Digital Social Hour: "I Regret My Viral Days": YouTuber Tells All | Andrew Hales DSH #952 Release Date: December 5, 2024

In episode #952 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with seasoned YouTuber Andrew Hales to delve deep into Andrew's journey through YouTube stardom, personal struggles, and his evolving approach to content creation. This engaging conversation spans a variety of topics, offering listeners a candid look into the highs and lows of life as a content creator.

1. The Early Days and Viral Success

Andrew opens up about his meteoric rise on YouTube during the early 2010s, sharing insights into what propelled his channel to over a million subscribers within a year.

Andrew Hales [03:23]: "2020 was okay, but 2012 and 13 were my heyday. I blew up to like a million subscribers within a year."

He reminisces about his "prank days," a time when he engaged in various antics that resonated with a broad audience.

Andrew Hales [03:29]: "That was the prank days... I did a lot of little pickup videos."

2. Navigating Cancel Culture and Content Neutrality

Sean and Andrew discuss the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a polarized digital landscape. Andrew emphasizes his commitment to unbiased conversations, striving to keep his interviews as casual and genuine as possible.

Andrew Hales [01:12]: "Neutral, for sure. I'm not really... getting political, but I'm not quite ready yet."

They touch upon the lingering fears of cancel culture, with Andrew noting a slight easing in its intensity.

Andrew Hales [01:28]: "Yeah, there's definitely a pushback, and so that's nice."

3. Personal Struggles and Channel Decline

Andrew candidly shares the reasons behind the downturn of his YouTube channel post-2020. He attributes his struggles to a lack of discipline and excessive partying, which led to a loss of focus.

Andrew Hales [02:45]: "Yeah, that discipline. I was just partying a lot. Just unfocused."

He reflects on the lifestyle changes that followed, including his decision to pursue sobriety.

4. Mental Health, Medication, and Therapy

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around mental health. Andrew discusses his use of Adderall to cope with ADD, detailing its impact on his confidence and productivity.

Andrew Hales [03:55]: "I made a little expose on myself about how I take Adderall... exploring what's ADD and how that makes you feel unstoppable."

He also delves into his experience with ketamine therapy, highlighting its role in alleviating his depression.

Andrew Hales [07:03]: "You feel lighter for the next month or so. It's supposed to build like glutamate in your brain or something. Helps with depression."

5. Health and Wellness Practices

Andrew shares his health regimen, including supplements like Vitamin D and magnesium, and discusses concerns about testosterone levels as he ages.

Andrew Hales [07:30]: "I would love to get on TRT, but I'm worried about getting infertile... I've got to pump out some kids first with Carly."

Both hosts advocate for regular health checks and supplementation to maintain well-being.

6. Sobriety and Addiction Recovery

Andrew proudly announces his sobriety streak of over 400 days, discussing the challenges and realizations that led him to commit to a sober lifestyle.

Andrew Hales [10:08]: "Over 400 days. Just a realization that you got to get going and you gotta take care of yourself."

He credits literature, such as the book Sober on a Drunk Planet, for shifting his perspective on alcohol consumption.

7. Substance Use and Alternatives

The conversation shifts to alternative substances like kratom and vaping. Andrew explains his use of kratom to manage alcohol cravings and his transition from traditional cigarettes to vaping.

Andrew Hales [12:02]: "It's supposed to be a stimulant... a natural opioid in a way."

Andrew Hales [13:07]: "Right now I'm on zins. They keep the demons at bay."

8. Content Evolution and Ethical Dilemmas

Andrew contemplates the future of his content, expressing uncertainty about returning to prank-based videos. He grapples with the ethical implications of pranking strangers and the potential consequences in today's social media climate.

Andrew Hales [14:40]: "I just feel like I'm a little too mature to be filming strangers and, like, exploiting them."

He discusses the delicate balance between creating engaging content and maintaining ethical standards.

9. Podcasting Challenges and Industry Insights

Sean and Andrew analyze the current state of the podcast industry, noting notable acquisitions and the competitive landscape. They address the difficulties in gaining sponsorships and the necessity of innovation to stay relevant.

Sean Kelly [23:48]: "This year alone there's been six acquisitions, over $80 million in the podcast space."

Andrew shares his experiences with fluctuating sponsorships and financial challenges.

Andrew Hales [26:43]: "Sometimes I'll get like three in a row and then I won't get any for a year."

10. Personal Interests and Future Endeavors

The hosts discuss their personal interests outside of content creation, including athletics and running. Andrew reveals his preparation for an upcoming half marathon, while Sean reminisces about his track and field days.

Andrew Hales [29:32]: "I've been running a lot, but I eat, like, so. Yeah. So I still have a dad bod."

They also touch upon the potential for political content, acknowledging its relevance and impact on viewership.

Andrew Hales [36:10]: "Yeah. I just... I just feel like Jon Stewart, you know, Bill Maher... I would rather hang out with them than Tucker or Bill."

11. Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode winds down, Andrew reflects on his long-standing presence on YouTube and his desire to continue evolving his content. Both hosts express mutual respect and encouragement for each other's endeavors.

Sean Kelly [40:02]: "Thanks for coming on in."

Andrew Hales [40:03]: "Thanks."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Partying and Channel Decline:

  Andrew Hales [02:45]: "Yeah, that discipline. I was just partying a lot. Just unfocused."

• On Sobriety:

  Andrew Hales [10:08]: "Over 400 days. Just a realization that you got to get going and you gotta take care of yourself."

• On Ethical Content Creation:

  Andrew Hales [14:40]: "I just feel like I'm a little too mature to be filming strangers and, like, exploiting them."

• On Podcast Industry Competition:

  Sean Kelly [23:48]: "This year alone there's been six acquisitions, over $80 million in the podcast space."

• On Political Content:

  Andrew Hales [36:10]: "Yeah. I just... I just feel like Jon Stewart, you know, Bill Maher... I would rather hang out with them than Tucker or Bill."

Conclusion

In this heartfelt and introspective episode, Andrew Hales provides a transparent look into the complexities of sustaining a successful YouTube career while managing personal challenges. From grappling with mental health issues and substance use to navigating the ethical landscape of content creation, Andrew's experiences offer valuable lessons for both aspiring and established content creators. Host Sean Kelly facilitates a meaningful dialogue, ensuring that the conversation remains both relatable and insightful for listeners seeking authenticity in the digital age.