
NEVER make this massive content mistake! Watch as this successful influencer reveals why staying authentic is crucial for long-term success in social media. 🎯
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Social Media Influencer
Right now, I'm posting whatever and I'm loving it. I can post whatever I want.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
If it's a vlog, if it's me interviewing, I can do that with anybody. I can be like, hey, and I can ask them anything. Like, tomorrow I'm gonna interview everyone.
Podcast Host
So you're not even playing. You're gonna be interviewing.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, no, I'm playing.
Podcast Host
Oh, you don't.
Social Media Influencer
While I'm playing, I'm interviewing. While I stack someone, I'm gonna be getting the chips. Hey, Trumper Harris.
Podcast Host
Oh, that's savage. I'd be pissed if someone was stacking me and beating and asking you.
Social Media Influencer
Politics. Yeah.
Podcast Host
All right, guys. Finally made it happen. Two years in the making. We got Tom.
Social Media Influencer
What's up, brother? How are you?
Podcast Host
God damn, good to see you. Can I call you a professional poker player now?
Social Media Influencer
No. I mean, I wish, but, like, probably not.
Podcast Host
Still an amateur.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, I. I suck, man.
Podcast Host
I mean, you are traveling to countries to play.
Social Media Influencer
I would say so, yeah. Yeah, that's better than most. Yeah. I had a girlfriend, past girlfriend, that lived in Australia, and when I got to Australia one time there was the wsop. So you can say I travel. You can say I came 12.
Podcast Host
Okay.
Social Media Influencer
I did come to the main event. Now, it was. It was a side event, but it was still a good field. Still a great field.
Podcast Host
What was the buy in?
Social Media Influencer
Like 500.
Podcast Host
Okay, so you made good ROI.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, it was good.
Podcast Host
Nice.
Social Media Influencer
I had fun. It was like a 3 day event. Made close to final table. I had fun, though.
Podcast Host
So that is the farthest long distance relationship I've ever heard of.
Social Media Influencer
Don't even. Yeah, yeah. Long, long. Yeah. Yep.
Podcast Host
Australia. Damn. You literally can't get any Farther. No, that's 18 hours.
Social Media Influencer
I couldn't. Yeah, yeah, it was a 18 hour flight.
Podcast Host
And now you're in Vegas or did you move from la?
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, so no, I. I lived in Vegas when I was 20 for about nine months and then I've been in LA ever since. Three years. Three, four years.
Podcast Host
LA or Vegas?
Social Media Influencer
LA.
Podcast Host
Whoa.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
I gotta disagree with you on that.
Social Media Influencer
What do you mean? Oh, LA or Vegas. Yeah, I hate la. Sorry, I thought you were saying where do I live? There we go. I told you, Vegas. 100%. Anywhere but LA. I hate LA.
Podcast Host
I was shocked.
Social Media Influencer
I'm sorry. I hate LA. If it wasn't for the people, I would not be in la.
Podcast Host
Yeah, yeah, but you're in the social media scene, so you got to be out there.
Social Media Influencer
Like I had. Yeah. Like now I feel like I don't need to, but back then when like tik tok was the thing, I had to. Yeah, like that's where everyone was.
Podcast Host
Hundred percent. I noticed you don't post as much.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, I would say the past, like this year, I think. And like, I'm going to sound like an idiot. Like, I know, but I've been doing social media for like six years and when I started it was every single day and I treat it as a like 9 to 5 job. And I feel like just after the 6 year mark I kind of just like I would say got burnt out because I didn't enjoy it as much as I did. So I feel like over the past couple months, especially this year, I've like slowed down on posting, which I still post every week on everything. It's just nothing like it was. I was posting like three times a day, stuff like that. So like Snapchat for instance. Every single day I'm still posting, I still post on ig, stuff like that, but it's definitely not as much as it was at all.
Podcast Host
I feel like you pioneered a new content style with your interviews.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, for sure.
Podcast Host
Like you were the first to do that.
Social Media Influencer
I would say people were doing it on YouTube and that's not even where I got it. I started doing my interviews on TikTok because there was two hot girls and back then, and even now I'm horrible talking, so I wanted an icebreaker and I just asked them, hey, can I interview you? And they were like, huh, sure. And then I just asked them how attractive I was and they gave me like Fours. Yeah, so I just posted that off the whim. I was this awkward white high schooler. Like it just, it was just funny. And from that I did it every day and I just had fun with it.
Podcast Host
So you were actually awkward with girls? Because I thought that was a like a role you're playing.
Social Media Influencer
Oh bro. I mean it was like 50. 50. Like I just, I love being awkward, especially my content. I just love being this like awkward guy who doesn't know what to say. And I like I say the wrong. Yeah, but back then for sure. Oh, 100, dude. Oh yeah. Oh dude, I couldn't talk to save my life.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
Absolutely not.
Podcast Host
So what changed?
Social Media Influencer
I don't know. I don't think anything changed. I'm still here.
Podcast Host
I mean you pulled some beautiful girls.
Social Media Influencer
Thank you man. Thank you.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I think you got some confidence, some money.
Social Media Influencer
I'm dating a mom now.
Podcast Host
Nice.
Social Media Influencer
That's crazy.
Podcast Host
A MILF?
