Podcasts > This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von > Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

By Theo Von

In this installment of "This Past Weekend," host Theo Von chats with the engaging Brittany Broski, delving into her multifaceted background and her ascent in the world of entertainment. Brittany shares how her nomadic upbringing and immersion in different cultures, including a year in South Korea, have crafted her unique perspective on life and comedy. A theater enthusiast during her school years and a graduate from Texas A&M University, she reminisces on her academic journey and the transition of her alma mater towards a more inclusively progressive environment.

Brittany and Theo explore the evolution of content creation, particularly highlighting the egalitarian nature of TikTok that has played a crucial role in Brittany’s online virality, while pondering on the importance of discoverability for short-form video creators. The conversation then flows into more personal territories as Brittany humorously reflects on her attempt at international romance and both podcast participants exchange views on spirituality and faith, encapsulating Brittany's experience as an ex-Christian and Theo's aim to deepen his connection with a higher power. They further assess the contemporary landscape of comedy, live entertainment, and their support for the LGBTQ community—embracing gender identity explorations and championing inclusivity.

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

1-Page Summary

Brittany's Background and Path into Entertainment

Brittany Broski credits her varied upbringing across different states and a year in South Korea for shaping her into the person she is today. Her exposure to diverse cultures and her role as a theater kid in productions like "Spamalot" and "The Addams Family" laid the foundation for her love of performance. Pursuing higher education, she graduated from Texas A&M University with a Liberal Arts degree and a minor in Spanish, reflecting on the school's progressive inclusivity shift since its earlier days.

Rise of Short-Form Video Creators Like Brittany

Brittany found initial viral fame on TikTok, attributing much of her success to the platform’s egalitarian approach that allowed her comic talents to be discovered by a wide audience. She acknowledges the role of the For You page in enabling content visibility beyond one's existing follower base, in contrast to other social media platforms. Brittany and fellow creator Theo theorize about the future of content creation and emphasize the need for platforms that continue providing short-form video creators with discoverability opportunities to launch their careers.

Brittany's Attempt at an International Romance

Broski recounts her experience with international romance through an Irish man she met on a Christian dating app while in Nashville. The relationship was strained by an increasing time zone difference, transitioning to less frequent communication that made maintaining a romantic connection challenging. Despite these hurdles, Brittany maintains a sense of humor about the situation and anticipates the possibility of meeting him when she visits Ireland.

Theo and Brittany's Views on Spirituality and Faith

In a candid conversation, Brittany identifies as ex-Christian and discusses the judgment and shame she has felt within religious contexts, while Theo aims to strengthen his faith by practicing surrender and viewing himself as a 'radio station for the Lord'. They both contemplate their roles as conduits of a higher power, infusing creativity and joy into the world through their respective platforms.

Future of Comedy and Live Entertainment

Analyzing the changing facets of comedy, Brittany and Theo recognize the rise of non-traditional paths in achieving comedic success, such as the internet and crowd work. They also discuss the importance of live performances and ticket sales, with Theo highlighting the need to save material for live shows. They reflect on Matt Rife’s strategic audience shift and the repercussions it had on his career, underscoring the ongoing significance of a comedian's relationship with their audience and the need for visibility.

Gender Identity and Supporting Marginalized Groups

Through their own experiences and observations, Theo and Brittany celebrate the LGBTQ community's vibrancy and humor. Sharing insights on personal gender identity journeys and the nature of their fanbases, they show a deep commitment to inclusion and understanding, discussing their active role in supporting marginalized groups and fostering an accepting and supportive community around them.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski's background includes a diverse upbringing across different states and a year in South Korea. She gained initial viral fame on TikTok, where her comedic talents were discovered by a wide audience. Brittany's exposure to various cultures and her experience in theater productions like "Spamalot" and "The Addams Family" laid the foundation for her love of performance.
  • The For You page on TikTok is a personalized feed that showcases videos recommended based on a user's interactions and preferences. It plays a crucial role in content discovery by exposing users to a diverse range of creators and content beyond their immediate network. The algorithm behind the For You page analyzes user behavior like likes, shares, and watch time to tailor the content displayed, aiming to keep users engaged and entertained. This feature has been instrumental in propelling creators like Brittany Broski to viral fame by providing them with increased visibility and reach.
  • Brittany Broski's international romance with an Irish man encountered difficulties due to the increasing time zone difference, leading to challenges in maintaining regular communication and fostering a romantic connection. Despite these obstacles, Brittany maintains a positive outlook and humor about the situation, expressing hope for a potential meeting in Ireland.
  • Brittany identifies as ex-Christian, expressing feelings of judgment and shame within religious contexts. Theo aims to strengthen his faith by surrendering and viewing himself as a conduit for a higher power. They discuss their spiritual journeys and how they incorporate their beliefs into their creative work. Their conversation highlights their differing perspectives on faith and spirituality.

