Behind the Influence

In this mashup episode, we highlight top digital influencers, Jake Paul, Gabbie Hanna, and Macy Kate, who have all successfully made the transition from YouTube to mainstream music. These influencers used the platforms they built online to help launch their careers as artists. While each has a very different story, they all share similar qualities. Jake and Macy talk about moving to LA to get their careers started, Jake and Gabbie talk about the hate they received from decisions in their past, and they share stories of their transitions from the digital world into music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the season, we have had the pleasure of interviewing some incredible trailblazers. We decided to do a mash up of three business founders who started companies that changed the game. Jack Conte, Reed Duchscher, and Ian Hecox are from very different worlds, yet they are all connected by their bravery to innovate. All three have founded very unique brands that have shaped today's world. On this episode, we explore what it takes to launch a brand with major influence in any industry. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Dinh, the founder of TSM, is a pioneer in the world of competitive gaming. If you aren't already familiar, Team SoloMid (TSM) is a professional esports organization that has shaped the industry. On this episode, Andy talks about what it was like starting TSM, the challenges that came with building it, the evolution of the world of Esports, and who he is as a gamer versus as a founder. Andy was very candid about mistakes he made along the way, and how they led him to the success that he has now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aton Ben-Horin is the Global Vice President of A&R for Warner Music Group, and is a gatekeeper to a mega-industry of influence. He's also happens to be the sweetest guy ever. On this epsiode, Aton gives us a glimpse into his world, where he filters through 100's of music submissions from aspiring hopefuls every day. Aton talks about what it takes to make it in the music industry, the importance of hustling, and how he got to where he is today. Aton shares why hard work, talent, networking, and above all else, a love of music can set an artist apart. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Jack Conte: talented artist and founder of Patreon. He's the man who's work has allowed countless influencers to monetize off their creations. Jack sat down with us to talk about why and how he started the platform that changed the game for so many people. We discuss why monetizing is so hard, and how important it is for creators to be able to focus on the art rather than how they are going to survive. You'll also hear about Jack's own musical background and process as a creator. Aspiring artists, don't miss this one! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annie LeBlanc is in the studio! Annie showed up with her entire family for the interview, and couldn’t have been a more lovely person. What you see is what you get with her! At only 15, this girl is not only talented but humble and sweet...she is going to be a huge star. In this episode, Annie talks about how she got her start on YouTube as a gymnast, how their family channel blew up, and transitioning to mainstream media. Annie shares why she wants to take her time with her next album, what's up with her new Nickelodeon show, and what is next! And bonus... she answers your super fan questions! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode,we get to know Michael Carbonaro of the Carbonaro Effect, appropriately named after the multi faceted Entertainer. We dive deep into the world of magic and comedyand how his love for both led him to success in the world of entertainment. To say I am now a huge fan is a wild understatement. Not only were we all laughing throughout the interview, he gave such raw and real insight into a world most of us cannot even fathom attempting to conquer. Conquer he has in his very own way, pioneering and reinventing every step of the way. I cannot wait to see him on tour... he better pick me to come up on stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since you guys loved the Twitch mashup, we decided to do another one with some favorites of ours from the dance world! During this episode we feature dance phenomenons Kaycee Rice and Sean Lew - bff child prodigys turned industry legends. We talk to the always inspiring Jade Chenowyth, who's unique style and positive attitude have allowed her to take the world of dance by storm. You'll also hear from the one and only Jojo Gomez, who's incredibly innovatie choregoraphy and exceptional skill have made her popular with top music artists and insta-fans alike. The combined forces of these four dance powerhouses...unstoppable. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're officially at midseason, and I thought it would be a good idea to do a recap of some of our favorite episode, but brought together under a common theme. We're calling this a mashup of sorts. This first is one of my favs: Twitch. Not just because I'm biased, but because the whole 'streamer' and 'live video' platform warring going on right now is reaching peak crazy. In this episode we'll feature a creator, a founder, and the go-between who manages to work for both of them. Not just any creator, but the #1 most followed streamer on Twitch, Pokimane. Not just any founder, but Kevin Lin, the cofounder of Twitch. And, of course not just any go-betweener, but the VIPs', VIP, the go-to partner manager and starmaker, Anele of Twitch. We hope you enjoy listening to this mashup of different players, with different viewpoints, all pushing this phenomenon of live streaming. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aside from the fact that he is one of the most talented comedians we know, Tehran is also just one of our favorite artists to interview - he's raw, transparent, and really makes us think. If you don't know Tehran already, he is a stand up comic and host at some of the world's most popular venues. Tehran is truly a gatekeeper in the comedy world. Leading the stage at world famous venues like the Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store, he has an influence over who takes the mic, and ultimately who breaks into the comedy scene. In this interview Tehran discusses what it takes to make it as a successful comedian, gives insight into the "it factor" everyone strives to achieve, and tips on what not to do on stage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor and comedian Bobby Lee tells all about coming up in the world of comedy and how he turned his personal struggles into art. When I sat down with Bobby, I knew he would be hilarious, but he was also candid, raw, and totally honest. On this episode, find out how he got his start on MAD TV, stories from behind the scenes, and what’s next. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first time I interviewed Macy Kate, I became an instant fan. As insanely talented as she is, she is equally hard-working. Not only does Macy Kate release highly-produced music videos of her popular cover songs no Youtube, she also creates her own original music...and it's fire. Macy told us all about how her rigurous classical background has shaped her as an artist, how building a following on Youtube changed her career, and the inspiration behind her new song Cry for Help. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JoJo Gomez is fearlessly authentic - from her dance style all the way to her personality - everything about this Dance Influencer is 100% real. During this interview, JoJo shares stories from her big break, to auditions that left her feeling negative towards the dance space which inspired her to pursue choreography. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A large portion of influencer income comes from merchandise, aka: merch...so it felt like a no-brainer to have the Founder of the top merch brand, Fanjoy, Chris Vaccarino come on the show and break down why this poiece of the puzzle was so relevant. On this episode, you'll learn how Chris turned promoting his brother's band with t-shirts into a mulit-billion dollar merchandise company. Chris also tells us what's next for Fanjoy, and drops behind the scenes knowledge about the influencers he has worked with, from David Dobrik to Elle Mills to Jake Paul. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have seen them on NBC's World of Dance, dancing behind your favorite artist, choreographing Meghan Trainer's latest music video, or scrolling through your Instagram. Ask anyone in the dance world and they will tell you - Kaycee Rice and Sean Lew are child prodegy legends. Not only have they grown into even more talented teenagers, but they have stayed best friends along the way. (And guys, they aren't just Instagram bffs, these two actually accidentally showed up in matching outfits and continually finished eachother's sentences). On this episode, Kaycee and Sean tell all about their experience competing on World of Dance, the story of how they met and began dancing together, building their dance careers on Instagram, and stories of the celebrities they have worked with. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reed Duchsher, the ground-breaking manager behind Mr. Beast, sat down to tell us what it's really like to manage the fastest growing Youtuber in 2019. Reed, and his company Night Media, helped Mr. Beast get up to 24 millions subscribers in record time. But what does it take to break into such a highly-saturated industry? Reed tells us the story behind Night Media, why he never wants to represent more than 10 influencers, why he keeps his client list family-friendly, and how charity pays a major role in his talent's drive. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have never heard of Mukbang, you're about to get a crash course. While Mukbang orginally beame popular in Korea, millions of people worldwide are now watching these "eating shows." The concept sounds simple: Mukbangers eat food on camera...and people watch (and listen). But, Hyunee, a top Mukbanger here in the US, will tell you - there is a lot more to Mukbang than that. In this episode, Hyunee shares how she discovered Mukbang, how she turned making Youtube videos for her 1.54 million "HyuneeBees" into a full-time career, and how she manages to stay healthy while creating content. We got real about ignoring judgment from others, being true to yourself, and the importance of community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 2.4 Million followers on Instagram, a stacked resume of TV/Film credits, and live dance performances with the world's top artists, Jade Chynoweth has taken the entertainment world by storm. On this episode, Jade shares her story of leaving everything to move to LA., the sacrifices she and her mom have made for her career, the importance of being true to yourself, and how Instagram changed the game for her dance career. We also talk about what it's like to work with artists like Halsey (goals) and what inspires her weekly Self Love Sunday talks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cole Cuchna turned his experience as a classically trained composer and adept researcher into a booming podcast career - breaking down game-changing albums from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West on his viral podcast, Dissect. Dissect happens to be my very favorite podcast (Seriously, I listened to the entire "To Pimp a Butterfly" season in one sitting) - so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to pick Cole's brain. I loved hearing the origin story of Dissect and how it came to fruition (his retelling of how his daughter played a role in in the podcast's creation may melt you), his opinion on what it takes to be a great artist, and what personal favorites are playing on repeat on his Spotify. I also made him break down "Sicko Mode" with us on the fly...you're welcome. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every streamer dreams of being an official Twitch Partner, but how do you become one? Anele Andeshmand, the head of Partnerships (or as he calls himself, the Papa Bear of Partnerships) sat down to talk about what it's like to be a gatekeeper at the number one streaming platform in the world. Anele dropped some serious insider knowledge about the Partner Program at Twitch, what it really takes to become a Partner, and what makes a good streamer. He also shared his backstory (I know you're wondering how he got such a big role at such a young age) and how important community is on Twitch. Whether or not you're interested in a career streaming video games, this episode is fascinating - don't miss it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pokimane attributes her epic rise to the #1 female gamer on Twitch to two things - her genuine passion and love for gaming, and her incredible community of fans. Poki's followers adore her, and when she arrived at the studio, it was instantly clear why. Not only is Pokimane a skilled and talented gamer, she is bright, kind, and well-spoken. After meeting her, I would wait in line for 3 hours at Twitchcon for a glimpse of Poki too. With over 79 MILLION total views on the streaming platform, a Shorty Award under her belt, and her own documentary on Amazon, Imane is changing the game. Poki shares how she's overcome stereotypes, navigated the industry, and leaned on her Twitch community during hard times. Of course we also talked #trolls. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Industry Trailblazer Roy Choi forever changed the culinary world with his legendary Kogi food truck, and hasn’t stopped since. He's successfully launched restaurants, wrote a NY Times Best Selling book, and is the star of "Broken Bread." But it wasn't always like that for the innovative Chef. There were challenges along the way, which he candidly discussed. What you'll get from this podcast: How Twitter played a massive role in his rise to success, details on his new show Breaking Bread, and what's next for his growing empire. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Baby Ariel started creating lip-sync videos for fun at her Grandma's house, she had no idea she would build an empire of 30 Million fans a long the way. Ariel has achieved her success through mindful authenticity, and she was just as down to earth and real during our interview. Ariel discusses her rise on Musical.ly (now TikTok), her latest single Wildside, and how being unapologetically herself allowed her to pursue her other passions, like writing a book and fulfilling her bucket list dream of directing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After touring the world and selling millions of records as a K-pop artist with her group Girls' Generation, Tiffany Young has returned to Los Angeles to go solo. Interviewing Tiffany was beyond refreshing. Despite her undeniable success, the ground-breaking performer couldn't have been more warm and genuine. It is clear that Tiffany highly values integrity - she didn't hesitate to open up about both the highs and lows of her journey. On this episode, Tiffany tells all about learning Korean for her career, what it's really like working in the K-pop industry, her rigorous training schedule, her transition girl group to a solo artist, and what she is working on next. Stick around until the end of the interview to hear her new single, "Run For Your Life." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you were first introduced to him on Vine where he was literally the most followed personality on the platform (17M followers and 6B loops to be exact), or you've laughed hysterically watching the infamous comedy sketches on his instagram page that boasts another 18M followers - its safe to say that Andrew Bachelor AKA King Bach is indeed, King. King of comedy? King of acting? King of music? King of the bitches? Check, check, check...check. On this episode, he breaks it all down: from his hilarious sketches on Instagram, to his latest film projects, to his history-making comedy album, Medicine...and of course, he dished on the ladies. In his words, Bach's Bitches. (How can you not love this guy?) I now also have a Bach signed pregnancy test that I plan to sell for 5 million dollars when he wins his first Oscar. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 15M subscribers across its various Youtube channels and billions of views (yes billions) to date- Clevver Media paved the way for so many in the world of digital media. But those 15M subs and billions of views didn’t come easy – it took a team of badasses with insane talent, hard work and creativity to stay on top in a world where channel popularity and trends were constantly changing. Two of those badasses happen to be my dear friends, so I couldn’t wait to have them on my show and talk all of things. From the early days of shooting in a garage, to the mega success that followed them finding their niche, to eventually starting their own company. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Paul. Love him or hate him, you’ve heard the name. I have to admit, after chatting with him, I fall into the “love him” category. We all know the stats: 20M subscribers on YouTube, over 12M followers on Instagram…and that’s not including the countless other influencers he built from the ground up. But this interview was about more than just the views – Jake was open, honest, and genuinely fun. You don’t get to the top without extraordinary insights, and Jake shared those thoughts and plans for the future. Here’s what you’ll get from this interview: why Jake doesn’t want to be called a YouTuber, why he is “ex-controversial now,” details on who he plans to fight next (in the boxing ring), and the big moves he’s making in the music industry. After talking for more than an hour, we still barely scratched the surface of what he has in the works as a trailblazer, an entrepreneur, and an entertainer. Whatever words you could use to describe Jake, I assure you this - he’s just getting started. In his own words…he’s not going anywhere.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabbie Hanna, formally known as “The Gabbie Show,” is a YouTube OG. With almost 7M subscribers on YouTube and 4M followers on Instagram, she is undeniably a person of influence...but a “show” was the furthest thing I experienced when chatting with her. Gabbie was raw, real, and had such an interesting and evolved perspective on the digital world that she lives in. Some takeaways you’ll get from this podcast: why she’s no longer “The Gabbie Show,” but Gabbie Hanna, her thoughts on cancel culture and the sometimes toxic YouTube, what inspired her EP (the story is kinda crazy - I didn’t even believe at first), and how her platform has enabled her to transition into the world of her true passion: music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As one of the very first official YouTube partners, the word pioneer is an understatement when describing the impact that Ian Hecox of Smosh has had on creators everywhere. With almost 25M subscribers to date, Smosh has consistently been one of the top performing channels on YouTube since it launched over 15 years ago. For obvious reasons, I was very much looking forward to interviewing Ian: he’s a part of YouTube history. But also, because so many of my friends have worked with him over the years and had nothing but stellar things to say about him as a creator and a person. What you’ll get from this interview: the backstory of Smosh and how it became the #1 most subscribed to channel on Youtube (with stories of hurdles along the way), Ian’s take on why Smosh has had staying power on YouTube, why he chose to continue on with the channel after his partner Anthony decided to depart, where the behemoth of a brand stands today, and of course, some advice for all you creators out there. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Pop Culture expert Tatiana Carrier introduces Behind the Influence, an interview series featuring the world’s most influential.  Coming September 25th, 2019.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.