How Sean Evans Cracked YouTube Virality—And Why He's Ready To Walk Away At Anytime
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In 2015, a pop culture-obsessed journalist from suburban Chicago had an idea. While anchoring for Complex News, Sean Evans was tapped by First We Feast founder Chris Schonberger to host Hot Ones, a YouTube talk show with a ridiculous premise that would soon find even more ridiculous success.
Applying new media savvy to old media formats, Evans and Schonberger took a deceptively simple idea and gave it depth with rigorous research, sharp editing, and an undeniable respect for the classic interview format.
In 10 years, Hot Ones has amassed over a billion views on YouTube and spawned a cottage industry of spice-centric products. But the ride to the top came with its own heat.
The latest door to open led to their biggest move yet, when Sean and Chris partnered with the Soros Fund to buy First We Feast and Hot Ones from Buzzfeed for $82.5 million.
And it all started with one idea…
0:00 - Intro
2:25 - Fear of Humiliation / Parents' Influence
5:13 - Benefits of College / Chicago Boat Tours
7:05 - Complex News / Becoming On-Camera Talent
11:30 - The Rock's Diet / First Viral Moment
13:50 - Hot Ones Origin Story / Tony Yayo's Influence
17:20 - First We Feast Team Chemistry / "The Pirate Ship"
20:40 - Navigating Contract Negotiations / Blocking an MTV Deal
29:40 - Traditional Media Influences / Value of an Emmy
32:10 - Current Media Landscape / Streamers Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed
36:20 - Guest Curation / Why Politicians Don't Appear on Hot Ones
41:20 - Brett Baker / Power of Community
43:40 - Toughest Interviews / How Fame Has Changed Sean
49:20 - Lessons From CEOs / Becoming an Executive at First We Feast
51:45 - Buying Hot Ones and First We Feast From Buzzfeed
54:30 - Future of Hot Ones / Live Events
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