Mackenzie Sol: Mastering Personal Branding: Lessons from a Viral Creator | DSH #1508

Summary

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Digital Social Hour - Episode #1508

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

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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

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Find Mackenzie Sol

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

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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.

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Transcript

[A]

People aren't realizing how crazy it is. Like if you go back to 1960s and you show them chat GBT, imagine what they think.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, it's insane. Like this artificial intelligence is. It's going. I don't know. I'm scared to say where it's going to go. I don't even know. But you know, we have self driving cars. We're not where Back to the Future was yet, but soon we're getting there.

[B]

All right guys, we got Mackenzie Soul been making a name for himself out here in Vegas. How's it going, man?

[A]

It's going well. Thank you for having me on the show. Yeah, big fun.

[B]

Yeah, you've been crushing. You've been crushing, bro form with Shin Lim. All these big shows. Congrats.

[A]

Yeah, dude, it's, it's, it's just crazy, man. Coming from such a small place in the UK to living out here in Vegas, doing this, that the others, it's pretty wild.

[B]

Yeah. You said you grew up in a thousand square foot home in uk?

[A]

Yeah, bro, we, you know, we didn't really have anything back home. I had working class parents, you know, we didn't really come from anything and we just did our best to just keep rising. We're still not where we want to be. But that's life, bro. You know, you just got to keep going up and up and up. Enough. That's the goal.

[B]

Yeah. So you had really high expectations when you were a kid on where you wanted to be.

[A]

100, dude, I always wanted to be a music artist and you know, performer, social media, all that thing that's, that's always been who I've wanted to be.

[B]

Respect and that's a tough space to crack though. All right.

[A]

100, bro. Like kids at school and stuff, like, no one liked me when I score. I got bullied my whole life.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Oh yeah. No one liked me. And it's just crazy to see now how people can switch up, you know, now you get all these views, all these people care. They, they all want to be your friends now, you know, And I think that's just, it's just such a, like a funny thing, you know? And I think, I think that's why social media can be beneficial, but it can also not be beneficial as well because like you're never gonna know if people are gonna like, like you for you, what you have, you know, this of all people, like 10 million on Instagram.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I'm sure you get where I'm coming from.

[B]

No. 100%. You got to be vulnerable, you know, and you don't know what the feedback's gonna be. It's definitely not an easy route.

[A]

Yeah. People's opinions are so big to me, bro. It's so bad, But I really live off people's opinions.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You actually care, y'.

[A]

All. Yeah, bro. Like, people say, don't read the comments. Don't do this. Like, I'm literally sat here like, you know, just putting stuff in my head. But if I can recommend that anybody. Just don't look at comments. Don't do what I do. Don't be in your head.

[B]

Lot of them are negative.

[A]

A lot of them are negative, but a lot of them are positive as well. And you just got to think, you know, a comment's a comment at the end of the day.

[B]

Yeah. So you're really glued like that because you get 500 million views a month on your Instagram, so you're reading all those comments.

[A]

So crazy hearing you say that out loud, bro.

[B]

That's just half a billion views a month.

[A]

Am I supposed to be here? Like, is that me? Like, that's nuts, bro.

[B]

That's one eighth of the population in the world.

[A]

Well, that's the plan. Taking that 500 mil and hopefully converting it into music. You know, that's. That's the goal. That's what I want to do. That's my push. And I. I just. I really think I can do it, you know, give me the tools, which I've got, you know, the following and stuff. Now I've just gotta. I gotta show them who I am and just be me and be organic and don't try and be something I'm not.

[B]

Yeah. You know, dude, that's nuts, though. Was it a gradual climb up to that level, or were you pulling that for a while?

[A]

Honestly, I was. You know, I. I think 100 million. I stick around a month.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Which is still ridiculous, you know, but these past few months, the videos have just been absolutely insane, you know? But now I want to take that comedy content I've done and mix it with the music and try and keep that fan base, you know? And that's something I want to tell everyone watching this as well. If you want to do something, if something goes viral that you don't want to do, try and incorporate what you do want to do with it. Don't just fly straight to doing what you want to do, because you'll take that fan base and you'll lose them slowly incorporate it together. Like, say, I do comedy. Right. So maybe I Do like a video being pranked. Someone has a whole like band in my bedroom waking me up. Like a six piece band with electric guitars screaming in my ear, you know, and then you're incorporating two different things into one. And I think that's where social media can be your best friend for what you want to do.

[B]

Yeah, that's smart, you know, hitting them from multiple angles. Right. Rather than just music.

[A]

Yeah, and that's, that's the thing as well. Like, I'm not gonna just say I sat with Jason Derulo in his dressing room and he told me this because in my head I was like, oh, I just need to stop doing the social media and do music. And he's like, no, you've. You've built this platform. You want to keep that platform. 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.

[B]

Yeah, he does a great job at that.

[A]

He's killed it, man. You know what it is with Jason, he's, that he's, he took being a music artist and he learned the social media game. I'm the opposite.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I've grown in social media now. I want to take on the music. So I'm pretty much doing what Jason did, but the other way around. Yeah, but no, he's a huge inspiration of mine. Knowing what he's done and seeing the videos he's done is. He's genius.

[B]

His songs are still in my head, bro.

[A]

Yeah, bro, they're great.

[B]

So addicting. Like, I'll still bump that shit in the car.

[A]

Which one?

[B]

Riding solo.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

I mean, that one's a classic. He's got a few, though. I'm blanking out on the other ones.

[A]

You know, trumpets and the trumpets, they go.

[B]

That's a banger too.

