LA PLATICA, Episode 222: "Getting Banned from Dodger Stadium with Noe Murillo"
Release Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Sebastian Robles (“Sebas”), Josh Leyva
Special Guest: Noe Murillo
Episode Theme:
An unfiltered dive into the journey of Noe Murillo—school bus driver turned viral TikTok solo date “mukbanger”— touching on authenticity in social media, success without traditional passion, navigating newfound fame, life as a Latino content creator, and of course, his infamous Dodger Stadium ban.
Episode Overview
This episode of LA PLATICA centers on the meteoric rise of Noe Murillo, a school bus driver whose relatable, low-fi solo dining TikToks have garnered him a massive following. Hosts Sebas and Josh, both content creation veterans, explore Noe’s unconventional path to internet stardom, the realities of monetizing social media, staying grounded amidst virality, and the value of creating authentic content that resonates with everyday people. The episode also features a live food tasting, candid takes on the meaning of life, and, finally, the juicy details behind Noe’s viral “ban” from Dodger Stadium.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Noe Murillo’s Origin Story & Rise to Fame
- Getting Started as a Bus Driver and Content Creator
- Noe started as a school bus driver but needed extra income. Inspired by others on TikTok earning real money via relatable “day-in-the-life” content, he saw an opportunity and made his own version focused on bus driving.
“I saw people making money from TikTok. I gotta give a shout out to Juan Ruiz... That video went viral and he talked about making $5,000. Then I had the little lightbulb moment—let me do it as the Analytical School Bus Driver.” – Noe (05:20)
- Noe started as a school bus driver but needed extra income. Inspired by others on TikTok earning real money via relatable “day-in-the-life” content, he saw an opportunity and made his own version focused on bus driving.
- Viral Growth
- In just four months, Noe gained 100k followers. Transitioning to “solo date” mukbangs sparked explosive growth: 800k more followers within another four months.
“Within 10 months I gained like a million followers on TikTok, which has been crazy.” – Noe (26:46)
- In just four months, Noe gained 100k followers. Transitioning to “solo date” mukbangs sparked explosive growth: 800k more followers within another four months.
- Content Formula
- Noe emphasizes intentional creativity in short-form: compelling hooks, engagement strategies, consistent editing, and leaning into “rage bait” (like his signature lip-lick before eating).
“There’s a formula...getting the right hooks, the editing and, you know, creating engagement—doing things to get people to comment.” – Noe (06:20)
- Noe emphasizes intentional creativity in short-form: compelling hooks, engagement strategies, consistent editing, and leaning into “rage bait” (like his signature lip-lick before eating).
2. Money, Transparency & the Motivation to Create
- Being Honest About Money
- Noe openly admits content creation began as a way to supplement his income, not out of “passion,” and discusses being transparent about earnings.
“People say, ‘Get into content creation, you gotta be passionate about it.’ I’m like, I’ll be honest—I just did it for the money.” – Noe (06:07)
- Noe openly admits content creation began as a way to supplement his income, not out of “passion,” and discusses being transparent about earnings.
- Income Realities
- Noe made around $40-50k in a year, but clarifies most is from sponsorships and brand deals, not direct TikTok payments.
“Majority is coming from brand deals and sponsorships. But now I’m kind of dealing with a lot of people asking for money!” – Noe (10:50)
- Noe made around $40-50k in a year, but clarifies most is from sponsorships and brand deals, not direct TikTok payments.
- Balancing Happiness, Gratitude, and Material Success
- Discussion on whether money brings happiness; all agree it provides options and relief, but doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.
“Honestly, this past year—having more money—I haven’t been happier.” – Noe (11:55)
“What fulfills me is when people say, ‘I love La Platica...’ That makes me happy. But yes, money helps you find happiness...especially if you’re coming from a certain situation.” – Sebas (13:05)
- Discussion on whether money brings happiness; all agree it provides options and relief, but doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.
3. Solo Dates, Mental Health, and Authenticity
- Impact of Solo Content
- Noe’s “solo date” trend not only grew his audience but inspired followers to explore outings alone for healing after breakups or self-growth.
