Podcasts > So True with Caleb Hearon > Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

By Caleb Hearon

Pioneering creators like Issa Rae have shifted the landscape for marginalized artists, empowering them to independently seed their ideas and bypass gatekeepers. In this episode, hosts Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin examine the power of refusal for marginalized creatives to maintain control and authenticity. They explore the complexities of conveying a nuanced online presence while navigating platform censorship.

The discussion underscores the role of social media and content creation in marketing, audience building, and sustaining creative careers. Wallin and Hearon share strategies for adhering to platform guidelines while promoting their work. The episode touches on the interplay of texture and temperature in the ideal dessert, offering a lighthearted palate cleanser from the weightier topics of censorship and representation in the digital age.

Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 7, 2024 episode of the So True with Caleb Hearon

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Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

1-Page Summary

Issa Rae's impact and influence on contemporary black creatives

Issa Rae's influence on the entertainment industry is evident through her web series "Awkward Black Girl," which is hailed as a love letter to black women and has resonated with audiences worldwide. Rae, alongside other creators like Quinta Brunson, has shifted the landscape for marginalized creators, enabling them to independently seed their ideas and bypass traditional gatekeeping mechanisms. Up-and-coming creatives, including Amber Wallin, admire Rae for paving the way and aspire to work with such pioneering figures.

Importance of saying "no" to maintain control and power as a marginalized creative

Marginalized creatives like Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin stress the strategic importance of refusal when it comes to opportunities within the industry. Starting from a position of "no" allows them to maintain power and control over their career. Hearon shares his openness to the consequences of such refusals, even if it means being released from shows or missing out on opportunities, as a necessary stance for asserting boundaries and control.

Challenges of conveying nuance and representing a full, authentic self on social media

Social media influencers Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin articulate the complexities of showcasing a nuanced and authentic online presence. The balance between sharing personal life content and maintaining a brand is a delicate one. Hearon speaks of the challenges in sharing content related to personal identity facets such as sexuality or family life. Wallin sheds light on the translation of improv comedy principles to content creation, like starting videos mid-action to capture engagement and employing various comedic roles with her partner for dynamic content, which is reflective of their improv background.

Use of social media and content creation for marketing, building audience, and sustaining a creative career

For artists and creatives, social media and content creation are vital tools for marketing, audience building, and career sustainability. Maintaining multiple creative careers or side hustles is often necessary for a reliable income. Strategic posting across platforms like Instagram and TikTok is essential to optimizing content and expanding reach. Despite facing censorship, creatives use innovative ways to pique interest and adhere to platform guidelines, like employing euphemisms or focusing on storytelling to promote their work.

Characteristics of an Ideal Dessert

The ideal dessert is an interplay of temperature and texture, offering a sensory experience. It embodies elements such as warmth from fresh baking or spice, a contrasting cold component like ice cream, and a crunch element such as a cookie. These attributes come together in examples like a skillet cookie with ice cream or a pecan pie with iced tea, achieving the pinnacle of dessert perfection through a combination of heat, cold, and crunch.

Censorship and regulation of content on social media platforms

Content creators like Amber Wallin and Caleb Hearon are navigating through the restrictions imposed by social media platforms, which often censor language and imagery such as nudity. Wallin discusses her strategies to cope, such as bleeping and subtitling videos on TikTok. Hearon shares his conflict with altering language to avoid censorship. The algorithms' bias towards child-friendly content has them using euphemisms and coded language to discuss adult topics while conforming to platform policies.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Quinta Brunson is an American actress, writer, producer, and comedian known for creating and starring in the ABC comedy series "Abbott Elementary." She gained recognition for her self-produced Instagram series and has worked on various projects in the entertainment industry, including acting in different TV series and providing voice work. Brunson has received multiple Emmy nominations and awards for her work in comedy.
  • Caleb Hearon is an American comedian, writer, and actor known for his stand-up performances in Chicago and his work on the series "Human Resources." He grew up in a conservative town in Missouri, came out as gay after college, and pursued a career in comedy after being part of an improv team in college.
  • Improv comedy principles involve creating spontaneous performances without a script, relying on quick thinking, collaboration, and building off others' ideas. It emphasizes being present in the moment, listening actively, and accepting offers from fellow performers to create scenes and narratives on the spot. Improv often focuses on "yes, and..." where performers agree with the premise presented and add to it, fostering a supportive and creative environment. The goal is to generate humor and engaging storytelling through unscripted interactions and reactions.
  • Euphemisms in content creation involve using milder, indirect, or more socially acceptable language to discuss sensitive or taboo topics. Content creators may employ euphemisms to navigate platform restrictions on explicit content while still conveying their intended message. This strategy allows creators to address adult themes or controversial subjects in a way that aligns with platform guidelines and avoids censorship. Euphemisms can help maintain engagement with audiences while adhering to the rules set by social media platforms.
  • Algorithms on social media platforms tend to favor content that is deemed suitable for a younger audience, often prioritizing material that is considered family-friendly or safe for all ages. This bias can influence what content gets promoted or reaches a wider audience, impacting creators who produce more mature or edgy material. Content creators may need to adjust their language or visuals to align with these algorithm preferences to ensure their content is not suppressed or restricted in reach.

