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TIKTok FAMOUS™: The Stories Behind the Scroll

TIKTok FAMOUS™: The Stories Behind the Scroll

By: Meredyth Willits
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 TikTok Famous Podcast, where viral moments meet real stories. Hosted by coach, creator, and truth-teller Meredyth Willits, this show goes behind the scenes with your favorite TikTok stars to find out what really drives their success. From humble beginnings and algorithm wins to burnout, breakthroughs, and what keeps them creating—nothing's off limits. This isn't just about followers and fame—it's about the humans behind the handle. Whether you're a fan, a fellow creator, or just obsessed with TikTok culture, you're about to get the inside scoop, one raw and unfiltered conversation at a time. Subscribe and get ready to hear The Stories Behind the Scroll.2025 Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 36: Former MLB Agent Joshua Kusnick & Podcast Co-Host Sarah Of Do Damage Control

    36: Former MLB Agent Joshua Kusnick & Podcast Co-Host Sarah Of Do Damage Control
    Dec 17 2025
    In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with former Major League Baseball agent and current viral truth-teller Joshua Kusnick, and his brilliant partner-in-chaos, Sarah Ann — co-hosts of the Damage Control podcast and one of TikTok's most unpredictable creative duos. With over 75 million views across platforms and a reputation for being completely unfiltered, Joshua isn't here to win popularity contests. From taking down media grifters and political hacks, to exposing the dark side of professional sports, to writing a book and gearing up for a comedy tour — he's doing it all his way. Sarah brings balance to the madness with her lived experience in mental health, addiction recovery, cruise travel, and the beauty industry. Together, their energy is raw, unscripted, and surprisingly heartfelt. Meredyth, Josh, and Sarah dive into: ✅ What it really takes to be "uncancelable" in today's world ✅ Why Josh left behind a high-profile MLB career to speak the truth online ✅ The childhood trauma, medical history, and fire that made him who he is ✅ Why the sports industry is more sociopathic than you think ✅ Mental health, ECT therapy, and surviving the darkest moments ✅ Sarah's story of addiction, recovery, and eight years clean ✅ Navigating chaos, TikTok trolls, and being real in a curated world ✅ Why some stories are easier to tell to strangers than family ✅ The rise of Aaron Parnas and the danger of fake experts ✅ Israel, antisemitism, and the cost of speaking out ✅ Making space for dark jokes, love, and complex people They also talk about starting their podcast Damage Control, building a life with both boundaries and brutal honesty, and why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's content (but still makes fun of his hot tub videos anyway). Whether you're a politics junkie, a creator trying to find your voice, or someone who just appreciates real talk — this episode will make you laugh, cringe, nod your head, and maybe even scream into the void. 00:00:00 Welcome to the show. Meet Joshua Kusnick and Sarah Ann 00:01:00 Going from MLB agent to fearless online commentator 00:03:20 Childhood illness, 44 surgeries, and finding fire in survival 00:05:00 Why Josh was built for politics, not just baseball 00:07:10 The obsession with truth and hatred of lying 00:10:15 The emotional cost of commodifying athletes 00:12:40 Inside the mind of a "sociopathic" agent turned activist 00:15:00 How Sarah met Josh and survived the first six months 00:17:30 Being in a relationship with someone who refuses to be fake 00:20:00 Aaron Parnas, grifters, and what's wrong with the left too 00:23:10 Bill Maher, norm Macdonald, and chasing applause over truth 00:25:45 Why Josh doesn't debate — and never will 00:28:10 Mental health, burnout, and knowing when to unplug 00:30:00 Content creation, shadowbans, and giving zero shits 00:33:15 Why Sarah refuses to watch Josh's TikToks 00:36:30 Balancing truth-telling with partnership and business 00:38:00 Addiction, sobriety, and Sarah's journey to eight years clean 00:40:00 Sarah's travel business, future sober cruises, and big dreams 00:42:00 Finding purpose in multiple passions without fitting a mold 00:44:30 Why Josh will never stop calling himself "Former MLB Agent" 00:47:00 Damage Control podcast origin story 00:49:00 What Josh is working on — book, tour, and big energy 00:52:00 Creating for yourself, not the algorithm 00:54:30 Why the news is broken and comedians are filling the gap 00:57:10 The Israel-Palestine conversation and speaking as a Jewish creator 01:00:00 Getting hate online and not letting it stop you 01:02:30 When people say you "can't complain" if you have money 01:04:30 The uncensored joke that broke the show 01:06:45 TikTok's weirdest metrics and why the dumbest video always wins 01:09:00 Will Josh and Sarah ever live together? 01:11:30 The secret behind Joshua's tagline, his podcast style, and future plans 01:14:30 Closing thoughts. Speak the truth, be who you are, and take up space 🔗 Connect with Joshua Kusnick ✨ TikTok: @joshuakusnickexperience ✨ Instagram: @joshua_kusnick 🔗 Connect with Sarah Ann ✨ TikTok: @sarahann3757 ✨ Instagram: @sarahannwhat 🎧 Listen to Their Podcast: 🎙️ Damage Control with Josh and Sarah 🔗 Connect with Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast ✨ Facebook: Meredyth Willits ✨ Instagram: @meredyth_willits ✨ TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why ✨ YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast | Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations with the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 35: Anne Abel - Sweaters, Springsteen and Storytelling