[A]

So I don't know if you know who this is, but a guy called John Bellion, I didn't heard of him. He wrote that song. And John Bellion's written so many songs for so many different artists. He did half of the songs on the Justin Bieber album the past. Previous album. He, he's written so many bangers. So when, when you get home, have a look. Because he's, he's a legend. He had that song. I'm at an all time. That's. That's him.

[B]

That's a good one.

[A]

But he's, he's so much more than. People know what he is. But no, yeah, that's. That's the goal, man. Music. That's that's going to be the, you know, the end all of everything.

[B]

Do you. Do you write all your own stuff right now?

[A]

Yeah, man. We actually have a single I'm about to release called Other side, which I'm extremely excited for.

[B]

What's the concept of that song?

[A]

It's pretty much about just, you know, it could be about anything in my sense. It was about a girl who, you know, just every time I was around her, she just took me to the other side and like, the other side's like God in heaven. Like every time you look at her, she just takes you to the other side. And I don't know, I feel like it's a song a lot of people can relate to, but relate to it in different ways, you know, like, you know, your grandma could take you the other side when she bakes you cookies or, you know, you're anything really. It's just about some finding somebody that makes you feel a whole different way about life, respect, and that's what the song is about.

[B]

Do you feel like the music industry has changed a lot recently? Because I was watching Adam 22, like interview someone and he said, like, it's changed like a lot in the past few years.

[A]

100% it has. And that's, that's what's so sad about this industry, in my opinion is like, I'm not, I'm not gonna call people out, but labels and all these people, they don't really care about the talent anymore.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and I'm not just. I'm not saying this about me. I'm saying this about. There's probably 100 people in the Philippines, for example, that have the best vocals you've ever heard in your life. They'll never be seen. You know why? They don't have 100 million impressions on Instagram. And that's where the money is now. It's. You have to have this following. You have to.

[B]

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[A]

Have this amount of lights, you have to have this amount of Fan base. And in Bakino, Motown Records back in the day, it wasn't like that. It was strictly about the talent. And that's what I miss so much about this music industry. And I'm hoping that's going to be brought back. And I really feel like people like, you know, Teddy Swims, you know, have really. Have really brought that. That soul and Motown back into music. And I hope it just keeps doing that because it's. It's way better, in my opinion.

[B]

I wonder what caused that shift. You think it was a business decision or.

[A]

I. I think they just saw social media and they saw how successful it was.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And business wise, it just made more sense. Maybe.

[B]

It probably is less risky if I had to imagine.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. And I feel like. I don't know, I just. I just. I don't see people who have pure talent just being picked up anymore. And it's, you know, it's sad.

[B]

Yeah. Is that a reason you went on American Idol? Because you felt like that was talent based?

[A]

So my American Idol story is funny. I. I got spotted at a karaoke bar. I was just hanging out with my friends, and he's like, all right, would you want to audition for American Idol?

[B]

Wow.

[A]

I was like, yeah. But I didn't know if this guy was for real, you know, because American Idol in a karaoke bar, you're a little bit skeptical. So I said, yeah, I'd love to. Can't wait. Whatever got my number. Amazing singer as well. His name's John John. Huge shout out to John John. And he connected me with a guy called Kyle who, like, hey, you want to get on a. A zoom with the, you know, casting producer of American Idol? I'm like, okay, yeah. And still I'm like, slowly getting a little less skeptical about everything. Then it happened. I had the call. I sang they loved me. And then I got asked to go Santa Barbara, Katy Perry's hometown. And there, that just walked in the room in front of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.

[B]

Holy crap.

[A]

Just so imagine standing there with those three satin, like, chairs just staring at you. The intimidation. Yeah, but I loved it, man. It was probably the best intimidation in the world.

[B]

So you delivered.

[A]

I did my best, man. You know, I mean, I made it further than I thought I was going. In my head, I was like, all right, I'll do the show. Try and get a little exposure ready for my music. But no, it all worked out, man. And I just wanted it more and more and more and more. And to, like, be a finalist on the show, it got my career started in back home here in Vegas. You know, I have a residency at the Virgin Hotel now at the Aria, like you said. Shin Lim. You know, I'm seeing in Shin Lim every night. Crazy at the Palazzo. But yeah, bro, we're busy, man. And that's all I care about. I just want to stay busy and stay active.

[B]

All from the karaoke bar. That is nuts.

[A]

I know. And I also work for a candy company as well, on the side.

[B]

Oh, you do?

[A]

You sell espy's Candy? Yeah, I do social media with them.

[B]

Which candy company?

[A]

They're called espy's Candy. I don't know if you remember. They have the little gold mine gum. You know, the little yellow nugget pieces? Yeah, yeah. That you, like, chew on for hours. They tasted like little banana y. Ish.

[B]

I remember those.

[A]

Yeah, they look really good. But nah. Yeah. Shout out to sps. But no, I love them to death. They're like my family.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

So, yeah, I do. I do a lot, dude. And then soccer. I told you about earlier, I just. I think my adhd. We're talking about us both having adhd. I feel like I can take on so many different things at one time, but can I? Is the question or is it just in my head that I can. And realistically, I'm just a complete mess.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, I don't.

[B]

I'm still figuring it out. I just got diagnosed, like, literally a year ago, so I didn't know I had it my whole life.

[A]

Oh, no way. You found out that late?

[B]

Well, official diagnosis when I was a kid, they told me, but I never, like, got it confirmed.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But now I got a brain scan.

[A]

To confirm it, and it got confirmed.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

So for me, it's like I can focus on things I like, but if I'm not interested in the conversation, my brain will have.

[A]

That's me. Like, butterflies gone. I'm. I'm away. But you. Yeah, you told me four hours. You sit here at least.

[B]

This is a light day for me. Yeah. I usually do five.

