2 Old 4 TikTok

Zarna Garg, Standup Comedy TikTok

Zarna Garg (@zarnagarg) joins 2 Old 4 TikTok this week!   

Zarna Garg Interview ~1:50

Zarna tells us about her unlikely journey to becoming a standup comedian. We find out her teenage son taught her about TikTok and encouraged her to start posting videos. She tells us about the opportunities that have come up since going viral on TikTok and how important it was to continue making people laugh during the pandemic.  

Standup Comedy TikTok ~41:00 

We explore Standup Comedy TikTok, discussing videos from: @djhuntsofficial, John Mulaney’s audio about going to bed, @amazonprimevideo, @thetimingwizard, @doctorsood, @carmencomedian, @robynschallcomic, @bobsaget, @realgilbertgottfried.

Lightning Round ~49:00 

Zarna answers a speed round of TikTok questions. We find out her favorite TikTok trend (the wipe it down trend), her advice for TikTok creators, where she loves performing live comedy (Carolines on Broadway), and who she’d have in her Hype House.

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod).

TikTok Trends - Millennial vs Gen Z + More!

Dena and Melissa discuss the viral socks to bed video from @doctorjess, the baby brow TikTok trend, and viral interview pranks from Asif Khan (@tooapree). 

Millennial vs Gen Z on TikTok ~6:30

Dena defines millennials and generation Z according to Wikipedia. We highlight videos from the millennial perspective and the gen-z perspective: @mrs.beaton, @glamdemon2004, @alabamaabby, @kelseyfairleigh, @emilythankunext, @reiderrrr, @faketimmychalamet, @itscourtneymichelle, @jchristo1, @lillymyrick, @thickwithnoass1999, @flossybaby, @brittany.xavier. 

We discuss our personal experience as millennials with the low rise jean trend and also mention the notorious Buzzfeed post pitting Millennials against Gen Z, an article from The Walrus called “Everybody Hates Millennials: Gen Z and the TikTok Generation Wars,” and the New York Times Hulu documentary “Framing Britney Spears.” 

Stephen Hart, College TikTok

Stephen Hart (@realstephenhart) joins 2 Old 4 TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about the Leaning Tower of Pisa prank on TikTok. They also mention the Facetime prank from the Jersey Shore and Below Deck cast going around on TikTok. Dena points out the Kardashian and Jenner family did it a while back. We explain how TikToker  Hannah Farrell (@hfazzz) figured out Kylie was launching a new tequila brand called 818.    

Stephen Hart Interview ~7:00

Stephen tells us how he got into TikTok and about his background in acting. We learn more about how he creates characters, his Drake and Josh impression, and how he comes up with content ideas. We ask him about going viral, what’s on his For You Page, and what his college experience was like. 

College TikTok ~30:00 

We explore College TikTok, discussing videos from: @misterbrawny, @ally_jones_23, @adayasabigail, @benchmob, @justinit23. Stephen tells us some of his favorite creators: Connor Wood (@fibulaa), Frankie Jonas (@iamfrankiejonas), Sahib Singh (@sahibcantsingh), Trey Phills (@tphills), Nicole DuBois (@nickydoobs), Tra Rags (@trarags). 

Lightning Round ~49:00 

Stephen answers a speed round of questions both as himself and as his “frat bro” character. We find out his favorite TikTok trends and songs, his advice for TikTok creators, and who he’d have in his Hype House: Paul Russell (@paulrussellmusic), Addison Rae (@addisonre), Josh Richards (@joshrichards), Caitlin Reilly (@itscaitlinhello).

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Mary Kate Mahany, Chronic Illness TikTok

Mary Kate Mahany (@chronicbaddie) joins 2 Old 4 TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about the Bridgerton TikTok Musical. 

Mary Kate Mahany Interview: 2:25

Mary Kate describes her backstory and how she discovered she had a chronic illness. She tried to connect with people using Reddit and Instagram, but ultimately found her community on TikTok. Because of TikTok, she’s been able to properly diagnose her illness and get advice for how to manage it. 

Chronic Illness TikTok: 29:20

We get into Chronic Illness TikTok, discussing some of our favorite creators like Leah Asher (@leahashermusic), Shay (@shayshitsinthebag), Sarah Zeitlin (@sarah_zeitlin), Seren Becker (@Serenbecker). Mary Kate tells us some more of her favorite creators: Matthew Friend (@matturday.night.live), Beave (@beaverbabyfurrylove), @enkyboys, @gucci_pineapple, Grandad Frank (@grandadfrankk).