Social Media Influencer
Nah. 100. How old? She's 23. Oh, so my age. But she has an awesome kid.
Podcast Host
Nice. So that wasn't a turn off for you?
Social Media Influencer
No, no. Wow. Like I thought it was hot.
Podcast Host
That's a mature take, dude. I don't know man.
Social Media Influencer
My dad left me so I'm just going to follow in his footsteps. Four years, Leave the kid. I'm kidding. I'm never doing that.
Podcast Host
But no, for real though because guys our age, if they see a girl with a kid, I would say, I.
Social Media Influencer
Mean it wasn't like a scary thing. I definitely thought about it before I like got really like committed to her, you know, Like I, I thought about it and like after just seeing her with him and it like, it honestly made me like like her more.
Podcast Host
Wow.
Social Media Influencer
It was crazy. I thought it was gonna be the opposite. Like damn, this is a big responsibility. No, I think it's awesome.
Podcast Host
I will say for me it might be a turn on in the sense of she's like purpose driven with it.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah. And it like she's really mature for her age.
Podcast Host
Nice.
Social Media Influencer
Like in my opinion that's just me.
Podcast Host
And that's hard to find in 123.
Social Media Influencer
Oh yeah. 100.
Podcast Host
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Social Media Influencer
This is the sound of your ride home with dad after he caught you vaping. Awkward, isn't it? Most vapes contain seriously addictive levels of.
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Podcast Host
I only hang out with people older than me, to be honest.
Social Media Influencer
There you go.
Podcast Host
Are you like that too?
Social Media Influencer
I would say so. I feel like a lot of people in LA, like, are like 28, 27.
Podcast Host
Yeah. So you're 23?
Social Media Influencer
23, yeah.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
So you, you blew up at such a young age.
Social Media Influencer
17.
Podcast Host
Holy shit.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
So you were in high school?
Social Media Influencer
The year I graduated was when I started blowing up.
Podcast Host
God damn.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, yeah. Like, it was.
Podcast Host
Did that shit get to you because you're so young and like.
Social Media Influencer
No, I just loved it. I had fun. Like, my school loved me doing it. I just started gaining a lot. And then when I turned 18, I just told my parents because my parents used to model. I don't know what the fuck happened to me, but my parents modeled, so they kind of knew what it was like to travel and go to LA because they moved LA for modeling. So when I told them, hey, I'm doing the social media thing, at first they were like, yeah, your ass. Go to fucking college. But then they're like, you know what? We did it. Like, just let you do it. And thank God they did.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
Because it all worked out.
Podcast Host
So you went off on your own?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, completely on my own.
Podcast Host
Holy shit.
Social Media Influencer
Completely. 18. I was cross country.
Podcast Host
Scary time, though. You just embraced it.
Social Media Influencer
So much fun. But I think it was only because I knew so many people online and I make great connections. And then when I got to la, it's kind of like I had friends because, like, we were all doing social media.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
And we all moved to LA and it was just fun.
Podcast Host
So where were you before that?
Social Media Influencer
Sorry?
Podcast Host
Where were you before la?
Social Media Influencer
Michigan.
Podcast Host
Michigan.
Social Media Influencer
Michigan.
Podcast Host
So you were like the only content creator out there?
Social Media Influencer
Probably, yeah, it was me. If you ever heard a two turn. Tony. Oh, actually, yeah. But he's older. He's like 29 or 30 now.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
And then that's pretty much it. Like, no one really from Michigan, so, like, no one really understood what I was doing, especially back then.
Podcast Host
Yeah. So you really didn't fit in?
Social Media Influencer
No. Oh, absolutely not. No, no, no, no. Like, no one really. It sucked. And I think that's why me moving to la, like, helped me so much. Was no one around? Like, no one was doing what I was doing.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
So I couldn't lean on advice for my, like, college roommate. He'd be like, dude, I'm studying. So it's like, what are we doing? Yeah, you know, so.
Podcast Host
So what gave you that conviction? You think that you were just on the right path?
Social Media Influencer
I, I from. I couldn't remember, I wanted to be a YouTuber. I just told myself, I'm like, this is my dream. I'm doing it. And I feel like I was always one of those kids that had no direction. After high school, I did not know what the fuck I wanted to do. I think I was going to go be a cop. Like, if I wasn't doing this.
Podcast Host
Wow.
Social Media Influencer
And not because I wanted to, just because, yeah, I'm going to be a cop. And then when I started social media, I was like, I can make this work. Like, the second I got my first brand deal, I'm like, okay, I'm not stopping. I'm going 100%.
Podcast Host
Nice. And when you eventually got out that recognition, was it everything you thought it would be?
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, I would say I. I would always, like, not get mad, but I used to watch a lot of YouTube, like, back then, just, like, follow all my favorite creators and stuff. And I was always so confused when they're like, all right, guys, like, I'm taking a month break doing this because I'm like, you do nothing. Like, you make a video, like, what's up? And now that I'm in the scene and I just told you, I feel like a year ago I got burnt out, quote, unquote. I just feel like I now I completely understand because I was like, dude, how do you ever worry? You have all this money and you're making videos, like, shut the up. But now it's like, I can understand why people get burnt out.
Podcast Host
And I used to think that too.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, the same with Logan Paul, when.