[A]

How many guests today?

[B]

Four. Today? Yeah. An hour.

[A]

Each guest see that? That's having ADHD and doing that. I don't think people watching this understand how impressive that is. I'm struggling. We've done this for, like, five minutes. I'm like. I'm ready to, like, move around, but no. Yeah, man, it's. I feel like it's a blessing and a curse. I feel like a lot of creatives have things like adhd, autism, and, you know, Just stuff like that.

[B]

I noticed that. Especially with music, right?

[A]

With music and just, you know, every creator, every creativity. I feel like the people that are diagnosed with something are the people that think outside the box and the people that are, like, so creative, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, just, like. Just look at all these people that, you know, like, have made it, you know, something. Something is wrong with them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it's made them who they are. And the reason they have the success they have absolute.

[B]

And I know with these mental conditions, there's a disconnect with the older generation because they didn't get these, right.

[A]

No, no.

[B]

Was that an issue for you with your parents or with your people that were older than you?

[A]

No, not really. I wouldn't say so, no. But. I don't know. How about you?

[B]

My mom. I mean, I guess it's hard to believe, right?

[A]

Yeah, Like. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

I have anxiety.

[A]

Like, I definitely.

[B]

And their generation never got taught that word.

[A]

No.

[B]

So from their point of view, I get it.

[A]

You know, that's another thing as well. I feel like. I feel like this generation just like. Like every. Like, I feel like it's just changed so much. Not just the music industry. I feel like life in general has changed so much with this new generation. But, like, I think I'm part of it. I'm apart Gen Z 100,000. I am. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. You're Gen Z. Yeah, I'm a millennial.

[A]

Millennial, right? Yeah. But it's just like, everything's changed, doesn't it? And I think it's just going to keep changing.

[B]

Attention spans are dropping. Dating is getting harder. Friendships. Friendships are getting harder to maintain.

[A]

100%.

[B]

A lot of people base their identity on either followers or money these days, or both. I'm guilty of that, too.

[A]

So look at what you've done, though. Like, do you ever look around and just be like, shit, like, damn, I did this.

[B]

Certain episodes. Yes.

[A]

You know?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Why certain episodes?

[B]

Like, if the guest is huge, I'm like, what the fuck? I grew up watching Howie Mandel on Deal or no Deal or.

[A]

Yeah, so Howie is.

[B]

Yeah. I grew up watching this guy, this athlete, playing basketball. It's like.

[A]

And you're just looking. You're like, oh, my God. These guys. Like, you just have that realization moment. Like, they're on my podcast.

[B]

It is nuts.

[A]

That's insane.

[B]

Yeah, but you can't get caught up in the ego.

[A]

No, dude, that's the thing. My mom's my best friend, bro, and she'll never, ever, ever let me get an Ego, no matter what, man.

[B]

That's good.

[A]

Like we were talking about having 500 million impressions on Instagram. She's like, all right, whatever. Just to keep me grounded. And I, I appreciate it, you know, because it's, it's, it's helping me just, just always stay grounded and always be grateful for what I have. And I think that's the most important thing.

[B]

I've got a lot of friends that have, or people that I know or heard of that have ruined their career because of ego.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It's, it's, it's tough though, isn't it? Like, I still don't think I'm at the, you know, at the highest of highs, and I don't know where the highest of highs will take me. I pray to God, and I don't think I'll have an ego. But you just, you never know, you know, you don't know. You don't know what people are going through. And I remember I was doing a little podcast and Justin Bieber, I don't know if you remember the whole paparazzi incidents.

[B]

Yeah, I do.

[A]

I had an argument. I was like, I bet he's doing this to promote something. I bet something's about to happen. And then look what happened to two weeks later he released Swag, the album.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

You know, so you never know what someone's doing to, you know, to promote or whatever.

[B]

So Kanye's a master. That too.

[A]

Kanye's a master. Yeah, dude. But there's a lot of controversy on Kanye. But as a businessman, he's. He's just a genius, isn't he?

[B]

One of the best I've seen in business.

[A]

He's just, he's just so intelligent. Another. Another person who's actually a friend of mine who I see the same. Well, not as Kanye, but the same kind of success as Jojo Siwa. You know, start off with the bowls, people thought she was annoying. Annoying voice, couldn't stand her. She's the, she had the mindset of a 35 year old businesswoman, you know, and she was like, probably the, the most genius girl I've ever seen.

[B]

Yeah. She built a huge brand off it.

[A]

Insane. You know, and then she did the Switch show, the whole Miley Cyrus thing, and it worked. People followed, people cared. And I haven't seen anybody else do that in this, this generation. Like she has.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and that's why I respect Jojo so much.

[B]

People need to give credit on stuff like that. Even if you dislike them personally, when they create campaigns like that, it's not easy.

[A]

No. 100%. 100. It's just in. I just. I don't know, like how you do a whole life like that, you know, that's what's so impressive is taking your life and just building it into an empire. Yeah, it's incredible.

[B]

Yeah, it is interesting. People are so out there with their lives too.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, I'd say so. I'd say I'm. I guess I am as well, you know, But I'm still working towards getting away. I want to be, man.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, my impressions and all that stuff, it's great. But you know. Yeah. I told you what the goal is. That's. That's where we want to get to. We want to get to, you know, selling shows out, people enjoying the music. That's going to be the goal.

[B]

Filling stadiums.

[A]

100. That's. That's the end. Obviously. That's the end of goal.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right now Even, even a 50 cap venue would make me happy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, but no, yeah, man. I just. I just want to show people what I'm meant to be doing.

[B]

Nice. Why do you think you want those big stadium? Like, do you think it's some childhood dream or.

