Digital Social Hour - Episode #1508

Guest: Mackenzie Sol
Title: Mastering Personal Branding: Lessons from a Viral Creator
Host: Sean Kelly
Date: August 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and honest conversation, Sean Kelly welcomes viral content creator and musician Mackenzie Sol. The duo discuss Mackenzie’s remarkable journey from a working-class childhood in the UK to Las Vegas showman and social media sensation, drawing a half-billion monthly views. The episode dives deep into the realities of personal branding, the emotional challenges of viral fame, pivots in the music industry, and the evolving cultural impact of social media.

Both Sean and Mackenzie share candid moments around mental health, the burdens and blessings of ADHD, and the double-edged sword of online validation. They exchange insights from both sides of influencer culture, highlight the importance of authenticity, and debate where the ever-accelerating digital world is headed.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origin Story: Humble Beginnings to Internet Stardom

• Mackenzie Sol’s background: Grew up in a small, working-class home in the UK with dreams of being a performer.
  “We didn't really have anything back home... we just did our best to keep rising. We're still not where we want to be. But that's life, bro.” — Mackenzie (00:52)
• Mackenzie experienced bullying at school, which made his later online popularity all the more surreal.
• The journey included pivotal moments such as an X Factor audition at age 4, driven by the musical influence of his family.

2. The Realities of Social Media Fame and Personal Branding

• Hyper-engagement: Mackenzie admits to living off people's opinions and obsessively reading comments, both negative and positive. “People say, don't read the comments. ... But if I can recommend that anybody: just don't look at comments. Don't do what I do." — Mackenzie (02:09)
• Mackenzie discusses the ephemeral nature of viral content, and the necessity of blending what fans want with what fulfills him creatively.

3. Crossing Over: Comedy Content Meets Music Aspirations

• Emphasizes the importance of strategic pivots:
  "If something goes viral that you don't want to do, try and incorporate what you do want to do with it. ... You'll take that fanbase and you'll lose them, so slowly incorporate it together." — Mackenzie (03:15)
• Reflects on key advice from Jason Derulo: maintain your platform and mix in new passions rather than switching audiences cold.

4. Changes in the Music Industry (06:22)

• Labels and opportunities now hinge more on social clout than raw talent. “There’s probably 100 people in the Philippines… best vocals you’ve ever heard… they'll never be seen. You know why? They don't have 100 million impressions on Instagram.” — Mackenzie (06:43)
• Mackenzie hopes for a return to talent-driven recognition, citing artists like Teddy Swims as hopeful examples.
• Narrates his unexpected American Idol audition at a karaoke bar, which helped launch his performing career in Vegas (08:21).

5. Mental Health and the Creative Brain (10:24)

• Both host and guest discuss their experiences with ADHD and how it has been both a superpower and a challenge, especially in creative fields.
• Mackenzie credits the creative community with fostering unique perspectives:
  “I feel like the people that are diagnosed with something are the people that think outside the box and... are so creative.” — Mackenzie (11:44)

6. Generational Shifts and Staying Grounded (12:22)

• Contrasts the traditional values of older generations with Gen Z’s focus on digital presence, money, and speed.
• Both reflect on the importance of not getting caught up in ego and fame.
  “My mom's my best friend… she'll never let me get an ego, no matter what.” — Mackenzie (13:28)

7. Brand Building, Celebrity Networking, and the Power of Viral Reach

• Mackenzie shares how enormous social media numbers open doors to celebrity interactions and business opportunities.
  • Stories about being contacted by Odell Beckham Jr., Jamie Foxx, and even talking to Shaq about possible management (28:20). “When you have a social media following, it helps so much with so many different things... It opens doors.” — Mackenzie (29:05)
• Sean talks about his journey from e-commerce and dropshipping to channeling those resources into personal brand building and podcast growth (32:18).

8. The Dark Side of the Digital Game and the Need for Pivots

• Both explore the risks of short-lived viral fame:
  "These viral videos right now... this ain't gonna last forever. No, you need a pivot. Like you said, pivoting is gonna be the most important thing." — Mackenzie (38:49)
• Delve into the pitfalls of controversial content, referencing personalities like Jack Doherty, the Island Boys, and Logan/Jake Paul.
• Mackenzie reflects on industry exploitation and how social media, especially platforms like TikTok and Musically, helped “save his life” after tough times in LA (29:49–30:45).

