Starting High Rise TV with a World Record Hotbox!
Welcome to another exciting episode of the High Rise Podcast! In this episode, hosts Erin and Derek dive into a variety of topics, from recent travels and culinary adventures to cannabis industry events and the origins of their popular YouTube channel. Let's take a closer look at what went down in episode 49.
Back from the Islands: Erin's Hawaiian Adventure
Erin recently returned from a trip to Hawaii, bringing back tales of delicious food and stunning landscapes. The highlight of his culinary experience was the famous garlic shrimp, which he rated an impressive 8.9 out of 10. Despite his high expectations, the dish did not disappoint. Erin also shared a memorable visit to Oyster Hail, a hidden gem resembling an apartment complex with incredible food and a laid-back vibe.
The conversation quickly turned to the architecture and unique places in Hawaii. Erin compared his Hawaiian experience to his trip to Japan, particularly the Harajuku shopping district. He noted the clever marketing strategies he encountered, like a Ferrari parked in front of an Italian restaurant, which piqued his curiosity and led him to an unexpected dining adventure.
The Most Epic Highlight: Kualoa Ranch
Erin’s trip to Kualoa Ranch was undoubtedly the most exciting part of his Hawaiian adventure. Known for being the filming location for movies like Jurassic Park and Jumanji, Kualoa Ranch offered breathtaking terrain and landscapes. Erin described riding electric mountain bikes through the stunning scenery, encountering cows, turkeys, and other wildlife along the way. The tour guide's enthusiasm and the surreal experience of biking through paradise left a lasting impression.
Erin even brought back a souvenir from the trip—a matching keychain from Kualoa Ranch film crew, featuring a dinosaur and a camera. This token of his adventure is now proudly attached to his Subaru key, a constant reminder of his incredible experience.
TransBay Event: A Cannabis Community Gathering
Fresh off his Hawaiian trip, Erin joined the TransBay event organized by Jimmy. This cannabis community gathering featured between 25 and 30 brands, with various rooms and an outdoor section with food trucks. The event was a huge success, with people judging different cannabis products. Shoutouts went to Mills, who came in first with their rosin, and Planta, whose coffin candy flow also took a top spot.
The judges' room was particularly notable for its smoky atmosphere, with 24 to 26 entries on the flower side alone. The abundance of high-quality cannabis was astonishing, highlighting the impressive work of the community. The event's location, a random venue that turned out to be a perfect fit, added to the charm. Despite some challenges leading up to the event, it turned out to be a fantastic gathering of cannabis enthusiasts.
Finding the Perfect Venue for Cannabis Events
Derek and Erin discussed the intricacies of finding suitable venues for cannabis events. The most crucial factor is ensuring that the owner or landlord is supportive and understands the nature of the event. Location and layout also play a significant role, with a preference for venues that offer various rooms and areas, allowing attendees to explore and socialize comfortably.
The importance of seating and creating different vibes within the venue was emphasized. Events like the TransBay benefit from multiple rooms and outdoor spaces, providing attendees with diverse experiences. This approach not only keeps people engaged but also encourages them to stay longer and enjoy the event fully.
The Origins of High Rise TV: A Journey into Content Creation
The podcast took a nostalgic turn as Erin and Derek delved into the origins of High Rise TV. The idea for the YouTube channel stemmed from their desire to promote their clothing brand, High Rise Co. Initially launched in 2011, the clothing line needed innovative marketing strategies to reach a broader audience.
Erin’s early days of marketing involved spamming Facebook pages of popular clothing brands, which surprisingly led to orders from around the world. With the advent of Instagram, they leveraged the platform’s capabilities, using bots to like thousands of images daily. This tactic significantly boosted their orders, leading to a thriving online presence.
Recognizing the potential of YouTube, Erin and Derek decided to create engaging content to further promote their brand. Their first major project was a hotbox video in collaboration with Daddy’s Pipes, a dispensary and smoke shop in Sherman Oaks. The goal was to set a world record for the largest hotbox, mixing various extracts and waxes to create an epic cloud of smoke.
The Epic Hotbox Adventure
The hotbox video was an ambitious project, involving contributions from several brands and individuals. They mixed a variety of waxes, including high-quality extracts from Nature's Lab and other sources. The result was a concoction of the best and most questionable products, creating a unique blend for the hotbox.
The hotbox event took place in the dispensary, with 25 to 30 people crammed into a small room. As they lit the coals and the smoke began to fill the room, it quickly became apparent that they had underestimated the intensity of the hotbox. The entire building was soon engulfed in smoke, billowing out into the street. Despite the chaos, the video was a success, garnering significant attention and views.
Launching Two Girls One Bong
Building on the success of the hotbox video, Erin and Derek launched the show "Two Girls One Bong" featuring Mac and Joya. Initially, Mac and Erin were dating, and Mac’s charisma made her a natural fit for the show. Joya, a model they had recently worked with, brought a complementary dynamic that resonated with viewers.
The chemistry between Mac and Joya was undeniable, leading to several successful episodes. Their humorous and engaging content quickly gained traction, with episodes like the gravity bong and edible challenges becoming fan favorites. Within a few months, their channel experienced rapid growth, thanks to strategic collaborations and a dedicated fan base.
From YouTube Success to Content Agency
The popularity of High Rise TV opened doors to new opportunities. Brands began approaching Erin and Derek for help with content creation, leading to the establishment of their content agency. They leveraged their experience and success on YouTube to offer valuable services to cannabis brands, helping them create engaging videos and build their online presence.
The agency’s success can be attributed to their hands-on experience and deep understanding of the cannabis community. By creating content that resonated with their audience, they established themselves as trusted experts in the field. This organic progression from YouTube creators to content agency founders showcased their ability to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
The Importance of Content Creation
Throughout the podcast, Erin and Derek emphasized the importance of content creation for any brand. In today's digital age, creating and sharing content is crucial for building a strong online presence. They encouraged listeners to explore various platforms, from YouTube to TikTok, and to stay updated on the latest trends and algorithms.
They also highlighted the value of mastering key skills like coding, content creation, and sales. By combining these skills, individuals can create compelling content and effectively market their products or services. The ever-evolving nature of digital platforms means that staying informed and adaptable is essential for success.
Netflix's Impact and the Future of Content
Towards the end of the podcast, Erin and Derek discussed the growing influence of streaming platforms like Netflix. With live-streamed events and exclusive content, Netflix is reshaping how audiences consume media. The platform's ability to reach millions of subscribers and offer easily accessible content is setting new standards for the industry.
They expressed excitement about the potential for more sports and live events on streaming platforms, envisioning a future where traditional TV is replaced by on-demand, high-quality content. The shift towards digital streaming is creating new opportunities for content creators and brands to connect with audiences in innovative ways.
Conclusion
Episode 49 of the High Rise Podcast offered a rich blend of travel stories, industry insights, and reflections on their journey as content creators. From Erin's Hawaiian adventures to the success of their YouTube channel and content agency, Erin and Derek provided listeners with valuable lessons and inspiration. As they continue to explore new opportunities and create engaging content, their commitment to authenticity and community remains at the heart of their success. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes and insights from the High Rise Podcast!
