In this gripping episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with Cory, known online as @cfh.unfiltered, a former combat sniper turned unfiltered political commentator with over 600,000 followers. From his early life on an Indian reservation and two combat tours in Iraq to challenging deep-rooted conservative beliefs, Cory’s story is one of raw reckoning, personal transformation, and finding truth in the discomfort. Together, they explore: ✅ The psychological trauma of warfare and killing ✅ What no one tells you about serving in Iraq ✅ Why patriotism can become dangerous ✅ The myth of American exceptionalism ✅ How education and love changed his worldview ✅ Why some conservative values persist in poor rural communities ✅ The dangers of militarizing cities and suppressing dissent ✅ How propaganda and fear control the population ✅ Cory’s journey from conservative ideology to political awakening ✅ The power of voting, speaking up, and planting seeds of truth Plus, Cory gets honest about: ✨ The role his wife played in breaking his old belief systems ✨ What made him finally start unlearning everything he once thought was right ✨ How growing up poor shaped his politics and values ✨ What he fears most for the future of America ✨ His hope that younger generations will keep questioning, resisting, and voting If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to confront your past and speak out in a world that punishes truth-tellers, this episode is for you. 00:00 Meet Cory, from combat sniper to content creator 02:00 The brutal reality of killing in war 04:30 Psychological cost of warfare and dehumanization 07:20 Realizing the narrative about Muslims was false 10:10 Patriotism, propaganda, and who benefits 12:40 Young men, ego, and the myth of invincibility 15:10 How love and humility began to shift his thinking 18:30 Learning through discomfort and unlearning through love 21:00 The turning point conversations with his wife 24:00 Man vs. bear, and the discomfort of seeing your own darkness 28:20 Why Cory chooses honesty over performance 30:10 Four B Movement, social awareness, and responsibility 33:00 Why so many people can’t self-reflect 35:40 Breaking the myth of being exceptional 37:10 Conversations that challenge our beliefs 40:00 The dangers of authoritarianism in the U.S. 43:00 The Second Amendment, tanks, and common sense 45:20 Rural poverty, lack of opportunity, and the rise in crime 48:40 What people misunderstand about tariffs, coal, and green energy 51:30 Education systems and outdated job pipelines 54:00 Why voting matters more than ever 55:30 The risk of not speaking up with friends and family 58:00 Personal story: arguing with his dad about Trump 01:00:00 Rural hospitals, Medicaid, and consequences that hit home 01:03:00 Militarizing U.S. cities, learning from dictatorships 01:06:00 What happens when we learn the hard way 01:09:00 Final thoughts and words of gratitude 🔗 Connect with Cory (CFH Unfiltered) ✨ TikTok: @cfh.unfiltered ✨ Instagram: @cfh_unfiltered ✨ YouTube: CFH Unfiltered 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the bold, brilliant, and brutally honest Meredith Masony, the creator behind That’s Inappropriate, bestselling author of Ask Me What’s for Dinner One More Time, and cohost of the Take It or Leave It podcast, one of the top 0.01% shows in the world. With over a million followers and a reputation for telling the truth about motherhood, marriage, and midlife, Meredith brings her signature blend of sarcasm, heart, and hard-earned wisdom to this unforgettable conversation. From surviving a life-threatening health scare to building a digital empire from her laundry room, Meredith has carved out space for every woman who’s ever felt like a mess in a world demanding perfection. Together, they talk about: ✅ How a tumor scare at 34 changed everything ✅ The early days of Facebook storytelling and internet trolls ✅ Why she set up a dating profile for her husband before surgery ✅ Parenting three teens, including one with a disability ✅ The reality of mental illness, anxiety, and being medication-resistant ✅ How TMS therapy helped her go from severe anxiety to real peace ✅ What quitting alcohol did for her marriage, health, and identity Plus, Meredith opens up about: ✨ Navigating marriage after 20+ years and almost divorcing ✨ Going sober in secret before joining AA ✨ What happens when your teenagers don't recognize the new you ✨ Her comedy tour, stand-up shows, and why she still wants the mic ✨ Why she won't talk politics on her page but she will speak truth with purpose If you’ve ever felt like you’re parenting, partnering, or adulting with a ticking time bomb of stress in your chest, this episode will hit deep and hug hard. Meredith is proof that you can build the life you want, even if it starts with a meltdown and a casserole. 00:00 Welcome to the episode. Meet Meredith Masony 01:30 TikTok, Instagram, and repurposing for sanity 04:00 Teenagers, cars, and TikTok trolls 06:00 Her esophageal tumor story and misdiagnosis 10:00 Prepping freezer meals and match.com for her husband 14:00 The terrifying surgery and waking up to good news 17:00 Realizing she was lying to herself about how she wanted to live 20:00 Being honest online, oversharing, and asking her kids for permission 24:30 Raising kids with disability diagnoses and mental health challenges 27:00 Building a community through chaos, not Pinterest perfection 30:00 TMS therapy explained and how it rewired her anxiety 34:00 Daily gratitude, brain mapping, and recovery 36:30 Quitting alcohol in secret and why she waited until Dec 30 39:00 How her therapist responded when she said “I’m an alcoholic” 41:00 Why AA gave her the support she didn’t know she needed 43:00 Talking with her kids about alcoholism and inherited traits 46:30 Sobriety, hormones, and how HRT changed everything 49:00 Box dye disaster and finding a $500 color correctionist 52:00 Comedy shows, life on stage, and connecting through humor 55:00 Why she paused performing to be fully present for her teens 58:00 The this-or-that mom life lightning round 01:04:00 Gratitude, journaling, and what healing looks like now 01:06:00 Final thoughts from Meredith. You’re not alone 🔗 Connect with Meredith Masony ✨ TikTok: @thats_inappropriate ✨ Facebook: Meredith Masony ✨ YouTube: That’s Inappropriate 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this hilarious and insightful episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits chats with Greg Kata, better known online as @gregisms, the actor, teacher, cruise enthusiast, and comedy genius with over 4 million followers. From NYU’s Tisch School to viral internet fame, Greg has built a wildly relatable brand of observational comedy that reads like a cross between Seinfeld and a sharp Black auntie in church. Greg unpacks everything from how he writes those rapid-fire, zinger-filled rants to the real life inspiration behind his favorite videos. He opens up about his Midwestern upbringing, trauma-fueled comedy instincts, gay comet brain, and why “Find Your Joy” became his life mantra. They also get real about: ✅ Being a trained classical actor who found his audience online ✅ Finding humor in everyday chaos, cruise ships, and Cleveland sports ✅ Cancel culture, comedy, and why intention and impact both matter ✅ Teaching kids by day, slaying the algorithm by night ✅ Why you need to stop romanticizing the “dream” and chase real joy instead If you’ve ever laughed your way through a Gregisms rant, this episode brings you behind the scroll and into the heart and mind of the man himself. Get ready to laugh, nod, and maybe rethink your Amazon Prime expectations for joy. 00:00 Welcome to TikTok FAMOUS™️ – Meet Greg Kata 01:30 The real story behind Greg’s viral videos 03:15 How he writes content from real-life convos 06:00 Black auntie meets Seinfeld? Best compliment ever 08:20 Microwaved raccoons, methy Roombas, and finding inspiration 10:15 How observational comedy became his superpower 