262. Kaylor Martin: From college graduation to Love Island, BTS of landing on reality TV, broke college kid mentality & the need to be busy

Summary

Trading Secrets Ep. 262: Kaylor Martin – From Broke College Grad to Reality TV Star & Entrepreneur

Episode Date: November 10, 2025
Guest: Kaylor Martin, Love Island USA Season 6 & Lifestyle Creator
Host: Jason Tartick

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Episode Overview

This episode of Trading Secrets dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of reality TV with Kaylor Martin. Emerging as a fan favorite from Love Island USA Season 6, Kaylor discusses her rapid journey from college graduation to national TV and social media stardom. The conversation explores the financial realities of going from “broke college kid” to influencer income, the business mechanics of reality TV, navigating newfound fame, pursuing entrepreneurship, and the ongoing tension between wanting to stay busy and seeking long-term fulfillment.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kaylor’s Path to Love Island (00:56–07:17)

• Background: Pennsylvania native, psychology undergrad, involved in tutoring, working with autistic children, bartending and bottle service during college.
• Application Story:
  • Kaylor applied to Love Island via the official 150-question application, not being scouted or approached like many others. She underwent "all the callback interviews... absolutely everything under the sun for the raw process."
  • Notable anecdote: She lost her first application after her ex-boyfriend interrupted her ("the whole Google sheet went out the window"), but reapplied (“A couple fishbowls, a couple buzz balls later, and I applied again. Thank God I did.” – [07:17])
• Expectations: She never imagined the experience would make her a full-time creator; estimated maybe 100K followers was possible, not over a million.

Memorable Quote:
"Applying to be on a reality TV show, the number one tip is you cannot just give like one sentence answers. You have to give the—the open-ended answers and be as batshit crazy as you actually are because that’s why people will like you."
— Kaylor ([07:21])

2. The Reality of Going from Small Town to National TV (04:51–08:56)

• Social media influencer wasn’t a career option back home. She contrasts the lack of influencer culture in Pittsburgh with LA/NY.
• Initial skepticism: Her family and friends didn’t think going on a reality show was a serious move; her stepdad worried she’d be “kidnapped in Fiji.”
• Familial shift: When she began making more than both parents combined, her family’s support shifted to, “You pursue that baby, you reach for the stars.”

3. Mentality, Money, and Adjusting to Success (14:33–17:38)

• "Broke College Kid" Mentality: Still tries to live frugally due to the uncertainty of influencer income (“I’m a hoarder with my money... I just bought my first ever Miu Miu leather jacket and felt the worst.” — [14:46])
• Saving and Investing: Dreams like buying her brother a car, preferring investing over gambling.
• Financial Reality: Comes from Pennsylvania’s lowest-income county, making any earnings “so great.”

Quote:
“Having any little money is great. It’s so great... Like, my dream is, like, to buy my brother a car when he turns 16 and, like, things like that. In investing my money instead of, like, going out...”
— Kaylor ([15:14])

4. Behind the Scenes of Love Island Casting (16:15–17:07)

• Differentiating Herself: Her authenticity and “raw” application—did interviews from her messy dorm room with “beer cans... in the back.”
• Producer’s Response: Producers loved her unfiltered, real approach compared to more packaged contestants.

5. Financial Logistics on Love Island (17:19–20:47)

• Wardrobe: Spent ~$2,500 on clothes, funded from her modest college account—"an investment" she hoped would pay off.
• Living Arrangements: Fortuitous timing—her college lease ended right as she went to Fiji, so no rent.
• Expenses: No credit card at the time; relied on her mom to cover her phone bill.

6. Education Versus Influencing (22:35–24:42)

• Masters Ambitions: Considers returning for a graduate degree in autism behavioral analysis, admires her mom for pursuing a doctorate.
• Using Her Platform: Wants to bring value and awareness to autism via her reach.
• Balance: Feels she could return to school now that her influencer “brand” is steady, and fill her time productively.

7. Building and Defining Her Brand (24:42–28:53)

• Brand Pillars: Authenticity, transparency, showing imperfections, and making followers feel “seen and heard.”
• Growth: Shifted from partying and event-hopping at first (e.g., “hammered the entire time” at early New York Fashion Week), to “actually networking.”
• Social Media as Work: Treats her content calendar seriously, brainstorms new ideas daily, and sees social as a long-term opportunity—not just a phase.

8. The Psychology of Showing Vulnerability (28:53–30:40)

• Emotional Visibility: Criticized for crying on the show, but reclaims it as a form of emotional intelligence and authenticity (“I’m a psych major. And that’s why I know it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be emotional.”)
• Impact: Many women relate to her emotional openness.

9. Financial Impact Post-Show (30:19–36:01)

• Love Island Pay: Received more than what she spent on clothes, but less than what she was making through three college jobs.
• First Major Brand Deal: $20k for a large deliverable campaign at luxury resort Amangiri ([35:15]–[35:19]).
• Speed of Fame: Overwhelmed by the rapid transition from Applebee’s to luxury brand trips—“making transactions just to pay for the fishbowl” vs. getting paid five figures for a social post.

Quote:
“I called my mother and I was, like, crying, like, what? I made off of one brand deal off of the show. I haven’t made this in four months, and I’m making it for one job. Like, it was insane.”
— Kaylor ([33:12])

10. Navigating Fame, Identity & What's Next (36:01–44:16)

• Fame High & Uncertainty: The post-show “high” was intense, but now she struggles with “what’s next?” and sustaining momentum.
• Imposter Syndrome: She’s hard on herself when social posts underperform, but reminders from others keep her grounded in gratitude.
• Long-Term Goals: Dream brand deal = $500k+; already exceeded her first-year goal of six figures. Has achieved more than she once dreamed.

Quote:
“I have a bunch of dreams and goals that I’ve already achieved and I keep just shooting higher ... for instance, I’d love to get a half a million dollar brand deal. Like, that would be insane.”
— Kaylor ([41:44])

11. Deals, Friendships, & Business Lessons (47:08–48:35)

• Collaborations with Friends: Worked with friends (notably Liv) on YouTube; admits business and friendship is “very difficult... things can become difficult and challenging and even competitive in some sorts of ways.”
• Lesson: Separation and clear boundaries are key when working with close friends or significant others in business.

12. Looking Forward (52:02–52:57)

• Potential Ventures: Would love to launch her own makeup brand, try acting, or do more reality TV (excluding dating shows).
• Flexibility: “I’m 23 years old and I’m not stressing it. I know I’ll figure it out. I always have. ... sometimes, though, work picks you and you don’t pick work.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[When] you go in the villa, you can’t tell anyone. ... I spent, I think, $2,500 on outfits. ... I hope this pays off!” (18:30)
• “Just being raw. And authentic, the authenticity of it. ... Like, beer cans, like, in the back. Like, it’s messy, it’s disgusting, but, like, it shows the producers, like, who you are.” (16:58)
• “I never owned a credit card until, like, a couple months ago.” (20:00)
• “If you’re applying to reality TV, ... you have to give them every little detail and be as batshit crazy as you actually are.” (07:21)
• “[From my small town,] my biggest haters are where I’m from, like, the small town haters.” (12:53)
• “Sometimes ... I could potentially take a class or two for my master’s degree... because I want to be busy all the time.” (38:24)
• “Showing weakness is a strength. Right? It’s not a negative... [when] you can show up in an authentic way, but still like an intentional way, you can magnify everything you want to do.” — Jason ([55:00])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kaylor’s background, application process: 00:56–07:17
• Family reaction, money mindset, saving: 12:53–15:45
• The wardrobe investment, preparing for TV: 17:19–18:35
• First brand deal & influencer leap: 33:12–35:19
• Branding and intentional authenticity: 24:42–25:49
• Emotional vulnerability & critics: 28:53–29:57
• Balancing friends and business: 47:08–48:35
• Future ambitions & business ideas: 52:02–52:57
• Overspending confession: 53:18–54:02

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Trading Secrets (Tips From Kaylor)

“Always be you. Always stay true to yourself. Trust your heart, and everything will turn out. Just be yourself and people will see you for you and love you for you... I think being authentic is the best way to be.” ([54:23])

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Summary Tone & Style

The episode is highly conversational, honest, and unfiltered, much like Kaylor’s own brand. Jason Tartick guides the discussion toward actionable takeaways for anyone curious about the real business behind reality TV and the transition from obscurity to influencer. The dialogue is peppered with candid, often humorous stories from the trenches—from navigating awkward family conversations about money to the practicalities (and risks) of chasing fame with only a few dollars and big dreams.