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Brittany's Background and Path into Entertainment

Brittany Broski shares her personal journey and experiences that have shaped her path into the entertainment industry.

Growing up in Texas and military family

Brittany Broski reveals that her early education in Texas included taking Spanish classes which she views as an essential life skill that enhances her understanding of different cultures. She mentions growing up as part of a military family; her father was in the Air Force, where "he flew A-10s for a while," and now does contract work for the government. Her dad's career meant moving frequently, resulting in her living in various locales across the Southeast, including Arizona, Texas, Alabama, and Virginia.

Time in South Korea and culture shock

Brittany lived in South Korea during her sixth-grade year, a time filled with culture shock. She vividly recalls the sights and distinct smells of Seoul, such as the fresh fish markets and spices, which she describes as "crazy." This experience also introduced her to cultural practices like bowing to convey respect, which is a significant part of Korean culture.

Theater kid and early performing

Broski fondly recalls her days as a theater kid in school. Her debut role in "Spamalot," a Monty Python production, saw her cast in male parts where she sported a beard—a fact she amusingly takes as a compliment. Additionally, sh ...

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Brittany's Background and Path into Entertainment

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The A-10 is a military aircraft known as the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. It is commonly referred to as the "Warthog" due to its rugged appearance. The A-10 is specifically designed for close air support missions, featuring a powerful 30mm Gatling gun and the ability to carry a variety of munitions to support ground troops. The aircraft is highly regarded for its durability and effectiveness in providing air support to troops on the ground.
  • Contract work for the government typically involves private companies or individuals providing goods or services to government agencies. These contracts can cover a wide range of activities, from IT services to construction projects. Contractors are hired based on specific terms outlined in the contract, which can include deliverables, timelines, and payment structures. This work is often subject to regulations and oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
  • "Spamalot" is a musical comedy adapted from the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It parodies the legend of King Arthur and his knights. The show features absurd humor, iconic songs, and irreverent humor typical of Monty Python's style. "Spam ...

Counterarguments

...

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Rise of Short-Form Video Creators Like Brittany

Brittany finding initial viral fame on TikTok

Brittany Broski has been known as a TikToker before her rise to wider popularity. Both Brittany and Theo discuss Brittany's initial viral fame arising from her presence on TikTok. She reflects on how TikTok, as a platform, offers a democratic landscape that enables comics with unrecognized talent to experience newfound popularity or what she refers to as a "renaissance."

Discussion of discoverability that platforms enable

Brittany touches upon the unique feature of TikTok's For You page, which showcases anyone's content to a vast audience irrespective of one's follower count, potentially catapulting them to viral status. This is contrasted with platforms like Instagram, where content reach is confined to one's existing followers, limiting opportunities for discoverability. Brittany and Theo both recognize the value of this model as i ...

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Rise of Short-Form Video Creators Like Brittany

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski, also known as "Kombucha Girl," gained fame on TikTok for her humorous and relatable content. She became popular for her comedic reactions and engaging personality, resonating with a wide audience on the platform. Brittany's rise to prominence showcases how TikTok's algorithm and discoverability features can help individuals like her achieve viral success. Her success story highlights the democratizing nature of TikTok, where creators with unique talents can quickly gain recognition and build a dedicated following.
  • The For You page on TikTok is a personalized feed that shows videos based on a user's interactions and preferences. It is designed to expose users to a variety of content, even from creators they don't follow. This algorithm-driven approach increases the chances of content going viral and allows new creators to gain visibility quickly. In contrast, platforms like Instagram primarily show content from accounts that a user already follows, limiting discoverability.
  • A "democratic landscape" in content creation means a platform where individuals, regardless of their background or existing fame, have an equal opportunity to gain recognition and popularity based on the quality of their content. It implies that success is not solely reserved for established figures but can be achieved by anyone with talent and creativity. This concept highlights the accessibility and inclusivity of platforms like TikTok, where users can reach a wide audience and potentially go viral without needing a large following beforehand. It signifies a leveling of the playing field, allowing emerging creators to compete on merit rather than pre-existing status.
  • Discoverability for content creators is crucial as it determines how easily their work can be found by audiences. Platforms like TikTok with features such as the For You page play a significant role in boosting discoverability by ...

