The Man Behind Tio: How Geovany Sepulveda Built a Viral Latino Brand on Humor and Healing

What happens when you blend raw talent, Puerto Rican pride, and years of lived experience into one unstoppable character? You get Tio—the wildly popular, side-splitting, mustache-wearing alter ego brought to life by the multi-hyphenate creative force, Geovany Sepulveda. But there’s a deeper story behind the laughs—and in this episode of I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman, we sit down with Geovany to explore every layer.From humble beginnings in the projects of Hoboken, New Jersey, to formative years spent in Puerto Rico, Geovany’s journey is packed with cultural duality, artistic evolution, and a deep understanding of how to transform trauma into storytelling. Known for his wildly viral sketch character Tio, Geovany opens up about the real people, places, and pain that helped shape his creative voice.This isn’t just a conversation about going viral or building an audience—this is a powerful look into what it takes to stay grounded while navigating the pressures of content creation, identity, and legacy.In this raw and honest interview, we cover:The origin story of Tio: a hilarious but deeply personal tribute to uncles, neighborhoods, and chaotic family dinnersHow growing up in a Puerto Rican household shaped his comedic instincts and artistic driveThe balance between staying true to your culture while reaching a broader audienceWhat it’s like to be called “Barney for adults”—and why that’s a complimentThe early days of going viral by filming against a brick wall with no budgetWhy comparison culture kills creativityHow Geovany deals with haters, internet trolls, and jealousy from unexpected placesWhat he’s learned from building a loyal community through original characters and consistencyAs Geovany reveals, comedy wasn’t his first love—music was. Under the name Arson, he built a strong following through beat-making, EDM, and melodic songwriting. He even studied audio engineering and collaborated with Grammy-winning producers. But when fans and friends kept telling him he needed to show people “the funny,” Geovany took the leap—and Tio was born.Still, the artistic tug-of-war remains. Geovany sees himself as a split persona: Arsnn makes the music, Tio brings the comedy, and together they fuel a much bigger creative mission. Whether it’s producing EDM tracks, designing a stand-up set from scratch, or improvising sketch ideas on the spot with only a camera and a prop couch—Geovany is doing it all with purpose, heart, and hustle.What makes this episode stand out?Geovany doesn’t hold back. He shares stories about:Getting kicked out of the house at 18 after his mom found bricks of drugs hidden in the closetWatching his Tio videos help strangers through dark moments, failed job interviews, and griefUsing humor as both armor and offering, especially in the face of personal loss and mental health strugglesHis dream of creating an animated comedy series that showcases Latino culture with Family Guy-level humorHow he sold out his first ever stand-up show using only his own network and sheer beliefThis episode isn’t about chasing virality—it’s about creating art with intention, and how Geovany is using his platform to bring light, love, and laughter into the world. Whether he’s talking about old-school Puerto Rican parenting, beefing with family over past mistakes, or surviving the algorithm game, Geovany keeps it real, grounded, and hilarious.If you’ve ever felt torn between your talents, unsure of your next move, or overlooked by mainstream platforms—this conversation is your permission to go all in.Connect with the host, Luis Guzman, and the IANS podcast:Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen for weekly interviews that spotlight the real stories behind the creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries you should know.Want to be on the show or suggest a guest? Reach out via our website or send us a DM on Instagram at @ImAnArtistPod.