[A]

I think, yeah, I think any, any. Anyone who's dreamed to be an artist or even wants to be an artist, that their end dream is obviously to fill out Madison Square Garden. I think that's definitely one of the OGs. For me it's Wembley because, you know, it's the UK. It's like. Actually it's not my home stadium in the uk. Stadium of Light, my team Sunderland play. I don't know if you follow football. Soccer.

[B]

Heard of it.

[A]

Okay, well, Sunderland just got promoted to the Premier League, which is the biggest league in the uk. And the stadium is called the Stadium Alight. And my last name is Soul, so I was named after the initials of the stadium.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So that's a fun fact. People might not know.

[B]

That's cool.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Your whole life is about soccer, huh?

[A]

Yeah, I can't get away from it. I still play every Sunday.

[B]

Even with the 20 ACL.

[A]

Even with the 20 ACL. Throw a brace on and I still play. Nothing's stopping me.

[B]

Dude, what's your position?

[A]

Right midfield.

[B]

God damn.

[A]

Right midfield. I don't think I'll ever stop. I feel like if I have to get my leg amputated, I'll be running on the field with a crutch.

[B]

Damn.

[A]

You know, I don't think there's stopping. I think once you love, like football, soccer Whatever you want to call it, there's always a love for it, you know, and you're never going to lose that love. It's just one of those sports that just stay with you.

[B]

You think it's the best sport in the world.

[A]

I don't want to say it because then it gets into an argument with people in the comments, but to me, it is. To me it is. Because, you know, it's all. It's all. I know people in the uk, I think it's one of the main sports. Obviously, basketball's growing a lot and American football is actually growing a lot. Yeah. Like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have NFL games and stuff. Yeah, they've had a few NFL games in the uk, which is really cool.

[B]

I didn't know that, but.

[A]

No, yeah, football's. Football's a big part of my life. Definitely.

[B]

Yeah, I played a little growing up, but you're probably way better than me.

[A]

What, you.

[B]

Basketball was my sport.

[A]

Yeah. How tall are you, by the way?

[B]

Six. Six.

[A]

Six. Six. Yeah. No, I couldn't. Yeah, I try to shoot. Shoot hoops, but I'm terrible. I had one of those things in your bedroom that you just like the mini hoop. The mini hoop that you hang over the door. Still couldn't even make that. Yeah, that was bad.

[B]

X Factor 4 years old. That's pretty crazy. What the hell?

[A]

That was the star of everything, honestly. My mom was auditioning for the X Factor with her band and she took me with her and in the waiting room there was cameras filming people waiting to go in. Me, I think it was Sharon Osborne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell. And she. She went in the room and I was just waiting and apparently I was singing. I don't really remember it fully, but I was singing and dancing around the room and the camera spotted me and they said to my mum, would you mind if we get him in there to do audition? But not, you know, legally audition to be in the show, but just for TV purposes. And it went viral. Just recently went viral again. And that was kind of the start of everything, really. Man. And then after that, you know, I took on musical theater classes, singing everywhere, going to as many gigs as I could with my parents. And that was just the start of everything, really, you know.

[B]

So you grew up in a household just in a very musical environment.

[A]

It couldn't go anywhere when there wasn't music going around because my mom and my dad, they're both singers.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

So it was kind of like. I hate when people say they were born with something. I always use this phrase. I hate. I hate when people like, oh, I was just born with it, but I genuinely think I was just born into it. That was just what I wanted to do.

[B]

Yeah. You know, were they kind of guiding you, pressuring you, or were you just all about it?

[A]

No, they would never pressure me. I think if I wanted to be, like, even, like, I don't know, like, doctor or something, I don't know why I could be with my brain, but. But they support anything I wanted to do. But I think music was just. Just everything to me, you know, and it just always has been. That's cool. I think it always will be. That's awesome as well.

[B]

Did you watch Happy Gilmore too, yet?

[A]

I think. I think I've watched. I'm on seven times now.

[B]

You watched it seven times?

[A]

Seven times. Why'd you watch it so many times? I'm obsessed with it.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

I almost know every single line. I don't know. So many people had so many different things to say about it too. I honestly thought it was better than the first. If you're a die hard Happy Gilmore fan, you'll understand every reference. People thought the maxi. Remember the maxi golf? Yes, the maxi Golf. How people were like, why is there a maxi gov. Like, it was stupid. When Maxi became involved in the movie. It's mimicking live. Live golf.

[B]

Oh, wow.

[A]

That's. That's. That's what it was. That was the joke. PGA versus Liv. That's what maxi was. And that's why it was so funny.

[B]

Holy.

[A]

That's why, you know, people who are, go fans and, you know, Happy Gilmore fans, they got it. But I don't know. Cameos were great. I think, you know. You know, I think Bad Bunny stole the movie.

[B]

He did well.

[A]

I thought he was unbelievable. Even the golfers, man. Like. Like, every golfer was hilarious. I thought they were great. Who was your favorite? I'm curious. Your favorite character was.

[B]

Oh, it might be Bad Bunny. He killed it. I didn't even know that was him at first. Eminem was funny, but yeah.

[A]

Yeah, he was great.

[B]

Yeah, Bad Bunny crushed it.

[A]

Bad Bunny killer.

[B]

I gotta give it to him because Adam's always gonna deliver, so I can't just say him.

[A]

No, he's Adam Sandler, you know, but even his kids killed it as well, I think. Yeah. Now they're. They're getting older. Well, they've been in movies before, but, like, just little quick cameos. I think that's one of the longest Happy Madison, you know, movies they've done. But they both killed it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I think the more they get older, the better they're going to become, as, you know, actresses as well, because they killed. I love how he always involves Cameron Boyce.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I don't know if you saw the golf scene. He was on the tv.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

In the corner. He'll always have something in his heart for Cameron. I absolutely love that about Adam as well.