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For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In...

This episode is much more than a reality TV recap. It’s a revealing look at the grind and uncertainty behind influencer success, and a powerful lesson in leveraging authenticity, working hard, staying grounded, and adjusting to rapid change—financially, emotionally, and career-wise. Kaylor’s journey is relatable for anyone who’s ever dreamed big from small beginnings or wondered what really happens after reality TV.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

Welcome back to another episode of Trading Secrets. Today we are joined by Love Island USA standout and rising lifestyle creator, Kaylor Martin. Kaylor became a fan favorite during season six of Love island, where her humor, authenticity, and confidence caught national attention. But since leaving the villa, she turned that spotlight into a career, growing her platform, collaborating with some of the biggest brands in the country and building a personal brand that is going well beyond tv. Today we're going to break down the business of reality television. What really happens after the cameras stop rolling, and how someone like Kaylor is turning opportunity into entrepreneurship. Kayla, thank you so much for being on Trading Secrets.

[A]

Thanks for having me. It's been a long time coming. I feel like we were supposed to do this, like, a while ago. Why?

[B]

I know, but you are. You got a million things. And I feel like last time we saw each other was Art Basel Celsius. We were playing in that Padel tournament. Can you believe that was almost a year ago?

[A]

No. And honestly, like, feels like it's, like, five years ago.

[B]

Yeah, it's crazy. I say there's, like, real time and then there's like, this, like, post reality tv, social media time. And one year to me, feels like 10 lifetimes. You feel the same.

[A]

There's so much going on.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, so many events. So many. I mean, like, great opportunity is what it's like. Just a lot, and you kind of lose track of time. It's crazy.

[B]

And for you, when exactly was it they started filming? Was it, like, early 2024? How long ago did you start filming?

[A]

We started. I think I remember being flown out to Fiji on May 13, 2024. I literally could have just botched that, honestly. Yeah, I think, like, early to mid May, we got flown out, but then you go into, like, quarantine for, like, three weeks. And then we really started filming on June 7, I believe, of 2024.

[B]

So this, for you has all happened, like, all of this, Right. You got a million and a half followers on TikTok, a million on Instagram. You're doing all kinds of partnerships. Like, life is so different. This has only been in the last year and a half.

[A]

It's crazy, wild.

[B]

All right, let's start before this all came to fruition, and then we'll get into, like, what today looks like. But, you know, you're from out right outside the Pittsburgh area. I remember we talked a little bit about that. You Steelers fan.

[A]

Of course.

[B]

You gotta be, right? Steelers, Penn spin. Yeah, of course. All right. And you go to school. You have an undergraduate in Psychology. And then you were enrolled to start and, and get your master's in autism behavioral analysis. But then Love island came. So your plan was to go film Love island for the summer and then go to school before that. What were you doing after school? You graduated to make money and what were you doing for a career?

[A]

Actually, I didn't really have time. After college I went right into, I graduated a weekend before I flew out to Fiji. So during my senior year I was working with autistic children. I was tutoring on campus and I also was doing bartending and bottle service. So like literally all different kinds of like aspects of things for just to earn money. And then I went on the show having no expectations on how it would do. I mean Love island was a show that was known, but it was never what it is today.

[B]

So it's crazy. I feel like season six like walked and even ran so season seven could sprint. Like Love is is on the map. It's the biggest show that's out there. I want to think about this though. When I went on reality TV, I was 29 years old and oftentimes I look back on it, I'm like, thank God I was 29, because if my 22 year old self was out there, it would have been a shit show.

[A]

I was 22.

[B]

I know, right? When you started you were 22.

[A]

I was 22 and essentially I kind of had just turned 22. I'm a January girl. I was born in January, so it was May. So I was kind of freshly 22 years old and going through. And I look back at like I'm 23 now, almost 24. But like looking back whenever I was 22, I feel like so baby fied, like I feel like also in this life, like you can grow up very fast because like you're in the public eye and which I'm very grateful for. But it's like tough, you know.

[B]

I think you have no choice but to look in and grow mentally, spiritually, like all the things in this world. Because there's so many outside added pressures that you never had before. Right? It happens that quick. One thing, thing I'll say too is I think about graduate, being a senior in college. When I went to college, I could be real with you. I don't think I ever heard, and this was a long time ago, no one talked about social media. No one ever talked about maybe being casted for reality tv. When you went to school, were some of your friends. Like that would be a dream to be a social media influencer. Creator or go on reality tv. Is that a conversation?

[A]

So you know what? It's not really a conversation. Like, it would be in, like, New York or if you're from LA or Miami. Like, I'm from Pennsylvania. I mean, the sticks of pa. Being a social media influencer isn't talked about at, like, that's not something. Like, even in Pittsburgh. Like, I can. I can't even name, like, three influencers from Pittsburgh that, like, do influence. Like, be in the space for a living. Like, they're not influencers for a living. I can't really think of anyone like that. So whenever I was telling my friends that I was applying to go on Love island, they were like, what the hell? Like, no way. And like, of course we all had our doubts. Like, what are the odds that I actually get this? And a lot of the cast members that I was on the show with, and I think even season seven was. Were reached out to. I applied, like, through the application. I'm not from a town where, like, casting producers know me or walking around the mall.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Like, I'm not, like, outside. Like, some people are, like, you know, where they have a little bit of a following. So casting producers follow them. Like, no. I applied to the 150 questionnaire. I did all the callback interviews. I did, like, absolutely everything under the sun that you have to do for the raw process, which I'm very grateful for because I really appreciate that I went through all of that. But being in classes my senior year, taking six classes, being a tutor, working three jobs, and also applying to a reality TV show, like, it was tough. It was hard.

[B]

It's wild. And you told a story on a podcast. I think it was Nick Viles podcast. But something about your. At Applebee's with your friends, and you told them you applied, but your application got screwed up and something happened with an ex boyfriend. What was the full story there?

[A]

Yeah, so I. It was Christmas break. I was home for the holidays. I saw the ad for Love island application to come through. Honestly, I was like, I don't know if this shit's a scam or not. Like, honestly, who knows if, like, if this is like, just a weirdo trying to, like, get my information right? But I was like, you know what? Fuck it. Sorry. Can I swear on here?

[B]

Yeah, you can swear. Swear away. Yep.

[A]

So I applied my ex at the time. You know, like, your ex boyfriends, where you, like, you just, like, you're not together, but, like, you feel comfortable. So I was hooking up with him. Like, I Just felt comfortable with him. And he called me and I was like, you know what? You lost my application. Like, I was like fully transparent telling him I was applying for the show. I was so upset. And then, you know, a couple fishbowls, a couple buzz balls later and I applied again. And thank God I did.

[B]

Wait, wait, why'd you tell him he. You said you lost your application?

[A]

He did, because I was filling it out and he kept spamming my phone. So I answered the phone and I left. The whole goo, like the whole Google sheet went out the window and I was so pissed because the Love island application, if you have to do it, if you do it the raw way, you have to do this application, which is like 150 questions. If you're applying to be on a reality TV show, the number one tip is you cannot just give like one sentence answer answers. Like you have to give the like open ended answers and explain every little detail and be as batshit crazy as you actually are because that's why people will like you. So.

[B]

So we had Harry Jowsey on the podcast and excuse my language here, I'm getting a little vulgar. It's his words, not mine. But he talked about the fact that he created like a thousand different applications. He put in different names. He would send. He would send dick pics in his application.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

About the fact he would do literally anything to get the attention of the producers. Clearly it's worked out for him in more ways than one. Yeah. Did in your application, was there anything like specific you did to be like, pay attention, I'm here.

[A]

Of course I was answering sex stories. My most embarrassing sex stories. How many bodies I have.

[B]

Do they ask those questions or are you just answering them?

[A]

Well, they, they kind of ask, but like, you just do tell. Because they want someone who's batshit crazy on reality tv. That's what's made for reality. So I was being very vulgar. I was opening up. I was telling them every little detail to my worst sex story or the most embarrassing moment that I had in the bedroom. Like all of it.

[B]

Yeah, that's crazy. I mean, that's what will get you on the show. It got you on the show and it got you as an og. The other thing I think about too is when I went on the show so long ago, it was. We didn't, we had an idea that the Bachelor franchise could do something for you, but we didn't know exactly. And social media was still like up in the air these days, it's so vividly Transparent. And I did read online. I don't know if this is true or not. Were you in social media and assigned to a modeling agency before you went on?