Podcast Host
He took a break.
Social Media Influencer
Exactly. Yeah, he was. Dude, what are you doing?
Podcast Host
Yeah, he was vlogging every day for what, five years?
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
That's crazy. Like, it sounds insane, like a fun.
Social Media Influencer
Lifestyle, but I feel like it's any other job. I feel like there's pros and cons to every job, you know? Like, I don't know, one job that's like 100% pro. Like, there's gonna be pros and cons. Granted. I feel like social media creators are blessed. Like, I feel like.
Podcast Host
I think so overall.
Social Media Influencer
I think overall it's a blessing. And I feel like a lot of social media creators, I feel like there's a little luck involved, like a little bit. Just if you're on the right algorithm or you do it at the right time. But other than that, I. I still feel like there's cons to it.
Podcast Host
Agreed. So have you seen this neon Nick Merckx, back and forth. Do you know Neon, the stream?
Social Media Influencer
I know Neon is just trying to fight. Everyone hates him.
Podcast Host
So he said being a streamer is the hardest thing in the world.
Social Media Influencer
Okay, that I don't agree with.
Podcast Host
Yeah, you said it's, like, the hardest job.
Social Media Influencer
I don't agree with that. Like, I definitely stopped streaming because I used to stream every day for two years.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
And I just fell out of love with it to do it every single day, dude. Like, a lot of these kids are making hundreds of thousand dollars, like, a month turning on the camera and playing a video game for four hours when kids are doing that for free.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
So, like, I understand what he means by, like, you have to be entertaining and you have to, like, show your best side of you. I get that it is draining, but it's not the hardest job in the fucking world, bro. Oh, my God.
Podcast Host
It is quite, quite a statement, Nick. Yeah, Nick Merckx went off on him for that statement.
Social Media Influencer
I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying nowhere near. Yeah, hardest job in the world.
Podcast Host
I agree it's not as easy as people think, but, yeah, it's not as hard as he's making.
Social Media Influencer
Perfect way to say.
Podcast Host
Yeah. He also plans his shit, so it's kind of intense.
Social Media Influencer
I don't get it.
Podcast Host
Like, his skits.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah. Right, right. Like, I don't know that. That's a crazy statement.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I mean, he's getting views, but it's kind of like that Jack Doherty situation where, like, at what cost?
Social Media Influencer
No. Right. I feel like they're both getting views, but everyone hates them.
Podcast Host
Right?
Social Media Influencer
Like, no one likes them. I don't know why you want views when everyone fucking hates you.
Podcast Host
Yeah. There's a balance, right? And you and Bryce do well with it.
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Podcast Host
Hate, but you learn how to, like, deal with it.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, I love it. I love the hate. But I'm not trying to piss people off. Like, I feel like they're trying to make that content. Yeah, I'll just be dumb and say some stupid. And people are like, why'd you say that? But I'm not trying to go out of my way to piss people off.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
Like, I see Jack's clips and he's like bumping into people on the side, trying to, like, start fights. Like all this with the security guard. Like, bro, no one's gonna like you. Like, no one. Like, I don't know. I don't know.
Podcast Host
Yeah, I think they'll. You think they'll kind of learn eventually.
Social Media Influencer
Or not really, because. Well, I just feel like. I don't know. I can tell it's probably all like a skit and they know it gets views and I respect everyone's grind, but I feel like probably when they get older and they're trying to settle down, they'll be like, damn, I was a idiot.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
I was just a dumbass.
Podcast Host
Kind of like Jake Ball's evolution.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, exactly. Right.
Podcast Host
Like he crushes it now.
Social Media Influencer
I feel like he's. I feel like he changed really well.
Podcast Host
Oh, yeah. He was so hated. He was the most.
Social Media Influencer
The most hated person alive.
Podcast Host
By far alive.
Social Media Influencer
And I still think the Paul brothers are one of the best marketers of all time.
Podcast Host
I agree.
Social Media Influencer
I mean, look at the best. I saw Jake, he put at his fight, he had a boxing, like one of those like bags punches. Yeah, that. But it was his face. Oh, like, that's a genius. Because everyone hates him.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
That's so genius.
Podcast Host
Yeah, that's brilliant.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, brilliant.
Podcast Host
They both started to nine figure companies in like a year.
Social Media Influencer
I don't get it.
Podcast Host
It's nuts.
Social Media Influencer
They're crazy.
Podcast Host
No, it's dope. Would you ever get into boxing? Influencer fighting?
Social Media Influencer
I've been offered one. I would, I just think. Because I definitely wouldn't want to lose.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
And I am definitely, you know, as you can see, I work out every single day. It would, like, take like, I. I would put my heart into it and that would take a long time to train. So I just, I don't have that in me. I've never been in one fight.
Podcast Host
Wow.
Social Media Influencer
Like, ever. Like, I've never been physical with one person.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
Ever. So, like, I don't know.
Podcast Host
It'd be tough.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah. Because I've never hit someone.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
Like, ever.
Podcast Host
No, you see that with Logan, like, he kind of holds back in a way.
Social Media Influencer
For sure. Yeah.
Podcast Host
Yeah. He doesn't have that Jake Paul dog.
Social Media Influencer
That's what I'm saying.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Do you still play basketball?