    35: Anne Abel - Sweaters, Springsteen and Storytelling
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with author, storyteller, and Springsteen superfan Anne Abel to talk about transformation, finding your voice in your 60s, and why it's never too late to change your life. After enduring decades of depression, perfectionism, and family dysfunction, Anne took a solo trip to Australia to follow Bruce Springsteen on tour — and it changed everything. That journey sparked her bestselling memoir High Hopes, a story of healing, humor, resilience, and finally taking up space in the world. Together, they talk about: ✅ Why 60 was the perfect age to change everything ✅ The danger of perfectionism and people-pleasing ✅ What it's like to survive ECT, depression, and emotional abuse ✅ How Bruce Springsteen became her emotional lifeline ✅ What improv taught her about confidence ✅ The moment she stopped playing small and claimed the word "author" ✅ Her viral rise on TikTok in her 70s and how storytelling saved her ✅ How to quiet the inner critic and embrace self-worth ✅ The sweater story, the guitar, and the unexpected twists of going viral ✅ Why it's never too late to heal, connect, and be seen This episode is for anyone who's ever struggled with feeling "not enough," and needs a reminder that reinvention, joy, and even a new career can begin at any age. 00:00:00 Meet Anne Abel and the book that changed everything 00:03:30 Growing up with a mother who weaponized shame 00:06:15 The deep toll of perfectionism and generational trauma 00:08:50 Why Anne took a solo trip to follow Bruce Springsteen 00:11:45 The moment everything changed at a Springsteen concert 00:14:30 Writing her memoir and healing through storytelling 00:16:50 How improv in Chicago helped her reclaim her voice 00:20:00 Becoming a storyteller and discovering The Moth 00:24:15 Going viral on TikTok in her 70s 00:27:10 "You're not nobody" – how strangers helped reframe her self-worth 00:31:00 Getting a signed guitar from Bruce Springsteen 00:34:30 The sweater story and social media backlash 00:38:45 On grief, judgment, and how others project their pain 00:41:30 Navigating criticism, mental health, and privilege online 00:44:10 "It's never too late" – on persistence and purpose 00:48:30 Japan, New York, and what's next for Anne 00:51:30 A TEDx Talk, book tour, and second acts 00:54:00 Why Anne's story is a reminder for all women to take up space 00:57:00 Final thoughts on healing, identity, and being seen 📚 Grab Anne Abel's Books: 📖 High Hopes: A Memoir 📖 Maddie, Milo and Me Available now on Amazon and wherever books are sold. 📲 Connect with Anne Abel: Instagram: @annesimaabel TikTok: @annesimaabel Facebook: Anne Sima Abel 🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits & the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast: Facebook: Meredyth Willits Instagram: @meredyth_willits TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast YouTube: Meredyth Willits 🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 34: Amber Chiapetto: Adopted at 2, Returned at 14

    34: Amber Chiapetto: Adopted at 2, Returned at 14
    Dec 4 2025

    Amber Chiapetto was adopted at age 2 and returned to the foster care system at 14. In this gripping and emotional conversation, she opens up about the trauma, the confusion, and the moments that changed everything. From growing up in a strict and often abusive household to being removed from her home with no warning, Amber shares how she found her voice and purpose through telling her story on TikTok, where she now reaches over 800,000 people. This episode is a raw, eye-opening look into the flaws of the foster care and adoption system, the hidden truth about "unadoption," and what really happens behind closed doors.

    We discuss:

    • What it means to be "unadopted"

    • The reality of being returned to the system as a teenager

    • Emotional and physical trauma in foster care homes

    • Grieving safety, identity, and belonging

    • Why the system often fails both children and parents

    • Her healing journey through advocacy and storytelling

    • The truth behind Fa La La Foster and how to help kids today

    Amber's bravery in telling her story is changing lives and shaking up the system. Her story isn't just powerful—it's necessary.



    00:00:00 Introduction to Amber's story

    00:01:35 The shocking truth about being "unadopted"

    00:04:10 What it was like to be adopted by her grandmother

    00:06:50 Physical and emotional abuse growing up

    00:10:00 The moment Amber was "given back" at 14

    00:15:20 Three foster homes in one year

    00:20:40 Feeling blamed for her trauma

    00:24:10 Foster families and the expectation to "fit in"

    00:28:50 Abuse and emotional neglect in foster care

    00:34:20 Why many foster kids are treated as "broken"

    00:39:30 The anti-adoption movement and what she learned

    00:44:00 The business behind foster care

    00:47:40 What needs to change in the system

    00:50:30 Starting Fa La La Foster to help kids feel seen

    00:53:10 How sharing her story helped her heal

    00:56:50 A powerful reminder for every foster and adopted child

    01:00:00 Final thoughts and how to support the mission


    ✨ Support Amber + Fa La La La Foster:

    🛒 Amazon Wishlist: via Linktree on TikTok
    💸 Venmo: @falalalafoster
    📘 Facebook: Fa La La La Foster 2025
    💬 Learn more via Amber's content on TikTok and Instagram

    📲 Connect with Amber Chiapetto:

    Instagram: @amber_chiapetto
    TikTok: @amber.chiapetto


    🎙️ Follow Meredyth Willits:

    Facebook: @MeredythWillits34
    Instagram: @meredyth_willits
    TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why
    YouTube: TikTok FAMOUS Podcast
    YouTube: Meredyth Willits

    🎙️ Hosted by Meredyth Willits, where viral fame meets raw reality. Subscribe, review, and stay tuned for more unfiltered stories from the creators who move us.
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    59 mins
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