[A]

So I was. So whenever I was a little girl, I was a musical kid. I love being in the musicals. And my mom was just such a great mom. Even though I'm not good at acting or singing or anything. She was like, you go baby. Let's, let's try this out. So whenever I was younger, I did musicals and I was also like, would try out for like commercials and stuff like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then right before the show, I kind of wanted to get into that like again, whether it's in Pittsburgh and being an extra or just like doing little things. But I never really took it seriously.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And I was signed with them, but it wasn't like exclusively. And honestly, like, I didn't get any work. Like, I, I wasn't like doing any modeling gigs or getting any acting gigs at all. And I was just signed with them and I emailed like my agent, who's still my agent and manager now, and was like, hey, T, like, just want to let you know, like, I'm in Fiji about to go to Love Island. Like, I don't know, like, I should tell you this, but, like, you can't tell anyone. She was like, honey, I'm not going to tell anyone. Like, we'll see where this puts you. Like, I'm not sure if, like, I don't know what will come out of this. Like, it's a hit or miss with reality. And then I left the villa and I called her and I was like, I think the show did pretty well.

[B]

And I'm going to need some help here.

[A]

Ye. She was like, babe, let's get to work.

[B]

Your job just got a lot easier.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right. But then I want to ask you, when you went on the show again with our, our time, it was up in the air. You don't know what's going to come. You had to know at this point though that like social media could blow up and you have to be thinking a strategy to go on the show is to like, have that opportunity career wise.

[A]

Honestly, like, I see what you're saying, like, sure, that is an option. I'm like, yeah, maybe I'll leave with like 100k followers.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Never in a million years had I thought, and I don't think anyone on the season six cast had thought that this would become a full time career and just change your life. Like my life, it will always be changed whether it's 10 years and I'm not doing any work, let's say I'm going to school and I'm pursuing working with autistic children. It still had. Will always be like, life changing for me. And I think all of us and going on the show. Like I said, like, sure, I thought maybe I'd gain a little bit of followers, but I didn't have those expectations of my life completely changing. Like, it had.

[B]

Did your family have any reservations about you doing this?

[A]

They were like, why? They always knew I liked acting and doing things like that, but they had never thought that something like this would come about. And my, my, actually my stepdad was kind of freaked out. What do you mean you're going to Fiji? What's the name of the people? Like, are they going to kidnap you? Like, so worried as parents get. And yeah, they just didn't really fully grasp it. And I don't think they did until, like, the show really started blowing up. And my mom was going grocery shopping and people were asking to take pictures of my mother. Like, what is going on? And then whenever I left Love Island, I was like, I'm gonna pursue social media. They were like, no, the hell you're not. You're gonna get your ass back in school. And then I started making money and showing them and they're like, holy, you're making more than both of us combined. Like, you pursue that baby, you reach for the stars. So they're very supportive and I'm very lucky, but I'm from a very small town that still, like, I think my. If my pappy were still around, he'd be like, get your ass back in school. Like, what are you doing? Like, I don't give a shit. Like, get out of la. Like, you need to come back, like, home to your small town. So I think a lot of people where I'm from have that, like, that mindset. And I always say, like, even now, like, my biggest haters are my. Where I'm from, like, the small town haters.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But yeah, it's crazy.

[B]

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[A]

I, well, my relationship with money, like I literally still try to live like I'm a broke college student because realistically I'm like the craziest stressor about everything and I like never really, you never really know when you're in this space when it's going to end.

[B]

True.

[A]

So I'm like a hoarder with my money. Like I just, I don't go out and buy a Louis Vuitton bag every week. Like I just bought my first ever Miu Miu leather jacket and I bought it and I felt the worst. Like I'm like, no, like I shouldn't have bought this. Like what the fuck am I doing? So yeah, I think with money wise I'm really, I really safe with my money and broke. Like I don't need to be going out to Nobu every night. Like Chick Fil a is fine for me. I didn't come from money. I'm from like the, actually the poorest, the lowest income county in Pennsylvania. So having any little money is great. It's, it's so great. And Like, I try to save it and, like, my dream is, like, to buy my brother a car when he turns 16 and, like, things like that. In investing my money instead of, like, going out like we were in Vegas for unwell with everyone and, like, KEND and rubber gambling, and I'm like, you know what? I'm not going to give them my money. I'm going to invest. Like, good for you. I just rather. Yeah, play it safe.

[B]

Good for you. That is awesome. Now we've had Cordell on the podcast. Of course, he was on your season, and he talked about when he was working at the airlines, he was making, like, 21 bucks an hour. And then we've had a Landry on as well. But one of the things we talked a little bit about was the process to get on. You've already alluded to it, but once you get to the next step. Cordell talked about the fact he had to do a 1500 psych question test. And I was curious, through your experience, either that test or anything else, when you're actually, like, down to the finals, was there anything that was, like, peculiar or anything that you think you did to differentiate yourself through that process to actually become an OG on the show?

[A]

You know what? I feel like I. I don't really know what really made them pick me. I was just very authentic. I was like, I'm a crier. I'm a social butterfly. Social butterfly. I'm batshit crazy. And I was actually doing my Love island applications through my, like, in my college bedroom. And I remember the executive producer from Love island said, kayla, I love you even more because look at the room you're in. Like, it was like the littlest, tiniest box of a room. Like, I didn't try to clean it up. I didn't have a ring light. And I think they really, like, appreciated that you like, the just being raw.

[B]

And authentic, the authenticity of it.

[A]

There's, like, beer cans, like, on the. In the back. Like, it's messy, it's disgusting, but, like, it shows the producers, like, like who you are and, like, you don't care to, like, put it on for them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But the psych evals, like, were insane so long. It was so exhausting, too, because, like, that's what I did in college. So it was like, I'm leaving psych class just to fill out a psych evaluation form.

[B]

Like, that's crazy. When I. But when I see some of these people that are on Love island, like, their styles, unbelievable. They'll have, like, the craziest Outfits that you can tell a lot of them are extremely expensive. A lot of bling. When. When you went on the show, did you have much. Your name and how much did you spend on your clothing?

[A]

So I actually made a TikTok about this, and it was. I didn't make a TikTok. I. I was filming myself in my red Honda Civic driving down the road with it keyed on the side like cigarette holes burnt into the seat. And I'm like, guys, And I just did this for my private story that literally consisted of, like, three of my best friends. Because when you go on the violin, you can't tell anyone. Like, you can't. Like, you have to keep it hush, hush. So I'm in my car. I'm like. Like, guys, I don't know what to do. Like, I'm from Pennsylvania. The sticks. We wear hoodies and leggings out to the bars. Okay. I don't have stilettos. I don't have pretty outfits. Like, I. That just didn't exist in my wardrobe. So I'm, like, looking on, like, white Fox. I got so much from Sheen. Oh, my goodness.

[B]

And it worked before filming?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So you just DM'd them?

[A]

No, no, no, no. I couldn't tell anyone. So I was spending, like, my last dollars in my bank account. I spent, I think, 2500 on outfits.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's a lot. It's a lot of money for a.

[B]

Call for a college student. That's a fortune. Yes.

[A]

And I was like, you know what? Like, I hope this pays off. Like, this is like an investment. Hopefully. Yeah. Thank God. I. Thank God. Like, everyone loved my outfits. But I remember I actually filmed a Tick Tock. You can find it on my Tick Tock page. And I'm like, driving in my Honda, saying, like, guys, I spent like 2500 on my. On my outfit so far. Like, I hope that's enough. Like, I. I can't be spending, like, thousands of dollars.

[B]

So when you went on Love island, you spent. Okay. So you spent about 2500 when you went on Love island, though. You don't have much money to your name at this point?

[A]

No.

[B]

Okay. And when you go on, though, do you have. Because you guys film for how long?

[A]

So you went in on June 7, and I think I left the villa in, like, on July 23, 24.

[B]

When you're gone for that long, like, do you have rent or, like, how do you have your credit card bills set up on payment? Are you allowed to use your phone?

[A]

Lucky, because I hadn't Moved out of college the week weekend before I flew out to Fiji. So it was a show. Moving all of my stuff out of my college house because I was going to Fiji. But that was the good thing. I didn't have a lease at the time because my lease ended with. With my school semester. So I moved all my college shit back into my parents house.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

They hated it. So, yeah, I didn't have. I didn't have rent to pay. My car was fully paid off, off my phone bill, my mom took care of. So.

[B]

And then your credit card, you just put it on like automatic.

[A]

I didn't have a credit card.