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, yeah. Yep. I've Joined leagues. I just played in high school and then I started social media. I wasn't that good for college.
Podcast Host
Okay.
Social Media Influencer
But yeah, I'll play like at least once a week.
Podcast Host
We might have to run.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, I'm down, dude. Anytime. Yeah. You're like one of the people I know that's tall.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
Every time I see you, I know it's you.
Podcast Host
I'm like that.
Social Media Influencer
He is tall.
Podcast Host
Yeah. It's hard to find good content creators that are good at basketball.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, I know.
Podcast Host
Like, really hard. Cuz Bryce sucks.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, Bryce doesn't really play sports.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Other than fighting.
Social Media Influencer
Other than fighting.
Podcast Host
Yeah, he could fight.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, that's probably. I think Bryce is one of the like. Like, people just think, oh, he's Bryce Hole. He's not a good fighter. He's actually a dog.
Podcast Host
No, he's a dog.
Social Media Influencer
No, he's a dog.
Podcast Host
And I could argue that's probably the most important sport.
Social Media Influencer
I would never mess with him, ever. I wouldn't.
Podcast Host
I mean, you do mess with them though.
Social Media Influencer
No, I do, but in a serious matter, I would never mess with him.
Podcast Host
I feel that.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
I saw on another podcast you said you don't like one night stands.
Social Media Influencer
Where the. Did you get that?
Podcast Host
I did my research.
Social Media Influencer
You did my research on me? Yeah, I would say I just. Like back then, I feel like, especially like with my content and stuff, it was all girl driven. Like I was doing the hot tubs. I was doing that. But I just think even when I was in college and stuff, I just didn't like it. Like, I just. I like to date. To marry. Yeah, I don't like to date just to date. And I feel like I'm a very. Like, I have a lot of emotions for a guy. Like, I feel like a lot of guys my age are just like, I don't give a fuck. I don't give a. I care, in my opinion. So I just feel like it just. I don't know.
Podcast Host
Wow.
Social Media Influencer
Just one nice day and just not.
Podcast Host
For you to admit that though, probably.
Social Media Influencer
No, dude. Because like, you what? You. You do it, you wake up, she leaves, you never see her again. What the hell was the point?
Podcast Host
Yeah, no, I'm the same way.
Social Media Influencer
No. Yeah, you just. It's like, okay, it's whatever.
Podcast Host
I've been with my chick for six years. I see all my single friends get with five girls.
Social Media Influencer
That's what I'm saying. It's like, dude, no, no.
Podcast Host
They're literally miserable. It's crazy.
Social Media Influencer
That's what I'm saying.
Podcast Host
But that lifestyle is glorified I know, it's crazy. Like, it's not crazy. It's not good for guys.
Social Media Influencer
No.
Podcast Host
That with us, emotionally.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, 100. 100.
Podcast Host
Glad to see you bringing back traditional values, man.
Social Media Influencer
I'm trying, man. You learned that from a lot of people. Don't think that. Especially with the content I made. Like everyone. And that's another reason why I feel like I stop content or not stop content. But I. I'm like, trying to change is like that care. I'm. I'm gonna say it. That character I did with the hot tub.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
Like, it was me, but it wasn't because now everyone thinks I'm just this frat guy. I thought you were. No, and I don't blame them. Like, everyone thinks all I do is like, bring over girls and shotgun beer and get in a hot tub. But like, it's literally the opposite. Like, after that stream was done, dude, like, we would either hang out, get out. Like, it was, it was nothing. What people. Wow. Oh, bro.
Podcast Host
So the girls were probably like, what the.
Social Media Influencer
Bro? It was more like, dude, I was just having fun. Like, because they were all friends of mine. It was just like, like friends. So it was like, like I just. And to be fair, I was really young. Every single time I did a hot tub stream, it did crazy numbers and I was just having fun with it. And then as I got older, even though it was like two, three years, I just realized my image sucks. Like on a personal level, cuz I'll still get the college ads that come up to be like, dude, you're lit. Just like you said, guys glorify getting with a bunch of girls. But. But just overall like me, I just did not like that image at all.
Podcast Host
That's. That's deep, man. So where do you want to pivot this on? Because do you still feel like you have that image?
Social Media Influencer
Like, not anymore. Like, especially over the course of like past two years, I've stopped that completely. Yeah, but. And I'm not saying I regret anything because I had a lot of fun. I just think it's more of like, I'm still me. I'm just, I'm really not that frag guy that everyone thinks.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Yeah. So do you want to switch to a specific type of content? Like gambling or something?
Social Media Influencer
Dude, I mean, I, I. Right now I'm posting whatever and I'm loving it. Like, I feel like, like especially on my Snapchat and tick tock, I can post whatever I want.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
If it's a vlog, if it's me Interviewing. Because the interview is really cool, and I love it because I can do that with anybody. Anyone I want. You know, I can be like, hey, and I can ask him anything. Like, tomorrow, I'm gonna interview everyone. Trump or Harris. That's gonna be an awkward ass question, but it's. It's great.
Podcast Host
Yeah. So that's smart.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
So you're not even playing. You're gonna be interviewing.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, no, I'm playing.
Podcast Host
Oh, you don't.
