Podcast Summary: The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby
Episode: Engaged in 2.5 months, having kids, and meeting on a blind date with Preston and Briana
Date: November 12, 2025
Guests: Preston and Brianna Arsement
Theme: Real-life relationships, whirlwind romance, family planning, behind the scenes of YouTube stardom, and the extreme adventures of a content-creating couple.
Episode Overview
This lively and intimate episode explores the whirlwind romance and unfiltered journey of top YouTubers Preston and Brianna Arsement. Matt and Abby dive deep into their blind date beginnings, rapid engagement, navigating fame, and how content creation has pushed their boundaries. From wild YouTube stunts to honest discussions about starting a family, this episode is packed with humor, candid advice, and genuine moments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Blind Date Beginnings & Fast Engagement
[01:34 – 07:21]
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Meeting Story:
- Preston and Brianna were set up on a blind date by Preston’s aunt.
- “At the beginning I was like, I don't know, Mom. I think God's just calling me to be a male nun...Then Mom's like, look, she bakes cookies.” — Preston [02:30]
- Their first date was an 8-hour coffee marathon (Preston’s mom even called the police, thinking something went wrong).
- “I was gone so, so long and didn’t respond...So she called the police. She thought I was missing.” — Preston [02:53]
- Both were 23 and talked about serious topics right away: family, faith, politics, and kids.
- “We talked about all the things you’re not supposed to on the first date.” — Preston [03:37]
- Preston and Brianna were set up on a blind date by Preston’s aunt.
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Quick Engagement:
- Engagement happened about 2.5 to 3 months after they met.
- Brianna’s dad, a psychiatrist, gave a memorable blessing:
- “Only if you’ll call me dad.” — Brianna’s father, recounted by Preston [05:35]
- Friends thought the swift timeline was unusual, but they felt aligned in purpose and values.
- “It's really not about how long you date—it’s about how you date and like your values and morals.” — Abby [06:48]
2. Intentional Dating, Marriage, and Family Values
[06:56 – 07:57]
- Dating with intent helped them move fast.
- Emphasis on marriage being hard work but rewarding—like a muscle that needs exercise.
- Preston likens having a wife to a “permanent buff” in video game terms (“It’s a positive thing, like drinking caffeine gives you the buff of extra energy.” — Preston [08:12]).
3. Becoming YouTubers: Origins, Struggles, and Success
[08:23 – 16:43]
- Preston’s Start:
- Began YouTube at age 12; motivated by passion for gaming and “The Best Never Rest” motto.
- “At the beginning it was just raising $100 a month to upgrade my Internet at my parents’ house.” — Preston [11:02]
- Humble upbringing—lived in a mobile home and accidentally burned down the family RV at age 4.
- Brianna’s Introduction:
- Trained as an ER nurse and performed in theater; her mom was an opera singer.
- Didn’t know Preston’s fame at the start; thought YouTubing wasn’t a ‘real job.’
- “I’m just so happy I didn’t know any of that when we first met.” — Brianna [08:41]
- Became a natural in content, stepping in even when Preston was sick.
- “I’m not letting you go dark on your channel. I’ve got this.” — Brianna [15:07]
4. YouTube as a Family Business & Extreme Content Adventures
[29:43 – 55:19, 45:36 – 46:27]
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Evolving Content:
- Large-scale stunts: e.g., hide and seek at AT&T Stadium with 50 YouTubers.
- Logistics included flights, hotels, and multiple production teams, costing about $200-250K and taking six months to plan. [33:00]
- Wildest content included being buried alive and building elaborate sets (e.g., nailing furniture to the ceiling, filling tubs with ketchup).
- “There’s no rule book on this, you know what I mean?” — Preston [46:33]
- Large-scale stunts: e.g., hide and seek at AT&T Stadium with 50 YouTubers.
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Collaboration & Challenges:
- The couple works together with their families (Preston’s brother helps engineer stunts).
- Discussed challenges in working together:
- Preston is direct and business-focused; Brianna is more empathetic and heart-led.
- They see their differences as complementary strengths.
- “Sometimes I can come off a lot more abrasive.” — Preston [34:09]
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Pushing Personal Limits:
- Brianna overcame fears through content, e.g., driving a submarine in Mexico and hanging from a crane in a box.
- Preston walked on a plane mid-flight (in Washington State) for a video.