Counterarguments

  • While Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson have made significant contributions, it's important to recognize that they are part of a larger movement of black creatives and that the shift in the landscape is a collective effort involving many individuals.
  • The strategy of saying "no" to maintain control over one's career may not be feasible for all marginalized creatives, especially those who are just starting out and may need to seize more opportunities to establish themselves.
  • Asserting boundaries through refusal can be empowering, but it also carries the risk of limiting one's exposure and potential collaborations, which could be detrimental to a career in the long run.
  • The challenge of showcasing a nuanced and authentic online presence is not unique to Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin; it is a universal issue that many social media influencers face, regardless of their background.
  • While social media is a vital tool for marketing and audience building, it can also contribute to the pressure of constant content creation and the need to conform to the algorithms, which can be detrimental to the mental health and creativity of artists.
  • The ideal dessert is subjective, and what is considered the perfect combination of temperature and texture can vary greatly from person to person.
  • Censorship on social media platforms is a complex issue, and while it can be restrictive, it also serves to protect certain audiences and maintain community standards.
  • The use of euphemisms and coded language to conform to platform policies may allow for creative expression, but it can also obscure the message and make content less accessible to some audiences.

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Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

Issa Rae's impact and influence on contemporary black creatives

Issa Rae's groundbreaking work has significantly shaped the opportunities and landscape for contemporary black creatives in the entertainment industry.

Web series "Awkward Black Girl" as love letter to black women

Issa Rae’s emergence into the industry, particularly through her web series "Awkward Black Girl," has been a transformative love letter to black women. This series has not only resonated with a wide audience but has also validated black women's experiences in media that often overlooks them.

Crawl so others could walk: paving way for marginalized creators

Amber Wallin expresses profound gratitude towards Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson for their pioneering roles as marginalized creators. Wallin remarks on how the contemporary creative landscape has shifted, allowing creators to seed and spark their ideas independently, making them a reality and securing pickup without having to pass th ...

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Issa Rae's impact and influence on contemporary black creatives

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Issa Rae's work has opened doors for contemporary black creatives by showcasing authentic narratives that resonate with audiences. Through her projects, she has provided a platform for underrepresented voices and stories, inspiring a new generation of creators to share their perspectives. Rae's success has challenged traditional industry norms, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in the entertainment world. Her influence has encouraged marginalized creators to pursue their visions independently, breaking through barriers and reshaping the creative landscape.
  • "Awkward Black Girl" is a web series created by Issa Rae that gained popularity for its authentic portrayal of the experiences of a quirky black woman navigating life. The series resonated with audiences for its humor, relatability, and unique perspective on black women's stories. "Awkward Black Girl" played a significant role in showcasing diverse narratives and challenging stereotypes in mainstream media. Issa Rae's creation of this series marked a turning point in how black women were represented and celebrated in the entertainment industry.
  • "Crawling so others could walk" is a metaphorical expression that signifies the pioneering efforts of individuals who face challenges and break barriers, making it easier for those who come after them. In the context of marginalized creators like Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson, it highlights how their early struggles and successes have paved the way for future generations to navigate the industry more smoothly. This metaphor emphasizes the idea of laying down a foundation, overcoming obstacles, and creating opportunities t ...

Counterarguments

...

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Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

Importance of saying "no" to maintain control and power as a marginalized creative

Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin discuss the strategic power of refusal for marginalized creatives in an industry that often overlooks them.

Starting from "no" with opportunities to retain power

Caleb Hearon talks about his approach to opportunities within the creative industry, emphasizing the importance of starting from a position of "no." He highlights this stance as a means of maintaining power as a marginalized creative, including for queer people, people of color, and women. Hearon suggests that the ability to refuse is one of the few powers that marginalized creatives have, making it a strategic choice to retain control over his career.

Willing to accept consequences like being let go from shows

Hearon is open about his willingness to accept the consequences of saying "no," such as being released from shows or missing out on opportunities. He conveys his rea ...