Social Media Influencer
While I'm playing, I'm interviewing. While I stack someone, I'm gonna be getting the chips. Hey, Trumper Harris.
Podcast Host
Oh, that's savage. I'd be pissed if someone was stacking.
Social Media Influencer
Me and beating and asking you politics. Yeah, it's crazy.
Podcast Host
Have you publicly backed anyone?
Social Media Influencer
Huh?
Podcast Host
Have you publicly, like. Oh, you have.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah.
Podcast Host
So that wasn't a fear of yours.
Social Media Influencer
To lose your audience, bro, I gained.
Podcast Host
Oh, you gained.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, bro, I can't tell you how many DMS I got because I posted that photo of Trump holding the, like, right as he got shot in the ear, and I posted that. I cannot tell you the love I got.
Podcast Host
Really?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, my God. Wow. I don't think I got one, hate.
Podcast Host
Because before, when you posted Trump, like, a few years ago, you lost.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. And, like, I feel like we were all scared back then for sure. But, like, I grew up before my dad left. He told me, never talk about politics or religion.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
So just growing up, I never did, and I really never got into it. But over the course of, like, two years and stuff and realized, okay, this country is weird. I've gotten a little more in, and I'm not even into politics that much. It's just, like, after seeing everything and see, like, everything going down, I'm definitely more on that side.
Podcast Host
I'm the same way. I grew up Democrat, though.
Social Media Influencer
Okay.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
Nice.
Podcast Host
I mean, I feel.
Social Media Influencer
I feel like my. Like, I grew up not talking about politics. I don't even know what my parents are.
Podcast Host
Oh, really?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. It was that, like, oh, bro, we never. I don't remember having one political discussion ever. Zero. I don't know. Like, yeah, that's nuts. Oh, yeah.
Podcast Host
You don't know your own parents, where they stand?
Social Media Influencer
No, Like, I don't. Dude. I don't talk to politics about everyone. I think just since I was young, I thought I was gonna get beat up, which I could have, but I just remember everyone's like, do not talk about that, which I get. It's, you know, it's a heated topic. There's heated topics? Yeah. That you don't talk about.
Podcast Host
Some parents have those, you know, topics where it's off, off the table.
Social Media Influencer
That's what I'm saying.
Podcast Host
For some people, it's finances. Some people it's sex. I don't know.
Social Media Influencer
That's what I'm saying, you know? Yeah.
Podcast Host
I feel like I'll be pretty open with my kids.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. Oh, dude. Dude, I'm gonna be open about everything. Like, I'm gonna tell my kids when I. Their mom. I will.
Podcast Host
No, I think it's important, though. They got to see the real world.
Social Media Influencer
You can't shelter them 100.
Podcast Host
Like, they're going to be weak.
Social Media Influencer
I agree.
Podcast Host
And when you grow up in an environment with money, it's easy to be weak.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, super easy to be weak.
Podcast Host
Like, you see their. Those kids and they're like, you know, kind of brats.
Social Media Influencer
I agree. So fully agree.
Podcast Host
We'll have to deal with that. But, dude, what else you doing?
Social Media Influencer
Chilling, man. Playing the stupid poker.
Podcast Host
You seem like you had a good spot in life.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, dude, I feel like I am mentally, and I just feel like I'm happy, you know, in a new relationship that's going great. Everything else is going great in my life. I'm starting, like, side projects. I'm just doing this and that, trying to be a pro poker player. I'm into golf. I play every single. Okay, so now good.
Podcast Host
Oh, it's great. Yeah, it's cool to see you not get caught up in the. The followers and the social media world.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, dude, you can ask any single person that grew up with me. I am the exact same. It. There's not one sentence I've said. You ask anyone.
Podcast Host
So you haven't changed at all.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, you can ask any single person. I am the same dude from high school.
Podcast Host
How did the level of fame not get to you, though, at all?
Social Media Influencer
I. I saw it as. This is my hobby. I have fun getting views. Felt like dopamine. So I feel like I have an addictive personality when it comes to stuff, but I feel like it's the good things. So I feel like I got, like, addicted to social media, but posting. So I just loved seeing the numbers grow. It wasn't for the fame. It wasn't like I was addicted to people coming up to me or taking photos. I just loved seeing my numbers grow.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
And I never saw it like, like, I'll go home and go out and let's say in my hometown, I'll take like 10 photos at a Target or something. A bunch of my friends are like, dude, why do you act the same like, like, like they treat me the exact dumbass that I was. I'm like, dude, because, like, there's no point of changing at all. I just. If I live in a new city, I'm still posting content. That's it.
Podcast Host
Yeah. For a lot of people though, they switch up. They leave everyone behind.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. I. I don't know why people do that. I've never done that. I still talk to everyone from my high school. Like, everyone. I try to as much as I can.
Podcast Host
I mean, I see it from a business point of view. You want to surround yourself with like, successful people.
Social Media Influencer
I 100 get that. But you never not talk to the people that you, like, came up with.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
You know, if you're still close with them 100%. Yeah. Like, I don't go and go out of my way to talk to people in high school. I didn't talk.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
Like, my actual homies that have been with me since like fifth grade playing Minecraft, I talked to them.
Podcast Host
Were you a big PC gamer growing up, bro? Same.
Social Media Influencer
I was the biggest gamer of all time. I was. I was a little nerd, bro.
