233. Bran Flakezz: From $8.65/hr at Forever 21 to over 6 figures in content creation, Brandon Edelman’s wild BTS of building a platform by being authentically himself, staying frugal, and prioritizing mental health

This week, Jason is joined by content creator, podcast host, and Philadelphia’s favorite influencer, Brandon Edelman aka Bran Flakezz! Bran gained recognition after being cast on Barstool Sports inaugural reality TV show, Project Verified, after having initial success with his TikTok content. Since being a runner up on the show, Bran has continued to grow his brand on social media, add the title podcast host to his resume, and increase his gross annual income by almost 20x from when he was primarily working in retail.  In this episode, Bran opens up about his journey navigating imposter syndrome and staying authentic in the digital space. He reflects on pivotal moments that shaped his life—from high school struggles with popularity to finding his true self in college. Bran breaks down his approach to content creation, including how he uses TikTok analytics, the power of a strong “hook,” and applying an MLA-style formula to videos. He also shares what it felt like to hit 1 million followers and the deeper motivation behind his content: supporting local businesses. The conversation spans his background in retail, platform-by-platform differences, and why he champions salary transparency and acknowledges privilege. Bran also dives into staying frugal, the value of genuine apologies, what meaningful collaborations look like to him, why convenience should never be underestimated, and protecting your mental health. Bran reveals all this and so much more in another episode you can’t afford to miss! Host: Jason Tartick Co-Host: David Arduin Audio: John Gurney Guest: Bran Flakezz Stay connected with the Trading Secrets Podcast!  Instagram: @tradingsecretspodcast  Youtube: Trading Secrets Facebook: Join the Group All Access: Free 30-Day Trial  Trading Secrets Steals & Deals! Indeed: When it comes to hiring, Indeed is all you need. There's no need to wait any longer-speed up your hiring right now with Indeed. For a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to get your jobs more visibility, visit Indeed.com/SECRETS Northwestern Registered Agent: Northwest Registered Agent has been helping businesses launch and grow for nearly 30 years. Don’t wait, protect your privacy, build your brand and set up your business in just 10 clicks in 10 minutes! Visit www.northwestregisteredagent.com/tradingsecrets and start building something amazing! Booking.com: Whether you're looking to earn that extra income, fill those vacant weekends, or grow your business, head over to Booking.com to see how you can get started today. The reach is global, the bookings are consistent, and the control is yours. For the bookings you've dreamed of, list your property on Booking.com