13:45 Calling out bad behavior with humor, not hate 16:10 Comedy vs offense – where intention and impact meet 20:00 Why being offended shouldn’t end the conversation 22:45 Childhood trauma, divorce, and humor as survival 25:00 Growing up in Cleveland and loving Cedar Point people-watching 28:30 “Find Your Joy” – the story behind his mantra and merch 30:15 Sober life, dopamine hits, and buying Cyndi Lauper tickets 34:00 Was Greg always like this? Turns out, yes 37:00 NYU training, cruise director energy, and childhood voices 39:00 Teaching theater K–7, keeping it real with Gen Alpha 42:30 Why he doesn’t want to do content creation full-time 45:00 Netflix special or nah? What’s next for Greg Kata 47:15 Influencer dreams vs. delusions – the tough love version 50:00 Why not everyone needs to follow their dream at all costs 53:30 The adult joy of dental, 401Ks, and not eating ramen 55:00 Social media vs TV fame, and how to play the game 57:00 Being your own studio, Karen vibes, and sitcom dreams 59:00 Parting thoughts, gratitude, and where to follow Greg 🔗 Connect with Greg Kata ✨ TikTok: @gregisms ✨ Instagram: @gregismsofficial 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and join us for more unforgettable stories behind the scroll.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with actor, advocate, and children’s author Barrett D. Carroll, whose story is as jaw-dropping as it is inspiring. From surviving an abusive Christian fundamentalist cult led by his father to building a thriving career in Hollywood, Barrett’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming your voice after trauma. Raised under rigid, religious authoritarianism, Barrett shares what it was like to grow up homeschooled, silenced, and constantly monitored by a man who claimed to be chosen by God. But Barrett always knew something was off. And by 16, he left home, started acting, and began the long road to healing. Together, they explore: ✅ The mental and emotional cost of growing up in a cult ✅ Why he had to testify in court against his own father ✅ The blurred line between religion, power, and abuse ✅ His early experiences in the entertainment industry, including abuse and harassment ✅ Why creativity, performance, and storytelling became his survival tools Plus, Barrett opens up about… ✨ Navigating Hollywood as a survivor with soul ✨ Writing and illustrating his children’s book The Acorn’s Journey ✨ Traveling to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and beyond as part of his healing ✨ Being vulnerable online, especially during the rise of QAnon ✨ Speaking up even when it’s hard, because truth-telling is the real calling This episode will move you, wake you up, and remind you that healing is possible. Barrett’s story is living proof that you can grow something beautiful from even the most painful roots. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the episode. Meet Barrett D. Carroll 01:30 Growing up in a Christian fundamentalist cult 04:00 The psychology of abuse in the name of God 06:00 Why he left home at 16 and never looked back 08:30 His father's conspiracy theories and “mark of the beast” obsession 10:00 Traveling for cult recruitment and ghostwriting legislation 12:00 How performance gave him an escape 14:00 Acting, survival, and trusting his instincts 16:00 First gigs, early warning signs, and seeking belonging 18:30 Facing harassment and coercion in Hollywood 20:00 Why abuse of power is so common in the entertainment world 22:30 The painful decision to leave LA after a casting couch moment 25:00 Healing shame, reclaiming boundaries, and learning to say no 28:00 Reparenting himself through inner work and kindness 31:00 Confronting the voice of abuse and unlearning his programming 34:30 On victimhood, being preyed upon, and recognizing red flags 37:00 Maintaining empathy for his abuser while protecting his peace 39:30 Why he speaks publicly about politics, QAnon, and cult tactics 42:00 The impact of COVID, conspiracy panic, and finding clarity 45:00 Going to the gray area, questioning everything 48:00 The danger of absolute thinking, even in religion and politics 51:00 How traveling changed his perspective forever 53:00 His two-month stay in Saudi Arabia and a dream trip to Egypt 55:00 Floating down the Nile, ancient temples, and finding joy 58:00 Creating from the heart, even in horror and children’s books 01:00:00 His upcoming film EAT and his message to young creatives 01:03:00 Advice for survivors, storytellers, and anyone still healing 01:05:00 The Acorn’s Journey, and how he planted peace where pain once lived 🔗 Connect with Barrett D. Carroll ✨ Instagram: @barrettdcarroll ✨ LinkedIn: Barrett D. Carroll 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with Adrianna Curry, the original winner of America’s Next Top Model who walked away from fame, fashion, and Hollywood to live an honest, grounded life in rural Montana. From cover shoots and celebrity parties to homesteading, healing, and selling Avon on TikTok, Adrianna shares her powerful story of burnout, betrayal, and rebuilding. She opens up about what really happened after winning Top Model, how fame nearly hollowed her out, and why stepping away was the best decision she ever made. Together, they explore: ✅ What Top Model promised, what actually happened, and why she has no regrets ✅ The glamorized abuse and manipulation of reality TV ✅ Her journey through Playboy and the price of being a woman in entertainment ✅ Why she removed her breast implants and what no one tells you about explant surgery ✅ Finding her identity, her faith, and real love far away from the spotlight Plus, Adrianna shares: ✨ How being raised in Joliet shaped her hustle and heart ✨ What Tyra Banks said that changed everything ✨ Why fame without purpose can rot your soul ✨ The dark reality of celebrity culture and elite circles ✨ What helped her come back to herself, and how she's finally at peace This episode isn’t just about fame. It’s about survival. It’s about choosing purpose over popularity, healing over hustle, and real life over curated illusion. 00:00 Welcome to the episode. Meet Adrianna Curry 01:30 From Top Model to TikTok and Avon 04:00 Behind the scenes of ANTM and the broken promises 06:30 Being manipulated, rejected, and lied to 09:00 Food poisoning, hunger, and unsafe conditions on set 11:00 What she really won, and how she had to start from scratch 14:30 Living in the projects while pretending to be a star 16:45 Dealing with betrayal from fellow contestants 18:30 The psychological toll of early fame 21:00 Playboy, creative freedom, and Hef’s favorite spread 24:00 From the mansion to meltdown. Why she finally walked away 26:15 Toxic relationships, addiction, and the darkest year of her life 29:00 Losing her home and being taken in by her now-husband 31:00 Her breast implant illness and traumatic explant surgery 34:20 Healing, humility, and why she says “never again” to Hollywood 36:45 What people don’t understand about fame 39:00 Why so many stars become depressed, dangerous, or numb 42:00 Adrianna’s spiritual awakening under the Montana sky 44:10 How losing her grandma helped her find herself 46:30 Choosing a quiet life over big money and big fame 49:00 Her message to anyone chasing followers or success 51:00 Why she believes small circles and strong values are the future 54:00 Final thoughts. Fame fades. Family stays. 