you know, the Wood is a really good movie. I just look at everything kind of like a movie. Like the fact that we're on this podcast right now, it feels like a movie. No lights, camera, action. You know, you just got. You got to just feel it.

[B]

Yeah. You know, I love that. Honestly, you had a teacher you wanted to shout out?

[A]

Shout out to Mr. Spalding, man. Hopefully this year, from the twitch earnings I could gather, I really want to just cash him out with $20,000.

[B]

That'd be life changing for him.

[A]

Yeah, for sure.

[B]

Like, teachers don't make much.

[A]

An extra 20k, I'll take it.

[B]

Yeah, teachers. I think the average salary is, like. I don't know if it changed, but when I was in high school, it was 54k or something.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

For a teacher.

[A]

He was my art teacher. And, like, he honestly invested in my clothing. Like, he would buy, like, all my merch drops forgirls love artist.com shameless plug. Shameless plug Merch drop on the. On the 4th of July. No, no. But, like, honestly, like, he always just. I looked up to him like a father figure. You know, me being in, like a single mother, family household. It. You know, like the older people that I come in to contact with, like, I don't attach myself to them, but I really listen to what Older people say, I respect my elders. Seriously?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, that's like an old saying. Respect your elders. But just naturally, I just do that. And especially if they're respectful of me, I really like to take Heath in what they're saying. You would just always be like, yo, Jay, like, you really got something. It was like he was a talent agent, you know? Then you just like, if I. If I messed up on, like, one of the drawings that I was making, like, with the charcoal or whatever, he'd just be like, see, I like what you did there. But what you could do is you could just shift it a little bit like this. You know what I'm saying? He wouldn't be like, yo, you suck. If he knew. Knew that you suck, he would tell me, like, if he thought somebody was just ass, he'd be like, yo, kind.

[B]

Of like, you know what I mean?

[A]

But then for me, whether my stuff was shitty or not, you just really just speak highly and just. Just coach me. Kind of like Tiger woods, dad, coach him. That's kind of like how I felt. This lame.

[B]

I love that optimism. That's cool, though.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Shout out to him. I think everyone's got that one teacher, right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I saw Kyle just made a video and he went back to his high school.

[A]

Yeah, it was beautiful.

[B]

That was really wholesome, really inspiring. Yeah. I need to get back to my school, man.

[A]

Got to, man. You. You've definitely made it. You got some alcohol?

[B]

Yeah, I still am. I still feel like I'm just getting started, to be honest.

[A]

No way.

[B]

But made it to most people. Yeah. It's all relative, right? Like, I have really high standards for myself.

[A]

Yeah, you. You have a really good, like, where you carry yourself. You're very humble. Like, we obviously conversated before this and, you know, in the past, and I feel like you just. You got it.

[B]

Thanks, bro. You have to. When you get to a certain level, your ego could get in the way.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Tell me about it.

[B]

You know, it's happened to me. Like, I've.

[A]

You've adjusted yourself.

[B]

I had to, man.

[A]

You spanked yourself on the bed.

[B]

I lost all my money. Yeah, that'll do it.

[A]

Going broke. Oh, my God.

[B]

I'll do it.

[A]

I think as a man, you need to go broke or at least you need to lose a lot of money to, like, really understand the value of money, adversity.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

Whether that's you investing in your team, whether that's you just making this the wrong mistakes with your money, you know.

[B]

Spending habits, there's really like people I would look up to in business. They'll tell me that they won't work with someone if they haven't lost it all before, actually.

[A]

Yeah, I like that.

[B]

Yeah, it's like a. A big thing in the investing space.

[A]

You need you. Yeah. Because if you never lost it, you, how are you going to value it?

[B]

You're delusional. You know what I mean? You think you lost it.

[A]

Yeah, it's. Yeah, I agree. Like, honestly, I don't want to work with anyone. I don't want. A lot of people ask me, yo, Jay, can I work for you? I don't want anyone working for me. I want to work with people. I think we should shift. Like the way that we communicate. Like the way. Word for you sounds like a slave.

[B]

Right?

[A]

You know, I don't want to. I don't want a slave. I don't want to be slaving anyone.

[B]

There's a lot of modern day slavery going on right now. A thousand percent people just robots acting like they don't have their own thoughts.

[A]

Yeah. You have to use your own brain. You have to not value money to where that's everything to you. Like, you gotta love what you do with me, not for me. Because at the end of the day, a lot of people will try to say, yo, Jay, I'm doing this for you. Like, I'm here for you. You're not here for me, you're here for yourself. We're all selfish to a certain extent. Yeah, we'll do things for free for some people because we love them or we have love for them. But, bro, you need to take care of yourself. So don't sit up here and try to act like you're doing it just for me. Like, this is. That's a lie.

[B]

That's cop.

[A]

And I can't work with someone who's lying saying that they're just doing shit for me.

[B]

It's always cop.

[A]

That's a lie.

[B]

I used to believe it, but I.

[A]

Used to believe it too. Because then when shit gets foggy and funky and shit starts running dry and you need money, then when I give you my last earnings because I really care about you.