[B]

Okay. You're like, like, I literally just graduated. What do you think?

[A]

I never owned a credit card until like a couple months ago.

[B]

It was funny. We had the one of the Bachelors recently on, you know, Joey Grazia Day, and he talked about the fact that when he was filming, he forgot to do his auto payment on his credit card and he missed some of the payments. He's like, filming the Bachelor, like, dinged my credit a little bit, which was hilarious.

[A]

Like, this is kind of off topic, but a couple months ago, I go home with my boyfriend and I'm like, like, mom, where's my college diploma? And she's like, it's right there. And I'm like, that's not my college diploma. I realized I never got my college diploma. And I didn't even realize until like three months ago because I'm never home and I'm just, go, go, go, go, go, that I never received my college diploma. Jason, you didn't walk or what? No, I walked, but when you walk, you walk with, like a. With a fake one.

[B]

Oh, that's right. They give you the fake one. Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

Until like months after, while I was in Fiji. So I didn't even. And whenever I left the show, the last thing I was worried about was my college diploma. I'm like, calling my school, freaking out. I'm like, fuck, I didn't graduate. I must have failed. No, it just never was shipped to my house. I didn't even realize.

[B]

Unbelievable.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right, well, so you go on this school. Did you get your diploma, by the way? Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You got it.

[A]

It's all good.

[B]

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[A]

You know what? I have really been thinking about it, and I think my mom went to school for 12 years.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

She's, like, six credits away from her doctorates. She's, like, going back to school now. So expectations are really high in my family. And not only that, I just, like, think education is so cool, and I miss working with children with disabilities. It's so fulfilling. Sure. This. This job is, too. If I could use my platform to, like, spread awareness about autism and something that I'm passionate about, that would really fulfill me. And I think going to school for my master's and potentially my doctorates would just be very fulfilling. And. And when I'm 40, someday, I want to be able to be like, yeah, I have my undergrad, my master's, and then potentially my. My doctorates. You know, so I've been really thinking about it, and I think now that things are kind of slowing down for me. I. I am considering going back to school because realistically, Jason, like, I have brand deals and I fly and stuff like that, but, like, what do I do from, like, 9am to 12pm there's, like, I could go to school. Yeah, I could realistically go to school. I used to work, like, from 7am in the morning to 8pm at night. You know, so I'm considering it. And I've been telling my team, like, I'm thinking about going to school. They're like, no, you don't have to. And, like, even my boyfriend's like, you don't have to go back to school, babe. Like, you could just start a business or something. But it's like, it's something that I'm passionate about. So, yeah, I'm thinking about it.

[B]

You said, it's funny that, like, when I hear the word slowing down, you're like, things are slowing down to me. I'm like, I don't know what you're talking about. Like, I went on your socials, I see you're engaged. When I see, you know, you were on Love island, you go and be on the villa, you got a million things. When you say slowing down, what's slowing down?

[A]

Well, I don't know if it's slowing down. I think I'm just like, really? I'm. It's easier to navigate now than it was, like, coming right off the show. So I was going to events. I was. I was drinking. I wasn't really taking, like, social media seriously. And now that I am, like, I have my brand, like, there, I feel like I could also go to school and do both. I mean, hey, I worked three jobs and went to school before, so, like, I feel like I could navigate that perfectly pretty well.

[B]

When you say taking social media seriously and then your brand, my first question to you is, so I have an idea of, like, what your brand is. What if you had to define your brand, what would you say your brand is?

[A]

I think just being authentic, real and transparent with my followers. Like, I am not the person who wakes up and goes to Pilates and, like, is a clean girl and is organized. And I think I'm very transparent, like, to my followers about all of that. Like, what I'm going through. If I'm feeling anxiety, crying, being an emotional, crazy girl, all of it. And I think. I think most of all just, like, making girls feel seen and heard and understand that, like, social media is not perfect. Like, I talk about all the time. I use Facetune, I go to Canal street to get my designer bags. Like, you know, things like that. I think just being, like, real and authentic, having an authentic self and brand is, I'd say my brand.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I'm still trying to navigate what my brand is, and I don't really know. And I think that's okay.

[B]

That's okay. And I think that's part of your brand, right? Like, part of your brand is, like, I'm going to figure this out. This is Who I am. Come on the journey with me. You said taking social media seriously. What does that mean?

[A]

Like for instance, like posting every day and not going to brand events and not being shit face drunk like every brand event and actually networking. Like I remember, it's so crazy. I remember my first ever New York Fashion Week and I was hammered the entire time and I didn't do any networking. And now like I'm like looking back to like this year, this recent in Fashion Week and everything that I did. And I remember my friends coming into town like, yeah, let's fucking party, let's go out. Like it's Fashion Week. I'm like, this is actually a networking like opportunity for me to like meet with everyone who has activations here and brands and other people in this industry. So I think that I, like I said I did a lot of growing up in a year, but I think realizing that like, shit, this is a brand and this is something that can have momentum for years if you really take it seriously, that's the pro, I would say.

[B]

The biggest thing I see, especially with reality stars is they, they come off and the high is so high because it's just like you're, you're going from being a college student in my world, stuck behind a banking desk just doing finance to like invited to these crazy parties and getting paid to do all these things. And I, I see with most people is they're always going to have the fun, you're going to have the fun, but they aren't able to shift the fun and the partying and then it all dies down. Because at the end of the day it's like you have to work to sustain it and if you don't, it's going to go away. So like that self correction I think is, is brilliant and sounds like you' all over it.

[A]

Yeah, like also like I'm, I'm 23, so I came off the show is 22 and like of course I'm 23. I still like to party.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I just, instead of going out on a Monday and Tuesday night, I'm like, you know what, I'm going to wake up and film. I'm going to consume TikTok so I can create. I'm going to, I have like a notes app on my phone and a notes page of like content inspo and like kind of curating that and like just brainstorming on things that I can curate for my community.

[B]

I love it. Going back to your degree, we had Jen Tran on the show. She was bachelorette and then she got her degree in pt, I believe it was, or a pa and she said, she went on Dance with the Stars and she said, I'm gonna do Dance with Stars. I'm gonna be a creator. And in a couple years I'm done. I'll do my little stuff here and there, but I'm going back to work full time with you going back to school or at least seeing that on your horizon, do you think you'll go full speed into working in that industry and then do creating on the side or no? Okay, that was, that was very clear.

[A]

I think ultimately, like, I want to be a creator as long as I can. If I, if I'm having a baby, like babies and having a family someday, I'd love to like curate content for that or like whatever, whatever chapter I am in my life and even if I am in school, I'm gonna say, hey, bitches, let's try the 22 page paper together.

[B]

Like, come on now and make content with it.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. And I think that's what I love about also. Like my, like my followers, my community, they'll follow me. And no matter what aspect I. So if I am struggling, I'm going for my master's degree and I'm like, oh, this teacher, I can't effing stand her. Like, they're going to love that. And then you're going to follow me in that aspect as well. So even if I do pursue something in the workforce, I will never stop making content.

[B]

I love it. I love it. We saw a lot of motions on season six, right? A lot of, like, there are some tears. And even I was gonna say it a little bit too, but would you say at all when we're talking about psychology, did you use any of that skill set or that education at all to your advantage during the show?

[A]

No.

[B]

I wasn't self regulating.

[A]

Everyone's like, wow, like, you're a psych major. Oh my God, I can't believe she's a psych major. She fucking cries all the time. I'm like, I'm a psych major. And that's why I know it's okay to cry. It's okay to be emotional. I'm like, being emotional is good, actually. You're emotionally intelligent because you are in touch with your emotions. So to all the haters, I got so much hate for crying. And it's, it's actually so funny because the haters are, are just haters because I also have so many amazing women who are like, thank you. I feel so seen, because I cry every day too. So yeah, I don't know if I really use psych at all in the show or I don't think I use psychology even in my interview process. I may have, but I have no idea.

[B]

I think that's a good point though, is like actually knowing your feelings to express your feelings is the definition of being connected to yourself, which is part of psychology. So like is is kind of like backwards as that sounds by crying a lot. It actually is like that you're tune with yourself and that's what allowed you to connect to people. When you went on the show, you talked a little bit about kind of draining the bank account. 2,500 bucks. You got your stuff, you're packed up. Do you get paid at all to be on the show?

[A]

You do get paid.

[B]

You do, you do get paid more than the $2,500 you spend in clothes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, wow. Okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All right. So that's. So it was a good payday then going on the show.