“The amount of people that come up to me: 'Because of you, I started going out myself.’ Even girls, too—so that really resonated.” – Noe (16:37)
- Noe’s “solo date” trend not only grew his audience but inspired followers to explore outings alone for healing after breakups or self-growth.
- Normalizing Doing Things Alone
- Both hosts and Noe stress the importance and value in enjoying time alone for mental health and confidence.
“Do things by yourself! Table for one—say that. It’s the best feeling.” – Josh (18:20)
- Both hosts and Noe stress the importance and value in enjoying time alone for mental health and confidence.
- Dealing with Fame
- Noe navigates being recognized as an older creator, staying grounded, and not letting fame affect his day-to-day.
“I’m older... so I’m more grounded, I’m kind of just ‘eh.’ If I was 18, yeah, I’d be wilding out!” – Noe (15:46)
- Noe navigates being recognized as an older creator, staying grounded, and not letting fame affect his day-to-day.
4. The Truth About “Viral Formulas” and Content Strategy
- Hooking the Viewer
- The first few seconds are crucial—doing something eye-catching or unexpected starts viewer retention.
“You gotta get the right hook—do something that makes people go, ‘what was that?’” – Noe (27:52)
- The first few seconds are crucial—doing something eye-catching or unexpected starts viewer retention.
- Driving Engagement
- Using recurring motifs (“where’s the Groupon?”), subtle rage-bait (signature lip lick), and intentionally over-ordering food spark comments and debate.
“Now, every comment is like a little viral token.” – Noe (28:25)
- Using recurring motifs (“where’s the Groupon?”), subtle rage-bait (signature lip lick), and intentionally over-ordering food spark comments and debate.
- Editing & Length
- Even his multi-minute clips stay engaging by keeping a snappy pace—remarkable considering the short attention span on TikTok.
“It could be anywhere from like two to three minutes, but I make sure the video doesn’t drag—every clip has to have something.” – Noe (30:12)
- Even his multi-minute clips stay engaging by keeping a snappy pace—remarkable considering the short attention span on TikTok.
- Replicating Success Across Platforms
- Noe notes varying results on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts; each requires platform literacy but his core approach largely carries over.
5. Mukbangs, Fast Food Opinions, and Food Hot Takes
- Food as Content (and Joy?)
- Despite fame as a “mukbanger,” Noe insists he isn’t a ‘foodie’—he just knows what’s good and enjoys eating, but doesn’t obsess over cuisine.
“People ask me, ‘What’s my favorite food?’ I don’t know—like a teriyaki bowl, or Chipotle burrito. I just eat, not a foodie.” – Noe (76:15)
- Despite fame as a “mukbanger,” Noe insists he isn’t a ‘foodie’—he just knows what’s good and enjoys eating, but doesn’t obsess over cuisine.
- Best Fast Food Debates
- In-N-Out wins “best fast food burger” by group consensus. Five Guys scores well but is knocked for price.
“There’s nothing like an In-N-Out burger. Cream of the crop.” – Josh (41:12)
- Big Macs are universally loved, and the Jack in the Box Sourdough Jack gets special praise.
“Sourdough Jack. That’s my go-to.” – Noe (57:01)
- In-N-Out wins “best fast food burger” by group consensus. Five Guys scores well but is knocked for price.
- Live Mukbang Segment
- The group taste-tests Taco Bell’s Chicken Buffalo Burrito.
“This is fire. It’s better than McDonald’s snack wrap because it’s bigger.” – Josh (38:51) “I’m a chicken wrap guy—reminds me of that McDonald’s snack wrap, but with more flavor.” – Noe (36:43)
- The group taste-tests Taco Bell’s Chicken Buffalo Burrito.
6. Dating, Paying for Dates, and Latinos Navigating Modern Love
- Solo Guy Reputation
- Noe admits his dating life has changed post-fame, but is mindful not to disrupt his “solo date” brand. Eventually, he’d like to incorporate dating content.
- Who Pays on Dates? What About Birthdays?