Counterarguments

  • TikTok's algorithm can sometimes promote content that is not necessarily high-quality or original, leading to a saturation of similar content.
  • The democratic nature of TikTok can also lead to the spread of misinformation or harmful content, as not all viral content is vetted for accuracy or safety.
  • The For You page, while offering exposure, can also make it difficult for creators to build a consistent audience, as their content may not consistently appear to the same users.
  • TikTok's model of discoverability may contribute to a culture of instant gratification and reduce the perceived value of long-term content creation and effort.
  • Instagram's model, while limiting reach to existing followers, can foster a more engaged and loyal community, as followers have actively chosen to f ...

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Brittany's Attempt at an International Romance

Brittany Broski’s endeavors took her into the realm of international dating when she matched with an Irish man on a Christian dating app, a challenge compounded by distance and time zones.

Matching with an Irish man on a dating app

The pursuit of love saw Brittany Broski acquiring premium access to a Christian dating app to communicate with a man from Dublin while she was in Nashville. Despite the distance, the initial five-hour time difference allowed them to exchange messages at a consistent pace.

Challenges of online dating and idealization

However, the romance encountered turbulence as Brittany returned to a time zone that was eight hours behind Dublin. The Irish man's responses lagged to every three to five business days, which Brittany didn’t find particul ...

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Brittany's Attempt at an International Romance

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski, whose real name is Brittany Alexis Tomlinson, is an American social media personality, YouTuber, and comedian known for her viral TikTok videos. She gained fame for a video of her trying kombucha for the first time. Broski has hosted various podcasts and a YouTube talk show, showcasing her meme-focused humor and pop culture commentary. She is recognized as one of TikTok's prominent figures and has a background in theater and communications.
  • Premium access to a dating app typically involves paying a subscription fee to unlock additional features or privileges not available to free users. These features may include advanced search filters, unlimited messaging capabilities, ad-free browsing, and the ability to see who has liked your profile. In the context of a Christian dating app, premium access could offer services tailored to individuals seeking partners who share their religious beliefs and values. This upgraded access can enhance the user's experience by providing more opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are also looking for meaningful relationships within the Christian community.
  • Nashville is a city in the state of Tennessee, USA, known for its vibrant music scene, particularly in country music. Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, famous for its rich history, cultural heritage, and lively pub culture. The distance between Nashville and Dublin is significant, with an approximate flight time of around 8 hours. Time zones also differ between the two locations, with Nashville being either 5 or 8 hours behind Dublin, depending on daylight saving time.
  • Time zones are regions that follow a standard time to coordinate activities globally. They are based on offsets from Coor ...

Counterarguments

  • The use of a Christian dating app does not guarantee that the intentions of users will align with Christian values, which might include taking relationships seriously and not referring to them with crude language.
  • Communicating across a five-hour time difference is manageable, but it does require effort and commitment, which might not be sustainable in the long term for everyone.
  • An increase to an eight-hour time difference can significantly strain communication, and it may not be fair to expect the same frequency of messages as when the time difference was smaller.
  • Infrequent responses could indicate a lack of interest or a busy schedule, and it might be worth considering whether this level of communication meets both parties' needs for a romantic relationship.
  • Planning to visit someone in another country is a significant commitment and may ...

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Theo and Brittany's Views on Spirituality and Faith

Theo Von and Brittany Broski delve into their personal journeys with spirituality and faith, examining their present perspectives shaped by their pasts and how they navigate their relationship with a higher power.

Both questioning past religious upbringings

Initially, Brittany Broski explains she is ex-Christian, having been raised between Baptist and Pentecostal traditions. She discusses the judgment and shame she associates with Christian men from her experience. Theo Von also discusses his religious upbringing, not specifying the denomination but alluding to Christian teachings and the influence they've had on his perspective.

Theo trying to strengthen his relationship with God

Theo Von discusses his active efforts to improve his relationship with God. He highlights the importance of faith in his life and shares that he often uses Christian symbols due to their familiarity to him. Theo also speaks about trying to relinquish control, mentioning the phrase "thy will be done" as a mantra for handing over his burdens and acknowledging that not everything is under his control.

Discussion of feeling purpose and serving as conduits

Both Theo and Brittany engage in a discussion about pu ...

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Theo and Brittany's Views on Spirituality and Faith

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Theo Von does not specify his denomination or religious background in the text, but he alludes to being influenced by Christian teachings. This lack of specific details leaves room for interpretation regarding his exact religious upbringing and beliefs. It suggests that his focus is more on his current spiritual journey and relationship with God rather than the specific denomination he may have been associated with.
  • When individuals talk about serving as conduits for something greater or being vessels for delivering greater things to the world, they are referring to the idea of acting as channels or mediums through which positive or impactful forces, such as creativity, joy, or spiritual energy, flow from a higher source to influence the world around them. This concept often involves a sense of being connected to ...

Counterarguments

  • While Theo and Brittany find value in the idea of being conduits for a higher power, some may argue that this diminishes personal agency and the role of individual creativity and effort.
  • The use of Christian symbols and phrases like "thy will be done" by Theo may not resonate with those of other faiths or non-religious individuals who find meaning through different symbols or mantras.
  • The questioning of past religious upbringings can be seen as a natural part of spiritual growth, but some may view it as a lack of commitment or an unwillingness to engage with the complexities of faith.
  • The concept of strengthening one's relationship with God is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person; what works for Theo may not be applicable or effective for others.
  • The metaphor of being a "radio ...

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Future of Comedy and Live Entertainment

Brittany and Theo Von discuss the evolving avenues to success in comedy and live entertainment, acknowledging the growing importance of non-traditional paths, crowd work, online content, and maintaining the essence of live performances.

Evolving avenues to success beyond traditional paths

Brittany notes how the path to comedy success has diverged from conventional routes like Saturday Night Live, implying now there are many avenues to explore beyond those traditional paths. She emphasizes the internet as an avenue for her comedic expression, citing her own journey as one different from Theo's stand-up comedy, yet equally valid within the comedy spectrum.

Crowd work and online content changing landscape

The conversation shifts to the increasing prevalence of crowd work in comedy as an important element of a comedian's success. Brittany and Theo discuss how this evolution from traditional comedy routines is changing the industry landscape. They also note how more comedy content now consists of crowd work tours. Theo suggests that an individual's perspective toward comedy can change over time, possibly embracing stand-up even if initially dismissed. Brittany fears that dipping into stand-up might be addictively enjoyable, yet expresses admiration for those who thrive in the live comedy scene.

Brittany points out the dynamic of comedians like Matt Rife, who became famous through crowd work, particularly appealing to a female audience. However, she comments on a strategic shift where Rife aimed to appeal to a male audience, which resulted in content that unfortunately alienated his original female fans. Theo reflects on Rife's unexpected "fall from grace" due to these changes in his approach and the audience's reception.

Importance of live shows and ticket sales

The discussion underscores the essential role of live performances and ticket sales. Theo mentions comedians needing to reserve their material for live shows, implying that ticket sales are a critical component of a comedian's success. Broski observes that Matt Rife's revenue was signific ...

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Future of Comedy and Live Entertainment

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Crowd work in comedy involves comedians interacting with the audience during their performance, often improvising based on audience responses or reactions. It adds an element of spontaneity and engagement to the show, making each performance unique. Comedians use crowd work to connect with the audience, create memorable moments, and keep ...

Counterarguments

  • While non-traditional paths and the internet are important, traditional avenues like television and film still hold significant value for comedians to gain exposure and credibility.
  • Crowd work, although increasingly popular, may not suit every comedian's style or skills, and some audiences may prefer more structured and scripted performances.
  • The focus on live performances and ticket sales might overlook the potential revenue and fan engagement that can be generated through digital platforms and merchandise sales.
  • The case of Matt Rife's strategic shift and its impact on his audience could be seen as an isolated incident rather than a trend, and it's possible that other comedians have successfully navigated c ...

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Brittany Broski | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #490

Gender Identity and Supporting Marginalized Groups

Theo and Brittany engage in a conversation that highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting personal journeys, particularly among LGBTQ individuals.

Discussing personal journeys of LGBTQ friends

Theo begins by recalling his time spent in theater class, where he was surrounded by kids who were likely gay or closeted. This early exposure to individuals who may have been grappling with their own gender identity gives Theo an understanding of the community. Brittany chimes in, agreeing with Theo and emphasizing that people from this background are among the funniest and most vibrant people she's ever met.

Theo shares more intimate details about a friend who is a comedian and transitioned from male to female. He describes this transition as an interesting experience, which allowed him to witness the personal journey of a close acquaintance.

Shared experiences of "broken" fanbases

Brittany opens up about her audience, which she describes as "incredibly gay and female and also non-binary but also very mentally unwell." Her statement implies a shared experience of feeling marginalized or atypical. Brittany's acknowledgment of her fanbase is an expression of solidarity, sharing a connection with those ...

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Gender Identity and Supporting Marginalized Groups

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