[A]

I actually made more just working. I had three jobs, so like I made more not being on the show. I mean now of course.

[B]

Yeah, of course. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

I mean it's way different.

[B]

All right, so tell me a little bit more behind the scenes of Love island though. I know. I think there's. For what you can share, I think there's like a two drink day max. You guys get your food catered on days off, you can't talk to the guys. What are some other trading secrets? We wouldn't know about the show unless we heard it from you.

[A]

Hmm. Well, one thing that, that they do is they take your phone and quarantine before you go on. We get Amazon Fire TV sticks and some of them like have access to like Spotify and things like that. Get Netflix. And I remember a week before I went on the show, I had my Amazon Fire TV stick and before I got my phone taken, I was like, mom, I have your Netflix account. You have like we have a shared Netflix account. So once I get announced as an og, I won't really know. They don't tell you until like a day before. So I'm like a week before you go in the villa, they announce basically who the OGs are. They don't tell you until after that weekend.

[B]

And of course your hope you're like, make me. You need it. Yeah.

[A]

I cannot go weeks without my phone in this hotel room. So I asked my mom and I would change the Netflix names on on my fire stick and I had to be like, hey, mom, like, did I get og? She'd be like, yes, baby, you got it. I'm like. And I would change, like, the name. So I have a family of five. So I would change each name, and I would be like, hey, mom, like, is there any cute guys? And she'd be like, yes, Rob. And Kendall is like, what she wrote in the thing, so stop it. Yeah, so we. I had a little intel before going on, which is. Which was good but very bad on my end. And I actually talked about that's so SM chicks in the office. And I don't know, I'd love to ask the Season 7 cast if they got Netflix, because if they didn't, it's definitely my fault.

[B]

Do you know if any of your cast members did anything? Like, so what?

[A]

Rob did the same thing.

[B]

He did this with his Netflix.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So what we used to do is, like, we could go to the gym and you know how you can sometimes connect, like, the treadmill to the WI fi? We would connect the treadmill to the WI Fi, but they would be watching, right? So they were like, there'd be, like, a handler there. And we would just, like, type in emails and stuff to try and get that. But that's really good. The Netflix name account. That's brilliant. So you get off the show, though, things go really well for you. There's. There's highs, there's lows. Obviously, you're dealing with drama and. And Aaron and the breakup, and there's just a lot. And the. The. The. There's just a lot. Right. And then you stay together, all this stuff. But I'm wondering from a business perspective, that's where I want to kind of take this. When you got off the show, what was the first big deal that you're like. Because I'll never forget when it was, like, the first deals offer. I'm like, wait, I'm getting paid that to do that? What was that moment for. For you?

[A]

I called my mother and I was, like, crying, like, what? I made off of one brand deal off of the show. I haven't made this in four months, and I'm making it for one job. Like, it was insane. And I think that's also when my mom started to take me seriously and be like, okay, yes, baby, you don't have to go back to school. Keep doing, like, spread your wings. It was insane. I think my. And even, like, being invited on, like, trips, like, brand trips. Like, I went on the tarte trip last year and. And like, going on, like, a trip, like, that like literally I'm a crier. I was crying so I'm so grateful. What you know, and being in this space with people that I grew up watching on social media and I grew up watching the tart trips for years and then being invited on one was like what the hell is going on? Like thank you Jesus. Honestly, it's like thank you Jesus.

[B]

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[A]

Yeah, it was, it was 20K.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

20K was my first brand deal.

[B]

That's on.

[A]

There was a lot of deliverables in that one. It was a lot. There was a lot. But yeah, it was 20K. And I went to Amangiri.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And it was like Aangiri is like the best resort in the world.

[B]

I mean it's like I'm getting paid.

[A]

To go to the best resort in the world. Like absolutely, yes.

[B]

With it. Three months ago, you're at Applebee's having the two for one special, trying to get your application in.

[A]

So we're like making transactions just to pay for the fishbowl.

[B]

Exactly, exactly. The other interesting thing too is like the real like how quick it is. You know, a lot of shows you film, there's months of time and then you get this. I mean it was so fast, so quick. What caught you off guard the most by the speed of which it all happened.

[A]

I think just being in the public eye for the first time and, like, having everyone look at your life under literally a microscope, I think that was the most challenging thing. But also, I was in such, like, a high, like you said. Like, I'm so glad that you mentioned that, because I was on such a high. And, like, I don't even think I was clocking the things that would have been, like, tough or difficult.

[B]

Difficult, yeah. Do you feel like, because it's now been a year and a half. A little bit. That you miss that high? A little bit. Do you feel like you try to chase that high at all, either financially, business wise, or personally?

[A]

Sometimes, yes. Like, going now, like, we finished beyond the villa, and I'm, like, texting my team, like, what's next for me? Like, what. What are we gonna do next? Like, or should we be in the reality space still? Like, should we go out to, like, pursuing, like, serious acting? Like, I think I'm also. I'm a. I'm a worker. I've always been a worker. So going off the show, you have, like, what, five brand deals a week to do consistently for a year. And then I would film beyond the villa. So I had that to look forward to. And I think now, sure, I have so many amazing opportunities and brand deals to look forward to, but now I'm like, what's the next big project for me? And it's kind of hard to navigate because when you're in college and you have this plan to go for your master's and then your doctorates and open a business up with your mom and create a fir. A psych firm and all of this stuff, it kind of. It changes because in this life, as you know, you're not really sure what's next for you. I mean, at least for me.

[B]

Like, if someone's.

[A]

Taylor, where do you see yourself in five years?

[B]

I'm like, no idea.

[A]

I have no idea. But I think that's also the beauty. Like, we're all just figuring it out. And realistically, we always will figure it out, especially if you're a hard worker.

[B]

It's a good perspective.

[A]

You'll be fine. I was happy before Love island, and I was such a happy person. And I still am, and I always will be, no matter what the circumstances are. So as much as I'm a stressor and my team can, like, second me on this, I'm like, what's next? How? Like, my schedule's looking a little bit empty. They're like, taylor, it's fine. And then Lo and behold, three days later, I have, like, a million manuals to do and events and all of this.

[B]

And now you wish you had a schedule that was empty, right? Exactly.

[A]

But I think also, like, since I was working so much and coming off the show on such a high. Sorry, I'm like, such a yapper.

[B]

No, it's great. Great.

[A]

Coming off the show and having such a high and then having, like, for instance, my boyfriend works, like, from in the morning. Tonight, I'm like, okay, I can go to the gym and clean and make content. And I still feel like I have so much time in the day. What else do I do? And that's where I'm like, I could potentially take a class or two for my master's degree or something like that, because I want to be busy all the time.

[B]

Yeah, I just like, I. I am the same way. I'm. Get up. Go, go, go, go, go. That's just how it is. Which is helpful in this space, which is always built on what's next. What's next.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And I think I would talk. I would tell you that any reality star that I've had on this show, we've talked a little bit about this. So I'm curious, kind of how it relates to you. Usually when what's next is the question, there then becomes some form of, like, really trying to dive into what the identity is. And some people either deal with, like, identity crisis or imposter syndrome or looking too far left and right at peers, or do you feel capacity now about a year and a half or so removed from the original show?

[A]

I'm, like, very hard on myself. Yeah, like, very, very hard on myself. And I think after Love Island, I don't really know if this answers your question, but, like, after Love Island, I was accumulating, like, over 3 million views per video on my page or whatnot, where now I'm like, I have to be consistent. And, like, let's say I have a video that doesn't do well that I put time into. I'll get so upset that I'll literally take the video down and, like, yeah, because I'm very hard on myself. And I'm like, what did I not do that people didn't connect with or things like that? And then I speak with other influencers, and they're like, honey, the algorithm ebbs and flows like it's fine. And, like, I'm also very fucking lucky to have a following. Basically, overnight, when there's people who have millions of followers or YouTubers who have been Working at this for years. So I need to kind of just like come into touch and be like it's fine, like it's going to be fine. Or I'm like telling my boyfriend like this only got 400k views. He's like, dude, there's people with a millions of followers that just revenue 300k or 200k per video, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And he's like, be grateful because you sound like a crybaby right now. So it's kind of. But it's also just because this is my work. Like I want to take this like seriously when I want. When I had brands come and look at my page and I try to explain to him, he's like, why do you care so much about likes or views? And I'm like, this is my job.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Right. So like when brands come to my page, it's like your portfolio for them to look at.