Podcast Host
Your games, bro.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, bro. Every. Bro. I seriously think. Seriously. And I put this on everything. When Black Ops 2 came out, I actually think I could have went, bro.
Podcast Host
You were that good, bro.
Social Media Influencer
I'm telling you, that was the one game you can put anyone in that chair. And I'd beat dude in. In 1v1 quick scope, you're done in that game.
Podcast Host
So you could have beat faze banks 100%. He just destroyed that 100%.
Social Media Influencer
100%.
Podcast Host
I saw you game at that gaming thing a couple weeks ago.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, but that was 2K.
Podcast Host
2K.
Social Media Influencer
And I never played 2K. No.
Podcast Host
Okay.
Social Media Influencer
The other guy played too, but yeah, he plays two every day. Yeah, he's like a.
Podcast Host
And you still put up a good fight.
Social Media Influencer
I lost by five.
Podcast Host
You almost won.
Social Media Influencer
I almost won. I was up by three. Like my. I was up three points.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
In like the third quarter.
Podcast Host
For someone that doesn't play, that's like pretty.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, I like never, never played 2K and then we played COD and we six zero swap them. Wow.
Podcast Host
I mean, so FPS was like your main games?
Social Media Influencer
Oh yeah, dude. Oh yeah. And like GTA and just all. I was a gamer, bro.
Podcast Host
You get into Fortnite at all or no?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. Yeah, dude. I would go to basketball practice and come home and skip my homework in this game. Oh yeah. But I just, I didn't make like around it like I have no gaming content. Zero. Zero.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Is that a regret of yours?
Social Media Influencer
Not really. Not really. Because I feel like especially now, if I did gaming content, I like how my content I can travel. Like I interview whoever. I can travel countries, I can do whatever. I feel like if I did games, I'd be stuck in my room.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
And it'd feel way more like an actual job to me. And I tell everyone, don't like, do stuff. I don't know how I say it. It's like, it's like make your job not a job. So you love it. If that makes sense.
Podcast Host
No, I feel that. Yeah, yeah. When it feels like a job, it feels.
Social Media Influencer
When it feels like a job, your love goes.
Podcast Host
It goes.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Podcast Host
Because you see some gamers looking stressed like ninja lately.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah.
Podcast Host
I see clips of him like bitching.
Social Media Influencer
About he has $200 million. He can go cry in your Lamborghini, man.
Podcast Host
Yeah, no, but I see him complaining about Fortnite and stuff.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, well, I mean, yeah, he. That I understand. I feel like Fortnite's dog now.
Podcast Host
You think so?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah. Well, back from what it came from, I feel like these like, I don't know who's in charge of games, but when something works, they're always like, oh, we got to change it to make it better. It's like it's working. What are you doing?
Podcast Host
And every time they bring the old.
Social Media Influencer
Map back, everyone's on. All my boys are on. I was playing, it's like, dude, yeah.
Podcast Host
Reloaded.
Social Media Influencer
Yep.
Podcast Host
Yeah, there's some sweats in that game.
Social Media Influencer
I know, I know.
Podcast Host
I can't game like I used to. Kids are too nasty now.
Social Media Influencer
No, I can't either. Yeah, I can't either. Cod. I bet I could hold up. I play like every week.
Podcast Host
What's your KDR?
Social Media Influencer
I would say in a new COD now? I think in what MW3, it was like 1.8. Okay, so it's not terrible.
Podcast Host
Yeah, it's pretty solid for a part time player. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's dope. How many views were you getting at your peak per month?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, bro. 200, 300 mil.
Podcast Host
Holy.
Social Media Influencer
In total, probably four or five hundred miles.
Podcast Host
Dude, is that mainly tick tock?
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, tick tock and then YouTube.
Podcast Host
Holy crap.
Social Media Influencer
Oh yeah. Oh, dude, I was pulling like easily 100, 200 mil every month.
Podcast Host
Dude, you were printing money.
Social Media Influencer
Well, TikTok doesn't pay.
Podcast Host
Oh, was that before they paid?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, bro. Oh, I made nothing cuz that off TikTok. I made nothing.
Podcast Host
That Would have been a lot now, right, bro?
Social Media Influencer
If. Bro, if I. I probably could do the math right now. If I made all my videos and got the same views that I did back then, when Tick Tock was at its prime, I'd probably have made over like a mil, two mil. Just all views, no brand deals, nothing.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
Like.
Podcast Host
Oh, dude, that's insane.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, don't. Don't bring that up to me. Don't bring it up.
Podcast Host
A lot of success is timing, dude.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, I know. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
Podcast Host
Like, right place. Right?
Social Media Influencer
Well, that's what I'm saying. It's technically. Like, it's not luck, but in my opinion, it's lucky. Like, I started social media the day Tick Tock came out.
Podcast Host
Wow.
Social Media Influencer
Like, and I got on Tick Tock when it just dropped. I feel like that's lucky. I feel like if I try to do what I did three years ago, hell no.
Podcast Host
Right? It'd be tougher. Yeah. So much Logan and Jake with Vine. Vine came out.
Social Media Influencer
Exactly. Right, Right. So I don't know, because I started when there was the Hype House and the Sweat House and, like, all the big houses.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
So I feel like that was just. Everyone was in quarantine watching videos no one was doing.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
It was peak timing.