9. Influencer Issues: Industry Accountability and Responsibility

• The duo discusses challenges within influencer culture, citing cases of vulnerable personalities being poorly guided and exploited.
• Debates intent and authenticity versus performance for views (34:16–37:33).

10. AI, the Future of Creativity, and the Importance of Personal Brand (25:01–27:25)

• Discussion turns to how AI is blurring lines in art, music, and film, and the likelihood of AI-generated celebrities and content. "That's why personal brand is important right now... A lot of jobs are going to be toast." — Sean (26:25)
• Both see personal branding as an enduring asset in the coming age of automation.

11. Pop Culture Sidebar: Happy Gilmore 2 & Seth Rogen (19:42–24:27)

• They swap thoughts on movies, especially the new Happy Gilmore and Seth Rogen’s career, revealing Mackenzie’s genuine fandom (“I'm a cry. You are the luckiest. No, I like that, dude. Like, I love Adam, but Seth is, right?” — 23:11)

12. Career Goals, Soccer, and Staying Motivated

• Mackenzie shares dreams of selling out Wembley and his connection to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
• Soccer remains a passion despite injuries (“Even with the torn ACL. Throw a brace on and I still play. Nothing's stopping me.” — 16:52)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Rooting Motivation in Vulnerability:
  “People’s opinions are so big to me, bro… but if I can recommend anybody: just don’t look at comments… don’t be in your head.” — Mackenzie (02:08)

• On Navigating Fame’s Temptations:
  “My mom’s my best friend, bro, and she’ll never, ever, ever let me get an ego, no matter what, man.” — Mackenzie (13:28)

• On Platform Strategy:
  “You want to keep these people. Just mix it together. Show them who you are, but keep being who they want you to be and mix it together as one.” — Jason Derulo’s advice, relayed by Mackenzie (04:08)

• On Industry Change:
  “It’s not about talent. It’s about following. In Motown Records back in the day, it wasn’t like that. I hope that comes back.” — Mackenzie (07:29)

• On Future-Proofing with Personal Brand:
  “That's why personal brand is important right now. A lot of jobs are going to be toast.” — Sean (26:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:52: Mackenzie’s childhood, family, and move to Vegas
• 01:19: School bullying and authenticity online
• 02:08: The psychological impacts of social media fame
• 03:15: Blending viral comedy with music for brand synergy
• 04:08: Jason Derulo’s advice on integrating content
• 06:22–08:17: The shift in the music industry and value of social media following
• 08:21–09:59: Mackenzie's American Idol journey
• 10:24–11:55: Creative energy, ADHD, and the mental health conversation
• 13:28: Staying grounded and avoiding ego traps
• 15:42: Long-term artistic ambitions (Stadium of Light, soccer)
• 19:42–24:27: Movie talk (Happy Gilmore, Seth Rogen, comedy culture)
• 25:01–27:25: AI in entertainment and the future of jobs
• 28:20–29:12: Celebrity DMs and social media networking
• 29:49–30:45: Hard LA lessons and how TikTok/musically turned things around
• 31:08: Declining views and the ever-changing algorithm
• 32:18: Building a brand from e-commerce to podcasting
• 34:16–37:33: The darker side of influencer culture and responsibility
• 38:49: The necessity of pivoting from viral video to sustainable brand

Find Mackenzie Sol

• Social Media: @mackenziesol (all platforms)
• Live Shows:
  • Virgin Hotel: Thursdays
  • Aria: Wednesdays
  • Shin Lim Residency: Nightly at The Palazzo, Las Vegas

Summary Takeaway

This episode is a masterclass in understanding the emotional, social, and strategic sides of modern personal branding. Mackenzie Sol’s journey underlines the importance of authenticity amidst the noise, the constant need to adapt, and the invaluable role of fostering a genuine connection—both with fans and oneself. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or simply an observer of today’s digital world, these candid lessons and stories are both relatable and inspiring.