- “Content has made me do things I never thought I would do.” — Brianna [48:19]
Notable Quote:
“The experiences that you're like, well, I wouldn't do this normally, but because I want to do it for other people...I’m gonna get to do something totally unique.” — Preston [48:27]
5. The Road to Starting a Family
[40:36 – 42:27; 63:34 – 63:41]
- Fans frequently ask about kids; their answers have evolved.
- “I don't think there's any change on wanting to have kids. Maybe the amount.” — Preston [40:59]
- “Personally, I don't want six. I feel like two.” — Brianna [41:15]
- They’ve been focused on their career and plan to start a family in the near future (“Lord willing, I would love to be able to have a few kids in the next couple of years.” — Preston [41:07])
- They discuss the emotional responsibility and privilege of parenting.
- “It's the biggest and most important job in the entire world.” — Brianna [59:19]
6. Advice for Aspiring YouTubers & Lessons Learned
[36:16 – 39:28; 60:45 – 61:56]
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Resilience is key:
- “You’re going to fail and you’re going to be really bad. I had 300 videos that I deleted, probably more than that at the beginning.” — Preston [36:24]
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Authenticity and passion are essential for sustainability.
- “If you’re going to go all in, if you really dislike what you’re making, that’s gonna drag you down.” — Brianna [38:28]
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Serving the audience:
- “If you’re getting into entertainment, like you’re looking to serve your viewers... It’s not about you.” — Preston [38:59]
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Dealing with Online Hate & Burnout:
- Preston recounts almost quitting due to bullying early on; his mom insisted he keep going.
- “You get back up right now. You're not giving up. This is your calling.” — Preston’s mom, recounted by Preston [61:02]
- They both want to be lights for those who may be struggling.
- “Say you have a kid who got bullied at school...they turn on the channel and...they feel like they're included in your family.” — Brianna [61:56]
- Preston recounts almost quitting due to bullying early on; his mom insisted he keep going.
7. Personal Tidbits and Fun Moments
[15:41 – 23:24; 46:33 – 55:56]
- Preston’s listening habits: prefers Japanese pop, not familiar with The Beatles (“Who are the Beatles?” — Preston [20:41])
- Brianna worked as a Disney princess at kids’ parties—her main characters were Elsa, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty [26:10].
- Preston’s favorite stunts: Hide and seek with YouTubers, limo cross-country challenge [49:19].
- Hilarious moments include Preston missing his mouth drinking coffee on the first date [03:25], face painting fails as a princess [27:01], and stories of being buried alive or walking on a plane wing for content [46:50].
- Content philosophy: “There’s no rule book on this, you know.” — Preston [46:33]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On getting engaged after 2.5 months:
“From the first date to engagement in two and a half months, like, that's pretty quick.” — Matt [05:56]
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On intentional dating:
“It's about the intent... I want to find my wife, my forever person. So I need to have questions that I need to ask here.” — Preston [06:57]
-
On content creation:
“Content has made me do things I never thought I would do.” — Brianna [48:19]
"You’re going to fail and you’re going to be really bad. I had 300 videos that I deleted..." — Preston [36:24]
“There’s no rule book on this, you know what I mean?” — Preston [46:33] -
On family:
"It's the biggest and most important job in the entire world." — Brianna [59:19]
“Lord willing, I would love to be able to have a few kids in the next couple of years.” — Preston [41:07]
Noteworthy Timestamps
- Blind date and police call: [02:53]
- First date conversation: [03:37]
- Engagement permission and dad’s response: [05:35]
- YouTube origins and burning RV: [11:02]
- Cost and logistics of giant Hide and Seek video: [30:37], [33:00]
- Content stunts and safety stories: [46:00], [46:50]
- Advice for creators: [36:16]
- Bullying and support: [61:02]
- Family planning discussions: [40:36], [63:34]
- Summary reflections and upcoming plans: [63:34–64:04]
Where to Find Preston & Brianna
- Instagram — Most active and best for updates [64:19]
- YouTube & TikTok — Extensive content libraries
Conclusion
A fast-paced, good-natured, and honest look at the world behind huge YouTube personalities, this episode is a blend of wisdom, laughter, and authenticity. Whether you’re here for love stories, wild content ideas, or lessons on marriage and family, Preston and Brianna’s story is proof that sometimes the best things in life are... unplanned.
For more, follow Preston and Brianna on Instagram, or check their YouTube channels for a behind-the-scenes peek at their “no rule book” approach to life and content.
