Unsubscribe Podcast Episode 200 - Demo Matt's Last Episode ft. Demolition Ranch | Unsubscribe Podcast 200

Release Date: February 17, 2025

Hosts: Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator, Fat Electrician, and special guest Matt Carriker (Demolition Ranch)

1. Celebrating Two Centuries of Content

The episode kicks off with heartfelt acknowledgments as the hosts celebrate reaching the monumental milestone of 200 episodes. Eli Doubletap expresses immense gratitude, stating, "It has been a privilege to experience 200 episodes with y'all and to see where this started and where it is today" (01:30). Brandon Herrera adds, "When my best friend started this podcast out of Cody's kitchen, I never would have imagined it would have gotten here."

2. Matt Carriker's Farewell Announcement

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Matt Carriker announcing his departure from YouTube and, consequently, his final appearance on the Unsubscribe Podcast. At 03:24, Matt solemnly declares, "Yes, this is sucking Matt's podcast now," signaling the end of an era for his popular Demolition Ranch channel. The hosts collectively express sadness and support, with Brandon mentioning, "It was a privilege to know you," and Eli adding, "Thank you so much for everything you've given YouTube community us."

3. Reflections on a YouTube Career

Matt delves deep into his journey, reminiscing about the inception of Demolition Ranch and the challenges he faced. He shares, "YouTube was me for, like, 15 years... I accomplished all the goals that I ever wanted to accomplish and then kept going for five years after that" (04:17). This prolonged dedication led to burnout, prompting his decision to step back. He recounts a pivotal coffee meeting where a retired friend advised, "A plan will come to you. Stuff to do will come to you, work will come to you, and you'll figure it out."

4. Balancing Family and Content Creation

A recurring theme is the struggle to balance a demanding YouTube schedule with family life. Matt admits, "My daughter’s birthday is right around Shot Show. I've literally missed the actual day of her birthday because it was Shot show" (11:03). The hosts discuss the complexities of being content creators while striving to be present parents. Brandon emphasizes the importance of independence for their children, stating, "You're not going to go out every day. You're not buying your lunch."

5. Community Impact and Collaborations

The episode highlights the profound influence Matt had on the gun community and other content creators. Fat Electrician shares experiences of guiding newcomers on range days, noting, "How safe this is not what I was expecting at all when I came here. Everybody is so nice and like, everybody's being very professional and like safe with all these guns" (16:12). The hosts collectively acknowledge Matt's role in making firearms approachable and entertaining, fostering a welcoming environment for enthusiasts.

6. Controversial Incident: The Trump Shooting and Matt's Shirt

A notable and sensitive discussion revolves around an incident where an assailant wearing one of Matt's shirts shot at the sitting president. At 60:32, Matt recounts, "He was wearing one of the shirts that, like, our most popular shirt... All you guys have had one of those shirts." The incident led to unwarranted scrutiny, with Matt sharing his concerns about potential FBI investigations. He asserts, "We didn't know him. We don't want this. And I was like, he literally just bought a Shirt online."

7. Early YouTube Days and Viral Moments

Matt reminisces about the early days of Demolition Ranch, highlighting viral videos that propelled his channel's growth. He mentions, "The one that got me on you when it was like, I think was like, 2008, 2009. It was the shotgun show" (78:55). Collaborative efforts with fellow YouTubers and memorable moments, such as interactions with Chuck Liddell, underscore the vibrant and dynamic nature of their content creation journey.

8. Emotional Farewell and Final Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, emotions run high. The hosts express their deep appreciation for Matt's contributions and the friendships forged over years of collaboration. Eli Doubletap conveys, "Thank you so much for everything you've given YouTube community us," while Brandon adds, "It genuinely though, it's been a privilege to know you."

Matt reflects on the surreal nature of his departure, stating, "Person in 10 years. Like, you know, it's similar, but you're not to change in that amount of time." The conversation encapsulates a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and bittersweet emotions as they bid farewell to a cornerstone of their community.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Carriker (03:24): "If that truck would have broke down on the way. This is sucking Matt's podcast now."

• Eli Doubletap (01:30): "It has been a privilege to experience 200 episodes with y'all and to see where this started and where it is today."

• Brandon Herrera (04:43): "I just feel like you're gonna have culture shock when he finally moves out."

• Fat Electrician (16:12): "Everybody's being very professional and like safe with all these guns."

• Matt Carriker (11:03): "My daughter's birthday is right around Shot Show. I've literally missed the actual day of her birthday because it was Shot show."

• Brandon Herrera (78:55): "How you got here? I was too broke for a plane ticket."

• Matt Carriker (60:32): "He was wearing one of the shirts that, like, our most popular shirt... All you guys have had one of those shirts."

Conclusion

Episode 200 of the Unsubscribe Podcast serves as a poignant farewell to Matt Carriker and his influential Demolition Ranch channel. Through candid conversations, heartfelt acknowledgments, and shared memories, the hosts reflect on the incredible journey of content creation, community building, and personal growth. Matt's decision to retire marks the end of a significant chapter, celebrating achievements while navigating the complexities of life beyond the digital spotlight. This episode not only honors past accomplishments but also sets the stage for future endeavors of the Unsubscribe Podcast hosts.