TIKTok FAMOUS™: The Stories Behind the Scroll

37: Josh Holland: From Addiction to Authenticity & His Return To Music

In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with singer, songwriter, and viral creator Josh Holland, frontman of the Josh Holland Band. From covering grunge classics in drug houses to headlining private events around the country, Josh's journey is a raw and redemptive story of pain, healing, and undeniable talent. After decades of addiction, loss, and self-sabotage, Josh turned his life around — and TikTok gave him the stage he never expected. With millions of views on his covers of Pearl Jam's "Black" and Alice in Chains' "Nutshell," Josh found not only a devoted fanbase but a new life in music. Together, they talk about: ✅ Going from drug houses to private shows across the country ✅ Why grunge music saved him — and still does ✅ Playing "Nutshell" and "Black" at house parties long before TikTok ✅ Giving up a day job to perform full-time ✅ Creating originals that sit right next to the legends ✅ Writing from emotional honesty, not commercial polish ✅ How Josh manages shyness, sickness, and the pressure to perform ✅ What it's like to be flown first class to sing for fans ✅ How mold toxicity nearly derailed his health — and how he's recovering ✅ Why his daughter Hazel is his #1 Spotify fan ✅ The stories behind "I Believe," "Hazel Lane," "Outlaw," and more Josh also performs a powerful acoustic version of "RI" live on the show — a song written about the push and pull of love, honesty, and vulnerability that has only recently seen the light of day. Whether you found him through a cover or fell in love with his originals, this episode reveals the truth behind the voice — and why Josh Holland is only getting started. 00:00:00 Welcome to the show. Meet Josh Holland 00:01:10 Viral videos, nutshell covers, and a new life in music 00:03:00 Singing in drug houses, grunge beginnings, and how it all started 00:05:45 Why he resisted putting classic covers on Spotify 00:07:30 The power of fan demand and getting out of his own way 00:09:00 Quitting the day job, booking events, and flying first class 00:11:45 How he plays five gigs a week and still creates new music 00:13:00 Performing at a private party and meeting Meredyth 00:14:10 Why he doesn't travel with two guitars and how he transposes 00:15:40 Guitar tuning, playing by ear, and not being classically trained 00:18:15 Getting over musical "gatekeeping" and honoring his influences 00:20:10 Why it takes him 6 months to write a song 00:21:20 Using voice memos, recording ideas, and rediscovering old gems 00:23:45 Struggling with lyrics and finding honest inspiration 00:25:20 Writing about his past in "Outlaw," "Hazel Lane," and "I Believe" 00:27:40 Literal songwriting, spiritual tension, and authentic storytelling 00:29:00 Live acoustic performance of "RI" 00:32:30 Soul, pain, and the emotional depth behind his music 00:34:30 How childhood trauma and abandonment shaped his sound 00:36:15 Musical influences from Lane Staley to Aaron Lewis 00:38:10 Why his tone channels but doesn't imitate 00:39:30 Greta Van Fleet, stained, and originality in today's music 00:41:00 Making peace with sounding like his heroes 00:43:00 The story behind "I Believe" and a friend's dream 00:45:00 Why TikTok timing matters more than release dates 00:46:50 Something in the Orange, blue lighting, and performance visuals 00:49:20 Video production with Will Harris and live piano magic 00:51:40 Acoustic vs. band shows, and finding the right vibe 00:53:30 His secret favorite covers and why some hit harder 00:55:00 Fan stories, Spotify stats, and Hazel singing "Damaged" 00:57:30 Going viral doesn't always mean validation 00:59:10 Coolest moments since going viral — including playing for Chad Smith 01:01:10 Performing "My Hero" for Taylor Hawkins tribute 01:03:00 Best cities, yacht shows, and upcoming gigs 01:04:30 The dopamine addiction of content creation 01:06:00 Mold illness, CIRS, and how it's affected his voice and mental health 01:08:00 Detoxing, brain fog, and finally feeling good again 01:10:00 Why energy healing and functional medicine changed his recovery 01:12:30 Fighting through performance anxiety, staying sober, and growing 01:14:15 Why this was his first podcast interview ever 01:15:00 Final thoughts. Staying open, honest, and hopeful 🔗 Connect with Josh Holland ✨ TikTok: @joshhollandband [https://www.tiktok.com/@joshhollandband] ✨ Facebook: Josh Holland Band [https://www.facebook.com/Jhollandband] ✨ YouTube: Josh Holland on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ooteefuke] ✨ Apple Music: Josh Holland Band [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/josh-holland-band/1444258874] — 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits [https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/] ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits [https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/] ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why [https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why] ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast] ✨ YouTube: Meredyth Willits [https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits] 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more real talk from the creators who move us.