🔗 Connect with Adrianna Curry ✨ Facebook: Adrianna Curry ✨ Instagram: @adriannecurry ✨ TikTok: @adriannecurryrhode ✨ YouTube: Adrianna Curry Rhode ✨ Website: adriannecurry.com 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with parenting expert and TikTok creator Kim Muench, a Conscious Parenting Coach, bestselling author, and mom of five who is on a mission to help parents of 18+ kids stop parenting from fear and start parenting with clarity, confidence, and compassion. If you’ve got a 20-something living at home, stuck in place, or struggling with mental health, addiction, or motivation, you’re not alone. Kim’s viral TikToks and real-life coaching have become a lifeline for parents navigating this complex season. Together, they unpack: ✅ Why “failure to launch” isn’t the full story and what’s really going on ✅ The shift from parenting over your child to parenting with them ✅ How to set boundaries when your kid won’t get a job or help themselves ✅ The difference between enabling and supporting and why it matters ✅ What to do when your child won’t go to therapy, and how to handle diagnoses with nuance ✅ Why letting go of control is the best thing you can do, for both of you Plus, Kim opens up about… ✨ Her own journey raising five kids, including one who struggled with addiction ✨ How fear, ego, and “old school” parenting are keeping families stuck ✨ The real reason young adults are “lost in place” and what parents can do to help ✨ How to reset family dynamics, even when it feels too late ✨ Her upcoming book Lost in Place, and how it’s changing the parenting conversation Whether your kid is 14 or 34, this episode is your reminder that parenting doesn’t stop at 18, but it must evolve. Kim’s message? “It’s not about you, but it’s everything about you.” 00:00 Welcome to the episode. Meet Kim Muench 01:10 Why she helps parents of 18+ and how TikTok made it clear 04:00 When kids are stuck, parents feel stuck too 06:15 The number one fear keeping parents from setting boundaries 08:40 Talking with your child, not at them 11:20 “Just throw them out”? Why that advice is dangerous 14:00 Parenting with fear vs. parenting with intention 17:00 The myth of control and why it never worked anyway 20:10 What to say when your kid won’t get help 22:30 Why your child’s behavior isn’t a reflection of your worth 26:00 Diagnoses, stigma, and how to talk about mental health 28:45 How Kim handled her son’s addiction and jail time 32:10 Mixed messages, misalignment, and how to break unhealthy patterns 35:00 What’s really behind “failure to launch” 37:30 How to support your child without enabling them 40:00 Real examples of boundaries that work 42:00 Parenting two ways. The “just leave” parent vs. the “coddle everything” parent 45:00 Why your discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong 47:10 “I don’t know why my child came here. But I know I’m here to love them.” 49:20 Why Kim says your child is your greatest teacher 52:00 About her number one Amazon new release Becoming Me While Raising You 54:00 How her coaching helps transform parents, not just kids 56:00 Final thoughts. You are the manual your grandkids will be raised on 🔗 Connect with Kim Muench ✨ TikTok: @kimmuenchparentcoach ✨ Instagram: @kimmuenchparentcoach ✨ Website: Real Life Parent Guide 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the vibrant and fearless Sammy, a creator with nearly a million TikTok followers and over 14 million likes, who’s rewriting the script on beauty, confidence, and dental health, one hilarious and brutally honest video at a time. From dentures in her 30s to being a beauty content creator, Sammy pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to lose all your teeth, find your smile again, and keep showing up unapologetically—even when people are saving your videos to make fun of you. Together, they dive into: ✅ What led Sammy to choose full dentures at 37—and why she doesn’t regret it ✅ The truth about dental health vs. dental hygiene (and how society gets it wrong) ✅ Why prosthetic teeth are the only prosthetic we’re allowed to bully ✅ Her viral “witch-to-glam” filter videos and what they really mean ✅ Parenting, confidence, and being a full-time mom while growing a social media empire ✅ How she’s helping thousands of people online feel seen, supported, and less ashamed Plus, Sammy opens up about… ✨ What it really costs to fix your teeth (and why the $50k root canal route wasn’t it) ✨ Her process for designing her forever smile with full implant-retained dentures ✨ Why she uses dish soap on her teeth (yes, really) ✨ Her big dreams for the future—including being the first major influencer without natural teeth Whether you’ve ever struggled with shame, judgment, or simply felt like you don’t fit the mold—this episode is your reminder that confidence is something you build, not something you’re born with. Sammy proves that real beauty? It’s got nothing to do with teeth. 00:00 Welcome to the episode, meet Sammy 01:00 Viral filters, dentures, and redefining beauty 03:15 How Sammy lost her teeth and what led to her full extraction 06:30 Dentures vs. implants vs. trying to save your teeth (and the real costs) 09:45 Dental health ≠ dental hygiene: the myths we’ve been sold 13:10 Getting noticed online and getting judged in real life 15:30 Her process for getting implants and designing her forever smile 18:00 Life without pain, fear, or chewing limitations 20:45 How dentures changed her confidence, food, and family life 22:10 What her kids think and how they support her 24:50 Full-time creator? Why she’s doing it all and still feels “normal” 27:20 Dental stigma, shame, and why people save her videos (for the wrong reasons) 30:30 Why prosthetic teeth are the only bullied prosthetic and how to change it 33:00 How she handles negative comments and turns them into power 36:20 Beauty content, toothless reels, and being a bad bitch either way 38:10 Her dreams for brand partnerships, home ownership, and inspiring others 41:00 Healing, self-worth, and doing it scared anyway 44:30 Parenting, confidence, and teaching her kids to own who they are 47:20 What’s next for Sammy and how she’s building a movement 50:00 Final thoughts: fake teeth, real truth 🔗 Connect with Sammy ✨ TikTok: @sammylou1029 ✨ Instagram: @sammylou1029 ✨ Website: linktr.ee/sunnysideupsam 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits — where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the brilliantly unfiltered Shawna the Mom, actor, writer, viral content creator, and the one-woman showrunner behind TikTok’s favorite dysfunctional family. Known for her emotionally charged skits, relatable characters, and brutal honesty about motherhood, marriage, trauma, and healing, Shawna is not just telling stories, she’s helping people see themselves in them. What started as a few skits about new-mom frustrations has now become a deeply layered series tackling everything from postpartum depression to abortion rights, all delivered through the lens of her fictional family’s chaos. Together, they dive into: ✅ How she accidentally created an entire universe of complex, flawed, and hilarious characters ✅ What it means to be emotionally present—even when others aren’t ✅ The backstory behind Barb, Jennifer, Frank, and why every villain has a wound ✅ Why postpartum mental health deserves honest screen time ✅ How cancer and motherhood rewired her entire sense of self They also get real about creative healing, boundary-setting, people-pleasing, and the beauty of building a career outside the industry machine. Whether you’re a parent, a creator, or someone navigating the mess of family dynamics, this conversation is a masterclass in truth-telling with humor and heart. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Shawna is: ✨ Using storytelling to reflect real trauma and triumph ✨ Creating space for emotional intelligence in comedy ✨ Writing a show that feels like therapy in 60-second episodes ✨ Redefining what it means to be a “mom content creator” 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 00:45 Meet Shawna the Mom and the origin of “Barb” 02:30 Creating a full-blown soap opera from mom skits 04:00 How the character Jennifer became everyone’s least favorite sister-in-law 05:30 Giving backstory to villains—and why it makes us uncomfortable 07:00 What acting training taught her about nuance, emotion, and presence 09:00 The loneliness of 2 a.m. motherhood and realizing she wasn’t alone 11:00 Writing the whole series through the end of the year 13:00 How the Barb and Frank dynamic reflects anxious/avoidant patterns 15:30 Portraying abortion in the series—and why she had to go there 17:30 Healthcare, legislation, and the real human cost of abortion bans 19:00 Why she made the doctor sane instead of sensational 20:30 One-woman creative process: no writing team, no filter 22:00 Reading comments and staying rooted in her own truth 24:00 Why she used Barb to reflect on postpartum depression 26:00 Lack of real motherhood representation in media 28:00 Playing the “good mom” and “bad mom” at the same time 30:00 Touching topics like postpartum OCD and anxiety 32:00 Her background in psychology and self-research as a new mom 34:00 Healthy boundaries that feel violent for people-pleasers 36:00 Cancer, identity shifts, and refusing to abandon herself 38:00 Facing mortality and the post-cancer “factory reset” 40:00 YOLO energy and living without shame or delay 42:00 Building a full-time career as a creator (and actor at heart) 43:00 How TikTok changed her trajectory—and her own community did too 45:00 Getting recognized in public and building a beautiful comment section 47:00 Dreams of stage, screen, and what might come next 49:00 The butterfly effect of trauma, character building, and creative genius 51:00 Thank yous, final thoughts, and Shawna’s powerful reminder: you are not alone 🔗 Connect with Shawna the Mom ✨ TikTok: @shawnathemom ✨ Instagram: @shawnathemom ✨ YouTube: Shawna the Mom ✨ Facebook: Shawna the Mom 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits — where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more stories behind the scroll.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the one and only @thatlilnina — the viral creator whose raw, jaw-dropping prison roommate stories have turned bedtime scrolling into true crime confessionals. From being groomed at 14 and homeless by 18, to facing 90 years behind bars for a Disney heist (yes, Disney!), Nina’s story proves you can’t judge a book — or a bunkmate — by its cover. Together, they dive into: ✅ The wild details of her Disney hotel burglaries ✅ Why Disney is the perfect place to commit a crime (and cover it up) ✅ How the system stacks charges and sticks you with restitution for someone else’s mess ✅ Why the prison staff are the real reason people come out worse ✅ Roommates she Googled only after they lived together — and the horrifying things they’d done ✅ Addiction, sobriety, and why prison did (and didn’t) save her ✅ The brutal truth about the US system vs. prison abroad ✅ Why her smile was her greatest rebellion behind bars If you think you know what goes on behind cell doors, this episode will make you question everything — while laughing, cringing, and binging every one of Nina’s TikToks. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Nina is: ✨ Turning her time inside into stories that wake people up ✨ Exposing what’s really happening on the inside ✨ Making us question whether punishment or profit is the real plan ✨ Smiling through it all — because it messes with the people who can’t 00:00 Introduction to TikTok FAMOUS™️: That Lil Nina does time, tells stories 01:00 How Nina blew up telling bedtime prison stories 02:30 Who she was before: the kid who wouldn’t shut up 04:00 The abusive boyfriend, grooming, and running to Florida 06:00 The homeless boyfriend turned co-defendant — and Disney’s secret crime ring 07:30 Getting caught, stacked charges, and the threat of 90 years 09:00 The SMILE theory: messing with guards by staying happy 11:00 Why she stayed joyful facing life behind bars 13:00 Co-defendants, restitution, and paying for his mistakes 15:00 Staff, power trips, and why the prison system stays broken 17:00 How inmates really get tortured and why no one believes them 19:00 The secret to staying human when you’re treated like you’re not 21:00 Roommates who did the unthinkable — and never told her 23:00 Wolves in sheep’s clothing and sheep in wolf’s clothing 25:00 What she learned about real evil and real change 27:00 Why addiction was really driving her crim 29:00 Getting sober inside: the universe kept her locked up for a reason 31:00 The mind games the system plays — and why people come out worse 33:00 What the US gets wrong and Norway gets right about prison 35:00 The truth about paying for your time — literally 37:00 The numbers that will shock you: why people keep going back 39:00 Her vision: comedy, a book, maybe a podcast — and changing the system 41:00 What YOU can do: don’t call the prison, call the press — and believe inmates 43:00 One last word: why smiling when you’re not supposed to is the ultimate power move 45:00 Final thoughts: you’re saved for something special — and so is she 🔗 Connect with That Lil Nina ✨ TikTok: @thatlilnina ✨ Instagram: @thethatlilnina ✨ Website & Links: https://linktr.ee/Thethatilnina 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits — where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more stories behind the scroll.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with Kenty Pasek — the devoted dog mom behind Dexter, the world-famous “standup dog” whose two-legged strut has inspired millions around the globe. From viral parades to national TV, Dexter has become an unexpected symbol of resilience, reinvention, and the power to define your own “normal.” But behind every upright step is a story of survival, community, and one family’s choice to see possibility instead of limitation. Together, Kenty and Meredyth dive into: ✅ The freak accident that changed Dexter’s life overnight ✅ How a Colorado mountain town rallied to save him — and how he chose his own way to heal ✅ Why vets, wheelchairs, and “normal” solutions didn’t stand a chance ✅ What Dexter teaches us about difference, adaptability, and radical joy ✅ How his viral fame has given hope to everyone from wounded veterans to kids who feel different They also talk about the beauty of letting go, redefining your best life, and how a four-legged puppy became a standup superstar. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by what others think you should be, this episode is your permission slip to stand up — your way. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Dexter is: ✨ Turning “disability” into his superpower ✨ Proving that normal is overrated ✨ Bringing communities together, one parade at a time ✨ Inspiring kids and adults to take one extra step every single day 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 00:45 Meet Dexter: the standup dog who walks on two legs 02:00 The day it happened — a lost puppy, an accident, and a town that wouldn’t give up 04:30 Life-saving surgery and split-second decisions: amputation vs. prosthetic 06:00 The first upright walk: the moment Kenty caught Dexter balancing up the stairs 08:30 The wheelchairs, the pins, and why Dexter said “no thanks” to normal 11:00 How the vet gave up fixing him — and said, “Let him live his best life” 13:00 Keeping Dexter healthy: hips, spines, and how his body stays strong 15:00 Going viral: the tourist video that hit TikTok and changed Kenty’s world overnight 17:00 Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and the power of one dog’s parade 19:30 The message behind the walk: “If Dexter can do it, so can I” 22:00 Different is beautiful — what Dexter teaches kids about standing out 24:30 Social media, storytelling, and the beauty of radical acceptance 27:00 Why the parade isn’t just for Dexter — it’s for all of us who feel different 29:30 Sit in the grass: parenting, possibility, and letting your kids define their own life 32:00 The kids’ book: how fans asked for it — and why it’s so much more than a dog story 35:00 Travel hacks, meet-and-greets, and keeping Dexter safe on the road 37:00 Lessons from the standup dog: resilience, reinvention, and choosing joy 40:00 Dexter’s big finale — meeting Meredyth “on air” with his signature grin and treats 42:00 Final thoughts: one extra step at a time, and the power to rise up anyway 🔗 Connect with Dexter & Kenty 🐾 Dexter’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dexterdogouray 