Digital Social Hour Podcast: "I Regret My Viral Days": YouTuber Tells All | Andrew Hales DSH #952

Release Date: December 5, 2024

Host: Sean Kelly

In episode #952 of the Digital Social Hour, titled "I Regret My Viral Days: YouTuber Tells All," host Sean Kelly sits down with Andrew Hills, a YouTuber who once enjoyed rapid fame but now reflects critically on his past experiences. This episode offers a deep dive into Andrew's journey through viral success, personal struggles, and his quest for authenticity in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

1. Early Success and the Prank Era

Andrew begins by reminiscing about his "Prank days" during 2012 and 2013, a time when his channel soared to a million subscribers within a year. He attributes this explosive growth to his bold, attention-grabbing pranks, particularly those involving unsuspecting strangers.

Andrew Hills [05:01]: "12 and 13 were my heyday. I blew up to like a million subscribers within a year or so."

He discusses the adrenaline rush and confidence he felt during this period, mentioning how Adderall played a role in boosting his performance and creativity.

Andrew Hills [05:26]: "I made a little expose on myself about how I take Adderall, and that would give me some artificial confidence."

2. Substance Use and Mental Health

Transitioning from his early success, Andrew opens up about his struggles with substance use, particularly alcohol and Adderall. He acknowledges how these substances initially provided a semblance of confidence but ultimately led to anxiety and a sense of loss.

Andrew Hills [01:10]: "When your gut feels off, your whole day can feel off."

He also shares his experiences with ketamine therapy as a means to combat depression, highlighting its temporary benefits.

Andrew Hills [10:26]: "It helps with depression. Yeah. It's supposed to be a huge breakthrough."

3. The Downfall: Burnout and Loss of Focus

Andrew candidly discusses the decline of his YouTube channel around 2020, attributing it to personal burnout and excessive partying. He reflects on how losing focus and engaging in unhealthy behaviors led to a significant drop in his subscriber count and overall channel performance.

Andrew Hills [04:27]: "Yeah, that discipline. I was just partying a lot."

He recounts specific instances, such as meeting someone and drinking excessively for an extended period, which disrupted his content creation and personal life.

Andrew Hills [04:44]: "We were just kind of drinking every day for like a month or so."

4. Sobriety and Personal Transformation

A pivotal moment in the conversation revolves around Andrew's journey to sobriety. After numerous failed attempts to quit, he finally succeeds in staying sober for over 400 days. He emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the influence of transformative books like "Sober on a Drunk Planet."

Andrew Hills [13:58]: "Just kind of just a realization that you gotta get going and you gotta take care of yourself."

Carly, the co-host, shares her own experiences with sobriety, fostering a relatable dialogue about overcoming addiction and the societal pressures surrounding alcohol consumption.

5. Transition to Podcasting and Content Evolution

Shifting focus from YouTube to podcasting, Andrew introduces his "Chatting with" series, where he interviews individuals from various walks of life. Unlike his prank-centric YouTube days, this podcast aims for depth and authenticity, exploring topics like mental health, personal growth, and unique life stories.

Andrew Hills [23:00]: "If they don't pick up in the next month or two, I'll probably start vlogging again or something different."

He discusses the challenges of growing his podcast audience amidst a saturated market and contemplates diversifying his content strategy to regain traction.

6. Ethical Considerations and Content Responsibility

Andrew reflects on the ethical dilemmas of content creation, especially when considering a return to pranks. He acknowledges the potential harm and the evolving standards of platforms like YouTube, which now prioritize respectful and responsible content over sensationalism.

Andrew Hills [20:28]: "I wouldn't do anything like that now because I'd get canceled."

Carly and Andrew debate the fine line between engaging content and exploiting individuals for views, highlighting the moral responsibilities of creators in the digital age.

7. Fitness, Health Practices, and Lifestyle Choices

The conversation delves into personal health routines, with Andrew sharing his commitment to fitness, including running a half marathon and practicing cold plunging as a means to maintain physical and mental well-being.

Andrew Hills [12:34]: "I try to get it to 45 degrees. It’s hard."

They discuss the benefits of disciplined fitness practices and how they contribute to overall life balance and productivity.

8. Political Views and Social Commentary

Andrew and Carly touch upon their political views and the impact of politics on their content creation. Andrew describes his shift from a conservative upbringing to a more moderate stance influenced by his time in Los Angeles.

Andrew Hills [39:13]: "My dad's really conservative... I went left as I got older."

They explore how political discourse shapes audience engagement and the challenges of hosting politically diverse guests without alienating segments of their listener base.

9. Cryptocurrency and Financial Insights

The discussion includes insights into cryptocurrency investments, with Carly sharing her experiences of selling her crypto company and the volatility of the market. They analyze the future of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin, considering their potential as mainstream currencies despite institutional resistance.

Carly [31:22]: "Ethereum is going to be tough because banks hate it."

Andrew discusses the financial uncertainties of digital investments and the importance of strategic planning in navigating such volatile markets.

10. Future Aspirations and Content Direction

Looking ahead, Andrew expresses his aspirations to expand his podcasting efforts, targeting a diverse range of guests to enhance the show's reach and impact. He contemplates the possibility of selling his podcast to larger networks if it gains significant traction.

Andrew Hills [27:00]: "That's my goal, at least."

Carly complements these aspirations by sharing the competitive nature of the podcasting industry and the importance of innovation to stand out among myriad shows.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Hills [01:10]: "When your gut feels off, your whole day can feel off."

• Andrew Hills [05:01]: "12 and 13 were my heyday. I blew up to like a million subscribers within a year or so."

• Andrew Hills [13:58]: "Just kind of just a realization that you gotta get going and you gotta take care of yourself."

• Andrew Hills [20:28]: "I wouldn't do anything like that now because I'd get canceled."

• Carly [31:22]: "Ethereum is going to be tough because banks hate it."

This episode offers an unfiltered look into Andrew Hills' tumultuous journey through internet fame, personal demons, and his ongoing quest for a more meaningful and responsible approach to content creation. Listeners are treated to honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring anecdotes that shed light on the complexities of maintaining authenticity and mental well-being in the high-stakes world of digital media.