[B]

He throws all his boys in there.

[A]

He throws. It's just a friend group, like, grown up, I think Grown Ups, obviously one of the best. Grown Ups 2 was unreal. But that's. That's another thing. He just. He doesn't care. The way he walks around, like, how much money he makes. He could be walking around in Versace like Louis Vuitton bags, bro shows up like, he's, like, walking into McDonald's. You know what I mean? Like, he doesn't care, bro.

[B]

I saw the budget for that movie. He's making a lot.

[A]

What Was the budget?

[B]

275.

[A]

Shut.

[B]

Yeah. And I feel like there wasn't that much, like, editing in that movie.

[A]

No, it wasn't.

[B]

They probably made a lot off it.

[A]

I love the Color Grade, though. The color grade was so vibrant and just like in your face. I. I love that. But 275 million for one movie.

[B]

He probably does a couple a year, honestly.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

Because he's got a big deal with Netflix.

[A]

Jesus Christ.

[B]

Yeah, we might have to get into acting, bro.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Shit. We're doing the wrong thing. Oh, my God. Well, yeah, there's. I don't know, but people, you know, everyone wants to do different little things, so let them do a thing. We're killing it, though, right?

[B]

We're doing our thing.

[A]

We're having a good, good time doing this. But no, I. I think Happy Gilmore is one of my favorite actors. Him and Seth rogen are my 2.2tops.

[B]

Seth is a legend.

[A]

He's great.

[B]

He's coming on the pod.

[A]

Shut up.

[B]

Yeah, I'll text you when he's here.

[A]

You're lying.

[B]

I swear to God. I have the dm.

[A]

Nah, hold on. No, this is the. Yo, you got a DM of Seth Rogen? All right, this just took a turn. This just took a turn.

[B]

It was from a year ago, but let me pull it up.

[A]

No, no, wait, are you. Shut up. He's coming. He's coming on the podcast.

[B]

I was in March 24, so I gotta follow up, but he said, yo, I have nothing to talk to or promote at the moment, but I'd love to come on later in the year. So I definitely gotta follow.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

Legend, right?

[A]

I'm a cry. You are the luckiest. No, I like that, dude. Like, I love Adam, but Seth is, right? Yeah, Seth is dude. I know every film of his, every line.

[B]

What's your favorite Seth Rogen film?

[A]

Honestly? God, I've got. I've got too many interviewers. Killer. Honestly. Honestly, I thought was so underrated was Zach and Miriam. I thought was hilarious. You haven't seen that? I thought it was great, man. I just, you know, I. I long shot I thought was great. Just everything he does. I just, I love the movies. I love. I love every movie he does. Honestly, I think one of his best ones was this is the end. Because it was kind of like that grown ups feel.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Everyone just acting as themselves. You know, you got Jonah Hill, James Franco. You have all these people just like portraying themselves. And I just think, I don't know, I just think his mind when he creates and writes movies is just so. It's so relatable to like Pineapple Express, another classic. Just. Just things that people. I think, I think he incorporates things that people want to do in life and that's what he'll put in the movie because it's just. It's funny.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, it's humorous. It's hilarious.

[B]

He does well with that. Johnna. I want to have on too. Jonah.

[A]

Jonah Hill.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, man. He's killed as well. Has he lost a lot of weight?

[B]

A lot.

[A]

Hasn't he?

[B]

A lot.

[A]

Good for him, bro.

[B]

For him. Because he used to get a lot of hate for that.

[A]

I didn't see. I didn't see. I didn't care. I didn't care. That's the thing about back in the day, like when he was doing like, you know, super bad and all these movies, no one would like. No one would like be coming on social media back then. Like maybe they wouldn't like Facebook or whatever, but like Instagram. Now they would because of this generation. But back then people just cared about the, you know, they cared about the love of the actors and the. The movies. And that's another thing. Even the movie worlds changed as well now. I think, you know, I think even viewers have gone down way, especially in theaters. That's what's so sad, bro. Because all this digital world is just like taking over.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Did you see that Google VO3 video?

[B]

No.

[A]

Oh my God. You need to watch it. So pretty much it's an AI video, but it's. They're talking about that. They're not prompts. Like don't treat us as prompts. But it's all made out of AI. But it looks so real. It's incredible. Genuinely is.

[B]

So you can't even tell it's AI.

[A]

No. And it just scares me because if that's where we're at now, imagine where we're going to be in 30 years.

[B]

Holy crap.

[A]

IRobot swear, man. AI actors and yeah, probably that's what's next.

[B]

I heard they're going to bring back like people that are dead and use AI to like recreate their bodies for movies. Isn't that crazy? So their estates are going to license their. Their likeness.

[A]

What?

[B]

So like actors that are deceased will be in movies again?

[A]

Isn't that a little bit.

[B]

Well, crazy, right?

[A]

It's a little controversial. Like their actual bodies are just like take images of their bodies and use them as AI.

[B]

Like they would have a stunt double, I'd imagine, and then replace that with their features.

[A]

Like, that's insane. Oh my gosh.

[B]

There's already concerts of holograms of deceased.

[A]

Well, yeah, Michael. I know they did Michael. That was a few years ago. Yeah, Michael Jackson years ago or something. They did a hologram. So they're probably going to make that a real thing as well. You know, Universal Studios, the Fast and Furious ride, the holograms and everything.

[B]

Hundred percent.

[A]

They're going to make imagine why this is going to be like. They will watch back this video like 40 years from now. It's like flying cars and yeah, it's.

