Steve Zaragoza: How I Got Here (Jun 2015)

TL;DR

Steve Zaragoza shares his journey from childhood struggles to YouTube success and personal challenges.

Transcript

welcome to your biscuits I'm Linc and I'm Rhett joining us today at the round table of dim lighting is comedian vlogger and full time co-host of the youtube series SourceFed Steve Zaragoza ha ha you know SourceFed you've heard of SourceFed most one of the most popular current event shows on the Internet over a million a have subscribers on their ma... Read More

Key Insights

• 💗 Steve Zaragoza grew up in Oxnard, a neighborhood marked by violence and gang activity, which significantly impacted his childhood and humor.
• 😫 His early interests in film and sketch comedy set the foundation for his later career in entertainment and digital media.
• 😑 The transition from a secure job to a thriving YouTube career involved calculated risks and a deep passion for creative expression.
• 🖐️ Personal struggles, including anxiety and a difficult divorce, played a pivotal role in shaping Steve's outlook and professional journey.
• 😀 His experiences with mental health awareness highlight the challenges many content creators face behind the scenes.
• 🎼 The upcoming music album showcases Steve's whimsical take on animals, reflecting both humor and heartfelt themes.
• 🛟 Comedic creativity became a vital coping mechanism for Steve throughout his life, helping him navigate challenges and pursue ambition.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Steve's upbringing influence his comedic style?

Growing up in a difficult neighborhood filled with gang activity shaped Steve’s worldview and comedy. He focused on humor as a form of coping, which helped him deal with challenges like bullying. His early experiences and sketch-making with puppets fueled his creativity, allowing him to find his comedic voice amidst turmoil.

Q: What led Steve Zaragoza to leave his steady job for YouTube?

Steve was working a stable job at Sony when he won a contest to be a blogger at Comic-Con. This opportunity made him realize he wanted to pursue entertainment full-time. The decision to leave a secure job involved significant risk, but he felt a strong connection to his creative aspirations and a desire to entertain.

Q: How did Steve handle the pressures of being a YouTube personality?

Initially, transitioning to YouTube caused Steve anxiety and panic attacks, especially after a car accident. However, with support from friends and colleagues at SourceFed, he learned to cope with these challenges. Opening up about his struggles and seeking solidarity from peers ultimately helped him manage and thrive in this environment.

Q: What inspired Steve to create an album, and what themes will it explore?

After years of fans requesting music, Steve decided to release an album focusing on animals. The songs reflect his playful, humorous style, with titles like "Whale Song" and "Axolotl Lullaby." His personal challenges have encouraged him to embrace creativity and pursue his passion for music.

Q: What was the impact of Steve's divorce on his personal and professional life?

Steve describes his divorce as one of the most challenging experiences of his life, profoundly affecting him emotionally. The separation allowed him to evaluate his priorities, ultimately leading him to focus on his happiness and creative endeavors, which he feels have strengthened his career.

Q: How did comedy play a role in Steve's early life?

Comedy was a natural outlet for Steve from an early age; he used humor to cope with the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood. He produced sketches with his brother and embraced performing in talent shows, leveraging his comedic talents to overcome adversity and connect with others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Steve Zaragoza discusses his upbringing in Oxnard, California, marked by struggles with bullying, anxiety, and the influence of growing up in a dangerous neighborhood with gang activity.

• Throughout his career, Steve navigated various roles, including video game testing and digital production, before joining SourceFed, where he found a creative outlet in comedy and hosting.

• Steve opens up about his divorce, describing it as one of the toughest experiences he's faced and how it contributed to his personal growth and newfound happiness.