- Hosts and guest agree: men should pay for the first few dates, but want to see at least the gesture of reciprocity or offer from women after a while.
“If she doesn’t at least offer (after like three months), then I do judge a little.” – Noe (65:18)
- Hosts and guest agree: men should pay for the first few dates, but want to see at least the gesture of reciprocity or offer from women after a while.
7. The Dodger Stadium Ban Story
- What Happened
- Noe brought a covert flask (disguised as a charger) with alcohol into Dodger Stadium, filmed it for TikTok, and went viral. The stadium recognized him and banned him for a year—not just from games but from the parking lot too.
“The next day I had employees DM me, ‘Hey, you’re banned.’ I emailed them like, am I good to go? They said, ‘No, you can’t even come into the parking.’” – Noe (74:06)
- Only after a year was he allowed back, but the ban became part of his legend and further propelled his online profile.
“But in my defense, those drinks are like $30, you know what I mean? Am I not going to…?” – Noe (75:18)
- Noe brought a covert flask (disguised as a charger) with alcohol into Dodger Stadium, filmed it for TikTok, and went viral. The stadium recognized him and banned him for a year—not just from games but from the parking lot too.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Social Media Authenticity:
“Social media has taken a different shift—people want to see authentic, relatable content. Not overly produced, not super high quality… like, you’re just, ‘yo, this is my life, I’m single, I’m going on solo dates.’” — Matt (06:30)
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On Money vs. Meaning:
“Money doesn’t buy happiness… but having more of it, I haven’t been happier!” — Noe (11:55)
-
On the Value of Solo Dates:
“The best thing in the world, and I encourage everybody at home—do things by yourself. Table for one. Just say that.” — Josh (18:20)
-
On Content Creation Strategy:
“Every comment is like a little viral token.” — Noe (28:25)
-
On Social Media Burnout:
“Am I passionate about making videos? I wouldn’t say that. Honestly, it’s always just, alright, what video do I film today.” — Noe (14:47)
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On Dating and Reciprocity:
“If she doesn’t at least offer (to pay) after a few months, that is kind of a (red flag)... You at least gotta offer.” — Noe (65:18)
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On Dodger Stadium Ban:
“No, you can’t come in the parking. They said ‘you’re banned.’” — Noe (74:11)
Important Timestamps
- Intro & Noe’s Origin Story (04:42–05:44)
- Viral Growth & Analytic Approach (05:44–06:30)
- Authenticity/Audience Resonance (06:54–07:31)
- Transparency About Money in Content (10:50–12:01)
- Solo Dates & Mental Health (16:37–18:20)
- Content Creation Formula/Strategy (27:40–28:25)
- Live Taco Bell Mukbang (32:23–36:40)
- Debate: Best Fast Food Burger (41:03–42:31)
- Dodger Stadium Ban Story (74:06–75:54)
- Quickfire Q&A: Snacks, Movies, Guilty Pleasures (49:06–52:12)
- Dating & Paying Expectations (64:00–65:22)
- Reflection on Doing Things Alone (80:22–81:41)
Memorable and Fun Segments
- Mukbang together on-air with Taco Bell burritos (32:23–36:43)
- Dodger Stadium Flask Video Breakdown (75:00–75:49)
- Hosts reflecting on modern Latino masculinity and content authenticity throughout
Takeaways
Noe Murillo’s story is a testament to how well-timed relatability, honesty, and understanding of content formulas can upend traditional “influencer” narratives. Whether it’s normalizing solo dates, being blunt about chasing the bag, or navigating viral controversies like getting banned from Dodger Stadium, his journey humanizes social media success. All accomplished with humor, humility, and a drive to keep it real—and maybe, just maybe, a secret passion for food after all.
Follow Noe Murillo
- TikTok: @theanalyticalschoolbusdriver
- Instagram: [Linked in episode description]
- YouTube Shorts: [Linked in episode description]
- Stay tuned for possible coaching/courses—Noe promises no scams.
#MondaysDontSuck – Tune in Mondays for more “La Platica” on music, culture, and the real lives behind viral success.