In this episode, I sit down with Theo Smith, the creative force behind the viral street interview series Please Don’t Irk Me. We talk about everything from growing up in a musical family and finding his voice in church, to building an online brand that blends humor, heart, and healing. Theo opens up about the mission behind his content, the realities of monetizing social media, and how he stays grounded on the tough days. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay yourself in a world that wants you to package your personality, this one’s for you.

We Chat About:

• How Please Don’t Irk Me went from a catchphrase to a full-fledged show
• His creative process behind filming, scripting, and editing every episode
• What he’s learned about monetizing content on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook
• Why he always leads with joy, professionalism, and presence
• Navigating burnout and staying focused on the big picture
• The musical roots that still influence his content
• Artists he loves across gospel, R&B, pop, indie rock, and more

About Theo Smith:

Theo Smith is a Philadelphia-based creator, singer, and host of Please Don’t Irk Me, a viral street interview show known for its infectious energy, quick wit, and deep heart. A lifelong musician and natural performer, Theo uses his platform to spotlight everyday people, spread joy, and bring laughter to strangers across social media. Whether he’s cracking jokes on TikTok or sharing his love of music on YouTube, Theo leads with presence, playfulness, and purpose. He’s proof that with passion and persistence, a phone and a dream can take you far.

Connect with Theo:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasedontirkme/reels/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pleasedontirkme?xmt=AQGzQ1XdQVs1qnYOW5krTSIlOL2vXNIJlGTmFjq9JNETkek

Latest YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dal7S1EhidE

Connect with Julian:

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Valentine, an indie alt-rock artist who’s reshaping his sound—and his story—through emotional honesty and creative evolution. We talk about his move from Mexico to Milwaukee, how music helped him process a painful divorce, and why building systems has given him more freedom as an artist. From his early days navigating social anxiety to his current project VLNTYN, Jorge is proving that authenticity and strategy don’t have to be at odds. Whether you’re struggling to share your story or just trying to find your people, this one’s for anyone creating their own lane—one lyric, post, or open mic at a time.

We Chat About:

• The dark themes that shaped his music—and his healing
• Why he rebranded as VLNTYN and leaned into an alt-rock aesthetic
• The artists that shaped his sound: Bright Eyes, Brand New, Elliott Smith
• How he’s balancing emotional storytelling with digital marketing
• Navigating insecurity, social anxiety, and feeling “too old” to start
• His experience with fitness, discipline, and building creative systems
• The powerful shift from survival-mode songwriting to intentional creation

About Jorge Valentine:

Jorge Valentine is a Milwaukee-based musician who creates emotionally charged indie alt-rock under the name VLNTYN. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bright Eyes and Brand New, his music blends haunting melodies with introspective lyrics that explore grief, transition, and self-acceptance. A lifelong songwriter, Jorge is also a personal trainer and systems thinker, building the foundation of his artistry with intention and resilience. His latest releases reflect the duality of darkness and hope—and his commitment to connecting with listeners who’ve been through it too.

Connect with Jorge:

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@vlntyntheband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vlntyntheband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlntyntheband/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@vlntyntheband?xmt=AQF0szyPSTku72AL7Jnxd6D3P66Cf58CJVTt30NX2QGKIrw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OaHjmFCcak0xwFVxIEvbV?si=listbVHZS0GWK7rlBkPmOQ

Connect with Julian:

Check out the loves music podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

In this episode, I sit down with Katlyn Cook, a creator whose journey through music, mental health, and entrepreneurship reveals the power of starting over. We talk about how losing—and reclaiming—her voice shaped her adult life, why stepping away from comfort was the first step toward healing, and how she built a podcast, a business, and a creative life from the ground up. Whether you’re rediscovering your passions or figuring out how to turn a hard season into a hopeful new chapter, Kat’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin again.

We Chat About:

• Her early love of singing and why she hid it for years
• How burnout and overworking masked deeper mental health struggles
• The dark turning point that pushed her to change her life
• Starting her podcast I NEED A FRIEND POD to create a healing space for others
• How she’s overcoming stage fright and performing with her band
• What daily habits keep her grounded as a creative entrepreneur
• Advice for anyone feeling stuck or scared to start over

About Katlyn Cook:

Katlyn Cook is a Colorado-based creator, podcaster, and musician who helps foster honest conversations around mental health and personal growth. After years of pushing her passions aside to meet others’ expectations, Kat reclaimed her voice—literally and figuratively—through singing, storytelling, and building community. She is the host of I NEED A FRIEND POD, a podcast focused on giving people a safe space to share their stories, and the founder of Cozy Porch Creations, a front-porch decorating business that blends her love of creativity, nature, and connection. Kat’s work is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and choosing yourself, one imperfect day at a time.

Connect with Katlyn:

Podcast: https://pod.link/1805069875

Instagram: @katlyn.christine

Threads: @katlyn.christine

Connect with Julian:

Check out the loves music podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL