FYPod Episode 36: "Matt Gaetz Accidentally Made Me Famous!" Featuring Olivia Giuliana
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 36 of FYPod, hosted by Tim Miller and Cameron Caskey of The Bulwark, they dive deep into the political landscape influencing Generation Z. The episode features a candid conversation with Olivia Giuliana, a prominent content creator and political advocate who has become a notable figure through her interactions with Congressman Matt Gaetz.
Guest Introduction: Olivia Giuliana
Olivia Giuliana enters the conversation as a content creator who began her foray into political discourse on TikTok at the age of 17 from her hometown of Needville, Texas. Olivia identifies as bisexual and openly liberal, striving for bipartisanship despite facing criticism from both the left and the right.
Timestamp [02:07]
Olivia Giuliana: "I believe in bipartisanship and getting along with everyone who we can. And you know that that displeases some people for me to do that."
Encounter with Matt Gaetz
A significant portion of the episode explores Olivia's unexpected rise to fame due to her confrontations with Congressman Matt Gaetz. Olivia recounts how Gaetz's targeting of her led to increased visibility and financial support for her advocacy work.
Timestamp [04:35]
Olivia Giuliana: "Matt Gaetz decided to talk about me, and I raised a bunch of money... I was named one of Bloomberg's 50 People that Defined the Year 2022."
Impact of Political Climate on Olivia's Activism
Olivia discusses her motivations for entering the political arena, highlighting pivotal moments such as the George Floyd incident and the looming Trump presidency in 2020. These events galvanized her to address issues like racial injustice and reproductive rights, leading her to become a vocal liberal advocate.
Timestamp [10:35]
Olivia Giuliana: "The impending Trump presidency in 2020... watching the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor... pushed me to start making content online."
Challenges within the Democratic Party
The conversation shifts to the internal dynamics of the Democratic Party, particularly how it engages—or fails to engage—with young men voters. Olivia critiques the party's tendency to categorize and exclude, arguing for a more inclusive approach that addresses the economic concerns driving young men's voting behaviors.
Timestamp [31:06]
Olivia Giuliana: "Young men are not ideologically, rigidly conservative. The driving factor for how young men vote is economics, period."
Strategies to Win Young Men Voters
Olivia emphasizes the importance of addressing economic issues to win over young male voters. She attributes economic disenfranchisement as a key factor behind Gen Z's political shifts and advocates for policies that provide real solutions rather than superficial categorization.
Timestamp [33:16]
Olivia Giuliana: "Economic issues are paramount. We need to help young men with wages, mental health care services, and opportunities to buy houses."
Personal Struggles and Resilience
The episode delves into Olivia's personal battles, including her diagnosis with polycystic ovarian syndrome and subsequent weight loss journey. She attributes part of her transformation to coping with severe cyberbullying, which, while challenging, also fueled her resilience and commitment to her advocacy.
Timestamp [56:18]
Olivia Giuliana: "I've lost 65 pounds since the DNC and my health is just in great shape. Cyberbullying played a role, but my health improvements are mainly due to medical support."
Immigration Reform and Democratic Opportunities
Olivia highlights the Democratic Party's potential to reclaim the immigration narrative by advocating for secure borders paired with comprehensive immigration reform. She praises recent statements from mainstream influencers and politicians, suggesting a unified front could resonate more effectively with voters.
Timestamp [43:33]
Olivia Giuliana: "Secure the border, protect the dream. We should have a secure border and a comprehensive path to citizenship. Democrats need to show serious solutions."
Future of the Democratic Party in Texas
In discussing Texas politics, Olivia expresses optimism about Democratic candidates like Colin Allred, Joaquin Castro, and Josh Shapiro potentially challenging Republican figures such as Ken Paxton. She underscores the necessity for Democratic candidates to stand out and address diverse voter concerns to win in traditionally conservative states.
Timestamp [52:01]
Olivia Giuliana: "We have a surplus of excellent candidates that could beat Ken Paxton. It all depends on how the Texas Democrats coalesce behind them."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with Olivia reflecting on her journey and the broader political challenges facing young liberals. She remains committed to advocating for inclusivity and meaningful policy changes, despite personal and political obstacles.
Timestamp [58:29]
Olivia Giuliana: "Matt Gaetz put my career on a trajectory it never would have gotten on if he hadn't targeted me. He unknowingly propelled my advocacy to new heights."
Notable Quotes:
- Olivia Giuliana [10:35]: "Watching the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor... pushed me to start making content online."
- Olivia Giuliana [31:06]: "Young men are not ideologically, rigidly conservative. The driving factor for how young men vote is economics, period."
- Olivia Giuliana [43:33]: "Secure the border, protect the dream. We should have a secure border and a comprehensive path to citizenship."
- Olivia Giuliana [58:29]: "Matt Gaetz put my career on a trajectory it never would have gotten on if he hadn't targeted me."
Key Insights:
- Influence of Political Figures: Olivia's interactions with Matt Gaetz significantly increased her visibility and ability to fundraise for advocacy causes.
- Generational Shifts: Gen Z voters are driven largely by economic concerns rather than rigid ideological affiliations, necessitating targeted policy approaches.
- Inclusivity in Politics: The Democratic Party needs to adopt a more inclusive strategy that resonates with diverse voter demographics, particularly young men.
- Personal Resilience: Overcoming personal health challenges and cyberbullying has strengthened Olivia's commitment to her political activism.
- Strategic Policy Advocacy: Addressing pressing issues like immigration reform with comprehensive solutions can help the Democratic Party regain voter trust and support.
Conclusion
Episode 36 of FYPod offers an in-depth look into the intersection of personal experience and political advocacy through Olivia Giuliana's story. Her insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of Gen Z voting behaviors and the strategic shifts necessary within the Democratic Party to effectively engage and win over young men voters.