36: Former MLB Agent Joshua Kusnick & Podcast Co-Host Sarah Of Do Damage Control

In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with former Major League Baseball agent and current viral truth-teller Joshua Kusnick, and his brilliant partner-in-chaos, Sarah Ann — co-hosts of the Damage Control podcast and one of TikTok's most unpredictable creative duos. With over 75 million views across platforms and a reputation for being completely unfiltered, Joshua isn't here to win popularity contests. From taking down media grifters and political hacks, to exposing the dark side of professional sports, to writing a book and gearing up for a comedy tour — he's doing it all his way. Sarah brings balance to the madness with her lived experience in mental health, addiction recovery, cruise travel, and the beauty industry. Together, their energy is raw, unscripted, and surprisingly heartfelt. Meredyth, Josh, and Sarah dive into: ✅ What it really takes to be "uncancelable" in today's world ✅ Why Josh left behind a high-profile MLB career to speak the truth online ✅ The childhood trauma, medical history, and fire that made him who he is ✅ Why the sports industry is more sociopathic than you think ✅ Mental health, ECT therapy, and surviving the darkest moments ✅ Sarah's story of addiction, recovery, and eight years clean ✅ Navigating chaos, TikTok trolls, and being real in a curated world ✅ Why some stories are easier to tell to strangers than family ✅ The rise of Aaron Parnas and the danger of fake experts ✅ Israel, antisemitism, and the cost of speaking out ✅ Making space for dark jokes, love, and complex people They also talk about starting their podcast Damage Control, building a life with both boundaries and brutal honesty, and why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's content (but still makes fun of his hot tub videos anyway). Whether you're a politics junkie, a creator trying to find your voice, or someone who just appreciates real talk — this episode will make you laugh, cringe, nod your head, and maybe even scream into the void. 00:00:00 Welcome to the show. Meet Joshua Kusnick and Sarah Ann 00:01:00 Going from MLB agent to fearless online commentator 00:03:20 Childhood illness, 44 surgeries, and finding fire in survival 00:05:00 Why Josh was built for politics, not just baseball 00:07:10 The obsession with truth and hatred of lying 00:10:15 The emotional cost of commodifying athletes 00:12:40 Inside the mind of a "sociopathic" agent turned activist 00:15:00 How Sarah met Josh and survived the first six months 00:17:30 Being in a relationship with someone who refuses to be fake 00:20:00 Aaron Parnas, grifters, and what's wrong with the left too 00:23:10 Bill Maher, norm Macdonald, and chasing applause over truth 00:25:45 Why Josh doesn't debate — and never will 00:28:10 Mental health, burnout, and knowing when to unplug 00:30:00 Content creation, shadowbans, and giving zero shits 00:33:15 Why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's TikToks 00:36:30 Balancing truth-telling with partnership and business 00:38:00 Addiction, sobriety, and Sarah's journey to eight years clean 00:40:00 Sarah's travel business, future sober cruises, and big dreams 00:42:00 Finding purpose in multiple passions without fitting a mold 00:44:30 Why Josh will never stop calling himself "Former MLB Agent" 00:47:00 Damage Control podcast origin story 00:49:00 What Josh is working on — book, tour, and big energy 00:52:00 Creating for yourself, not the algorithm 00:54:30 Why the news is broken and comedians are filling the gap 00:57:10 The Israel-Palestine conversation and speaking as a Jewish creator 01:00:00 Getting hate online and not letting it stop you 01:02:30 When people say you "can't complain" if you have money 01:04:30 The uncensored joke that broke the show 01:06:45 TikTok's weirdest metrics and why the dumbest video always wins 01:09:00 Will Josh and Sarah ever live together? 01:11:30 The secret behind Joshua's tagline, his podcast style, and future plans 01:14:30 Closing thoughts. Speak the truth, be who you are, and take up space 🔗 Connect with Joshua Kusnick ✨ TikTok: @joshuakusnickexperience [https://www.tiktok.com/@joshuakusnickexperience] ✨ Instagram: @joshua_kusnick [https://www.instagram.com/joshua_kusnick/?hl=en] 🔗 Connect with Sarah Ann ✨ TikTok: @sarahann3757 [https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahann3757] ✨ Instagram: @sarahannwhat [https://www.instagram.com/sarahannwhat] 🎧 Listen to Their Podcast: 🎙️ Damage Control with Josh and Sarah [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/damage-control-with-josh-and-sarah/id1851928341] 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits [https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/] ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits [https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/] ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why [https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why] ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast] | Meredyth Willits [https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits] 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations with the creators who move us.

35: Anne Abel - Sweaters, Springsteen and Storytelling

In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with author, storyteller, and Springsteen superfan Anne Abel to talk about transformation, finding your voice in your 60s, and why it's never too late to change your life. After enduring decades of depression, perfectionism, and family dysfunction, Anne took a solo trip to Australia to follow Bruce Springsteen on tour — and it changed everything. That journey sparked her bestselling memoir High Hopes, a story of healing, humor, resilience, and finally taking up space in the world. Together, they talk about: ✅ Why 60 was the perfect age to change everything ✅ The danger of perfectionism and people-pleasing ✅ What it's like to survive ECT, depression, and emotional abuse ✅ How Bruce Springsteen became her emotional lifeline ✅ What improv taught her about confidence ✅ The moment she stopped playing small and claimed the word "author" ✅ Her viral rise on TikTok in her 70s and how storytelling saved her ✅ How to quiet the inner critic and embrace self-worth ✅ The sweater story, the guitar, and the unexpected twists of going viral ✅ Why it's never too late to heal, connect, and be seen This episode is for anyone who's ever struggled with feeling "not enough," and needs a reminder that reinvention, joy, and even a new career can begin at any age. 00:00:00 Meet Anne Abel and the book that changed everything 00:03:30 Growing up with a mother who weaponized shame 00:06:15 The deep toll of perfectionism and generational trauma 00:08:50 Why Anne took a solo trip to follow Bruce Springsteen 00:11:45 The moment everything changed at a Springsteen concert 00:14:30 Writing her memoir and healing through storytelling 00:16:50 How improv in Chicago helped her reclaim her voice 00:20:00 Becoming a storyteller and discovering The Moth 00:24:15 Going viral on TikTok in her 70s 00:27:10 "You're not nobody" – how strangers helped reframe her self-worth 00:31:00 Getting a signed guitar from Bruce Springsteen 00:34:30 The sweater story and social media backlash 00:38:45 On grief, judgment, and how others project their pain 00:41:30 Navigating criticism, mental health, and privilege online 00:44:10 "It's never too late" – on persistence and purpose 00:48:30 Japan, New York, and what's next for Anne 00:51:30 A TEDx Talk, book tour, and second acts 00:54:00 Why Anne's story is a reminder for all women to take up space 00:57:00 Final thoughts on healing, identity, and being seen 📚 Grab Anne Abel's Books: 📖 High Hopes: A Memoir 📖 Maddie, Milo and Me Available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold. 📲 Connect with Anne Abel: Instagram: @annesimaabel [https://www.instagram.com/annesimaabel] TikTok: @annesimaabel [https://www.tiktok.com/@annesimaabel] Facebook: Anne Sima Abel [https://www.facebook.com/annesimaabel] 🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast: Facebook: Meredyth Willits [https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/] Instagram: @meredyth_willits [https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/] TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why [https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why] YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast] YouTube: Meredyth Willits [https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits] 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.