🐾 Dexter’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dexterdogouray 🐾 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569051191159 🐾 Website: https://msha.ke/dexterdogouray 🐾 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhF_wr20d6Y5a5O-UK7rwA 📚 Pre-Order the Children’s Book: Dexter the Standup Dog – https://msha.ke/dexterdogouray 🎙️ Connect with your host, Meredyth Willits ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/ ✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast | https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the wise, witty, and wildly real Peaceful Nik the Medium — aka @peaceful_nik_the_medium. Not only is Nik a top evidential medium, but she’s also a scientist and educator on a mission to bridge the gap between quantum science, soul contracts, and the real work of talking to dead people. Nik shares how her journey from Catholic scientist to TikTok-famous medium started with a clear, undeniable vision — and how saying yes to spirit transformed her entire life. Together, Meredyth and Nik dive deep into: ✅ The difference between fear-mongering and real evidential mediumship ✅ Why “your dad loves you” is not enough evidence — and what you should expect instead ✅ What random number generators can teach us about the collective consciousness (hello, 9/11) ✅ Why we all have psychic abilities — and what blocks them ✅ The real reason boundaries are non-negotiable for mediums (and everyone) ✅ How growing up in chaos hones your spidey senses ✅ The gentle truth about “hell” and what really happens to bad people ✅ Why every medium should teach clients that they can do this too If you’ve ever wanted to know how real mediums navigate skeptics, scammers, and your skeptical cousin, this one’s for you. 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 02:00 Meet Peaceful Nik: from scientist to spirit communicator 05:00 When spirit won’t leave you alone until you deliver the message 10:00 “Your grandma loves you” vs. evidence you can’t Google 15:00 Psychic amnesia, nos, and how sitters forget the soup 20:00 Why fear-mongering mediums get so much traction (and why they’re wrong) 25:00 How church conditioning disconnects you from your own power 30:00 The collective consciousness: tapping in, random number generators & more 35:00 Spiritual boundaries 101: protect your energy, protect your gift 40:00 Raising psychic kids — do they really outgrow it? 45:00 Using your spidey senses for healing (not chaos) 50:00 Final take: You can do this too — the kingdom of heaven is within you, yes 🔗 Connect with Peaceful Nik: 🎥 TikTok: @peaceful_nik_the_medium ✨ Website: https://linktr.ee/Peaceful_Nik_the_Medium 📌 Facebook: Peaceful Nik The Medium 📲 Instagram: @peaceful_nik_the_medium 🎙 Stay Connected with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why Youtube: TikTok Famous™️ Podcast | Meredyth With a Why
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with renowned Australian psychic medium Medium Matilda — aka @therealmediummatilda — whose bold global predictions and no-BS spiritual ethics have captivated millions. Matilda isn’t your average fortune teller — she’s a generational Romani evidential medium with a doctorate in behavioral economics and an unapologetic approach to calling out shady “armchair psychics.” Whether she’s forecasting hurricanes, political shake-ups, or calling for more integrity in the spiritual community, Matilda shows up with receipts, resilience, and a side of sass. Together, Meredyth and Matilda dive into: ✅ Why she hid behind a cartoon filter — and how she stepped into the spotlight ✅ The raw truth about making predictions that spark death threats ✅ The piece-by-piece puzzle of translating messages from spirit ✅ Her controversial calls on the U.S. election — and what she still stands by ✅ The ethics of true crime cases, celebrity passings, and ‘surprise readings’ ✅ Why she believes psychic ability is an ability, not an untouchable gift ✅ The biggest lessons from working with missing persons’ families — and what every budding medium needs to know Matilda also shares powerful real-life stories — like the chilling moment her clock stopped during a reading to prove a spirit’s message — and her passionate mission to teach people how to listen to their guides, raise their vibration, and never hand away their power to ego-driven readers. If you’ve ever wondered how real mediums think, work, and handle the trolls — this conversation will light you up, protect your energy, and remind you to ask better questions. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Matilda is: ✨ Holding the spiritual community to higher ethical standards ✨ Predicting global changes without fear — hurricanes, politics & more ✨ Using her voice to protect grieving families from exploitation ✨ Proving that your guides don’t tap dance — you have to listen 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 02:00 Meet Medium Matilda: Romani roots and the ‘cartoon’ filter 06:00 Learning mediumship: points of reference, trust, and practice 12:00 Ethics: armchair detectives, true crime, and reading celebrities 18:00 Predictions gone viral — the U.S. election and the aftermath 25:00 How to ask your guides for messages (and actually hear them) 30:00 What makes a real evidential medium? 36:00 Working on missing persons cases — how she does it ethically 42:00 Spiritual community trolls, death threats & standing firm 50:00 Final thoughts: protecting your energy and your power 🔗 Connect with Medium Matilda: 📲 TikTok: @therealmediummatilda 📺 YouTube: Medium Matilda 🌐 Website & Patreon: mediummatilda.com (Check her live Zoom events, classes & community!) 🎙 Stay Connected with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why Youtube: TikTok Famous™️ Podcast | Meredyth With a Why 👉 Love this peek behind the veil? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, drop a review, and share it with someone who needs the courage to trust their intuition, ask better questions, and remember: your guides don’t owe you all the answers.
In this hard-hitting episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with trial attorney and viral truth-teller Tom Bosworth—aka @tommythelawyer—to talk about the intersection of law, health, safety, and social media. With a calm voice and a courtroom edge, Tom’s content is known for unflinchingly exposing the real dangers behind everyday products, procedures, and corporate corner-cutting. From button batteries to broken healthcare systems, Roundup to reckless regulation, he’s not here to scare you—he’s here to inform you. Together, they dive into: ✅ Why U.S. regulations are far weaker than most of the developed world ✅ How social media became the new courtroom for public awareness ✅ The deadly truth behind common household items (like water beads and toy batteries) ✅ What really happens when companies value profit over people ✅ The essential questions you must ask at your next doctor’s visit They also break down how Tom’s personal story led to his mission, why punitive damages matter, and how “dumb ways to die” are often more preventable than we think. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re being told the whole story when it comes to your health, safety, or consumer rights—this episode is your wake-up call. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Tom is: ✨ Demystifying medical malpractice and mass torts ✨ Making legal info accessible to everyone—not just the elite ✨ Building a firm that fights for families, not corporations ✨ Using social media to protect the public from preventable harm — 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 01:00 Meet Tom Bosworth: the lawyer who made litigation go viral 03:30 From first TikTok post to 40,000 views—how it all began 05:00 Regulations, rollbacks, and what the public doesn't realize 08:30 America's food and safety crisis vs. global standards 11:30 What happens when your doctor isn’t telling you everything 14:00 Growing up next to a poisoned river—and now representing the victims 17:30 Jury trials as the last line of defense 20:00 Why most politicians won’t protect you—but trial lawyers can 23:30 How punitive damages really work (and if they even matter) 27:00 Who holds companies accountable when the EPA won’t? 29:30 How Tom screens his legal team to avoid apathy 32:30 Button batteries, water beads, and real threats to kids 36:00 The illusion of safety and what’s missing in recalls 38:00 Devices, drugs, and side effects that no one tells you about 41:30 Asking your doctor the right questions—before it’s too late 45:00 Navigating ego, intelligence, and communication in healthcare 48:00 Tom’s personal reason for entering this line of law 51:00 Breaking the ambulance chaser stigma 53:00 Helping clients across the country—yes, even in your state 56:00 Why TikTok is a threat to the status quo 58:00 Final thoughts: live your life—but know the risks — 🔗 Connect with Tom Bosworth: TikTok: @tommythelawyer Instagram: @lawyertombosworth Website: tombosworthlaw.com — 🎙 Stay Connected with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why Youtube: TikTok Famous™️ Podcast | Meredyth With a Why — 👉 Love what you heard? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that protecting yourself isn’t paranoia—it’s preparation.
In this heartfelt episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits welcomes powerhouse content creator, makeup artist, and spiritual cousin to the masses—Ariel Lathon, also known as @ladypainted90. Ariel doesn’t just show up on your For You Page—she shows up in your soul. With over a million followers and a voice that feels like a hug and a wake-up call all in one, Lady Painted shares the truth behind her viral affirmations, the beauty of building chosen family, and the radical act of healing out loud. Together, they dive into: ✅ Why “Hey Cousin” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a healing invitation ✅ The real impact of narcissistic parenting and emotional regulation ✅ Social media as therapy, not performance ✅ How codependency, people-pleasing, and perfectionism mask deeper wounds ✅ The truth about shadowbans, niching down, and doing content your own way They also unpack what it means to grow up unseen, how trauma steals your voice (and how to take it back), and the real reason women—especially Black women—are still told how to look, act, and feel in every damn room. If you’ve ever felt silenced, small, or like you didn’t belong, Ariel’s voice will remind you: ✨ You’re not broken—you’re brilliant ✨ You can create your own family, love, and legacy ✨ And yes—you’re doing a good job — 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 01:00 Meet Lady Painted: makeup, mentorship, and “cousin” culture 03:30 Finding connection across race, region, and realness 06:00 Why we say the things we need to hear 08:00 Testimony after the test: speaking what you’ve survived 11:00 Trauma, therapy, and the role of social media 14:30 Emotional regulation and childhood rewiring 17:30 Healing through humor, makeup, and storytelling 21:00 Losing your identity to narcissistic parenting 24:30 Avoidant attachment and “Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents” 28:00 TikTok, shadowbanning, and the changing algorithm 31:00 Balancing creativity, burnout, and the pressure to niche 34:30 Building a platform that saves lives—literally 38:00 Codependency, overgiving, and healing the inner child 41:00 Racism, calling in vs calling out, and social media fatigue 45:30 Why fixing the heart is the only way to fix the hate 49:00 The pressure cooker of womanhood in today’s world 52:00 Accountability, patriarchy, and the cost of silence 56:00 On parenting, people-pleasing, and learned guilt 59:30 Marriage myths, communication breakdowns, and real love 1:02:00 Why your light is still on—even if you feel in the dark 1:05:00 Boundaries, burnout, and making peace with saying no 1:10:00 Ariel’s testimony and the DM that changed everything 1:15:00 Healing, validation, and reclaiming your voice 1:20:00 Meditation, rest, and finding time for yourself again 1:24:00 Final thoughts on legacy, self-worth, and living free — 🔗 Connect with Ariel Lathon / Lady Painted: TikTok: @ladypainted90 Instagram: @ladypainted_mua Facebook: Ariel Lathon Website + Merch: linktr.ee/ladypainted90 — 🎙 Stay Connected with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why Youtube: TikTok Famous™️ Podcast | Meredyth With a Why — 👉 Love what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that they are allowed to take up space, speak their truth, and rewrite their story—on their own terms.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with creator, deconstructor, and digital disruptor Mat, the voice behind the viral platform @mutethemedia3.0. Known for his bold critiques of capitalism, media, and the American political spectrum, Mat doesn’t just call out the system—he breaks it down so you can see the wires. With his sharp, thoughtful takes, Mat challenges both the right and the left, but not from the center—from a deeper, human-rights-rooted radicalism shaped by lived experience, family history, and relentless study. From Iranian resistance to American propaganda, from Christianity to capitalism, nothing is off limits in this conversation. Together, they dive into: ✅ Why calling out both sides isn’t “centrist,” it’s truth-telling ✅ How his father’s activism and Iranian roots shaped his worldview ✅ The dangerous myths of American exceptionalism and rugged individualism ✅ Why capitalism is incompatible with basic human rights ✅ The difference between misinformation, disinformation, and soft censorship They also touch on religion as a tool of manipulation, the crisis of digital overwhelm, and why media literacy might be one of the most important skills of this generation. If you’ve ever felt like something is off, but you couldn’t quite name it—Mat will help you decode it. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Mat is: ✨ Challenging indoctrination—left, right, and everywhere in between ✨ Using content to foster real conversations, not culty echo chambers ✨ Breaking down power structures through media, not just memes ✨ Helping you recognize the matrix without screaming into the void — 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 00:45 Meet Mat: creator of Mute the Media and radical truth-teller 02:30 Why both the left and right get called out—and why nuance matters 05:00 His father’s activism in Iran and its influence on his worldview 07:30 From conservative youth to post-Marxist analysis: the journey 10:00 Realizing how indoctrination happens at every dinner table 13:00 Breaking the cycle: stories from friends that changed everything 15:30 How lived experience led to unlearning racism, homophobia, and shame 18:00 The role of education, exposure, and empathy in deconstruction 21:00 Capitalism explained in plain terms—and why it’s failing humanity 25:00 From systemic oppression to individual complacency: the missing link 28:00 Religion as propaganda, the weaponization of Jesus, and false nationalism 32:00 The American identity myth and fear-based information control 35:00 Information overload, emotional burnout, and surviving the scroll 38:00 Media literacy, Substack, and the real goal behind “Mute the Media” 41:00 Why “We are the system” is both the problem and the solution 45:00 When rage fuels courage—and when creators need to take breaks 48:00 The kerfuffle with Trapt (yes, that Trapt) and how Mat pulled up 51:00 Death threats, self-censorship, and protecting peace in a broken world 54:00 Why “touching the stove” is how real truth-tellers are made 57:00 Final thoughts on hope, community, and holding everyone’s feet to the fire — 🔗 Connect with Mat / Mute the Media TikTok: @mutethemedia3.0 Instagram: @mute.the.media — 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube — 👉 Feel like you’re waking up from the noise? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to stop scrolling and start seeing—clearly.