[B]

Sure. I mean like it's like when you look at a quarterback, they care about their statistics because their statistics help their contract. Right. And in this space the reality is it's not like you're chasing likes because you want more likes. It's because those analytics provide a better rate and better opportunities for you. So it makes perfect sense. And I think the idea of like gratitude in this space is such a great way to stay grounded. So you're all over it. Do you have a dream? We obviously we talk a lot about numbers as podcast. Do you have like a dream dollar amount either for like a brand deal or an amount in an annual basis? This is my goal. I want to make this much a year, I want to save this much or by this year I want to have this. Do you have anything like that?

[A]

I have a bunch of dreams and goals that I've already achieved and I keep just shooting higher. Like for those dreams and goals, for instance, I'd love to get a half a million dollar brand deal. Like that would be insane. Yeah, that's really shooting for the stars.

[B]

I think you're gonna, you're gonna just putting it out there, you're gonna manifest. It's gonna happen. 100.

[A]

Yeah. So like things like that, of course. But like I'm so beyond grateful for the brand deals that I even am now receiving. Like I couldn't imagine in a million years having a six figure brand deal ever. I'm like that, like that's insane. So like even having that like throughout this year, I think I have achieved a lot of my goals and my dreams and I'm very grateful for my helping Me achieve those, because I remember coming off the show and talking to my manager, and she was like, what's your dream? How much do you want to make this year? And I said, a low number. I was like, six figures.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She's like, honey, you're gonna make way more than that. Trust. And I was like, I don't know. Then I text her and, like, now we have a chart of, like, how. How I'm doing this year and being in two campaigns. Like, I did a Buffalo Wild Wings commercial with Kendall. I saw that commercial with Kendall, Janae, and, like, seriously, like, that going back and looking at whenever I first left the show and, like, talking to my booking manager about how much money I want to make and then getting those opportunities, it's so insane. I'm so blessed.

[B]

And that's where, like, that gratitude, the reflection piece, is so important. Yeah. Well, you should, like, think about it.

[A]

It's insane.

[B]

Yeah. And you've changed your life and, you know, potentially changing your brother's life, like, getting him a car and, like, you've opened your family's perspective and new things, like, no, I mean, it's really important. And you' also, the way that you're stepping into authenticity is letting a lot of people shine in maybe ways that they couldn't before. So, like, that's pretty cool.

[A]

Yeah, Very lucky.

[B]

That is awesome. All right, let's step into beyond the Villa, then. Obviously, come out of season six, it blows up. You have you just talked about how it's changed your life beyond the Villa, at least from just doing analytics, was a little different. Right. The ratings weren't as high as they were in season six. Of course, still the biggest branded show out there right now. After beyond the Villa, how did you feel about kind of, like, the business decision to go on, what it did for you, etc.

[A]

Yeah, I was very, like, I was very in between about going on the show because of Love island, how it did, and, you know, it can change your image no matter. Like, you're not sure what light you're going to be in. And I thought I was going to be in a terrible light. Like, I'm not going to lie. Like, after filming beyond the Villa, I was like, I'm going to be the villain. It's going to be terrible because I showed kind of a different side of myself and, like, stuck up for myself and going back to you. So saying, like, beyond the Villa didn't do the numbers Love island did initially? Hell, no. What sequel do you know that does better than the Original.

[B]

That's a great point.

[A]

It does. That's a great, you know, especially it was, it was the first unscripted series that Love island did. Following Love island, like beyond the Villa was the first ever season. They did it. This is our first go at it. So honestly, I think it did really well for my brand. I'm very glad I did it. You know, it was tough. I went through literally, I had like the worst early on of this year in my life. I lost my grandma who basically raised me. I was in and out of the hospitals because I have kidney issues. I was seeing my ex boyfriend for the first time. I wasn't getting along the best with one of my best friends at the time. So it was really challenging. And then also moving across the country, living alone for the first time, it was all new and it was really difficult for me. And being on beyond the Villa during such a tough time, I sure it would would have been for anyone who has like lost a family member for the first time living alone and going through the things I went through. But I'm so glad that I did it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm so proud of myself for doing, being there, doing all of that and just still being myself and remaining myself throughout the process.

[B]

That's beautiful. I love it. If you're a renter. If you know a renter, listen up. Ever feel like you're stuck in this loop of rent pay payments just watching your money vanish into thin air? Well, it's time to turn that rent game around and start earning some serious rewards. That's where Built Rewards comes in. Built Rewards is breaking the ground as a neighborhood rewards program that hooks you up with points on your rent. Every month you pay your rent, watch the Bilt Rewards roll in. Use your points to jet off on a dream vacation. Put your points toward a flight or hotel stay with 500 plus airlines and 700,000 plus hotels and properties. You could also use your points to book fitness studio classes, redeem them toward a future rent payment. They're designed to meet your lifestyle. Pay rent hassle free through the Bilt Rewards app. Your rank game just got a major upgrade. Built Points have been consistently ranked the highest value point currency by the points guy and bankrate. Earn points by paying rent. Right now when you go to joinbuilt.com tradingsecrets that's J O I I N B I L T.com trading secrets make sure to use our URL so they know we sent you joint built.com trading secrets to start earning points with your Rent payments today. One question I had for you, and now I don't want to get into, like, the tea, the drama, but it's kind of a business question, so I'll. I'll prep you with that. We had Remy Bader on this week, and she talked about how she did business with her dad, and it, like, it did not work. It failed. And they decided that and went their separate ways with business. And I was curious with. With you and l. Was there anything that was connected to business that created tension in the relationship?

[A]

Absolutely. 100. Yeah.

[B]

And if so, what are you. Because ever there's so many people listening this right now that are thinking about doing business with their friends or couples that are in business together. So what are some of your learning lessons from that? When it connects to business thought leadership.

[A]

With friends, I think that ultimately you can navigate that. You know, Liv and I had a great, great YouTube channel. We are having the best time. But that also can become. Become tough because when you're. When you're living with your best friend, working with your best friend, it's very difficult. You don't have that separation. You don't have that alone time, and things can become very hostile and make your friendship not as fun anymore. You know, like, Liv and I had great times together. The YouTube was great. I wish we still could do blah moments. It was killing it. But there was issues that she had, I had, and then our YouTube producer, and it just became honestly just a shit show. And then getting brand deals, same brand deals, that things can become difficult and challenging and even competitive in some sorts of ways.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, I mean, let's be real.

[B]

Yeah, It's. I don't think this is any. This isn't breaking news. Right. Like, look at Call Her Daddy with Sophia and Alex. Like, that's obviously like your, Your. Your starship of what happened and how. It's very hard. I think it's hard in relationships. I think it's hard in friendships.

[A]

I couldn't imagine dating someone who's also in the same space assignment.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you know.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, 100%. I've done it before. It's very, very hard.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

There are nuances that you never expect. And even when, even obviously so torn. You've. You've introduced him to social media. Even when you introduce someone to social media in a relationship, that creates added noise, even if it's not right.

[A]

Especially I'm from a dating show, so everyone cares about my dating, like, life and all of it. And, like, he's such a trooper. But, like, if he wasn't, like, I would have been like, so, like, literally, because he is such a trooper and like, what the Aaron drama and him and, like, being on the show and everyone's saying he looks like Aaron or they're so rude to him. And I clap back at them sometimes because I'm like, if you guys. You guys stress when I was in a terrible, toxic relationship and now I'm happy, and now you're, like, blowing our lines up.

[B]

I love it. I mean, I love that he is. He's holding it strong. He's actually showing, like, how strong the relationship and you're fighting for him out there a little bit, which is pretty cool. We talked business on the show, of course. Let's talk about hire fire. Love island, season six. You start a business, you got to hire one person. You got to fire one person. Who are you going to hire? They're all on your organization. So one of them you're going to hire and promote. One you got to fire. Who is it?

[A]

I'm hiring Leah because she is the boss ass businesswoman. Like, amazing. I'm hiring her first of all as well, because I need her to help me dress. Who am I firing? Oh, from the. The whole cast?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I mean, obviously, Aaron, I don't want to work with my ex.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's like an easy one. That was. That was. That was a little bit of a layup. All right, what about this? What? Any other reality show other than Love island, what is one show that you'd be like, that would be badass. That'd be cool.

[A]

I love Dancing with the Stars. I mean, that would be so badass. Like, I grew up watching that with, like, my grandma. I feel like a lot of, like, old people watch Dancing with the Star.

[B]

I was going to ask you about Dancing with the Stars because. But then I went on your TikTok. I was looking at other tiktoks to, like, see if there was anything I could, like, ask you about. And you did one. You're like, I have no rhythm. So do you think you would. Do you think you would do well at dancing?

