What’s it really like to grow up, fall in love and experience heartbreak in front of millions of people?
This week, I sit down with Joey Graceffa to talk about nearly 20 years of sharing his life online. Joey opens up about moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, coming out publicly, competing on The Amazing Race, creating Escape the Night and navigating the pressure of having fans deeply invested in his personal relationships.
We also discuss the reality of going through a public breakup, how Joey’s relationship with his ex has evolved, dating in Los Angeles, rescuing animals and what he wants the next chapter of his life and career to look like.
Joey's Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@JoeyGraceffa
Chapters:
0:00 Joey Graceffa’s Public Breakup
0:20 Meet Joey Graceffa
1:37 Surviving 20 Years on YouTube
3:00 What Happened to the YouTube Community?
8:06 Joey’s Childhood and Discovering YouTube
12:44 The First Video That Went Viral
15:42 Moving to Los Angeles at 18
18:00 Rejection, Risk and Losing Your Fearlessness
20:03 When the Opportunities Stop Coming
25:07 Having the Career You Want vs. the Life You Want
28:13 Joey’s Decision to Publicly Come Out
34:09 Internet Rumors and Being Misrepresented Online
41:08 Creating Escape the Night
43:52 Parasocial Relationships and Overprotective Fans
46:00 The Editing Tricks Used in Reality Television
49:00 Joey’s Experience on The Amazing Race
51:48 The Strangest $10,000 YouTube Opportunity
55:00 Crystal Wolf, Tale and Joey’s Many Business Ventures
57:02 Joey’s Most Regrettable Purchase
58:00 Why Joey Started Rescuing Animals
1:03:00 The Story of Molly’s Cat Lavender
1:04:48 The Awkward Question
1:05:00 Joey’s Relationship With His Ex Today
1:08:16 Going Through a Public Breakup
1:10:00 Dating as a Gay Man in Los Angeles
1:12:39 Should You Date a Fan?
1:17:28 What’s Next for Joey Graceffa?
1:18:10 Would Joey Ever Retire From the Internet?
1:22:04 Where to Follow Joey
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Hi! I’m Molly Burke — a fashion-loving, sushi-obsessed, makeup-wearing millennial who just so happens to be blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 4 years old, I began public speaking at age 5 and haven’t stopped since. From motivational talks to modeling, I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Even though I can’t see, I believe there’s always a bright side — and I’m here to help you find it. 💕
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