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Importance of saying "no" to maintain control and power as a marginalized creative

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The opportunities being refused by marginalized creatives could include roles, projects, collaborations, or requests that may compromise their values, authenticity, or creative control. By starting from a position of "no," they assert their boundaries and prioritize their artistic integrity over potentially harmful or exploitative opportunities. This strategic refusal empowers them to navigate an industry that often marginalizes their voices and perspectives. Refusing certain opportunities allows them to maintain agency and control over their careers and narratives.
  • Being let go from shows in the creative industry can have significant consequences for a performer's career. It can impact their reputation, future opportunities, and financial stability. Being released from shows may also affect their relationships with industry professionals and their ability to secure future work. This experience can be emotionally challenging and may require the individual to navigate uncertainty and rebuild their career trajectory.
  • Marginalized creatives often face unique challenges when asserting boundaries due to power dynamics in the industry. ...

Counterarguments

  • Saying "no" might limit exposure and opportunities for marginalized creatives, which could be essential for building a career and gaining influence.
  • Overusing the power of refusal could potentially lead to a reputation for being difficult, which might close doors to future collaborations.
  • While maintaining control is important, there could be a balance between asserting oneself and being open to opportunities that might require compromise.
  • The strategy of starting from "no" may not be applicable or effective in all situations or for all individuals, depending on their specific circumstances and career goals.
  • There may be instances where saying "yes" to less-than-ideal opportunities can lead to growth, learning, and unexpected positive outcomes.
  • The approach of saying "no" to maintain power assumes that all opportunities are inherently exploitative, which may not always be the case.
  • Some may argue that working within the system to change it from the inside could be more effective than refusing opportunities outright.
  • The consequences of saying "no," such as being let go ...

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Challenges of conveying nuance and representing a full, authentic self on social media

Social media influencers Caleb Hearon and Amber Wallin delve into the complexities of presenting a genuine and multifaceted persona online while staying true to a personal brand.

Balancing nuanced personal life content and brand

Caleb Hearon emphasizes the intricate task of navigating a presence online that reflects nuanced aspects of identity. Hearon and Wallin discuss the difficulty in sharing personal life content that touches on being sexual, having a family, or the intricacies of being in an interracial relationship, alongside crafting a consistent personal brand. They contemplate the delicate balance between sharing personal content with a wider audience and keeping certain aspects just for oneself.

Translating improv principles to internet content creation

Wallin offers insight into the crossover between improvisational comedy and creating content for the internet, specifically how one might employ the principle of starting scenes mid-action to create engaging and dynamic videos. Developing content that begins in the middle of a scenario can draw viewers in and deliver a comedic punch more effectively.

...

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Challenges of conveying nuance and representing a full, authentic self on social media

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • When discussing nuanced aspects of identity in an online persona, it typically involves showcasing the complexities and subtleties of one's personal characteristics, experiences, and beliefs. This can include elements like cultural background, sexual orientation, family dynamics, or relationships, which may not always align with a curated personal brand. Balancing these nuanced aspects involves navigating what to share publicly and what to keep private, aiming to present an authentic yet controlled representation of oneself on social media.
  • Balancing personal life content with a personal brand on social media involves managing how much of one's authentic self to share while maintaining a consistent image for followers. Influencers often face the challenge of deciding what aspects of their personal lives to showcase publicly and how these align with their brand identity. It's about finding a middle ground between sharing personal experiences and maintaining a curated online presence that resonates with their audience. This balance can impact how relatable and authentic an influencer appears to their followers.
  • Translating improv principles to internet content creation involves applying techniques from improvisational comedy, like starting scenes mid-action, to make online videos more engaging and dynamic. This approach helps content creators capture viewers' attention quickly and deliver humor effectively in a digital format. By incorporating traditional improv roles and techniques into their content, creators can bring a layer of humor and variety that reflects their background in performance art. This process enriches the content created for social media platforms by infusing it with the spontaneity and creativity typical of improv comedy.
  • In content creation, traditional improv roles like the "straight man" and the "monster" are used to add humor and variety. These roles bring elements of comedic performance into digital content, enriching it with different character dynamics. The "straight man" typically plays the rational, ...

Counterarguments

  • The notion that one must maintain a consistent personal brand may be too restrictive and not allow for the natural evolution of a person's online persona.
  • Sharing personal life content, even if nuanced, could lead to oversharing or violate the privacy of others involved, which might not be beneficial in the long term.
  • The balance between public and private life is subjective, and what works for one influencer may not be suitable for another; some influencers might find that sharing more personal content actually enhances their brand authenticity.
  • While starting scenes mid-action can be engaging, it might also confuse viewers who prefer a clear context or narrative, potentially alienating certain audience segments.
  • The use of improv techniques in content creation is not universally applicable; some content creators may find that a more structured approach yields bette ...

