Kareem Rahma Built an Empire with Subway Takes | Kareem Rahma

Matt Buechele breaks down why tiny indie films with names that sound like shuttered strip clubs are suddenly beating massive studio franchises at the box office, and why audiences seem increasingly desperate for something that doesn't feel focus-grouped to death.  Then he sits down with Kareem Rahma to talk about building Subway Takes into an internet institution, the weird economics of making things online, arguing with commenters, country-house dad life, late night TV's future, and the challenge of making meaningful art while still paying the bills. They also get into New York, burnout, family, and Kareem's political philosophy: if you want to be rich, be rich — we'll take care of the rest. TOPICS COVERED: Keep the Meter Running with Kareem Rahma Shooting on NYC trains Why creators need security From digital creator to producer Viral burnout and fame Future of late night on YouTube Will digital creators win Emmys A one billion dollar wealth cap CHAPTERS: 00:00 Kareem Rahma on shooting Subway Takes 04:40 Filming with security and getting recognized 09:20 Building the New Hollywood in New York 14:00 Why the digital creator label is frustrating 18:40 Fame and the dream of being a one hit wonder 23:20 Comparing traditional late night to YouTube 28:00 Why digital shows need brand deals and ads 32:40 Dealing with viral comments and internet culture 37:20 Personal life and providing for family 42:00 The Socialist Capitalism political party idea 46:40 Running for mayor and 2028 election predictions 51:20 The future of awards and driverless cars in NYC FOLLOW THE SHOW ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsoundslikealot/ ►Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thatsoundslikealot FOLLOW MATT BUECHELE ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbooshell/ ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattbooshell ►Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mattbooshell.bsky.social #KeepTheMeterRunning #SubwayTakes #NewHollywood #SmallTownMayor #LateNightFuture #WriterVsCreator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices