Clout Nine

She started shuffling at twenty with zero dance training. Now she has millions of followers, moved her entire family to LA, and is quietly building a music career nobody knew about. Vanessa Seco is not what you expect.In this episode of Clout Nine, Alex sits down with shuffler and content creator Van Seco to talk about ten years of posting before the world finally started watching. From EDC Orlando to America's Got Talent, from Bang Energy expos to choreographing for Shakira and Coldplay, Van shares the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to build something real online.

Social media is NOT what you think it is anymore. I break down what's actually making creators money in 2026, what platforms to stop wasting time on, and why being a "nobody" might be your biggest advantage right now.In this episode of Clout Nine, I go full no-filter on the current state of the creator economy. No tips and tricks. Just the real talk on where the money actually is, how the algorithm is working against you without you knowing, and why your niche is literally just... you.✅ Why "normal people" are winning on TikTok Shop (and influencers are not)✅ The Trial Reels secret that barely anyone is using correctly on Instagram✅ My 2026 prediction: live shopping is about to change everything✅ Why Instagram is a vanity metric machine (and what to use instead)✅ How to know if your content is actually working (hint: it's not your follower count)✅ Why LinkedIn is lowkey about to be the biggest opportunity for creators✅ The "niche is you" mindset that changes how you approach all of it✅ Shadow banning is real — here's what happened to someone I know and how they got out

She has 7 million followers and still spirals before hitting post. Alexis Ray Driscoll joins Alex on Clout Nine to share the unfiltered reality of what content creation actually looks like when the cameras stop rolling.From leaving behind a singing career to going viral during COVID, this conversation gets into the anxiety, the money, the persona vs person identity crisis, and what nobody is willing to say out loud about the content creator lifestyle. Real talk, no fluff, no tutorials.Featuring Alexis Ray DriscollFollow Alexis on:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisraedriscoll?_r=1&_t=ZT-959ZMb5k3mXInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisraedriscoll?igsh=YWZtbjJyeWtzNnE2Hosted by Alex | DRAX Social Learn more at draxsocial.com

Jayo went from being a substitute teacher to one of the most viral TikTok creators in music, pulling 40 million views a week and selling out tours across the country. In this episode of Clout Nine, he tells the full story.We're talking about how he accidentally got on TikTok, how a comedy skit account turned into a real music career, and how "Worst Case Scenario" became one of the biggest independent artist breakout moments on social media. Jayo breaks down how he learned to blow up on TikTok without a label, without a manager, and without a plan.He also gets real about the dark side: the mental health toll of going viral, losing views overnight, financial stress at 1 million followers, and what it actually takes to build a fanbase that shows up in real life and not just the comments.If you're an independent artist trying to figure out how to turn content into a career, or you just want to hear one of the wildest creator origin stories we've had on the podcast, this one's for you.Jayo debut album "Antidepressants" and his first headline tour are both dropping soon. You heard some of it here first.🎧 Listen to Clout Nine on Spotify and Apple PodcastsFollow Jayo on all platforms:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1kBx4RzRD8An5pUEDBGZQ9?si=JJVjbCyxRtqb7ZtZv8PH7QIG: https://www.instagram.com/jayo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jayo2

He was the most-watched creator on TikTok in 2020 with 10 billion views and 16 million followers. Then he vanished.In this episode, Evan Alberto ("@theguy ") breaks down exactly how he blew up, why he stepped away, and what he's doing now with his agency Content Autopilot, helping entrepreneurs scale with short-form content.We talk about:✅ How his first magic trick video got 18 million views✅ The one social media secret that changed everything✅ Why he dropped out of college making only $1K/month✅ The Instagram Story hack that got him 10,000 DMs✅ Why authenticity is the only hedge against AI✅ Tips for creators just starting out (and why low views don't matter)🔗 Learn more about DRAX Social: https://draxsocial.comFollow Evan:IG: https://www.instagram.com/theguy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguy.99YT: https://www.youtube.com/@theguy.99

She throws wine in people's faces, pushes pregnant women down stairs, and steals werewolf sperm for a living. Sarah Moliski is one of the biggest names in vertical soap operas, the micro-dramas blowing up on TikTok and Instagram that you've probably watched at 2am and don't want to admit it.Two years ago, actors wouldn't even put these on their résumés. Sarah's own representation told her not to do it. She did it anyway. Now she's one of the most sought-after actresses AND casting directors in the vertical drama space, a lane she essentially built for herself.In this episode, she gets real about all of it:✅ What vertical soap operas are and why they're addicting✅ How much "vertical legends" actually make✅ The insane production pace (30 pages a day)✅ Why Disney and Hollywood are investing in this space✅ Behind-the-scenes drama, hookups, and egos✅ Her philosophy: "Be cringey until it works"

Clout Nine sits down with orthodontist-turned-satirical creator Brad Podray (formerly Scumbag Dad) to tear apart the dark side of influencer culture, fake pranks, and AI-driven content.Brad breaks down how content aggregators steal from creators, why “prank” creators are exploiting workers and vulnerable people, and how meta glasses + AI are pushing us into a creepier, dumber content era.He also shares how being financially independent (thanks to his orthodontics career) lets him say what most creators are too scared to admit about brand deals, burnout, and the pressure to stay “relevant” online.If you care about influencer ethics, creator mental health, or the future of AI content creation, this episode is a must-watch.Follow Brad Podray on all social platforms:IG: https://www.instagram.com/brad_podray/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brad_podray?lang=enYT: https://www.youtube.com/@brad_podrayIf you’re a content creator, influencer, or brand trying to grow without selling your soul, this episode will completely reframe how you think about social media.Listen to more Clout Nine for real, unfiltered conversations!

I hired a master hypnotist to reprogram my brain and the results were UNBELIEVABLE. In this episode of Clout Nine, I'm sitting down with Zach Paul, a high-performance master hypnotist who helps CEOs and successful entrepreneurs unlock their full potential by rewiring their subconscious minds.Zach shares his incredible journey from brain injury recovery to becoming one of the most sought-after hypnotists for high-performers. You'll hear real stories of clients who saw hockey-stick growth in their businesses after just one session, why traditional therapy is surface-level nonsense, and how your brain runs on autopilot programming that keeps you stuck.What We Cover:How hypnosis actually reprograms your subconscious mindWhy successful CEOs are hiring hypnotistsRapid transformation vs. years of therapy (spoiler: hypnosis wins)Breaking through limiting beliefs that sabotage your successWhy authenticity will dominate in 2026 as AI makes everything "perfect"👍 Like if you're ready to reprogram your brain. Subscribe to Clout Nine for unfiltered conversations with creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a life online.Follow Zach on socials:IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamzachpaul/FB: https://www.facebook.com/zachdavidpaul/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachdavidpaul/

Is Snapchat the most underrated platform for creators in 2026? In this episode, we sit down with David "The Magic Crasher" (6M+ followers) to break down exactly how he built a multi-platform empire and why he prioritizes Snapchat over TikTok for monetization.David reveals his "Saved Story" strategy that doubled his views overnight, the specific posting schedule that prevents burnout, and why "gatekeeping" your secrets is actually hurting your growth. If you are a brand or creator looking to break the internet, this is the blueprint you’ve been waiting for.🚀 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:The Snapchat Goldmine: Why saved stories are paying out like YouTube long-form (and how David got 48M extra views from one feature).Platform Arbitrage: The specific hierarchy of which apps pay the most right now.The "In-App" Editing Hack: Why the Head of Instagram says you must use their native tools for reach.Creator Protections: Why joining unions like SAG-AFTRA is the next step for professional creators.The 90-Day Viral Challenge: David’s exact homework for anyone starting from zero today.🔗 CONNECT WITH DAVID:TikTok: The Magic Crasher on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themagiccrasherInstagram: David Bonfadini | TMC (@themagiccrasher) https://www.instagram.com/themagiccrasher/Snapchat: THE MAGIC CRASHER on Snapchathttps://www.snapchat.com/@themagiccrasher👋 ABOUT DRAX SOCIAL: We help brands and creators go viral with short-form and long-form content. Whether you're looking to break the internet or build a sustainable media engine, we have the blueprint. 👉 Work with us: https://draxsocial.com

How do you get 1 billion views on a single YouTube Short? In this episode of Clout Nine, we sit down with Nathan Kessel, the opera singer turned viral powerhouse with over 25 million followers.Nathan didn’t just get lucky. He mastered the science of retention, pattern recognition, and algorithmic triggers to become one of the most viewed creators on the planet. If you are trying to grow on YouTube Shorts or TikTok, this is the blueprint you've been looking for.🚀 In this episode, we cover:- The 1 Billion View Strategy: Breaking down exactly how one video crossed the billion-view mark.- Opera to Influencer: How Nathan pivoted from classical music to becoming a content giant.- The Science of Retention: Why 100% retention isn't enough and how to hold attention.- Platform Wars: Why Nathan believes YouTube Shorts is currently the most powerful platform online.- The Money Reality: The truth about creator income instability and how to diversify.Whether you're a brand or a creator, Nathan’s approach to treating his content like a TV network will change how you post.Follow NathanIG: https://www.instagram.com/kessel_nathan/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kessel_nathan_official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kessel_nathan

They went from recording in a parked car to reaching millions of views. In this episode of Clout Nine, meet Francesca and Nic Piazza (The Saucy Sibz), the duo who risked homelessness to build a media business from scratch.Most people think "going viral" solves all your problems. But what happens when you have no home, no job, and only a podcast mic? Francesca and Nic reveal the brutal, unpolished truth about the creator economy that no one talks about.🔥 In this episode, we cover:- The Origin Story: How health struggles and burnout led to living in a car in Colorado.- The Turning Point: How a single TikTok video changed their lives overnight.- Meme Marketing: How Francesca became a "meme lord" and grew a massive Instagram following organically.- Creator Economics: The terrifying instability of influencer income and how to survive it.- Authenticity vs. Perfection: Why "cringe" and honest content is beating polished aesthetic videos.If you're feeling lost in your creator journey or think you need a perfect studio to start, this conversation proves that your story is your most valuable asset.🎧 Listen now and welcome back to Clout Nine.Follow the Saucy Sibz:Saucy Sibz IG: https://www.instagram.com/saucysibz/ Nic: https://www.instagram.com/nicodemuspiazza/ Francesca: https://www.instagram.com/thefrancescapiazza/ Saucy Sibz Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J141elKHqiU48lyGTi1lo?si=f64df9790fd84a19

In this episode of Clout Nine, Alex Drachnik sits down with actor and TikTok shop live host Jess Adams for an honest conversation about navigating the entertainment industry, social media visibility, and what it really means to build a career in the public eye.Jess shares her perspective on growing up in entertainment, transitioning between acting and hosting, and learning how to show up as herself in an industry that constantly tries to put people in boxes. Together, they talk about identity, confidence, internet perception, and the pressure creators face when their lives are viewed through a screen.This episode explores the emotional side of being online, the reality behind “overnight success,” and the personal growth that comes from learning how to protect your energy while still chasing big goals.If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, questioned your path, or wondered what life looks like behind the highlight reel, this conversation will resonate.Follow Jess on all social media platforms: Instagram: https://heyor.ca/ntpwd9 TikTok: https://heyor.ca/eActYC YouTube: https://heyor.ca/NV4i44

In this episode of Clout Nine, Alex sits down with Jay Starrett to unpack the real journey behind reality TV fame, content creation, and finding yourself when the cameras turn off.Jay Starrett is best known for his appearances on Survivor, The Challenge, and Ex on the Beach, where he competed in some of the most physically and mentally demanding reality shows on television. But there’s a lot more to Jay than what viewers see on screen.In this conversation, Jay opens up about how he got his start making Jackass-style videos as a kid, why Vine shaped his sense of storytelling, and how reality TV completely changed his relationship with discipline, gratitude, and identity. He shares what it’s really like living without a phone for weeks at a time, the mental toll of competition shows, and why coming off a season can leave you questioning who you are outside of the game.The episode also dives deep into Jay’s evolution as a content creator, his rise as an emo-nostalgia voice on social media, and how authenticity, not chasing trends, helped him build a loyal fanbase. From Survivor survival tactics to beating Challenge legends, to the pressure of staying grounded with a growing audience, Jay gets candid about ego checks, burnout, and staying true to yourself in an industry built on attention.If you’ve ever wondered:- What reality TV actually does to your mental health- How to balance fame, identity, and real life- Why nostalgia and emo culture are making such a huge comeback- Or how creators build content while disappearing from the internet for monthThis episode is for you!🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Clout Nine for unfiltered conversations about social media, identity, and what happens when the clout fades.Jay Starrett Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jqskim/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jqskimYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JqskimSnapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/@jqskim