[B]

Going to be nuts.

[A]

It's going to be.

[B]

That's why personal brand is important right now.

[A]

100%.

[B]

A lot of jobs are going to be toast.

[A]

The stock market.

[B]

Stocks, yes. Stock trading is going to be bots in a few years.

[A]

Do you do it?

[B]

I used to.

[A]

Now you were just like, okay, I see where this is going now.

[B]

It might be too late. Like you could probably still make a little bit, but is going to be trading in a few years. You're not going to be able to compete with that.

[A]

No, no. Yeah, that's the thing. But I think Chad GPT is my best friend and I think it's half the population's best friend. And I think people aren't realizing how crazy it is. Like if you go back to 1960s and you show them chat GBT, imagine what they think. Yeah, you know, it's insane. Like this artificial intelligence is. It's going. I don't know. I'm scared to say where it's going to go. I don't even know. But you know, we have self driving cars. We're not. We're back to the future. Was. Yet. But soon. We're getting there.

[B]

Yeah, I used to actually. Every day, bro.

[A]

Yeah, it's the best.

[B]

I'm learning.

[A]

It's my doctor as well.

[B]

Yeah, I'm learning so fast. It's my therapist.

[A]

Yeah, me too.

[B]

My doctor. Yeah, for health issues.

[A]

Yeah, man, it's. It's great. And it's accurate. What's scary is it's so accurate. It's so right, you know, stupid accurate. I still can't get over Seth Rogen. I'm like, my brain, we're talking, but I'm still like, I got you, man. But that's. That's.

[B]

I might have to go to LA for that one.

[A]

But who cares?

[B]

I'll text you, bro.

[A]

If you have to go to North Korea, like the interview was to interview him. I would do it. I'd go with you. I'll be. I'll be your. I'll be your assistant.

[B]

I do need to hit you up when I go to the uk. I've never been there.

[A]

Yeah, bro, I need your guys. I know some. Really?

[B]

I heard it's a little dangerous right now.

[A]

Is that true? Yeah, I mean, there's always stuff going on. I don't really know the ins and outs. I don't like going into controversial stuff and all that, but any.

[B]

Any major city.

[A]

Any major city. Bad parts, you know, we live in Vegas. A lot of stuff happens here, you know, now and again. But dude. But I was just thinking about that Seth Rogen thing and building a following, how much it helps get in with like celebrities and big people. Because I was looking the other day And Odell Beckham Jr. Followed me.

[B]

Holy.

[A]

And I was just like, bro, I've got dms. Like how? He's like, why did you follow me? He's like, I don't know, but you. Funny. Lol. I was just like casual conversation. Same thing with Jamie Foxx.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

He did a. He did Jimmy Fallon. No, is Jimmy. No, it was Jimmy Fallon. He did the musical Wheel of Impressions. I don't know if you've ever seen them where they have to impersonate.

[B]

Yeah, I've seen that.

[A]

Other singers. So he did Jennifer Hudson on top of Spaghetti. So he had the song choice and the song. And I just DM'd him on top of spaghetti and he said, lol, love it. And then followed me and then we just had a full conversation.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So come meet me in la. Let's Grab coffee or something. I was just like, what? And then, you know, I spoke to Shaq. It was talks about, you know, Shaq being my manager for a little while.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

Everyone just got busy and it's just crazy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How. And I'm not, I'm not trying to name drop. I'm just saying when you have a social media following, it helps so much with so many different. So many different things.

[B]

Opened so many doors.

[A]

It opens doors. And that's what's sad, bro, because like I said earlier, there's so many talented people that deserve that in, that just don't have the chance. And that's what I'm trying to do with my following and with what I deal with. Not that famous. My brand and stuff is. Is just help people. And that's going to be my goal. So people that want to grow their following, like, like just do what I do and hop over the hurdles. I didn't have the help helping over. That's what I want to do. I want, I want to help them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and figure out the right decisions to make, the right deals to sign and just not because I. Dude, I got really bad, dude. When I lived in la, I went through hell and back. Honestly, I don't know if I'm allowed to swear, so.

[B]

Yeah, you can.

[A]

Oh, yeah. I got in LA by a label or what happened? Not by labels. Just like people saying they're gonna promise me the world and just help me do so many different things in this industry. And it just, it stole. I was. So many lies, bro. And it just, it just got me and my mom in such a depression and it just, it just killed us, you know, like, we barely had any money to survive. We're struggling, living in a studio apartment with a Murphy bed, bro. Me and my mom.

[B]

Holy.

[A]

16 years old. Like, we, we, bro, we fight like cutting dogs. I love it. A death. But we had so many arguments and fights. But yeah, that was it. Moving to Vegas was my escape, bro. And learning social media, learning the Tick Tock game, learning those viral videos, that's what really saved me, you know? So obviously I'm always going to hold on to those viral videos because I think it's what saved my life.

[B]

That's crazy.

[A]

Generally, if I kept trying to be a musician, not knowing how the hell vine worked and all these social media platforms worked at the time, I wouldn't know what the hell I'm doing, you know, that's nuts. But yeah.

[B]

So Tick Tock saved your life, Genuinely.

[A]

Yeah. In a way. Musically, it was musically first.

[B]

Oh, so you were on music.

[A]

I was on musically.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

Just walked up to a guy, Vidcon. I'm sure you've been heard of it.

[B]

I need to go. Go out to one of them.

[A]

It's not the same anymore, dude.

[B]

I heard that too.

[A]

Yeah. Nothing's the same, bro. Social media, like, it's just. Everything's just slowly dying, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Even concerts. Well, not. Concerts are still live with artists, people, like. But, like, it just feels like everything's slowing down.