[B]

That happened to me, bro. That happened to me. I was on my last dollar with this podcast, to be honest, and I paid my guy or whatever and he quit the next day.

[A]

That happened to me.

[B]

My bank account was negative when he quit. He doesn't even know this.

[A]

No, this person knows who this. The shoe fits.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I literally showed people my last dollars. Like my bank Account's negative and I'm investing more negative. I'm going more negative to try to make it positive for someone else so they can see the value in the long term partnership that I'm trying to create. But, you know, I gave people my last thousand, my last dollar, and they just always end up just dipping and then try to come back when it's hot.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You can't come back.

[B]

I agree. If they're not with you at the bottom, why would you let them in at the top?

[A]

That's literally the perfect way to see if someone's really for you is to just be at the bottom. Because once you get to the top, I say it all the time. Sally, Spring break, remember I said, just wait till the money comes in. And I'm not sitting up here talking like I'm balling out. I'm nowhere near people at the top. I'm like, just getting started. And like, I don't know what her perspective is on when I was saying that, but I said it a lot of times around the big group that we around. And, like, 98% of the people that we are with are not in my circle or even anywhere near me. And will I even let them near me? Because, you know, people just want to use me for my money, my connections, and I understand it. But don't sit up here and try to act like you're my friend.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You understand, that's the difference. I have a lot of frenemies.

[B]

Ooh, I like that word. Yeah. When I lost everything, I was. Now I'm grateful for it because I saw my true friends.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I got rid of a lot of people.

[A]

Yes. Yes.

[B]

And it's not like I was even asking them for money.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I just wanted them to be there for me.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That's it. And they weren't.

[A]

Yes. So, like, yeah. I feel like you're a very empathetic person and you're very caring and it seems like very giving as you gave someone your last. And that. That honestly will make. What? How does that make you feel? Like, actually inside, like, deep down, like, if there's like a word or two.

[B]

Words, like, at first I was angry. At first I wanted to tell him the situation.

[A]

You can't tell him.

[B]

But then I was like, no, they don't think it's an excuse.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I mean, so I didn't tell him.

[A]

You can't.

[B]

I just felt sad because he was with me for a few months and I was taking him to la. I was taking him around filming podcasts. With cool people. So I thought he'd be here till the end. We would have car rides about, like, yo, it's me and you. We're gonna take this thing.

[A]

Ride or die. Like, we got this. Yeah, you shaking hands. We've shaken hands behind like this. He crossing his fingers, like, saying.

[B]

You don't even see he's saying he would die for me. Like, yeah, like, I thought I'm here for you. I thought we would rock till the end.

[A]

And I thought so, too, man. But not everybody can make it with you at the top. Like, there's this one song. I forget what it was called, but it's like, you know, like, the beginning of the song, where Snoop Dogg is saying something like, sometimes in life, like, you outgrow people or something, and everyone can't make it with you at the top. If you can find that, just pop that up. That is the realest shit ever. Like, I think it's a song with him and Nipsey Hussle. And Nipsey Hussle is so great, bro.

[B]

Like, legend.

[A]

Should he be speaking? He used to speak is insane. Rest in peace, Nipsey. Yeah, one of my favorite songs from him is. I listen to it often. It's. It's with him and Roddy Ricch. I don't know. What is it called?

[B]

Final single released before his death. Yes, it earned a Grammy.

[A]

That shit different.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

That is one of. That's top five. Damn, you can't. Might be number top three. Top three.

[B]

I got Nipsey's doctor coming on tomorrow, so. You know Dr. Sebi? Yeah, his grandson's coming on tomorrow.

[A]

Oh, that's sick.

[B]

Legend.

[A]

See you got it. Nigga, you up.

[B]

I'm here, bro. I'm here. I'm up next.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

He's a legend. Rip to Sebi, too.

[A]

Yeah, man.

[B]

Well, dude, I can't wait to see you at the. The fights this weekend. What's next?

[A]

I mean, a magician never reveals his secret, so just stay tuned if you want to follow me. Real Cousin J on Instagram. Cousin J live on YouTube. Real cousin J underscore on Twitch. Real Cousin Jay on Snapchat. You know, I used to. What's next? You're going to see the real version of the real ish Cousin J. You've seen before. All the content on my YouTube is taken down. All the content on my Instagram has been removed. Why is that? Because Cousin Jay is going through a rebrand. I talked to Kyle the other day when I bumped into him, you know, and other. Other guys everyone's like, why are you removing all the content off your pages? It's because that was the old realish what you guys wanted to see. You know, you highlighted a certain version of me that I don't think is fair to my audience because they like me for a certain image that you guys wanted to see. But I'm gonna show them the real me and what you guys are experiencing right now. This is me. I'm a grown ass man. I'm an uncle. I wanna be a great father. One day you guys are gonna see the real cousin J, not the real ish. My name before should have been the real ish because they only got to see a glimpse. Now you're gonna see a live example of the real concert. I'm a real ass. Sacramento, California. 25 to 2025.

[B]

Let's go. Stay tuned, guys. Yeah.

[A]

And yeah.

[B]

February 8th.

[A]

I can't wait to show you guys my book.

[B]

Check them out, guys. Peace.