Episode 3 | Level Up

Ever wish you could trade your ordinary life for one of glamorous fame and endless followers? That’s exactly what happens in the fiction podcast Bad Influencer, but the reality is far messier than any filter. This audio series from Emerald Audio drops you into the chaotic, glitter-dusted heart of New York City's influencer scene, where a total nobody wakes up as a viral sensation overnight. Suddenly, she’s navigating brand deals, paparazzi, and a social minefield where every post can trigger a new scandal. It’s a sharp, modern romantic comedy built for headphones, blending laugh-out-loud moments with the genuine panic of a life lived entirely online. The story feels incredibly current, heightened by cameo appearances from real-life personalities like gossip chronicler Deuxmoi, reality TV’s Kristen Doute, commentator Perez Hilton, and actress Christy Carlson Romano, who lend their voices to this satirical world. You’ll hear the dizzying rush of instant validation and the crushing weight of perpetual public scrutiny, all wrapped in a narrative that’s as much about finding real connection as it is about surviving fake news cycles. Tune in for a binge-worthy story that explores what happens when a dream come true becomes a PR nightmare, questioning whether any amount of likes is worth losing yourself. This podcast is supported by First Round’s On Me (FROME), a dating app designed for people who want to date intentionally and move from the screen to an actual, in-person meeting.