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the one and only Dannie D—dancer, licensed social worker, unapologetic truth-teller, and viral voice behind the iconic “leg in the air” TikToks. With his signature smirk, seven-second jabs, and political punchlines, Dannie brings fearless commentary wrapped in joy, movement, and fierce clarity. But there’s more to this creator than a leg extension and a camera-ready grin. From decades in the dance world to his frontline work as a social worker, Dannie uses his platform to educate, entertain, and advocate—especially for the Black, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities he proudly represents. Together, they dive into: ✅ How a dancer became a digital disruptor through humor and political heat ✅ Why social media gave him the voice he'd been holding in for years ✅ Being the only Black, queer man in predominantly white, female spaces—and turning that into power ✅ The rise of disinformation, fake news, and why facts still matter ✅ Why Project 2025 should scare the hell out of you (and what we can do about it) They also talk about the cost of honesty online, being targeted for telling the truth, and why some creators have stopped being silent—even when it means losing followers, gigs, or a sense of safety. If you’ve ever felt like staying quiet was safer, this episode might just change your mind. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Dannie is: ✨ Turning movement into messaging ✨ Making political commentary accessible (and iconic) ✨ Building a platform rooted in joy, rage, and radical truth ✨ Proving that advocacy, art, and authenticity all belong in one body 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 00:45 Meet Dannie D: dancer, social worker, and viral creator 02:30 The origin of “surprise, surprise” and the iconic leg move 04:00 From Dance Magazine to TikTok stardom 06:00 Discovering politics—and why Trump’s first campaign was the catalyst 08:30 On being a Black gay man in social work—and answering the hard questions 11:00 Using teachable moments to bridge cultural gaps in white spaces 13:00 TikTok as a platform for truth—and the cost of clout 15:00 Going viral vs. being heard: the double-edged sword 17:00 Why lies hit harder—and why he won't stop correcting them 19:30 Living with integrity in online spaces (and turning off Twitter for good) 22:00 Getting political means getting personal: the backlash, the risks, and the reward 25:00 Compartmentalization in the workplace vs. full expression online 27:30 Cultural humility vs. cultural competence—and why it matters now more than ever 30:00 Undoing what we were taught: racism, bias, and the work of unlearning 33:00 Challenging ego, embracing discomfort, and staying curious 36:00 The immigrant scapegoat myth—and why it’s a distraction 38:00 Project 2025, Roe v. Wade, and constitutional complacency 41:00 Emotional manipulation, cult tactics, and political gaslighting 44:00 The fear of facts—and the fallout of misinformation 47:00 What we risk when we stay silent—and the power of speaking anyway 50:00 Why creators must choose impact over popularity 52:00 Final thoughts on activism, hope, and what’s still possible 55:00 Surprise, surprise… we’ve got work to do 🔗 Connect with Dannie D TikTok: @dannied01 Instagram: @dannied01 YouTube: Daniel Marshall 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube 👉 Love a good truth bomb with a side of sass? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to swap silence for impact—one leg kick at a time.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the unapologetic, unfiltered queen of Gen X storytelling—Sherri Dindal, aka @therealslimsherri. With nearly 6 million followers across platforms and a voice that cuts through the noise like a vintage leather jacket in a sea of fast fashion, Sherri is giving midlife the microphone it never had. From a skincare entrepreneur to a full-blown TikTok icon, Sherri’s rise began during COVID with a single video about “the sounds only Gen X hears.” What followed? A cultural reckoning, millions of followers, a multi-city comedy tour, and a wildly sold-out cruise. But behind the humor and nostalgia is a deeper story of trauma, truth-telling, and transformation. Together, they dive into: ✅ Why Gen X became expert “maskers”—and how it’s hurting our health ✅ The trauma we minimized as “normal” (like being locked out until the streetlights came on) ✅ How social media became Sherri’s unexpected healing ground ✅ Breaking cycles of silence around abuse, mental health, and generational gaslighting ✅ The real reason it’s never too late to start over, heal, and be loud about it You’ll also hear raw reflections on parenting, imposter syndrome, the loneliness of success, and why humor is sometimes the only way to survive the baggage Gen X never unpacked. Whether you grew up dodging wooden spoons or learning to minimize compliments, this episode will make you feel seen, heard, and less alone. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Sherri is: ✨ Unpacking generational trauma with grit, grace, and deadpan wit ✨ Leading a nationwide tour, sold-out cruise, and conversation we didn’t know we needed ✨ Proving that healing doesn’t have a deadline—and neither does reinvention ✨ Giving Gen X the language it was never taught, but always needed 00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast 00:45 Meet Sherri Dindal: mom, entrepreneur, former investigator, and Gen X voice 02:30 How COVID and boredom led to unexpected TikTok fame 05:00 The story behind “Sounds Only Gen X Hears” and its viral repost 07:30 Realizing she was Gen X—and what that actually meant 10:00 The “me too” moment: finding community through shared experiences 13:00 From skincare business to content creation and comedy tours 15:00 Unpacking generational trauma, silence, and the cost of compliance 18:00 Conversations with her mom and giving grace to imperfect parenting 21:00 Why social media became a safe place to speak the unspeakable 24:00 How humor, nostalgia, and honesty helped millions feel seen 27:00 On aging, menopause, and physical health as emotional baggage 30:00 Why Gen X struggles with self-worth and taking compliments 33:00 Imposter syndrome, platform pressure, and being recognized in public 36:00 Touring with Kelly Manno and building a Gen X movement 39:00 The problem with corporal punishment, then and now 42:00 Parenting differences across generations—and how it’s evolving 45:00 Breaking cycles, healing out loud, and redefining success 48:00 Masking, people-pleasing, and the real cost of being “fine” 52:00 Reclaiming identity, worth, and late-life reinvention 55:00 The beauty of nostalgia—and why it’s never too late to start over 59:00 Sherri’s upcoming tour dates, the sold-out cruise, and what’s next 🔗 Connect with Sherri Dindal: TikTok: @therealslimsherri Instagram: @therealslimsherri Facebook: The Real Slim Sherri Website: therealslimsherri.bio.link 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube Webiste: https://tiktokfamouspodcast.com/ 👉 Want more healing, humor, and hot takes from the voices rewriting the rules of social media? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this with someone who grew up surviving the 80s—and is now ready to thrive in the now.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with content creator, fashion icon, and social truth-teller Lisa P—aka @itsme_lisap—who somehow manages to embody southern grace, 1950s glam, and sharp political commentary all at once. Lisa isn’t just serving looks—she’s serving perspective. From her signature red lips and vintage-inspired fashion to her bold breakdowns of motherhood myths, trad wife trends, and political nuance, Lisa has become a beloved, complex voice in a sea of algorithm-chasing perfection. Together, they dive into: ✅ The real difference between “trad wife cosplay” and actual domestic labor ✅ How TikTok helped her find her voice after decades of people-pleasing ✅ What it’s like being a Jewish, liberal, homeschooling mom in the conservative South ✅ Why the pressure to “do it all” is quietly burning out millennial moms ✅ How creators can reclaim beauty, style, and self-worth—without feeding the machine They also explore how social media became a virtual group therapy session during COVID, the shift from Pinterest-perfect parenting to honest motherhood, and why being misunderstood online is one of the hardest lessons of all. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t “fit the mold” of what society says a woman, mother, or creator should be—this conversation will validate your existence and your edge. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Lisa is: ✨ Dismantling domestic myths one vintage outfit at a time ✨ Holding space for complexity in motherhood, politics, and fashion ✨ Using TikTok to break cycles of silence and reclaim personal power ✨ Proving you can be both well-dressed and well-informed—and that’s the point Show Note: 00:00 — Meet Lisa P: fashion, politics, and homeschool life 02:30 — TikTok as a portal to unexpected self-expression 04:00 — Homeschooling: how COVID and curiosity led to a lifestyle shift 07:30 — Why a “1950s look” doesn’t equal 1950s values 10:00 — Culture shock: moving from NYC to the Deep South 13:00 — Growing a following in a world that misunderstands nuance 16:00 — The pressure of being “put together” and what it hides 20:00 — Racism, assumptions, and being the “safe space” in the room 25:00 — Breaking down trad wife culture and the mythology of domesticity 30:00 — What Pinterest-perfect motherhood didn’t prepare us for 34:00 — On self-worth, lipstick, and showing up for yourself again 37:00 — Real talk on influencer culture, Ozempic scandals, and platform trust 41:00 — Final thoughts on being multifaceted, messy, and magnetic 🔗 Connect with Lisa Pontius: TikTok: @itsme_lisap Instagram: @itsme.lisap Website: itsmelisap.com — 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube — 👉 Want more of this bold, unfiltered brilliance? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, drop a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that beauty, brains, and boundaries all belong in the same space.
In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with comedian, culture critic, and TikTok satirist Evan Lazarus—aka @elaziee—whose daily “Bethenny Frankel breakdowns” have earned him both devoted fans and a possible shadowban from the queen herself. But Evan isn’t just trolling. He’s dissecting fame, power, and performative authenticity with the sharpest wit this side of Sandra Bernhard. Through fast-paced commentary and New York-smart satire, Evan mirrors back what many of us are thinking: Why are we all watching Bethenny eat caviar on a scooped bagel like it’s a spiritual experience? Together, they dive into: ✅ Why Bethenny Frankel is a character study in contradictions—and content gold ✅ What it’s like to be misunderstood online (and maybe… mass-reported) ✅ The blurred line between satire, obsession, and cultural analysis ✅ How fame, loneliness, and TikTok chaos collide in the algorithm ✅ Why Evan blends comedy, advocacy, and anti-bullying activism into his work They also talk dyslexia, Lena Dunham, trans rights, environmental dread, and how today’s queer creators are building layered, humanized content in a space that often rewards superficiality. If you’ve ever been called “too much,” “too online,” or just “too curious for your own good,” Evan’s story will feel like both a warning and a wink. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Evan is: ✨ Using satire to spotlight social absurdity (and maybe start a revolution) ✨ Calling out celebrity hypocrisy—without punching down ✨ Building a following that’s both hilarious and principled ✨ Reframing fandom and critique as two sides of the same coin 00:00 Meet Evan: comedian, cultural satirist, and accidental icon 03:00 Why Bethenny Frankel? Obsession, admiration, and commentary 06:00 The contradictions that make Bethenny the perfect content subject 09:30 Fandom, fixation, and finding the funny in everyday chaos 12:45 “I don’t hate her—I just find her… fascinating” 15:00 Being Jewish, queer, and deeply justice-sensitive on the internet 18:30 Lena Dunham, parasocial relationships, and creating in layers 21:00 The comedy-writing process (and why TikTok is work) 25:00 Fame, algorithmic anxiety, and the satire no one asked for 29:00 Trans rights, climate change, and being the “anti-bully” creator 34:00 Why visibility can feel like both a spotlight and a sword 38:00 Comedy, identity, and the myth of getting “there” 42:00 The SNL question: does Evan want it all… or something more honest? 45:30 Final thoughts on legacy, satire, and being multifaceted AF 🔗 Connect with Evan Lazarus: TikTok: @elaziee Instagram: @elazie 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube 👉 Want more bold, nuanced takes from your favorite creators? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves a good roast—with heart.
In this powerful episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, Meredyth Willits sits down with TikTok creator, mother of three, and fierce grassroots candidate Jessica Anderson—aka @jessanderson4virginia—who is literally running for change. What started as raw, relatable TikToks about motherhood and mental health has evolved into a full-blown campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates (District 71). Jessica’s story is one of bold pivots, deep personal values, and unshakable courage to do more than talk—she’s walking the walk all the way to the polls. Together, they unpack: ✅ How running on food stamps, purple hair, and purpose created real political momentum ✅ The true cost of grassroots campaigns—and why she’s still going ✅ How her lived experiences with divorce, abortion, and public assistance fuel her policy priorities ✅ Why relatable women who’ve touched the hot stove belong in public office ✅ The burnout of “trad wife” expectations and why it’s time to rethink political leadership They also talk about parenting in the spotlight, building resilience through TikTok, surviving death threats, and why campaign finance reform and term limits aren’t just buzzwords—they’re a necessity. If you’ve ever thought, “Someone like me could never run for office,” this episode will challenge that idea. This is the real behind-the-scenes of what it means to be a candidate who’s already fighting the system from the inside out. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Jessica is:✨ Turning adversity into advocacy ✨ Using TikTok as a launchpad for civic change ✨ Building voter trust with nothing but truth, grit, and a hell of a lot of walking shoes ✨ Proving that everyday moms belong in power Support her campaign, follow her story, and remember: politics should start with the people—not PACs. Show Notes 00:00 Meet Jessica Anderson, “Crazy Mother Runner” turned delegate candidate 02:00 Purple hair, TikTok, and political loudness 05:00 From abortion stigma to policy passion 10:00 Rebuilding after divorce, public assistance, and finding her fire 14:00 The failed Congress run that lit a new path 20:00 Facing trolls, threats, and mailer smear campaigns 25:00 Term limits, power hoarding, and who really gets heard in politics 30:00 Being a campaign mom (and why Taco Bell is sometimes the fuel) 35:00 The weight of grassroots work, and staying fresh under pressure 40:00 TikTok’s role in radical empathy, education, and boldness 45:00 The value of showing up authentically—online and in your district 50:00 Final thoughts + where to support Jessica’s campaign 🔗 Connect with Jessica Anderson: TikTok: @jessanderson4virginia Instagram: @jessanderson4virginia Facebook: Jessica Anderson for VA House of Delegates — 🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube — 👉 Ready to get involved, get inspired, or just get real? Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to care enough to show up.