Podcast Host
What do you think caused the downfall of TikTok?
Social Media Influencer
Oh, that TikTok shop.
Podcast Host
Oh, the shop.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, bro. Killed it. Oh, why, absolutely. That's all I see. Oh.
Podcast Host
It's all they care about.
Social Media Influencer
They want to make Tik tok Amazon.
Podcast Host
Okay.
Social Media Influencer
100%. 100%.
Podcast Host
So that killed.
Social Media Influencer
Which I get it. They're profiting more than they were.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
And I respect that. But as creators, completely. Like, it's not the same.
Podcast Host
I do see it. As soon as I log in everywhere.
Social Media Influencer
That's all.
Podcast Host
Every, what, three videos?
Social Media Influencer
It is. And then everyone's like, oh, it's only a us thing. Okay. 80% of viewership is us.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
So I don't know what you're trying to say. When people are like, it's not every. Okay, fine, take out 20. Sorry. Like.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Do you think the lives helped or made it worse?
Social Media Influencer
I think the lives help creators. Because, dude, I know creators. That you might not even have a good following on tick tock.
Podcast Host
Yeah.
Social Media Influencer
2,000 followers, and you'll be making 10,000, like, every week live. Dude, I know people making tens of hundreds of thousands of these stupid live streams, and they have 50 viewers. How? Just people donating.
Podcast Host
Holy.
Social Media Influencer
People donating. Dude, I've been in lives before where someone would just give someone 5k.
Podcast Host
What?
Social Media Influencer
Oh yeah. And the creator would just be like, thank you. No doing that like, like NPC bullshit. Like. Yeah, yeah, whatever, dude. Like I tell everyone if you are bored and you're jobless and you don't know what to do, start a tick. I'm being so 1000%.
Podcast Host
I didn't know it like that. I just, I see Jason Nash on Live a lot.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
So he must be making money.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah, he's just a different story. He's just. I don't know.
Podcast Host
Damn.
Social Media Influencer
I don't know why the. I feel like how it's been going is if you see a creator on Tick Tock Shop, it means they have no money. That's kind of. That's kind of like the like link. I don't know.
Podcast Host
Because they are getting a percent of the sale, right?
Social Media Influencer
I would say so, yeah.
Podcast Host
40% or whatever.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Damn, that's wild.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Tick Tock changed a lot from what he used. My views are down.
Social Media Influencer
Are they? I feel like everyone's are a lot.
Podcast Host
And on YouTube.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah.
Podcast Host
Well, I don't know if it's just.
Social Media Influencer
Oversaturated and they're not pushing creators, they're pushing TikTok shop.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
If you see the videos that have TikTok shop items in it, they're getting millions of likes.
Podcast Host
Really, bro?
Social Media Influencer
People don't understand, dude. Like TikTok can push whatever the fuck it wants, right?
Podcast Host
Just one button, bro.
Social Media Influencer
We want TikTok shop videos. Okay. If you don't have a TikTok shop, it's not that you won't get views. You won't get nothing near what these creators do with like Tick Tock shot.
Podcast Host
Yeah. Do you feel like your views went down when you announced you were pro Trump?
Social Media Influencer
No.
Podcast Host
It didn't matter.
Social Media Influencer
No.
Podcast Host
Because on Instagram and YouTube, for me, when I posted a lot of right wing stuff, my views went down.
Social Media Influencer
Dude, I. I got so many dms and just real, bro.
Podcast Host
Damn, bro. Yeah, it could have been the sneako on that. Something got me.
Social Media Influencer
Yeah. Maybe my fan base is just like. I don't know, I feel like, like I feel like Bryce has a fan base where everyone would back him.
Podcast Host
Right.
Social Media Influencer
You know? So. Yeah, that's why. Cuz I made really edgy content. So I feel like a lot of my followers are edgy. So I don't know if that means they're all. I don't know. I don't know. I'm really not into politics that much. I'm really not.
Podcast Host
Yeah, but I mean the way you grew up.
Social Media Influencer
Oh, yeah.
Podcast Host
Traumatized. Well, shit, dude. It's been fun. And close off with here.
Social Media Influencer
Dude, I'm chilling. CPT Finally. Yes. CBT is tomorrow. Finally. After two years, we got in.
Podcast Host
Got it in.
Social Media Influencer
I feel like that's honestly partially my bad. No. You come, and then I say yes, and I'm. And I end up not coming to. To Vegas, and it's just a whole bullshit show. But we're here.
Podcast Host
Good. We'll hoop next time, bro.
Social Media Influencer
All right.
Podcast Host
Yes, sir. Thanks for watching, guys.
Social Media Influencer
PE.
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Tommy Unold (Social Media Influencer)
Release Date: November 23, 2024
In this engaging episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes social media influencer Tommy Unold, delving into Tommy's journey through the ever-evolving digital landscape. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about Tommy's amateur status in professional poker, setting the stage for a candid discussion about his experiences and insights.
Early Beginnings and Relocation:
Tommy shares his early days of content creation starting in Michigan, where he felt isolated and misunderstood in his pursuits. This sense of isolation propelled him to move to Los Angeles at the age of 18, seeking a community that resonated with his social media ambitions.
