I watch YouTubers and how they act during interviews to help me understand their intentions while reviewing their channels. I get to hear their non-performative voice, or at least a semi-performative voice, behind the personalities carefully crafted to attract attention.

I’ve watched Colin & Samir‘s interviews ever since exploring the idea behind Out Think Media. I’ve respected their opinions and transparent journey, even if I wished their sit downs with bigger creators felt more like public relations talking points. It’s specifically because they’ve had such important conversations with creators such as Hank Green and Emma Chamberlin that I wish they’d ask harder questions of everyone.

To their credit, many creators who are guests on their show have a lot of valuable advice and experience to offer. But in a media landscape like YouTube, you can’t maintain neutrality around your lived values and who you collaborate with. I came to terms with how their interviews are good places to start, but many guests were still more performative than honest. Still, t couldn’t stop cringing as their guests included more and more Creators who I wouldn’t recommend.

Then yesterday, I was searching for a good video to start my day, and their pragmatic energy felt like a good start.

Until I saw who their guest was:

There’s no reason to know her face. She is Kate Tolo, the marketer, business co-founder, and girlfriend to the ludicrous guy who wants to live forever, Bryan Johnson.

I do not know how much space I should take up explaining why Tolo and Johnson are dangerous. I would have been fine to watch a video where Colin & Samir took the top ten lessons from her marketing prowess and suggest how your viewers could twist it for good — that’s an interesting angle that doesn’t platform Tolo or Johnson in such a positive manner.

But now, anytime that I quote a YouTuber from Colin & Samir’s channel, it will be with a more cautious perspective and footnote. If they’re willing to sit down with someone who advocates for such deeply bizarre behavior in the health sphere, I can’t trust the genuine nature of their interactions with anyone.

Read more: How I evaluate & review YouTubers for your family

Photo/Image Credit: Vanilbean

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