Introduction

> "Filming the riot scenes brought a mix of fear and excitement as we delved into the chaos of the moment."

> "The experience of interviewing individuals at the edges of society revealed a raw and unfiltered perspective, challenging preconceived notions."

Walmart

> I realized that fame getting to my head was reflected in my fashion choices, like buying expensive sunglasses on tour. Looking back, it feels embarrassing. If you spend more than 100 bucks on sunglasses, you've officially gone off a deep end. Walmart helps to humble yourself in such situations.

> Moving to Austin because a lady at Walmart complimented me on how I look in a suit was a pivotal moment. Her genuine sweetness made me appreciate the simplicity and connection that can come from unexpected encounters. It's these little moments that add to my swag and style.

Early life

> My journey into journalism started in ninth grade with a journalism course where I discovered a passion for storytelling through interviewing people like the Hidden Wiki hitman, opening the door for my career.

> The hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD) I developed from experimenting with mushrooms led me to dark psychological places like depersonalization disorder, shaping my perspective on reality and coping mechanisms.

> Despite the initial allure of psychedelics and alcohol for managing HPPD symptoms, I've learned that creativity and inspiration don't rely on substance use, leading to a shift away from chaotic partying towards a more grounded approach.

> Journalism has been my gateway to exploring the extremes of humanity, drawing inspiration from influences like Hunter S. Thompson and using media coverage to enter different realities, making life constantly interesting and fulfilling.

Hitchhiking

> So, first off, hitchhiking across the US for 70 days was a way for me to break free from the monotonous routine of school and traditional journalism. It was a leap into the unknown, inspired by old hobo literature and a desire for gonzo reporting.

> Secondly, the journey itself was filled with unexpected encounters and moments, like being mistaken for a lot lizard by a well-meaning individual at a cruising truck stop. These experiences, though bizarre at times, added a layer of unpredictability and adventure to the trip.

> Lastly, the open road symbolizes a sense of freedom and escape for me, a reminder that amidst any challenges or boredom, there's always the option to hit the road and explore. It's about embracing the unknown, finding sanity in chaos, and valuing human connections over material possessions.

Couch surfing

> Couchsurfing was a game-changer for me, connecting with the CS community and having unique experiences like accidentally stumbling into nudist households. It was all about genuine connections and kindness without the pressure of constantly saying thanks.

> I learned that kindness often comes from unexpected places, like marginalized individuals who were the most willing to help me during my journey. It was eye-opening to see how preconceived notions, like the Christian family stereotype, didn't always align with reality.

> Religion and morality are complex topics, especially when used to divide people. I've seen how hate can be manipulated by those in power, and how extreme beliefs, like anarchism, may offer valuable insights but can be challenging to implement in society.

Quarter Confessions

> Working on Bourbon Street was like maintaining "fine dining facade on a street where almost everyone is throwing up, fighting, or half naked." It was a constant juggling act between the chaos outside and the elegance inside the restaurant.

> The Quarter Confessions series led to unexpected and often regretful revelations from people, highlighting the fine line between creating comedy and respecting the intimacy of someone's confession.

> The experience on Bourbon Street and in Vegas tunnels shed light on the complexity of homelessness, trauma, and the deeper underlying issues that need to be addressed before individuals can truly reintegrate into society.

> The fight against Fox 5 and the removal of his documentary was a battle to set a precedent against mainstream media conglomerates abusing copyright strikes, paving the way to protect smaller creators and their ability to produce meaningful content without fear of censorship.

Burning Man

> Burning Man was a challenging event to film due to its non-commercialized nature and the initial struggle to capture the essence of the festival without exploiting its participants.

> Transitioning from rich elite drug parties to exploring the South brought a new level of fun and authenticity to the "All Gas No Brakes" series, showcasing the friendly and non-judgmental nature of people in Alabama and Florida.

> The impact of COVID-19 on social dynamics, polarization, and the shift towards political coverage, culminating in documenting the intensity of anti-vax protests at the California State Capitol, marked a significant turning point in the style and focus of the interviews conducted during that period.

Protests

> It's wild how polarized groups both think they're fighting for the common good, making mutual understanding impossible. That tension came to a head with the George Floyd protests.

> Being in Minneapolis during the riots, I saw firsthand the complexity of the situation, like the unity between protestors from different backgrounds and even a surprising fondness towards White Castle amidst the chaos.

Jon Stewart

> One key insight I shared was about the constraints of working in corporate media, like Comedy Central or major news networks. "I generally like to say that anybody who works for corporate media, they can't say what they want. In order to climb up, you have to appease the narrative of the company."

> Another important point was about Jon Stewart's ability to maintain authenticity and speak his mind. "I think Jon Stewart is quite a genius at stepping away during moments like Trump's presidency. He stands up for what's right and has the freedom to speak his mind, which is rare in corporate media."

Fame

> - Fame brought opportunities but also a loss of anonymity, leading me to seek solitude in the Mojave Desert to rediscover curiosity and freedom.

