Zane and Heath: Unfiltered — Episode 292: Reminiscing Over Our 10 Year Journey

Release Date: July 14, 2025

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, hosts Zane and Heath take their listeners on a comprehensive journey through their decade-long experience in the digital content creation landscape. From their early days on Vine to their current endeavors, the duo delves deep into personal growth, maintaining authenticity, and navigating the complexities of fame.

Reflecting on the Past: Vine and Early Days

Zane and Heath begin by reminiscing about their time on Vine, sharing their initial feelings of embarrassment despite the platform's success. Heath reveals, "[We] felt like it was awkward. Like, we were a little embarrassed by our skit" (02:07). This sentiment is echoed by Zane, who adds, "But we wouldn't even bring it up" (02:22), highlighting their reluctance to boast about their early achievements despite receiving positive feedback from friends and followers.

Dealing with Hometown Perception

The hosts discuss the mixed reactions from their hometown friends during their rise on Vine. Heath notes, "Somebody else would overhear that and be like, you guys don't stop talking about Vine. We get it" (02:10). This reflects the challenges they faced in balancing their newfound fame with their established relationships, often feeling misunderstood or judged for their online personas.

Maintaining Humility and Authenticity

Zane and Heath emphasize the importance of staying grounded amidst their success. They assert, "We don't want to be at a vulnerable state... Let's keep the coop small" (06:10 & 07:07). By keeping their community tight-knit, they aim to preserve the authenticity that initially drew their audience, avoiding the pitfalls of overexpansion and superficial connections.

Building a Tight-Knit Community

The value of a close community is a recurring theme. Heath explains, "If you've got a smaller group, they're tighter-knit, they're more meaningful, and you have better relationships" (07:16). This approach has allowed them to foster meaningful interactions with their listeners and collaborators, ensuring sustained support and genuine engagement.

Podcast Growth: Patreon and Live Shows

Acknowledging the evolution of their podcast, Zane and Heath discuss leveraging platforms like Patreon to enhance listener engagement. Heath mentions, "We have a Patreon... you get extended cuts... early access ad-free" (07:30). Additionally, they highlight the benefits of live Q&As, describing them as "a whole nother podcast episode" that bring fresh stories and ideas, thereby enriching their content and listener experience.

Personal Life Updates: Moving, Pregnancy, and Future Plans

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to personal updates. Heath shares the joyous news of expecting a baby, reflecting on the impending move and its impact on their lives and podcast. He states, "I have a baby coming soon... it's coming" (13:28), while Zane expresses his excitement, anticipating the changes it will bring. They discuss strategies to ensure the podcast remains consistent despite these life changes, reassuring listeners, "The show's not stopping. The show's not going anywhere" (14:36).

Handling Public Interaction and Online Criticism

The duo addresses the challenges of public scrutiny and online negativity. Zane emphasizes the need for kindness, saying, "Let’s just be a little nicer to each other" (12:11). They advocate for focusing on positive interactions and minimizing toxic engagements to maintain the show's longevity and their mental well-being.

Beliefs and Ghosts

In a more playful segment, Zane and Heath delve into discussions about supernatural beliefs and historical events like the Salem witch trials. They ponder, "What if new technology didn't pull us away from paper but brought us closer to it?" (23:09), weaving their musings with lighthearted banter about the nature of ghosts and witches, highlighting their diverse range of conversation topics that blend humor with introspection.

Documentaries and Media

The conversation transitions to media consumption, with Zane and Heath recommending the "Paradise Lost" documentary series. Zane enthuses, "It's like one of the most insane documentaries I've ever seen" (36:47), encouraging listeners to engage with compelling storytelling that offers deep insights into societal issues, further demonstrating their commitment to thought-provoking content.

Travel Plans and Long Flights

Zane shares his upcoming travel plans, detailing an 18-hour flight to Thailand followed by a short trip to Ibiza. He humorously critiques the inefficiency of long flights, stating, "18 hours is out of control" (40:50), and discusses the challenges of in-flight experiences. The hosts also express caution about tourist activities, particularly those potentially harmful to wildlife, such as elephant rides, reflecting their awareness and responsibility towards ethical tourism.

Health and Fitness Conversations

Towards the end of the episode, Zane and Heath engage in a candid discussion about physical health and fitness routines. Heath expresses his efforts to stay active, "I'm trying to get healthier... I gotta be" (65:26), while Zane encourages him, emphasizing the importance of staying fit for future family activities. This segment underscores their dedication to personal well-being and its significance in their lives.

Notable Quotes

• Heath on Early Embarrassment: "We felt like it was awkward. Like, we were a little embarrassed by our skit." (02:07)

• Zane on Not Boasting: "But we wouldn't even bring it up." (02:22)

• Zane on Community Size: "We don't want to be at a vulnerable state... Let's keep the coop small." (07:07)

• Heath on Tight-Knit Relationships: "If you've got a smaller group, they're tighter-knit, they're more meaningful, and you have better relationships." (07:16)

• Heath on Podcast Growth: "We have a Patreon... you get extended cuts... early access ad-free." (07:30)

• Heath on Personal News: "I have a baby coming soon... it's coming." (13:28)

• Zane on Public Kindness: "Let’s just be a little nicer to each other." (12:11)

• Zane on Documentary Recommendation: "It's like one of the most insane documentaries I've ever seen." (36:47)

• Zane on Travel Frustrations: "18 hours is out of control." (40:50)

• Heath on Staying Healthy: "I'm trying to get healthier... I gotta be." (65:26)

Conclusion

Episode 292 of "Zane and Heath: Unfiltered" serves as a reflective milestone for the hosts, encapsulating a decade of experiences, growth, and enduring friendship. By weaving personal anecdotes with professional insights, Zane and Heath offer listeners an authentic glimpse into their lives, reinforcing the values of humility, community, and continuous improvement. Their commitment to maintaining a genuine connection with their audience, even amidst significant life changes, underscores the essence of their long-standing success in the podcasting world.