Fool Coverage with Manny MUA and Laura Lee
Episode: Bretman Rock Reveals Why He Left the Beauty Community
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host/Author: PodcastOne
Introduction
In this vibrant episode of Fool Coverage, hosts Manny MUA and Laura Lee welcome their longtime friend and social media sensation, Bretman Rock. The trio dives deep into Bretman's decision to step away from the beauty community, exploring the personal and professional factors that influenced his journey.
Reconnecting with Bretman Rock
The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing their excitement about having Bretman back on the show, highlighting a friendship that spans nearly a decade.
[02:03] Bretman Rock: "Maybe nine. Girl. Yeah, since I was a baby."
Bretman's Departure from the Beauty Community
Bretman reveals that his exit from the beauty space was primarily during the mid-COVID period. Overwhelmed by the relentless focus on beauty content, he yearned to explore other avenues like fashion and lifestyle.
[03:22] Bretman Rock: "I'm in and out. And also just. I kind of out of the beauty space. I kind of focused on like more lifestyle, fashion, content."
He emphasizes that his decision wasn't due to losing passion for beauty but rather the sheer volume and repetitiveness of beauty-related projects during a tumultuous time.
[04:15] Bretman Rock: "I think it was honestly that was like mid Covid. I was over getting a lot of like beauty work... I just got tired honestly of the beauty content."
Navigating Community Drama
Bretman discusses the intense drama within the beauty community, citing instances where friendships were strained, and loyalties were questioned. This environment made it challenging for him to maintain personal relationships within the industry.
[05:43] Laura Lee: "You're like, I'm not even in LA."
[05:44] Bretman Rock: "Yeah. I'm not even in LA."
He recounts feeling isolated as the "baby of the group," often pressured to take sides in conflicts he didn’t fully understand.
Personal Growth and Creative Exploration
Transitioning away from beauty allowed Bretman to invest time in personal projects, including his MTV show and book. This period of focusing on himself proved to be a blessing, fostering growth and new opportunities.
[06:28] Manny MUA: "Absolutely."
[06:29] Bretman Rock: "Yeah. For the better."
Influencer Life and Social Media Challenges
The hosts delve into the complexities of being an influencer, highlighting the constant need to stay relevant across multiple platforms. They discuss the burnout that comes with balancing content creation, brand partnerships, and personal life.
[59:06] Laura Lee: "We went to Hawaii and Bretman took us to a private beach. And the hike was... Oh, the pillbox hike."
Bretman reflects on the transition from focusing solely on YouTube to managing diverse social media accounts, likening it to a "full-time job."
[60:03] Laura Lee: "You need to be a twenty, come to LA and just around the whole time do nothing."
Fitness Journey and Personal Well-being
Bretman's commitment to fitness is a recurring theme, with anecdotes about his CrossFit beginnings and bodybuilding pursuits. The conversation underscores the importance of physical health in maintaining mental well-being amidst the pressures of public life.
[08:14] Bretman Rock: "I don't do it anymore. I'm more in, like, the bodybuilding."
Dealing with Rumors and Public Speculation
A significant part of the episode addresses the challenges Bretman faces with rumors and unfounded speculations about his personal life. He shares experiences of false claims and the impact of fans inventing narratives about his relationships.
[43:37] Laura Lee: "Made another."
[43:38] Manny MUA: "I would never made another video being like, look what he's trying to do to me. I literally never happened. That's all a lie."
Bretman emphasizes the difficulty of silencing false narratives and maintaining authenticity in a sea of misinformation.
Reflecting on Early Influencer Days
The trio reminisces about their beginnings in the influencer world, sharing stories of early collaborations, brand trips, and the evolution of their online personas. This nostalgic segment highlights how far they've come and the enduring bonds they've formed.
[36:55] Laura Lee: "I think growing up in an island in Hawaii where like, you really, everybody knows each other..."
Future Projects and Personal Aspirations
Looking ahead, Manny and Laura discuss their upcoming travel plans and continuous endeavors in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Bretman hints at expanding his own creative projects, including his radio show.
[58:35] Bretman Rock: "Once y'all done with this episode, come visit me at the baddest radio."
Advice for Emerging Influencers
In a heartfelt segment, Bretman offers advice to mid-20s individuals stepping into their 30s. He emphasizes the importance of balancing personal life with professional aspirations and the necessity of appreciating the present moment.
[25:48] Bretman Rock: "What's crazy is that we've all done a lot of things that like people are ages have not done. So I think that's why..."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with lighthearted banter about future content ideas, including potential Halloween episodes and fashion discussions. The hosts and Bretman reaffirm their commitment to supporting each other and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media together.
[45:54] Laura Lee: "Next question. What's the best and worst thing about being an influencer?"
Bretman’s candid revelations provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the life of an influencer beyond the glamorous facade, underscoring the importance of personal well-being and authentic connections in the digital age.
Notable Quotes:
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[04:15] Bretman Rock: "I was so over talking about like even like the key points I got. I just got tired honestly of the beauty content."
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[06:30] Laura Lee: "Best decision ever made."
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[44:47] Bretman Rock: "They're so creative. I'm like some of y'all need to take that energy and write books, a novel, please."
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[73:43] Manny MUA: "I have an avoidant attachment style. So the second someone's being too lovey with me, I'm like, you need to stop."
This episode not only chronicles Bretman Rock's personal and professional evolution but also offers valuable insights into the realities of influencer life, the importance of mental health, and the enduring power of genuine friendships.