[07:28] Tommy Unold: "I was completely on my own. Michigan didn’t have anyone doing what I was doing, so moving to LA was a game-changer."
Content Style and Burnout:
Initially, Tommy's content focused on humorous and awkward interactions, particularly conducting interviews with peers in unconventional settings like hot tubs. This unique approach garnered significant attention, with Tommy amassing millions of views. However, after six years, he experienced burnout from the relentless pace of daily postings.
[03:05] Tommy Unold: "I got burnt out because I didn't enjoy it as much as I did. I slowed down on posting, which I still do weekly, but it's nothing like three times a day anymore."
Innovative Interview Techniques:
Tommy pioneered a content style that merged casual gameplay with on-the-fly interviews, allowing him to engage with diverse personalities while maintaining an entertaining format.
[18:20] Tommy Unold: "If it's a vlog, if it's me interviewing, I can do that with anybody. I can ask them anything, like tomorrow I'm gonna interview everyone."
Navigating Political Content:
Transitioning into political content was a significant shift for Tommy. Contrary to losing his audience, he found that expressing his political views, particularly pro-Trump sentiments, actually increased his engagement.
[18:54] Tommy Unold: "I posted that photo of Trump holding the right as he got shot in the ear, and I cannot tell you the love I got."
Impact of Platform Changes:
Tommy discusses the decline of TikTok viewership following the introduction of TikTok Shop, which shifted the platform's focus towards commerce rather than content creation. This change, according to Tommy, diluted the authentic engagement that creators once thrived on.
[27:05] Tommy Unold: "TikTok Shop killed it. They want to make TikTok Amazon, and it's not the same for creators."
Long-Distance Relationships:
Tommy recounts his past experiences with long-distance relationships, including a stint in Australia attending a World Series of Poker (WSOP) event, highlighting the challenges and adventures that come with balancing personal life and career ambitions.
[01:57] Tommy Unold: "I did come to the main event. It was a side event, but it was still a great field."
Current Relationship Dynamics:
Now in a relationship with a 23-year-old who has a child, Tommy reflects on the maturity and responsibility that his partner brings, contrasting it with his previous perceptions of relationships driven by fleeting attractions.
[05:03] Tommy Unold: "I'm dating a mom now… She's 23, my age, and she has an awesome kid. That's a mature take."
Gaming Prowess:
A self-proclaimed avid gamer, Tommy shares his prowess in first-person shooters like Call of Duty (COD) and his nostalgic fondness for games like Black Ops 2. Despite his gaming skills, he chose not to pivot his content exclusively towards gaming, preferring the flexibility of varied content creation.
[22:45] Tommy Unold: "I was the biggest gamer of all time. I could beat anyone in 1v1 quick scope in Black Ops 2."
Current Hobbies:
Apart from gaming, Tommy indulges in poker, basketball, and golf, maintaining a balanced lifestyle outside the digital realm.
[20:37] Tommy Unold: "I'm starting side projects, trying to be a pro poker player, and I'm into golf. I play every single week."
Understanding Burnout:
Tommy’s firsthand experience with burnout allows him to empathize with other creators who step back from content creation. He acknowledges the pressures of maintaining relevance and the emotional toll it can take.
[09:44] Tommy Unold: "I now completely understand why people get burnt out. It’s like any other job with its pros and cons."
Maintaining Authenticity:
Despite fame, Tommy has remained true to his roots, continuing to engage with old friends and preserving his authentic self rather than conforming to the influencer stereotype.
[22:43] Tommy Unold: "I am the same dude from high school. There's not one sentence I've said that changed."
Expanding Content Horizons:
Looking ahead, Tommy plans to diversify his content further by incorporating more interviews and exploring different niches such as gambling. He emphasizes the importance of making content feel like a hobby rather than a job, preserving his passion and creativity.
[17:35] Tommy Unold: "I'm posting whatever and I'm loving it. I can post whatever I want, whether it's vlogs or interviews."
Professional Poker Aspirations:
With aspirations to become a professional poker player, Tommy is investing time and effort into honing his skills, balancing this pursuit with his online presence.
[20:37] Tommy Unold: "I'm trying to become a pro poker player. It's a journey I'm passionate about."
In this insightful episode, Tommy Unold candidly discusses the highs and lows of his journey as a social media influencer. From tackling burnout and evolving content strategies to maintaining personal relationships and exploring new hobbies, Tommy offers valuable lessons for aspiring creators. His emphasis on authenticity, balanced content creation, and personal growth serves as a guiding beacon for those navigating the complex world of digital fame.
Notable Quotes:
Tommy Unold on Burnout:
"[03:05] I got burnt out because I didn't enjoy it as much as I did."
On Authenticity:
"[22:43] I am the same dude from high school."
Regarding TikTok Shop:
"[27:05] TikTok Shop killed it. They want to make TikTok Amazon."
Personal Growth and Relationships:
"[05:03] I'm dating a mom now… She's 23, my age, and she has an awesome kid."
This episode of Digital Social Hour provides a transparent look into the life of a young influencer striving to balance fame, personal life, and authentic content creation. Tommy Unold's experiences underscore the importance of evolving with the times while staying true to oneself, offering listeners both inspiration and practical insights.