[B]

It's getting harder to get views. Especially on Tick Tock, dude.

[A]

Yeah. Tick Tock. Yeah. Tick Tock's killing me right now. I don't know what.

[B]

I used to pull tens of millions on Tick Tock. Easy.

[A]

They changed and then they. I don't know, maybe algorithms change. I hate people that say that. Shadow band. Because it doesn't exist. It really doesn't. It just means you just gotta change your content.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

At the end of the day, that's what it means. But I've said it. I'm guilty. I'm my own shuttleband.

[B]

I've said it too.

[A]

Yeah. And I side Tick Tock and I'm like, listen, we don't have a thing called Shadowbind. It doesn't even exist. Unless you, like, break a guideline. We'll just take your account down. Yeah, but no, your account can't be Shadow Bond.

[B]

I know for a fact, though, on YouTube you can be.

[A]

You can't be on YouTube.

[B]

Yeah. Because I've searched my podcast episodes from different computers and it won't pop up.

[A]

Maybe because of, like, you know, Andrew Tate and like, people who think so.

[B]

I know for sure on YouTube you can.

[A]

Yeah, no, I love Andrew as well. I think he's Think he's great also. It's another.

[B]

You know, he was just here a few months ago.

[A]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

Power slap.

[A]

I'm trying. Not a fanboy right now. I've seen a hell of people on this podcast. I'm just like, oh, cool. Yeah. Casually. Howie Wondell. That's cool. Yeah. Every day I see him walking down the street. No, I don't. But. But you know what I mean. It's just so cool, man.

[B]

Yeah. Legends, bro. But like we said, the power of personal branding. Like, I. I wouldn't have been able to do this if I didn't do the personal brand route.

[A]

Is. That's what you did. So was that what you did first? You created the brand?

[B]

So I spent a lot of money on Facebook ads, built up the following went to conferences, in person, events. Spent hundreds of thousands going to events, conferences, buying the best ticket to meet people face to face. Because you also need that.

[A]

Where did you get the money from.

[B]

To start E Commerce.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. Dropshipping. That was my first bit.

[A]

Good for you, bro.

[B]

So back like eight years ago, drop shipping was hot and it worked. Now it doesn't work. It's too saturated.

[A]

Too many people are doing it.

[B]

Too many people are doing it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's kind of like podcasts now. A lot of them are saturated. Too many people are doing it.

[A]

Yeah. But obviously you hit. You hit when you hit. Doing this podcast. Obviously, you know, you're one of the biggest now.

[B]

Well, you need something unique about your show.

[A]

100 or else you're.

[B]

You're going to be in the crowd.

[A]

100. What's. Obviously, what's one of the biggest ones in Vegas? The fighting guy. People are gonna hate me.

[B]

Jake Shields.

[A]

J. Shields. Not Gia Shields. Dana White.

[B]

Oh, Dana. Yeah.

[A]

Is it Dana's podcast or. It's not Dana. It's.

[B]

He doesn't have his own, but he goes on a lot.

[A]

Whose podcast is. It's a, it's like. It's a fighting host.

[B]

Ariel Helwani or.

[A]

No, it's gonna kill me.

[B]

Someone called Sonnen?

[A]

No.

[B]

Who is it? Fighting host.

[A]

I can't think. He's big in the ufc.

[B]

Kamara Usman?

[A]

No.

[B]

Henry Cejudo?

[A]

No. I love how you know, he knows Dana really well.

[B]

Sean o'. Malley. Oh, Nelk boys.

[A]

No, well, obviously I know Nelk boys, but someone comment who I'm talking about, because I know there's somebody.

[B]

Is he still active or. No.

[A]

Oh, it's not a fighter. I'm stupid. Theo Vaughn.

[B]

Oh, Theo.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Theo Nashville. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. He's. He's another one that killed it as well, you know, you know, just stuff that people enjoy to watch just like this.

[B]

You know, comedy shows are actually number one in all the categories.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Pods? Yeah. It's category than true crime, because girls love the true crime stuff.

[A]

Oh, shit.

[B]

And then I think it's like health and then business.

[A]

That's cool. What would you, what would you consider this as?

[B]

This is like business, education, entertainment, I'd say.

[A]

And it depends on the guest.

[B]

Yeah. I wanted to ask you about one of my previous guests, Jack Doherty. What do you think about that kid?

[A]

I, I, it's such a hard conversation because I don't support a lot of the things he does, but then again, I know how social media works. Is he the guy he is on social media in real life, is the question. No, that's why I don't want to say an opinion, because obviously, you know, he did. I saw the video, and I was like, oh, my God, this kid's a. This kid's a prick. And he did the thing walking like this guy and put the security guard in front of him.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I wanted to punch him in the face. I was like, I don't like this kid. I really don't like this kid and the way he acted. But then I thought to myself, what if this genuinely is just for views and this kid isn't really like this in real life, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm guessing you know him a little better than I do.

[B]

So he's been on the show. I'll say this. He showed up an hour and a half late. I didn't like that. I thought that was a little disrespectful.

[A]

Not a good start. Yeah. Especially the podcast as big as this. It's not respectful.

[B]

No. Heads up. He was just like, my bad. I overslept. So I didn't like that. Then we filmed the podcast. It did well. Or whatever. He started being more responsive to me. So I think it's a case. If he likes you or respects you, he will treat you nicely, but I don't think he'll treat the average person that way.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah. That's why. That's why I don't think I like the kid. But I'm not gonna come on him and be like, oh, I think he's a prick. I want to fight him. Hit that kid. Because I don't know him, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You never judge a book by his cover. But I. I don't like the con. And he produces. But I. I did like the fact he was trying to help. Know the Josh Block kid.