[A]

I think I would be terrible, but I'm willing to learn.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And then Traders, I think Traders is. I, like, I'm down with the drama. I don't want to. Or, like, maybe, like, actually, I love Bravo. Like, I love anything Bravo.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, being in the Bravo universe would be lovely. I grew up watching Housewives, but, like, dating shows, I'm never. I don't think I ever wanted. I'M not doing that again.

[B]

Like, dating shows are off the table. Other shows certainly are. One thing I want to ask about your business before we get wrapped here was another thing you do, of course, is brand deals, but you do ltk. How does LTK factor into, like, income generation? Is it significantly more, less or close to brand partnership?

[A]

I'm very new on ltk.

[B]

Okay, cool.

[A]

I'm trying my best on there, but I think ltk, like I was telling you earlier, prior, LTK has kind of made me feel like I have things to do during my day. It fulfills that, like, work aspect for me, like going on taking pictures. It makes me feel like I have something to do do. And it's kind of similar to Amazon Storefront as well. Like, going on linking products, like, gives me something to do in the hours that I'm just sitting on my couch. Like, I filmed for the day, I cleaned, I went to the gym, I meal prepped. Like, what else is there to do?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I really like LTK and Amazon Storefront in that aspect because it kind of allows me to be on my laptop and like, type and like, add things and curate things for my followers. And I'm not making a ton of money on that on those platforms, but it just gives me something to do and it kind of fulfills, fills that self worth. I love it.

[B]

I love it. Well, I appreciate you answering that. You've obviously have done a lot, but there's so much more you could do, right? You have tick tock, Instagram. That's blowing up. But you could go back to YouTube series, podcasting. You talked about acting, hosting, maybe more reality tv. If you had the crystal ball. What direction do you think it's going to be? What's next, do you think, for Kayla Martin's career?

[A]

Well, you know what? I'd love to start a brand. I love makeup. I'd to love. Would love to start something in that space potentially. But also I would love to do acting and I would love to maybe go in another reality show. So I also, I'm 23 years old and I'm not stressing it. I know I'll figure it out. I always have. I'm. I'm a worker. I know I'll navigate whatever comes at me or whatever I want to do. I really do think sometimes, though, work picks you and you don't pick work. So we'll see. I don't really, really know. I think I'm just figuring it out and I think that's okay.

[B]

Okay. More to come. Big Things are coming. Might see you're in your movie screen. Might see you're in a reality TV show. Last question before you're trading secrets. It's an easy one. It's a money one. What is one thing that you overspend on? You know you overspend on it and you probably won't stop overspending on it a lot.

[A]

Like a three things. Can I name them all?

[B]

Let's name them all.

[A]

Freaking door dash. I and I express the doordash because.

[B]

When I'm on grudges, I'm impatient.

[A]

I. Uber is in New York City.

[B]

I know.

[A]

And I. When I'm running late, which I always am, the easiest option is to get an Uber. I just recently navigated the train, so I have no excuse but to take the train. I need to chill out. And also Amazon, I buy something from Amazon, like almost every day. It's.

[B]

What are you buying on there?

[A]

Like, soaps, organizers, things. I just moved into my New York apartment.

[B]

Go to your Amazon storefront. You'll see.

[C]

Huh.

[B]

I like. And I mean, I'm going to add number four. I think I saw you do the apartment guy tour, and I think you said your rent was like 5,500. That's got to be up there.

[A]

Yeah, it's like 5,700.

[B]

See, that's. You got to go check out your apartment. It's on the apartment guy, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I saw that. So there's some. There's some interesting stuff. But Kayla, I appreciate you being on Trading Secrets. So cool to hear, like, where you've been, what you're doing and where you plan to go. But we gotta. We gotta end with your trading secret. So it's specific to. You can't learn from a professor or TikTok tutorial. We can only learn from your experience.

[A]

I feel like always be you. Always stay true to yourself. Trust your heart, and everything will turn out. Just be yourself and people will see you for you and love you for you. Yeah, that's it. Simple one. But I think being. Being authentic is the best way to be.

[B]

I like it. And then I think the trading secret I learned from you is that showing weakness is a strength. Right? It's not. It's not a negative. Like you're. When you're crying, that's not a negative. That's actually a strength. Like you're showing your emotions. And I think that the other one I learned is that, like, when you can show up in authentic way, but still like a thought, like an intentional way, you can magnify everything you want to do. Like you knew you want to be on reality tv, but you also had stories like these other embarrassing sex stories or whatever. You had them. And you're like, I'm not going to hide from. I'm not going to not show my colors. I'm going to not only show my colors in authentic way, I'm going to do it with some thought and strategy and intention, and that's going to just magnify who I am, which is going to create success. So those are the two I learned from you. This has been fun, Kayla. Where can everyone find everything you have going on?

[A]

My Tik Tok, my Instagram, Snapchat.

[B]

There you go. All of it. Go follow Kayla Martin. Maybe she'll be an actress, maybe another reality star in the next show. We'll see. But thank you for being on Training Secrets.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Ding, ding, ding. We are closing in the bell to the Kayla Martin episode. Lot of action, action here. Love Island. David, I know you're a fan. What'd you think? What's got you curious? Talk to me.

[C]

Yeah, we got the. The hat trick of Love Island. Guests here with Cordell Beckham and Alandria. Always great to hear from Kaylor. You know, pretty polarizing guests, I would say, in a really good way. She cried her way through season six and look at where she's at now and to see her and to kind of. I'm also really glad, Jason, we had her on now as opposed to two weeks off the show. I thought the perspective that she was able to bring, I thought that she talked about kind of where she's at in her career and things that she wants to kind of go back and do is really interesting. So overall, I thought it was great. I mean, we have, you know, Kaylor in the hot seat and that's exactly, you know, where. Where we got to learn a lot about her and her journey.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, exactly. I think you nailed it. It's. It's the, the hat trick comment is bang on. I think if you think about the Olander episode, it was all about really understanding her journey, perspective and, like, where she's at from a business, professional and financial mindset now. And I think we got to see that with Kaylor. And, you know, she cried on the show and she cried in this interview, which was beautiful. But, like, she's. I loved her take on it. She's like, you know, like showing, like, weakness or showing tears and emotion is not a negative, negative thing. It's a strength.

[C]

No and, and we've heard it a lot on this podcast before. But she doubles down on like her authentic self. Like, you know, one thing is she gave the tip about applying for reality TV show. Like answer all the questions in like explaining all the authentic ways and craziness that they'd want to see in yourself. And she talked about like just really always double downing on that authentic version of herself. And that was even in her trading secret as well. But I gotta say, her authentic version of herself, boy, did we see it. She was 22 years on the show. I have it right here in my notes, highlighted, underlined. Jason, I can't imagine you or I going on Love island, the show of all shows in Today's Society at 22 years old. Can you paint a little bit of a picture for the people where you are at and how you think you would have been portrayed on Love Island Season 6 at 22 years old.

[B]

22 years old would have been a nightmare. Nightmare. I mean you just like, I had no growth. I didn't know anything about myself. I had, I know like an absolute shit show. Like by the time that I went on reality tv, I had learned so much about my like just like trigger points and like how to, how to like self. Self soothe, if that makes sense, like to understand the things that drive you crazy. But be like, okay, it's not, not just about what I'm feeling. It's about processing and understanding. And at 22 I couldn't do that. I mean it would have been.

[C]

Where were you at 22?

[A]

Were you.

[B]

I think, I think I got grad school, good hometown at it, you know, I just got like a good hometown guy at it on the Bachelor, which is like what I am. But I think if it was 22, I might have been a villain.

[C]

Where were you at 22 in your life? You were, were you going to grad school?

[B]

So I graduated at 21 1. I was. So at 22, I had just moved to Cleveland, Ohio and I was pursuing the banking industry, you know, going out every weekend, Thursday to Sunday, like ripping every weekend, you know, doubling down on like you're never going to be hung over at that age. So it would have been, it would have been a nightmare.