> - A business deal gone wrong with Doing Things Media led to conflict over profit-sharing, highlighting the challenges of balancing creative control with financial interests.

> - Despite setbacks and betrayals, from getting fired in a cold RV to failed TV pitches, the birth of Channel 5 in 2021 marked a new chapter after the HBO project.

Jan 6

> The opening scene of "This Place Rules" was a microcosm of division between left and right extremes - a brilliant setup.

> It's unique how the film captured the absurdity of January 6th and the delirium that led to it, reflecting on the surreal circus of events.

QAnon

> QAnon became an all-encompassing worldview for many, rapidly consuming their minds in a profound way. The disappointment felt by followers when the predictions didn't come true on January 6th was palpable, leaving many questioning the point of it all.

> The mechanisms behind viral conspiracy theories like QAnon often involve individuals seeking clout and the allure of extreme ideas. The damage caused by QAnon lies in how it diverts attention from real issues, possibly serving as a distraction from uncovering the true power dynamics at play behind the scenes.

Alex Jones

> Interacting with Alex Jones during the movie filming revealed his authenticity both on and off camera. He warned me about potential backlash but I appreciated the experience of working with him.

> Confronting mainstream media about platforming controversial figures like Alex Jones led to unexpected consequences, including the cancellation of my press tour. It was a challenging but eye-opening experience.

> Transitioning from a YouTuber to a filmmaker with my first movie was a significant milestone. Working with Tim and Eric, Jonah Hill, and the team was a great experience that marked a new chapter in my career.

Politics

> Sometimes I feel like I lean towards the empathetic perspective, which aligns more with the left, but I'm not into extreme political correctness or limiting free speech. I believe in a free internet, which seems to be embraced more by conservatives these days.

> Every community has its ways of exiling people who don't align with their beliefs, whether it's attacking their own intensely like the left sometimes does or facing backlash within the conservative realm, like what happened when Black Rifle Coffee company denounced Kyle Rittenhouse.

> The experience at the border showed me the sheer desperation of people around the world, believing America is their only hope, even though the American Dream may not reflect contemporary reality. It made me realize the privilege I have as an American and how severe poverty exists beyond what we see in our cities.

Response to allegations

> It was a whirlwind leading up to the HBO project release date, filled with excitement and anxiety as I awaited a pivotal moment in my life. The aftermath of the controversy shook me, and the depth of the situation became clearer with legal counsel involved, aiming for a significant financial claim. Reflecting on my past actions, especially with a fan encounter, I realized the importance of being sensitive to consent and understanding the impact of fame on interactions. The experience taught me about accountability, the complexity of relationships, and the need for honest, trauma-informed conversations, especially as someone in the public eye.

Channel 5

> Channel 5 originated as a diversion tactic during the "All Gas No Brakes" days, giving a simple, relatable name to avoid confrontation while filming. It represents a trademark-free, all-encompassing concept we've embraced, owning everything from channel5.com to channel5.news in its simplicity and universality.

> My interviewing style has evolved from deadpan to directed yet affable, with a touch of deadpan humor in the face of absurdity, akin to looking at the camera like Jim from "The Office". The editing style, inspired by Vic Berger, combines crash zooms and vocal chopping for comedic timing, evolving towards a more straightforward approach to be taken more seriously in our content.

Rap

> Drill rap has a true crime component where fans expect authenticity in the lyrics, wanting confirmation that what is rapped about is real. This genre, originating in Chicago, has spread globally, with a drill rapper emerging every 10 square miles, gaining credibility by actually living the lifestyle.

> Fans of drill rap, often not from impoverished communities, view these artists as superheroes, regardless of race. The genre's appeal transcends racial boundaries and includes white drill rappers like Slim Jesus, showcasing its widespread influence and dark allure.

O Block

> O-Block in South Chicago is a significant place where Drill music and true crime intersect, with a complex history involving rappers and rival gangs like St. Lawrence AKA Tookaville.

> There's a shift happening in O-Block towards rebranding and positivity, with figures like Lil Durk associated with the area undergoing an image rehab. It's a journey for rappers like myself to leave their hometowns for safety, but through my work, I've found a unique connection with rappers who feel they have a safe space in front of my camera crew.

Crip Mac

> One key insight is about Crip Mac, how he found belonging in a street gang due to lacking a father figure, highlighting a common narrative in LA.

> Another memorable experience was being detained at a migrant center after border patrol arrested him for crossing the border in a non-official port, a tough situation where he thought he'd face serious time in jail, sharing the harsh conditions of being held in solitary without basic comforts.

Aliens

> I believe that alien civilizations exist and have likely visited Earth, possibly taking forms that we may not easily recognize. The challenge lies in finding a common language to communicate with them.

> I'm passionate about endangered languages and the importance of preserving them. By listening more and keeping our hearts open to others, we can bridge misunderstandings and make positive changes in the world.