"I’m not a content vending machine—I’m funny, honest, a little unhinged, and if I don’t love it, it’s not going up."
I don’t think I’ve ever had a single light bulb moment of inspiration, like “oh wow, I just saw a car crash and now I need to make a video about the housing crisis.” or “oh shit, I just stubbed my toe, lemme make a video about late-stage capitalism.”
For me, inspiration is everywhere; it’s ambient. I grew up online, so my brain is a mixture of current events, trends, and brain rot, on a constant loop. Sometimes I’ll hear a single word, see a headline, or watch a video and my brain immediately spirals into an existential crisis. Most of my ideas are stress-induced or based on intrusive thoughts.
Especially when it comes to the news; my mind immediately goes to the worst possible scenario, but then I’m like “wait, let’s make this funny.” I think it’s important to be aware of what’s happening in the world around you, but sometimes being too aware can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
That’s where my comedy comes in, because I can poke fun at stressful situations and get a good laugh out of it too.
Q. Can you walk us through your creative process from initial concept to hitting publish? What’s the messiest part of that journey?
I’m basically always online, which is great for content but terrible for my mental health. I follow a ton of news outlets and accounts, and if something grabs my attention, I start my research, which usually gives me a feeling of existential dread. Some of the videos I post come straight from my brain, out of my mouth, and into the camera (especially on my spam account).
Others, like skits or commentary on current events, are more thought out. I script those because I want to get things right, especially when talking about political or social issues. I edit everything myself, which used to be a bit of a struggle but now feels like muscle memory. And no, I don’t second guess posting; because even though I care about my audience, I’m also posting for me. If I don’t love it, it’s not going up.
Q. How has creating content changed the way you see yourself or interact with the world around you?
I see the world now in video formats. It’s made me way more observant and more anxious. There’s a constant loop in my head of “could this be content?” But it’s also connected me to people who get me, which is rare and cool. Sometimes people recognize me in public and will scream at me (in a good way), and I’m like, “okay, yes, this is insane but also kinda iconic”.
If it weren’t for the internet I also wouldn’t have found some of my closest friends. Aside from being hyper aware of the world around me, I’m definitely more hyper aware of myself and how I may be perceived. However, that comes with the territory of having a platform.
Q. If you had to create content with just your phone and no budget for a month, what would you focus on?
I already do that. Everything I post - from Tiktoks to Reels to Youtube shorts - is filmed and edited on my phone. I love a good wig or prop moment, but right now I’ve been leaning into current events and commentary. When resources are low, I just sit down and talk.
Sometimes I’ll use trending audios, sometimes I’ll just rant. But the focus is always the same - be funny, be honest, be a little unhinged, and make sure it’s something I actually enjoy.
Q. How do you handle the pressure of constantly coming up with fresh content while staying true to yourself?
Oh… I 110% have experienced burnout. But the truth is, the pressure usually comes from me. I used to post 5-6 videos every single day. Now I post three a day and take holidays and the weekends off - because I realized I’m not a content vending machine.
I’m lucky to do what I love and even luckier to have people who support me for me, not just the content. My audience has always been understanding - they’ve supported my breaks and welcomed me back every time. It’s all about finding that balance where I’m still creating, but I’m not losing my mind in the process.
Q. Your videos often blend humor with cultural references. How do you balance making content funny while also respectful and relatable?
There’s always a line, and I do my best not to cross it. When it comes to political or heavier topics, I will be funny, but I won’t be careless. Humor is a way to make people care about stuff that might otherwise feel overwhelming or boring, but I know when to shift the tone. I love roasting people, don’t get me wrong, finding a way to creatively poke fun at people is a part of the fun, but never at the expense of my audience’s trust.
I have a simple rule - if I don't laugh at it, or if I don’t like the video, I’m not posting it. I take a lot of inspiration from people like Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph - the whole SNL cast basically. It’s actually been a dream of mine to be on SNL one day.
Q. What’s your approach to trending topics or challenges? Do you incorporate trends intentionally, or do you prefer to stick to your own original style?
I do both! I love trends, they’re like cheat codes for engagement. People are actively searching for them, which is great when you want to stay relevant. But I also don’t just follow trends, I try to bend them to fit my style. Sometimes I’ll hop on a trend, and sometimes I won’t. I’ve definitely made content in the past that makes me cringe now, but that’s the internet. What wasn’t cringe in 2019 is now. At the time, those videos ate down. Now? They haunt me. But at the end of the day it’s all about growth.
Bio
Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
2 Comments
Love it this whole q&a was iconic and I can see Spencer’s pov clearly too yet again ate it up
ReplyDeleteWhen I’m grinding through tough times, whether it’s life drama or even just frustrating game levels like in Geometry Dash Lite, I channel that energy into my videos. Editing on the phone is a lifesaver for me too—keeps things quick and raw.
ReplyDelete