Lightning Round: 59:45

MK answers a speed round of questions like her favorite TikTok songs, most annoying TikTok trends, who she’d have in her Hype House, and her advice for TikTok creators. 

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

TikTok Trends - Songs, Food, and More!

In this bonus episode, Dena and Melissa try to entertain people who don’t want to watch the Superbowl with a round-up of the most popular trends on TikTok. The top trends and songs right now include: 

Ted Talks/Tod Talks: @jerabean’s tutorial of the Ted Talks trend explains it all

Hedge Tok: @killersundy rates hedges in his area 

Pink scrunch butt leggings: #scrunchleggings

Billy Joel’s “Zanzibar:” @maxmith_ started the trend

Heaven vision boards - audio by Ariana (@badgalariri_) which is a snippet from Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” where she sings,”Dear Lord when I get to heaven, please let me bring my man.”

TikTok Food Trends: 

Food consultant Sam Jinishian joins us to explain the origins of these food trends and give her opinion.  Food TikTok trends include:

Baked feta pasta: This was started by Jenni Häyrinen (@liemessa) using the tag #uunifetapasta. @cookingwithayeh has the most viewed version on TikTok, but lots of other TikTokers are doing variations like @scheckeats.

Jeni’s everything bagel ice cream: many put it on a bagel or doughnut to get the full effect of an everything bagel like @sugar_pusher and @itskatesteinberg.

Tortilla quadrants: Jacqueline Devine (@justbeingdevine) voices over a crazy video using a duet to explain what is happening. Joanne L. Molinaro (@thekoreanvegan) is a Korean vegan chef and lawyer creating breathtaking videos on TikTok.

Nacho tables: You can see all the videos on the #nachotable TikTok page. It’s actually become quite controversial and @itsmetinx hates them (so do we).

Saag Paneer Spice Girls is a video we love from @YorkshireIndian where he creates a delicious looking Indian dish while singing his own rendition of the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.”

 

Michael Judson Berry, Acting TikTok

Michael Judson Berry (@mjudsonberry) joins 2Old4TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about this video they saw where a girl participates in Baylor University’s Dunk for Tuition Challenge (#BaylorDunkForTuition) and the comments were just ruthless. 

Michael Judson Berry Interview ~ 6:02

Michael tells us how he got into TikTok even though he definitely feels too old for it. He’s made friends with so many other creators and comedians through the app. We hear how he created his Moira Rose impression and has since tried other impressions including all the other Roses from Schitt’s Creek, Mrs. Doubtfire, Tanya Harding, Britney Spears, Cher, Jonathan Van Ness, Patrick Stewart, Henry Cavill, and more. 

Acting TikTok ~ 30:00

We explore Actor TikTok, discussing creators like Eliana Ghen (@Elianaghen), Chris Barnett (@Thechrisbarnett), Jason van Tonder (@Jason_on_comms), and Jackson Passaglia (@Jacksonpassaglia). Michael tells us his favorite creators: Aaron Goldenberg (@aarongoldyboy), Tim Beeckman (@gleefullytim), Dylan Ratell (@dylanratell), Big Fab Productions (@bigfabproductions), Chris Trimarchi (@christrimarchi1), and Zarna Garg (@zarnagarg).  

Lightning Round: Moira Rose Edition ~ 57:21

Michael answers a speed round of questions as Moira Rose and we find out her favorite TikTok trends and songs, what she thinks of famous TikTokers like Charlie D’Amelio and Addison Rae, who she’d have in her Hype House, and her advice for TikTok creators. 

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Daniel J. Mertzlufft, Ratatouille TikTok Musical

Daniel J. Mertzlufft (@danieljmertzlufft) joins 2Old4TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about how excited they were to interview Daniel about his work on all the famous viral TikTok Musicals. They gush over him gushing about Alan Menken and “Beauty and the Beast.” TikTok celebrities truly are just like us. 

Daniel J. Mertzlufft Interview ~4:40

Daniel tells us about his background in music, education, and science. He reveals how he first learned about TikTok from Luca Padovan at a theater festival. The first videos he liked were duets with accompanists to songs like “Defying Gravity.” We hear about how the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” musical was his first big hit on TikTok. Then he tells us about his next viral sensation, the Grocery Store Musical, and what happened when that hit Twitter. 

Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical ~16:15

Rocky Paterra (@rockysroad, songwriter of “I’m an Accountant”) tagged Daniel in the original Ratatouille TikTok video by Emily Jacobsen (@e_jaccs). Then Daniel called upon inspiration from “The Little Mermaid” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to create his version. His friend Cori Jaskier provided the female vocals. We hear more about the rise of the Ratatouille Musical, the coverage from Vulture, Buzzfeed, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times, the first statement from Disney, and the snowball of press leading up to his James Corden Thanksgiving appearance. He describes getting the call to create a benefit concert in less than a month and the work that ensued. Rehearsing with Kevin Chamberlin (@chamberlin_kevin), André De Shields, and Mary Testa. He tells us about his appearance on “Good Morning America” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

Daniel’s For You Page ~34:20

Daniel is deep into Woodchuck and Sea Shanty TikTok currently. He gushes over his love for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Stephen Schwartz, Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and “Beauty and the Beast.” He’s mostly on Musical Theater TikTok, Gay TikTok, Absurd Deep TikTok, and keeps seeing videos of the audio snippet of Jessie J singing “Night.” 

Broadway Stars on TikTok ~45:20

Dena mentions some of her favorite Broadway stars on TikTok like Tyler Warwick

(@tyler_warwick), Broadway Bob (@broadwaybob), and Laura Bell Bundy (@laurabellbundy) from the “Legally Blonde” musical. Daniel tells us a hilarious anecdote about playing Emmett in college. Some of his favorites are Kevin Chamberlin (@chamberlin_kevin), Scott Alan (@scottalanmusic), and Natalie Weiss (@thenatalieweiss). Besides musical theater stars, he likes Gabe Esco (@gabesco). But has no idea who the Straight TikTok stars are—is her name Allison Rae?

Lightning Round ~51:10

Daniel reveals his favorite TikTok Trends: Ratatouille (obviously), “Oh, she passed away, okay,” “Native New Yorker,” and the Harry Potter TikTok dance parodies. Least favorite trends are anything on Straight TikTok. Favorite musical: Rent. Advice for TikTok creators. He’d fill his Hype House with either The Gays of LA (Neil Patrick Harris), Jacob Collier (@jacobcollier), or the entire Ratatouille Musical team. The Broadway actor he’d most want to star in one of his shows is Andrew Barth Feldman (@andrewbfeldman_), Wayne Brady (@waynebrady), or Brendon Urie. He spills the tea on the Patti LuPone miscommunication on “The Late Late Show.” The craziest idea he’s ever had for a musical was with the Ratatouille team coming up with ideas for a “Breaking Bad” musical. The Saul Goodman song would have some real “The Music Man” vibes. Then we ask him to come up with a jingle for 2 Old 4 TikTok! 

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Rynn Star, Political TikTok

Rynn Star (@rynnstar) joins 2Old4TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about the Inauguration, the viral Bernie Sanders photo, Amanda Gorman, and Al Roker.

Rynn Star Interview ~5:45

Rynn tells us about her TikTok journey, starting with Musical.ly and growing a following with her posts on social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement. We hear about her viral video about over-policing in Black neighborhoods, and how celebrities like Ben Platt, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Jonathan Van Ness, Benj Pasek, Cynthia Erivo, and Sarah Silverman have engaged with her content. We ask Rynn about “shadow banning,” censorship, and TikTok’s new program for Black Creatives. We all wonder why she doesn’t have the blue check mark yet. Rynn tells us about sponsorship opportunities and working with brands like The Coldest Water and MAC Cosmetics. We talk about celebrities on TikTok and how random people are just more entertaining. She tells us what’s on her For You Page, lots of comedians mixed with politics, media, music, linguistics, and current events.

Political TikTok ~29:00

We get into Political TikTok, discussing how TikTok covers the spectrum. And how much of “Political” TikTok is just about human rights. There’s a level of accountability that comes with the personal video recording on TikTok, versus on a blog post, that hopefully encourages empathy. Political TikTok is more about learning about others first-hand experience and culture, rather than political systems. Rynn mentions content creators in the Native American community. She tells us about her experience with “trolls” that she was able to turnaround. We hear more about her crack fic of Tucker Carlson, Chris Cuomo, and Don Lemon.  

