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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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