The Gratitudeology™ Podcast with Jamie Hess by Jamie Hess

April 29, 2024 Nev Schulman | How Getting Catfished Taught Me Empathy

Television host and producer Nev Schulman is the walking embodiment of one of our ethos here at The Gratitudeology Podcast: turning pain into purpose. Chances are, you’re aware of the now famous cautionary tale about the time he was lured into an online relationship by means of multiple fictional internet personas. After all, this whirlwind of deception and heartache entered the term Catfish into the modern lexicon, giving way for the award-winning documentary Catfish and, later, the renowned follow-up MTV docu series Catfish: The TV Show.

But there’s a reason Nev has transcended his origins as a victim of an online scam to become one of American television’s most beloved hosts. Nev’s unique experience has served as an engine of empathy, allowing him to get to the bottom of real life stories of internet schemes with a comprehensive understanding of both the victim’s experience and the perpetrator’s motivation.

Tune in to hear about his unlikely background in dance (yup... ballet!!), the origins of the name Catfish, the story of "the punch that changed everything," his view on the evolution of the internet as a social tool... and so much more.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:51] Jamie introduces Nev Schulman and the context behind the award-winning

Documentary, Catfish.

[06:54] Nev begins to talk about his childhood in New York City and being raised by divorced

parents.

[11:02] Nev describes the unique opportunities that arose from combining his love for dance and

photography/film.

[16:18] Nev talks about his draw to nature despite being a ‘city kid’ and his dream to settle down

on a farm.

[17:57] Nev begins talking about his peer and friend ‘Megan’ (and the beginning of his catfish

story).

[22:09] Nev describes driving to Michigan to investigate Angela’s suspicious behavior.

[25:42] Nev shares Angela’s reaction to him wanting to share her story and speaks about the

birth of Catfish.

[29:56] Jamie and Nev talk about being grateful for not just the good things in life, but also the

bad.

[32:00] Nev recounts the story of how he lost his childhood best friend.

[35:45] Nev describes the perspective he has when helping others through their low moments in

life.

[37:09] Nev explains the lessons that he’s learned as a father and husband and how these roles

have changed him.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[25:20] Nev’s instinct to be empathetic to the fact that behind the fake profiles is a real person

with a real story.

[33:56] Nev realizes that our mistakes become essential for self-growth.

[36:15] Nev describes the mindset that keeps him grateful and positive.

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Nev Schulman for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Nev on Instagram @nevschulman

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali

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Nev’s Bio:

In a world where everyone is constantly connected digitally, social media has made communicating easier but this digital world might also complicate relationships. According to MTV “Millenials” 18-24 years old, 1 in 4 has online dated, 1 in 2 has “a friend” who does it and, in the past three years, traffic to top 10 online dating sites has tripled. Now hear from the star and host of MTV’s hit series CATFISH: THE TV SHOW, Nev Schulman, about his experiences and perspectives on this evolving medium.

Following the success of Rogue Pictures and Relativity Media’s critically acclaimed 2010 documentary-thriller CATFISH, MTV’s new hit series CATFISH: THE TV SHOW tackles the mystery and complexities of dating in a digital world. The series follows host, Nev Schulman, whose own online love drama was the subject of the “Catfish” film, as he takes viewers on a deeply personal journey that goes inside the stories of young people as their online-only romantic relationships collide with first-time, real-life encounters.

In late 2007, filmmakers Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost sensed a story unfolding as they began to film the life of Ariel’s brother, Nev. They had no idea that their project would lead to the most exhilarating and unsettling months of their lives. A reality thriller that is a shocking product of our times, Catfish is a riveting story of love, deception and grace within a labyrinth of online intrigue. The film was produced by academy award nominated filmmaker, Andrew Jarecki and was executive produced by Brett Ratner.

Prior to CATFISH, Schulman was a New York City photographer and filmmaker, and the youngest member of Supermarché. His photography has appeared in magazines and newspapers such as Vogue, The New York Times, Lucky, New York magazine, the New York Sun and Dance Magazine. He now resides in Los Angeles.

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