233. Bran Flakezz: From $8.65/hr at Forever 21 to over 6 figures in content creation, Brandon Edelman’s wild BTS of building a platform by being authentically himself, staying frugal, and prioritizing mental health

233. Bran Flakezz: From $8.65/hr at Forever 21 to over 6 figures in content creation, Brandon Edelman’s wild BTS of building a platform by being authentically himself, staying frugal, and prioritizing mental health

Author: Audioboom Studios May 5, 2025 Duration: 1:24:05
This week, Jason is joined by content creator, podcast host, and Philadelphia’s favorite influencer, Brandon Edelman aka Bran Flakezz!
Bran gained recognition after being cast on Barstool Sports inaugural reality TV show, Project Verified, after having initial success with his TikTok content. Since being a runner up on the show, Bran has continued to grow his brand on social media, add the title podcast host to his resume, and increase his gross annual income by almost 20x from when he was primarily working in retail. 
In this episode, Bran opens up about his journey navigating imposter syndrome and staying authentic in the digital space. He reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his life—from high school struggles with popularity to finding his true self in college. Bran breaks down his approach to content creation, including how he uses TikTok analytics, the power of a strong “hook,” and applying an MLA-style formula to videos. He also shares what it felt like to hit 1 million followers and the deeper motivation behind his content: supporting local businesses. The conversation spans his background in retail, platform-by-platform differences, and why he champions salary transparency and acknowledges privilege. Bran also dives into staying frugal, the value of genuine apologies, what meaningful collaborations look like to him, why convenience should never be underestimated, and protecting your mental health.
Bran reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss!
Host: Jason Tartick
Co-Host: David Arduin
Audio: John Gurney
Guest: Bran Flakezz

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Ever wonder what really happens behind the boardroom doors or before a product hits the market? Trading Secrets pulls back the curtain on the unspoken rules and hard-won lessons from the world of business and beyond. Hosted by Audioboom Studios, each episode feels like a candid conversation with someone who has been in the trenches, exploring not just the successes but the pivotal failures and personal insights that shaped their journey. You’ll hear stories that blend practical entrepreneurship with broader news trends, all framed through a lens of genuine self-improvement. This isn’t about dry theory or generic advice; it’s about the tangible, often messy realities of building something meaningful. Tune in for a podcast that values depth over soundbites, offering perspectives that educate and challenge conventional thinking in business and life. The discussions are designed to equip you with a more nuanced understanding of how decisions are made and what it truly takes to navigate complex professional landscapes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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235. Robert J. O’Neill: From killing Osama Bin Laden to his ventures post-military, the unbelievable BTS of Navy SEAL training, realities behind the mental role in operations, and the financial realities of it all! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:42
This week, Jason is joined by former Navy Seal, entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host, Robert J. O’Neill! Robert is one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. He se…