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Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

Use of social media and content creation for marketing, building audience, and sustaining a creative career

In today's digital landscape, social media and content creation have become indispensable tools for artists and creatives looking to market their work, build their audience, and sustain a creative career.

Multiple creative careers needed to reliably pay bills

For many creatives, relying on a single income stream is no longer viable. Instead, maintaining multiple creative careers or side hustles is often necessary to reliably pay the bills. Social media serves as a convergence point where creators can showcase diverse talents, from visual arts to music production, and everything in between. By doing so, they can attract different audience segments and create various revenue streams through client work, merchandise sales, digital products, and more.

Expanding reach by strategic posting across platforms

Expanding reach involves strategic posting across various platforms. Creators must understand the unique culture and algorithms of each social media platform to optimize their content accordingly. This might entail altering the format or timing of posts to suit the users of each platform, whether it be Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Successful creators often tailor their message to fit the medium, maximizing engagement and reach. This cross-platform strategy helps to attract a more extensive, diverse audience and funnel followers to their pri ...

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Use of social media and content creation for marketing, building audience, and sustaining a creative career

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Sustaining a creative career through social media and content creation involves leveraging online platforms to promote one's artistic work, engage with audiences, and generate income streams. Creators use social media to showcase their talents, attract followers, and monetize their content through various means like client work, merchandise sales, and digital products. By strategically posting across different platforms and adapting content to suit each platform's audience, creatives can expand their reach and connect with a diverse audience. Additionally, navigating content restrictions and censorship challenges by creatively presenting their work allows artists to maintain visibility and sustain their creative careers.
  • Navigating multiple creative careers or side hustles for income means that artists and creatives often need to engage in more than one type of creative work to support themselves financially. This approach helps them diversify their income sources and reduce reliance on a single stream of revenue. By pursuing various creative endeavors, individuals can tap into different markets, opportunities, and revenue streams to sustain their livelihood in the competitive creative industry. Juggling multiple creative careers requires effective time management, prioritization, and adaptability to balance different projects and income sources successfully.
  • Tailoring content for different social media platforms involves customizing the format, style, and timing of posts to align with the preferences and behaviors of users on each platform. This customization ensures that the content resonates with the specific audience of each platform, maximizing engagement and reach. Creators may adjust aspects like video length, visual aesthetics, tone of voice, and hashtags to suit the platform's culture and algorithms. By adapting their content strategy to fit the unique characteristics of each platform, creators can effectively connect with diverse audiences and optimize their online presence.
  • To expand reach and maximize engagement on social media, cre ...

Counterarguments

  • While social media and content creation are useful, they can also be time-consuming and distract from the actual process of creating art.
  • Some creatives may find success and sustainability with a single, focused career path rather than juggling multiple careers or side hustles.
  • The convergence of different talents on social media can dilute a creator's brand or confuse their audience if not managed carefully.
  • Relying on social media platforms for revenue can be risky due to changing algorithms, policies, and the potential for platform decline or shutdown.
  • Strategic posting across platforms requires a significant investment of time and resources, which may not be feasible for all creators.
  • Understanding and adapting to the unique culture and algorithms of each platform can be challenging and may not always lead to increased engagement or reach.
  • Tailoring messages to fit different mediums can sometimes compromise the authenticity or artistic integrity of the creator's work.
  • A cross-platform strategy might ...

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Characteristics of an Ideal Dessert

The makings of a perfect dessert hinge on a harmonious blend of temperature and texture, resulting in a sensory delight.

Hot element like fresh baking or spice

The allure of a splendid dessert often begins with warmth. Whether emanating from a dessert freshly baked or infused with spice, heat invokes a sense of comfort and indulgence. Picture a hot skillet cookie - its very essence of freshness suggests it's straight from the oven, with the added dimension heat brings.

Cold element like ice cream or iced tea

A striking contrast to the warmth, a cold component elevates the dessert experience. Amber Wallin longs for the coolness of ice cream to complement a hot cookie, or perhaps the chilled refreshment of iced tea to counterbalance the rich warmth of a pecan pie. The play of temperatures is key, like the unexpected chilly kiss of ice cream atop a fresh bake.

To complete the trifecta, a crunch factor is essential, adding a dimension of texture that contrasts with soft or creamy components. Wallin and Caleb Hearon concur that this crunch should be dry, like the structural integrity of a brittle or a portion of a cookie crust, rather than moist like that of fruit. The result? A dessert such as a pecan pie not only warms ...