34: Amber Chiapetto: Adopted at 2, Returned at 14

Amber Chiapetto was adopted at age 2 and returned to the foster care system at 14. In this gripping and emotional conversation, she opens up about the trauma, the confusion, and the moments that changed everything. From growing up in a strict and often abusive household to being removed from her home with no warning, Amber shares how she found her voice and purpose through telling her story on TikTok, where she now reaches over 800,000 people. This episode is a raw, eye-opening look into the flaws of the foster care and adoption system, the hidden truth about "unadoption," and what really happens behind closed doors. We discuss: * What it means to be "unadopted" * The reality of being returned to the system as a teenager * Emotional and physical trauma in foster care homes * Grieving safety, identity, and belonging * Why the system often fails both children and parents * Her healing journey through advocacy and storytelling * The truth behind Fa La La Foster and how to help kids today Amber's bravery in telling her story is changing lives and shaking up the system. Her story isn't just powerful—it's necessary. 00:00:00 Introduction to Amber's story 00:01:35 The shocking truth about being "unadopted" 00:04:10 What it was like to be adopted by her grandmother 00:06:50 Physical and emotional abuse growing up 00:10:00 The moment Amber was "given back" at 14 00:15:20 Three foster homes in one year 00:20:40 Feeling blamed for her trauma 00:24:10 Foster families and the expectation to "fit in" 00:28:50 Abuse and emotional neglect in foster care 00:34:20 Why many foster kids are treated as "broken" 00:39:30 The anti-adoption movement and what she learned 00:44:00 The business behind foster care 00:47:40 What needs to change in the system 00:50:30 Starting Fa La La Foster to help kids feel seen 00:53:10 How sharing her story helped her heal 00:56:50 A powerful reminder for every foster and adopted child 01:00:00 Final thoughts and how to support the mission ✨ Support Amber + Fa La La La Foster: 🛒 Amazon Wishlist: via Linktree on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@amber.chiapetto] 💸 Venmo: @falalalafoster 📘 Facebook: Fa La La La Foster 2025 💬 Learn more via Amber's content on TikTok and Instagram 📲 Connect with Amber Chiapetto: Instagram: @amber_chiapetto [https://www.instagram.com/amber_chiapetto] TikTok: @amber.chiapetto [https://www.tiktok.com/@amber.chiapetto] 🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits: Facebook: @MeredythWillits34 [https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/] Instagram: @meredyth_willits [https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/] TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why [https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why] YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast] YouTube: Meredyth Willits [https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits] 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.

33: Leonie Von Ungern-Sternberg - The Modern Baroness

In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the effortlessly elegant and deeply thoughtful Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, known online as @leonievungern. A creator whose presence is both grounded and magnetic, Leonie is part of one of Europe's oldest aristocratic families, but her message is refreshingly modern. Intention, curiosity, and connection matter more than ever. Fresh off her feature in The Times, Leonie is challenging the noise of digital culture by reintroducing grace, nuance, and substance into online storytelling. From her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder and relearning how to walk, to her take on long-distance love, curated friendships, and embracing the sacred rhythms of life, this conversation is a gift. Together, Meredyth and Leonie explore: ✅ How growing up between Dubai, London, and Europe shaped her worldview ✅ Why intentional living, wardrobe curation, and patience matter ✅ The real story behind her family name and the myths it creates ✅ The truth about content creation, burnout, and resisting the algorithm ✅ Why she doesn't chase virality and what she chases instead ✅ Her past struggle with an eating disorder, wheelchair recovery, and healing ✅ Long-distance love, emotional maturity, and holding space for true connection ✅ Why brands, books, and elevated conversations are on the horizon ✅ The magic of standing out by being deeply, unapologetically yourself Whether you're 22 or 62, this episode will leave you inspired to slow down, zoom out, and live more beautifully starting now. 00:00 Meet Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg, fresh from The Times feature 01:30 Redefining influence, elegance, and grace in a crowded digital world 04:00 Why modern conversation feels exhausting and how to shift it 07:30 Being a good listener, not just a good talker 09:00 Holding space, curiosity, and reclaiming thoughtful dialogue 11:10 Growing up aristocratic, but losing everything 13:00 "You are not your last name" — lessons from her parents 15:00 How classical music and art develop emotional intelligence 17:30 The case for slow fashion, slow culture, and slow everything 20:45 Every item has a story, from perfume to gifting to family heirlooms 24:10 Why curating friendships is just as important as curating style 27:00 Surviving an eating disorder, wheelchair recovery, and the power of truth 30:00 The dangers of "What I Eat in a Day" culture 32:15 Long-distance love and why it builds better foundations 35:00 Reverse engineering your life, goals, and five-year self 37:45 Why women over 30 finally start hearing their own voice 40:10 Letting go of perfection and learning to love your flaws 42:00 Embracing heritage while stepping into your own story 44:00 Real friendship vs. performative relationships 46:15 The future is books, brands, storytelling, and intention 49:00 MBA graduation, next steps, and creating a curated life 52:00 Why she's not chasing brand deals and what she's doing instead 54:30 Being the modern baroness without the box 57:00 Final thoughts on being exactly who you are 🔗 Connect with Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg ✨ TikTok: @leonievungern [https://www.tiktok.com/@leonievungern] ✨ Instagram: @leonievungern [https://www.instagram.com/leonievungern] 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits [https://www.facebook.com/MeredythWillits34/] ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits [https://www.instagram.com/meredyth_willits/] ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why [https://www.tiktok.com/@meredyth_with_a_why] ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TikTokFAMOUSPodcast] | Meredyth Willits [https://www.youtube.com/@meredythwillits] 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.