Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Paige Spiranac
Introduction
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich welcome social media superstar and former professional golfer Paige Spiranac. With over 11 million followers across various platforms, Paige shares her journey from the competitive world of professional golf to becoming a prominent influencer in the sports and pop culture arenas.
Career Transition: From Pro Golf to Social Media Influencer
Paige Spiranac discusses her transition from being a professional golfer to focusing primarily on her social media presence. She explains the financial strains of maintaining a pro golf career and how a sudden surge in online popularity offered her a viable alternative.
Paige Spiranac [04:33]: "I went viral overnight, went from having 500 followers to 100,000 followers, and companies were reaching out. I realized I could use this to finance my golf career."
Despite her initial attempt to balance both roles, Paige found the dual pressures overwhelming, especially facing criticism regarding her sponsorships and appearance within the traditionally conservative golf industry.
Paige Spiranac [06:15]: "There is no such thing as perfect in golf. You can eat right, have healthy habits, but sometimes it just doesn't translate on the course."
Ultimately, Paige decided to dedicate herself fully to her social media career, realizing that her true passion lay in connecting with her audience rather than the unpredictable nature of professional golf.
Building a Strong Online Presence
Paige elaborates on how her background in gymnastics, where perfection is paramount, contrasted sharply with the inherent uncertainties of golf. This transition facilitated her vulnerability and authenticity online, allowing her to build a loyal and engaged community.
Paige Spiranac [07:27]: "I was never meant to play professional golf. What held me back actually helped me in my social media career, where being vulnerable helped me build a great community."
She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her online persona, which diverges from her private self to present a confident, playful, and engaging image that resonates with her followers.
Paige Spiranac [08:34]: "My social media has morphed over the years into a parody of how people view me. If you know, you know."
Handling Criticism and Maintaining Privacy
Paige shares insights into managing the inevitable criticism that comes with a large online presence. She discusses the personal challenges of separating her public persona from her private life, choosing not to disclose details about her friends, family, or relationships to maintain a boundary between her authentic self and her influencer image.
Paige Spiranac [13:40]: "I decided that there are certain things I'll never talk about, like friends, family, any relationships. It's just not worth it."
Despite the negativity online, Paige emphasizes the importance of self-love and understanding the root of critiques to rise above them. She maintains that her online persona is a character designed for entertainment, helping her to navigate and mitigate the impact of hateful comments.
Paige Spiranac [15:28]: "I've noticed that the things people say that bother me the most are insecurities I have with myself. You have to take that journey of self-love."
Balancing Public Engagement and Personal Life
Throughout the episode, Paige discusses the delicate balance between engaging with her vast audience and preserving her personal life. She expresses gratitude for her community while acknowledging the challenges that come with being constantly in the public eye.
Paige Spiranac [16:50]: "I just have such imposter syndrome that I don't even ask or try to facilitate those things. I love Mike Tomlin, but I have never tried to leverage my platform in that way."
She also touches on the dynamics of receiving attention from celebrities and athletes, noting that while it can be flattering, she chooses not to engage deeply to maintain her personal boundaries.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Beyond her professional endeavors, Paige shares her personal interests, highlighting her love for traveling from the comfort of her home. She enjoys simple pleasures like spending time with her dog, indulging in ice cream, binge-watching shows, and reading books.
Paige Spiranac [22:07]: "My go-to night is at home with my dog, eating ice cream, binge-watching a show or reading a book. That is my happy time."
Interactive Segments: Gimme Props and Prop Bets
The hosts introduce the "Gimme Props" segment, where Paige participates in fun and light-hearted challenges proposed by the audience. These include cleaning dirty golf balls within a set time and finishing a double-stacked burger in under five bites, showcasing her playful side.
Paige Spiranac [23:27]: "We have the Lost Pages poker chip challenge. You have to put it on your forearm and then try to catch it. If you do, you get the belt."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Covino and Rich expressing their appreciation for Paige's openness and engaging conversation. They invite listeners to follow Paige on her various platforms and highlight her ability to blend her sports background with her influencer role effectively.
Covino [24:04]: "A pleasure meeting you. Thank you again. Thanks for being on the show."
Rich [24:04]: "Follow her on Instagram under Paige Renee and Lost Pages on YouTube."
Notable Quotes
- Paige Spiranac [06:15]: "There is no such thing as perfect in golf."
- Paige Spiranac [07:27]: "What held me back actually helped me in my social media career."
- Paige Spiranac [13:40]: "Certain things I'll never talk about, like friends, family, any relationships."
- Paige Spiranac [15:28]: "You have to take that journey of self-love."
- Paige Spiranac [22:07]: "That is my happy time."
Final Thoughts
This episode delves deep into Paige Spiranac's personal and professional life, providing listeners with an intimate look at her motivations, challenges, and triumphs. Her candidness about handling fame, criticism, and the necessity of maintaining personal boundaries offers valuable insights into the life of a modern-day influencer balancing sports and social media fame.