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Characteristics of an Ideal Dessert

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In the context of desserts, the "trifecta" typically refers to the combination of three key elements: a hot component, a cold component, and a crunch factor. This trio aims to create a well-rounded sensory experience by incorporating contrasting temperatures and textures in a single dish. The hot element provides warmth and comfort, the cold element adds a refreshing contrast, and the crunch element introduces a textural dimension that complements softer components. By balancing these elements, a dessert can offer a harmonious blend of flavors, temperatures, and textures that enhance the overall enjoyment of the eating experience.
  • Dry crunch elements are favored in desserts over moist textures because they provide a contra ...

Counterarguments

  • The concept of a perfect dessert is subjective and varies greatly among different cultures and individual preferences; not everyone may agree that a combination of hot and cold elements is necessary for a dessert to be considered ideal.
  • Some people may have dietary restrictions or personal tastes that lead them to prefer desserts without a hot element, such as those who enjoy raw desserts or cold treats like sorbet.
  • The emphasis on a cold element might not be as appealing in colder climates or seasons, where a warm dessert without a cold contrast might be more comforting.
  • The assertion that a crunch factor is essential could be challenged by those who prefer desserts with uniform textures, such as creamy cheesecakes or smooth puddings.
  • The preference for dry crunch elements over moist ones is not universal; some may enjoy the textural contrast provided by moist elements like fresh fruit or moist cake ...

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Amber Wallin Has 7 Jobs

Censorship and regulation of content on social media platforms

The conversation around social media content regulation is heating up, with content creators like Wallin and Hearon discussing the various restrictions they face and the creative ways in which they work around them.

Restrictions around language, nudity, etc.

Amber Wallin talks about facing penalties from social media platforms for reasons such as having a sex toy visible in a video, not wearing a bra while recording, or having her baby appear in just a diaper. These incidents suggest that even minor instances of nudity or adult content can lead to censorship on these platforms. Wallin mentions that she bleeps out the mouth and subtitles in her videos on TikTok as a method of coping with the stringent content restrictions.

Caleb Hearon echoes similar frustrations, speaking about his difficulty in posting pictures and using language that could be considered inappropriate, such as sharing pictures of the artist Bad Bunny in the bathtub. Hearon desires to use certain words without facing censorship but finds himself constrained by platform guidelines.

Algorithm bias toward child-friendly content

The adherence to child-friendly content appears to be embedded within platform algorithms, shaping the way content is distributed and affecting its performance.

Hearon airs his grievances about the need to use coded "family-friendly" language to ensure his content ...

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Censorship and regulation of content on social media platforms

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Amber Wallin faced penalties on social media platforms for instances like having a sex toy visible in a video, not wearing a bra while recording, or showing her baby in just a diaper. These incidents highlight how even minor instances of nudity or adult content can lead to censorship on these platforms. Wallin copes with the stringent content restrictions by bleeping out the mouth and subtitles in her videos on TikTok.
  • Amber Wallin and Caleb Hearon face restrictions on social media platforms related to nudity, language, and adult content. Wallin has encountered penalties for minor instances of nudity, like a visible sex toy or a baby in just a diaper. Hearon struggles with posting pictures and using language that could be deemed inappropriate by platform guidelines. They employ tactics like bleeping out words and using coded language to navigate these restrictions.
  • The algorithm bias towards child-friendly content impacts content distribution by favoring posts that align with family-friendly themes, making them more visible to a wider audience. This bias can lead to content creators feeling pressured to adjust their language and topics to cater to a younger demographic, potentially limiting their creative expression. As a result, content that deviates from these guidelines may receive less visibility and engagement on social media platforms. This dynamic can influence the type of content that gains traction and popularity, shaping the overall landscape of social media interactions.
  • Using coded lan ...

Counterarguments

  • Social media platforms have a responsibility to create a safe environment for all users, including minors, which may justify some content restrictions.
  • Content moderation is necessary to prevent the spread of harmful or illegal content, and some restrictions may be a byproduct of these broader safety measures.
  • Platforms have terms of service that users agree to upon creating an account, and these terms often include content guidelines that must be followed.
  • The use of euphemisms and coded language to circumvent restrictions could be seen as exploiting loopholes in the guidelines, which may not be in the spirit of creating a respectful online community.
  • The perception of algorithm bias towards child-friendly content may be due to the platforms' need to comply with laws like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) in the United States.
  • The platforms' content policies are often a response to societal norms and legal requirements, which can evolve over time, and what is considered acceptable may change.
  • Some argue that the ...

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