In the world of content creation, achieving virality is no easy feat. Cultivating an audience is even harder. Beyond mastering a specific theme or the software tools used to edit footage, users are drawn to the embodiment of personality and authenticity in creators. Their individuality makes them stand out amongst those in the same niche of content.
You already know you’re that girl. However, you have the plan; you just need the platform. How about strengthening that foundation with your former college roommate and close friend? For creators Mecca Evans and Jamila Bell, the duo combined their knack for storytelling and quick-witted, humorous commentary to launch their 2022 podcast, Unhinged & Immoral. At Creator’s House 25, GU caught up with Evans and Bell during their Mic’d Up panel, where the creators shared insights into their content creation and podcasting journeys. Check out our recap of “Mic’d Up” below.
Moderator Shelby Stewart began the panel by asking the duo what inspired them to enter the podcasting space. Evans admitted to always having the desire to start a podcast, but felt reluctant out of fear of “doing it wrong.” She uploaded a TikTok video, asking viewers to teach her about the process, soon catching the attention of Unhinged’s producer, Melissa. Melissa encouraged Evans to seek out a co-host, and the creator brought Bell on board. “We would go live all the time because we both built up our TikTok platforms individually,” Bell remarked. “There was a moment in time when people started to connect the dots that we knew each other in real life.”
The ladies chatted about navigating instances where some viewers may purposely misinterpret their commentary to evoke a reaction. “The receipts live forever. There’s nothing derogatory or really inflammatory that we’ve ever said that would come back to bite us at a point like this. So, I think that speaks to like, ‘Y’all just love to hate,’” Evans replied.
Then, things got candid. The panel revisited a previously written controversial GU article that originally damaged the relationship between the publication and Evans and Bell. “Even though it was a misdirection and didn’t necessarily paint me to be the best, I said, ‘Well, they do know my name.’” But everyone loves a good comeback story.
To conclude the panel, Bell relayed her love of comedy as a useful mechanism to protect her energy from trolls. “You genuinely cannot give your attention to anybody negative. You have to pay them dust.” The duo reflected on their evolving bond from college days to the present as established content creators. “You really have to speak [positivity] into existence. If you say it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Evans answered.