[C]

Well, it's so funny that I think you said exactly what Kaylor showed at 22 to though, like you could self soothe. Right. I think at 22 we're also reactive, right? We don't have perspective, so we're reactive. So she's reacting in real time to Aaron kissing this other girl and bringing her back to Casta. And here she is making a her. Her name off of crying reactively and not being able to get out of it. Listen, I was 22 years old as a freshman in college. 22 year old freshman. I played four years of junior hockey. We need a whole podcast to explain the whole hockey world. I was 22 years old. I turned 22 in February, my freshman year at Quak University in, in Connecticut, which I was only there for one year. And the fact I was only there for one year probably shows that I wasn't even ready to be a freshman in college in the United States with all this change, let alone put in front of billions of people watching my every move. So let's just thank the heavens that you weren't on at 22. That I wasn't on at 22. And let's just bless Kaylor for having the perspective that she has now as an almost 24 year old, as she said would still make. Makes me feel quite old.

[B]

Oh yeah, I thought there were sometimes like she was speaking and I was like, wait, what's that word? Like what's that Gen Z word? But also you being 22 as a freshman explains a lot why you gave me dirty looks in the beginning. You're like, who is this child? Who is this 18 year old jumping on the bar like an oh, unbelievable.

[C]

Well, I, I got it. One thing that she said that stuck over. I'm just more curious about how curious. Curious about your point of view is. She said that her biggest haters are where she's from. So her hometown. You know, you obviously are eight, seven, eight years past being on the show. Was that the same for you? Did you find your, your, what you thought was your closest circle or the people that you know you should maybe have your back because they should be a little supportive knowing who you are. Did you feel like that your biggest haters at that time or even now came came from your hometown or your college or anything like that? I was just curious.

[B]

Yeah, I think the boys have always had my back, like you guys have always had my back through this journey, that's for sure. But I think like probably more Buffalo than Rochester. There always has been like a little bit of like, like just fun, like passive digs and stuff. You know, early on when people are just ripping me for doing ads and stuff. And part of me getting like ripped on by my hometown people for the ads was that was like really the starting point where I was like, I'm gonna just talk about it like you know how much I made on that. And then people are like, wait, what? So I think it was always been like a little, like, fun jabs, though. The only thing I don't like that a lot of some of my friends back home will still do. Like, if I do, if I go out and someone comes up and says hello, right? And then they'll be like, you know, they'll kind of make fun of it. They'll be like, oh, it's Jason from the Bachelor. Da, da, da, da. Let's get a photo. Can I get your photo? And to me, that's so disrespectful because that person who's coming up obviously in some way has. We've connected in a way, right? Like, and it's like you're now kind of making them feel stupid that they've connected with someone that they feel like they in some capacity either trust or relate to, and you're like, diminishing it. And for why, like, what, what does that do? Like, so when people do that, I'll like, bring them aside and be like, don't do that. Like, it's, that's not fun for me. And it's not fun for the person who's to trying, trying to like, say hi because they, whatever, they saw me on Instagram or they listen to podcasts or whatever. But other than that, I wouldn't say, but, you know, I don't know. Does that answer your question?

[C]

Yeah, it does. I actually can picture in my head some, some of our friends who would actually do that.

[B]

I won't name names right now.

[C]

Oh, yeah, I could see that. But I've all. But I've also been on the other side of it, being with you and around you in different places of seeing the people come across up to you. And, you know, both of us obviously having the opposite approach of like, sincerity and being genuine and like, putting ourselves in their shoes. Where if you and me, if I rolled up to Justin Bieber and said something and his buddies were chirping me, like, I'd feel like a little. But instead, like, if him and his buddy were like, oh, that's so cool, you're from here and you connect on different levels. I'll never forget at my bachelor party, we were at Cosmopolitan at the Chandelier bar, and we were all there having one of our deep heart to heart cards as we, as we did that weekend. And one girl came up, and she came up to you strictly for the podcast, not for the Bachelor. And then she actually asked if this was the curious Canadian. And I was like, oh, my God.

[B]

I was gonna say, sometimes when we're together, people come up to David. Yeah, yeah, they love it.

[C]

We keep them, we count them all. We count them all in one hand because it doesn't happen that often. But when it does, it's, it's, it's pretty, it's pretty unique. It's a cool feeling.

[B]

All right, so back to Kaylor. Just a few more thoughts. What else is topping Mind from this one?

[C]

Top of mind is I would hire her. Top of mind, I would hire Kaylor because she said her age, she's almost 24. Any single person, you see people coming off the show, what they're trying to get into their ventures. They're full time, they want to be an influencer. Now they're modeling, now they're posting, now they're a fitness model. The amount of times that she came back to saying that she wants to go back to school or that she wants to get more jobs or that her comfort zone is having three jobs and being a busy schedule. And she even said like, you know, my agent tells me, I don't need to go to school. Other people in the industry saying, I don't need to go back to school. Like, I, I can make this a career. And she's like, jason, I don't do anything from 8 to 12. And she brought up LTK and she's like, it makes me feel like I have things to do, like I get to open my laptop and type. And I just thought that that was so unique and for her long term trajectory, awesome perspective that she now has again a year and a half off the show instead of being right off the show. If we interviewed her, she wouldn't have that person perspective. I would hire if I was a business person. I think that mindset is gonna, is gonna really trend for her to be successful. I'd buy stock in her long term.

[B]

I would hire her, I would invest in her. I think that she's gonna continue to kill it. Her engagements off the charts. She's focused on the right thing. She's authentic with her audience. She's real. I'm sure she'll have a bunch more reality TV in her future. And she's good. She gets, she just gets the game. Like, you know what I mean? Listen, there's a bit of a game game to this and she gets it. And that was when I said my trading secret was that like, she knows how to still be herself while being like, okay, I'm gonna, I'm Gonna play here, and I'm gonna dial it in and I'm gonna bring it and watch out. And so I respected that element of it. And I think she's. I also love that how real she keeps it. Like, I don't think. I don't think she's filtered in a way that, like, maybe most people, like, overthink things. Like, she's just like, yeah, this is what it is. Take it or leave it.

[C]

100% goes back to her authentic self. I love that she kind of had her boyfriend's back and in a bu. A bunch of things of some hate that he gets and things people were saying about them and about him. So I loved her for that. And, Jay, I'm gonna end with my biggest takeaway.

[B]

Go.

[C]

My biggest takeaway is. Is why I love this podcast. And I think as someone who's listened to every single episode, obviously, as the. As the. As, as you say, the one, the only, but definitely just a man of the people, a curious Canadian is I. I've, you know, how big of a Love island fan. I've said it on this podcast a hundred times. Having Kayla, I was locked in. I wanted to get more, but Kaylor. But near the end, it kind of hit me. It said, man, I really love this podcast because as much as I'm loving getting to know the guest, I also want to get to know something. And what I mean by that is, take the symbiotic episode we just had. Take Chris Voss. Sometimes we have guests on. I want to get to know them. A Rod and Rob Dyrdek. And I want to get to know these people, these individuals. I want to get to know them, the reality stars, the celebrity celebrities. But, man, some of these episodes where I get to know something like Symbiotica, I didn't want to get to know Symbiotica at all. I didn't even. I still to this day don't even know the guy's name. But, man, I left that po. That episode with a feeling. I was motivated, I was energized. I was, like, wanting to talk about that topic in depth. I wanted to learn more. I felt like I needed to make changes in my life. I love that we can have guests. And I feel like the reason we've able to stand the test of podcast time is we delay, deliver that on a monthly basis, and every month you're going to come on and you're going to learn about someone that you probably want, are curious to learn about. And then the other times, you're going to really take away with that feeling of learning something, putting something in action, or feeling like you're better off for the hour that you tuned into listening. And that is my final thought on this episode.

[B]

That is a beautiful way to summarize what we do on this podcast. Sometimes it's get to know someone, other times it's get to know know something. And where we'll end right now is if you know me, you know Peggy Morton, you're listening, text me. And if you don't know me, email me. Or put it in the reviews five stars of course. And let us know. Do you prefer the episodes where you get to know someone or do you prefer the episodes where you get to learn something? And I think those are big different episodes and maybe your answer is a mix of both. And that's what we do on Trading Secrets. So David, I think that's a great place to to wrap. This has been an awesome recap. Always good to see you and hear from you and make sure you guys tune in next week for another episode of Trading Secrets you can't afford to miss. We have a jam packed lineup of guests and this week actually next week I'll be traveling to LA to go to Dancing with Stars. So we might have a guest or two from there. Stay tuned for another another episode of Trading Secrets. Hopefully this was one you couldn't afford to miss.

[A]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[B]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[A]

Could you be more specific?

[B]

When it's cray venient.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a.

[A]

Second at a.m. pM. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[B]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[A]

Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

[B]

What more could you want? Stop by ampm where the snacks and drinks are perfect. Perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience ampm. Too much good stuff.