[B]

What happened with that?

[A]

I don't know if it was for views. I don't know what it was for. This kid. Jock Jo Bear. This kid, Josh Block. He. He's. He's a creator now, and he is on the spectrum of. He's on. He has autism.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think he's a pretty high level of autism as well. And I think it's so sad what's happened to the kid, because so many people. So many people are like, I don't like this kid. He's disgusting. He does this, does that. This kid wouldn't know anything if it wasn't for the people that surrounded him, teaching him the things they taught him. You know, like, I'm not saying he needs to be putting a home, but he needs. He needs some kind of guidance. That is not the guidance he's getting right now, you know, And I don't think anyone who doesn't have, like, autism can understand where the kid's coming from, because we're not in his brain. We don't always think. And obviously he says things that are, you know, wrong, and I don't support in the slightest. But again, it's things that only the people are surrounding himself are saying. You know what I mean? Like, this kid isn't just waking up saying this because he heard it in a dream. It's what he's surrounding himself with.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's what's so sad about the whole. The whole thing with Josh is because just. Just the whole. The whole surrounding he has is just wrong. And I really hope before it's too late, because this kid's drinking, like, ridiculously.

[B]

Jeez.

[A]

For a kid, like, you know, on the spectrum. Like, I don't know what boundaries he has for himself, but just what, like. Like drinking and puking? Not like just going again and going again and going again.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Like I say, the kid really needs some help. Otherwise it's gonna. It's gonna be too late, you know? And that's why I really want someone to just step in and just really help this kid, because I feel like. I just feel like he's had the wrong guidance, you know? He has not. He hasn't had parents for a long, long time. He hasn't really had guidance, you know, And I just think the kid just needs some guidance of life. That's it. That's just my opinion on it. That's my take.

[B]

I hope so, man. I remember when, you know, Steve will.

[A]

Do it, of course.

[B]

Yeah. I remember when he first came on the scene, he was drinking like crazy, but he was able to kind of.

[A]

Channel shifted it, and so. And then he given hundreds of thousands to people who needed it.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, another one is MD Motivator.

[B]

Heard of him?

[A]

Yeah, I think it's MD Motivator. Another guy, you know, makes big bucks just doing it to help other people. That's what I respect, you know, those kind of creators that. That are just doing things to help other people. Like, I love that.

[B]

Right. So that's where I'll see the social media side, where I'm like, all right, they're doing something crazy now, but are they gonna build their brand off that or are they gonna pivot like Neon.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, Neon.

[B]

Neon's doing well at pivoting right now.

[A]

Streaming. Yeah, that's his biggest thing.

[B]

And I used to be, like, purposely addicted people and whatever. Now he's like, way better.

[A]

Well, the whole thing with the Island Boys, too. What are they doing? I don't know where they are.

[B]

That's the thing. They built their brand off controversy.

[A]

Yeah. And the people don't want that, though. Like, they should have started off on the Island Boy song, whatever the hell, and then. And then figured out some kind of brand. That's what Logan and Jake did. That's why they worked. They did this stupid content. They did those viral YouTube videos. They thought in the head, we can't live off this forever. Let's pivot. Let's make a brand. Jake boxing. Logan, wwe. Yeah, they both had just a genius, like, mindset of where they wanted to be in life, you know? And that's what's so scary about these viral videos right now. This ain't gonna last forever that I've got. No, you need a pivot. Like you said, pivoting is gonna be the most important thing. 100.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Streaming seems to be the. The wave right now. Yeah, but the problem with streaming is you got to keep doing crazier shit to get views.

[A]

Yeah, I agree. That's what's so sad. You saw my cheating videos, all that stuff. I don't want to do that, bro. I just want to sing a song. But no one's gonna get. No one's gonna give a shit about singing a song, you know?

[B]

Right.

[A]

And that 500 million I brought up again, I'd rather it's 100. 100 million streams on a song, you know, but maybe one day.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Who knows?

[B]

Well, dude, 500 is the most I've ever heard.

[A]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. Have you heard of anyone ahead of that?

[A]

No. That's why I'm wondering what Justin Bieber and all these people have right now on this. Imagine. Imagine seeing Justin. Because insides of mine, I have more that. Yeah, that would. Dude.

[B]

And here's why. Obviously, if he posted every day, he would beat you. But I think he doesn't post that much, so I think you haven't beat, bro.

[A]

I'd want to know like that. If you see this podcast, just let me know your insights. Let me feel good about myself for once.

[B]

How many followers does he have? He probably has like 300 million.

[A]

300 mil. He's a 300 mil. He definitely has like 700 million impressions. 800 million.

[B]

Yeah. If he posts at least a few times.

[A]

Well, the album release. She's obviously.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Right now he's popping. Yeah. What do you think of the album?

[A]

Loved it.

[B]

A lot of good.

[A]

I loved it. People. I don't think people understood how. I like how. How he created the production of the album. There's no crazy massive instruments. It's like a bass, a guitar, live drum. It's just. That's what I'm saying about what Teddy Swims has done. It's bringing that back, that old feeling music, you know, And I just think Justin's done that really well in this album. He's brought back that live R B soul feel. And I really feel like more art is going to do and I feel like it's just going to keep happening. And that's what I love to see and what I love to hear.

[B]

I love that, man.

[A]

100, bro.

[B]

Where can people find you and find your shows in Vegas and everything?

[A]

My only fans is no Mackenzie Soul on all social media platforms. Yeah. Virgin Hotel Thursday, Aria Wednesday and Shin Lim every night.

[B]

Let's get it, brother. Thanks for coming on, dude. Thank you.