In this episode of Clout Nine, Alex sits down with Erica Sarrafi to unpack what it really looks like to evolve in public, both physically and mentally.Erica shares her journey from fitness influencer to bodybuilder, powerlifter, runner, and now triathlete, and why she actually likes being bad at something before she gets good at it. The conversation dives into the addictive highs of progress, starting from ground zero, and how constantly challenging yourself can be both motivating and exhausting.Together, they talk candidly about creator burnout, body image in the fitness space, shifting algorithms, and the pressure of watching content get more polished, faster, and more AI-driven by the day. Erica opens up about navigating changing body standards online, evolving personal goals, and learning how to stay grounded while sharing so much of your life publicly.They also get into the realities of long-form versus short-form content, YouTube consistency, monetization across platforms, screen time guilt, and why authenticity is becoming the only real differentiator left on social media.This episode is an honest conversation about growth, discomfort, reinvention, and choosing curiosity over perfection.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or scared to try something new because you might be bad at it, this one’s for you.

What actually happens after you go viral?In this episode of Clout Nine, Alex sits down with Daniel Coffeen to talk about internet fame, creator identity, and the chaos that comes with being known online. From accidental virality to internet inside jokes, Daniel breaks down what it’s really like navigating attention, algorithms, and audience perception without losing your sense of humor.They get into:What virality really feels like behind the scenesHow creators deal with being “recognized” onlineThe pressure (and absurdity) of internet fameWhy not everything online needs to be taken so seriouslyIf you’re a creator, chronically online, or just fascinated by how fast internet culture moves, this episode is for you.Follow Daniel:Instagram: @danielcoffeen3 (yes, Coffin with an N)Follow Clout Nine:New episodes every week exploring fame, identity, and the real cost of going viral.

What happens when you voice one of the most iconic characters in animation history before social media even existed?In this episode of Clout Nine, I sit down with Michaela Jill Murphy, the original voice of Toph Beifong from Avatar: The Last Airbender, to talk about growing up in the spotlight long before likes, follows, and algorithms were a thing.We get into what it was really like voicing Toph at just 12 years old, how the Netflix resurgence of Avatar created an entirely new wave of fame years later, and the surreal experience of being rediscovered by a generation that grew up online.Michaela opens up about identity, mental health, navigating fandom as an adult, and how she shows up online now on her own terms through vlogs, conventions, and pure chaotic hotel room energy.This conversation is about nostalgia, growth, and what it means to reclaim your story in a world that suddenly wants to watch again.Follow Michaela:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelamostly/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelajillmurphyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelamostlyIf you grew up with Avatar, work in entertainment, or have ever been rediscovered by the internet, this one hits.

I sit down with creator and TikTok Shop powerhouse Chloe Eleanor to talk about the reality of building a life online, staying adaptable, and why creators who stop learning fall behind fast.We get into everything from evolving as a creator to the pressure of constantly reinventing yourself, balancing multiple niches, and building a future that goes beyond just follower counts. Chloe opens up about the behind-the-scenes of her creator journey, the lessons she learned from scaling TikTok Shop, and why curiosity is the secret weapon that keeps her growing.We also talk about her newest chapter: house hunting, homesteading, and documenting a more grounded, outdoor lifestyle while still maintaining a thriving online business. It’s a refreshingly honest conversation about the creator world, the mental side of it, and what happens when you choose growth over comfort.Find Chloe online:TikTok (TikTok Shop + shopping content): https://www.tiktok.com/@chloes_cartLifestyle, home, and outdoor content: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloeeleanorrI’m your host Alex Drachnik and this is Clout Nine: real conversations with the people who built a life online.Sponsored by DRAX Social - the social-media video agency that helps creators and brands scale with high-converting content, done-for-you strategy, and top-tier production.New episodes every week.

Welcome to Clout Nine!This is my brand new podcast where I sit down with creators, influencers, founders, and anyone who’s built a life online to talk about their origin story, their path to success, and the impact it’s had on their mental health.This is the very first episode (and my solo episode), which by the way… I was so nervous to film. I can shoot a million videos with guests, but sitting alone in front of the camera? That’s the real test.In this episode I break down why I started Clout Nine, how I got to where I am today as a creator, the mental health moments I’ve never shared before, and what you can expect from future episodes with my guests.I’m excited to open up more as I get comfortable in this format.So welcome to Clout Nine.Because what happens when the clout fades?