This Past Weekend #426 with Theo Von features Kyle Forgeard as his guest. For those who don’t know, Kyle Foregeard is a YouTuber known for co-founding the NELK channel. They landed in the public eye for creating entertaining prank videos, vlogs, and public stunts. The channel currently has about 8 million subscribers. The crew started it over ten years ago.
This episode kicks off with a conversation about swimming. Apparently, the two aren’t the best swimmers. Specifically, Theo Von mentions that if he’s in a pool, he’s chilling in the section of people who can’t swim. He calls this section the Memphis Section. “When I get into the deep end, I’m swimming with every… my legs become arms – it’s almost like I’m trying to stay out of the water,” says Von.
Kyle Forgeard then discusses how NELK never made much money from YouTube. The reason? Forgeard said it’s because the channel is R-rated. Despite this, he called it a blessing in disguise because it forced them to get smart about monetizing their brand. Creating the merch line “Full Send” resonated with fans and made them feel like they were a part of the underdog’s success.
Theo Von couldn’t help but come off the left-field bench during this part. He recalls being at a funeral and, during the music, the DJ had a stroke. All of a sudden, “Low” by Flo Rida started playing. “Shawty had them apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur (with the fur).” Meanwhile, the DJ is over there and needs medical attention. Can you imagine? That would be the most bizarre funeral. At least everyone was going out in style, though. “Low” by Flo Rid and T-Pain smacks.
Back to it, Forgeard landed himself in Forbes 30 under 30. He credits the creation of Happy Dad with being the game changer for him. Happy Dad is a beverage company selling hard seltzer. His hope is that the brand will be a long-term play that will outlast him and the crew. Wearing many hats is one of the things Forgeard finds in many successful YouTubers. He said that you really have to come at it from multiple angles. A lot of people think making content is easy. But the truth is that it’s complicated. That’s because Forgeard said you come at it from all angles. Being the talent, producer, editor, etc.
Next and notably discussed is how times have changed. People used to crack jokes that would not fly in today’s world. Some comedians can and do go there. But, for the majority, jokes about sexuality can get a person canceled. Forgeard and Von talk about how hip-hop and rap were music genres traditionally unkind to the LGBTQ community. The fact that rappers today have to be more careful is evidence of progress. If not, it’s almost a sure thing that they’ll end up in the headlines. Theo Von then mentions what he loved about the Netflix show Tiger King.
Check out the hilarious video below and share the laughs with someone in your life!