Lightning Round ~42:00

Rynn reveals her favorite TikTok trend: The Buss It Challenge. Least favorite TikTok trend: Twerk For Me / Stand By Me. Advice for TikTok creators. Thoughts on Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License.’ And favorite accounts: @human_espresso, @daejahtalkstv, @jordxn.simone, @daniellekirk731, diamond_dog74, @geronimo.warrior, @feminist_fatale, @mavrlous.

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Yasmine Sahid, POV Trend on TikTok

Yasmine Sahid (@ladyyasmina1) joins 2Old4TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about their study abroad experiences. They give details on their new TikTok account (@2old4tiktok_podcast) and 2 Old 4 TikTok tee shirt giveaway! Follow us on TikTok and Instagram (2old4tiktokpod), leave a review on Apple Podcasts, then DM us on Instagram by January 22, 2021 to be entered. 

Yasmine Sahid Interview ~7:40

Yasmine tells us how she first got into TikTok after initially being opposed to it. We hear about her first viral video, WAP Choir, and the small town girl character. Dena explains how Lana Del Rey’s “Mariners Apartment Complex” accompanies most of the “main character” videos on TikTok. Yasmine gushes about her study abroad experience and tells us more about her background in theater, film, acting, writing, and content creation. We hear more about her music videos “Baroque” and “High for the Holidaze” and her experience creating sponsored content. She tells us what’s on her For You Page, mostly comedy and cats. She’s as far from Straight TikTok as you can get. We talk about the mystery of Straight TikTok, Charli D’Amelio, and Bella Poarch. 

POV Trend on TikTok ~37:20

We get into the POV trend on TikTok, discussing some of our favorite creators like Adam Ray (@Adamrayokay) who does POV’s as Rosa, Alyssa Mckay (@alyssamckayyy) who parodies TikTok influencers during the pandemic, and Stephen Hart (@realstephenhart) doing POVs of basic bros. Yasmine recommends Zach Hone (@zachhone) for school and theater kid POVs. Dena brings up another type of POV where Ben Cante (@ben.cante) takes you on his parkour adventures. Yasmine tells us some more of her favorite creators: Jay Love (@flossybaby), Kyle Gordon (@kylegordonisgreat), Ivehadenoughofthis animations and cartoons (@iheot). And we find out how she comes up with new ideas for her POV sketches. 

Lightning Round ~48:00

Yasmine reveals her favorite and most annoying TikTok trends, who she’d have in her Hype House (@flossybaby, @zachhone, @_ehiz, and @itscaitlinhello), and her advice for TikTok creators. 

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod). 

Eddie Doyle, Giving TikTok

Eddie Doyle (@eddiepdoyle) joins 2 Old 4 TikTok this week! Dena and Melissa start the show talking about the Ratatouille TikTok Musical. Then, we get right into today’s interview. 

Eddie Doyle Interview

Eddie tells us about his background creating content and how he started posting videos of his grandma on TikTok. We talk about the community-building aspects of TikTok and how engaged fans of his granny have become. One of our favorite granny moments was when she put a ton of garlic on her food, turns out the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. We all reminisce on our grandparents' terrible eating and lifestyle habits. We hear more about his adventures as an Uber driver and how he grew his YouTube subscribers to over 100k. He tells us what’s on his For You page and we all share some of our favorite videos. 

Giving TikTok ~33:55

We get into Giving TikTok, the side of TikTok where people give charity to those who need it. We discuss some of our favorite accounts like Lexy Burke (@lexylately) who uses Venmo Challenges to tip big when she goes out to eat. Isaiah Garza (@isaiahgarzaintl), a jewelry designer who helps those in need in Los Angeles by giving them clothes, housing, and he even paid for someone’s health insurance. AK (@akramadinas) uses TikTok to film regulars at his Fresno market, his followers use venmo or cashapp to buy them food. We talk about Dave Portnoy’s (@stoolpresidente) fund to help small businesses struggling due to the pandemic. Eddie tells us some of his favorite creators like: @dumbdumbguitarsongs, Jax (@jaxwritessongs), Stephen Hart (@realstephenhart), and Jimmy Curr (@thejimmycurr). Dena mentions one of ours: @thetalkofshame, the TikTok expert on all things Bravo. 

Lightning Round: New Years Edition ~50:30

We ask Eddie for his New Years resolution, TikTok predictions for 2021, hype house picks, advice from his grandma, and more. 

Find TikTok videos from all the creators we mention on our blog (2Old4TikTok.com) and Instagram (@2old4tiktokpod).