When I sat down with Leron Gaskins on the Broken Traditions Podcast to discuss my new book, Hate Mail: Why Trolls Hate You and How to Stay Sane in a World of Online Hate, I expected a surface conversation about the book.
What followed became one of the most honest and personal interviews I’ve ever given.
During the interview, I opened up about the experiences that shaped Hate Mail from building my audience on YouTube to navigating the darker side of being visible online.
We talked about the challenges of creating content, the impact of online harassment, and what it feels like to have strangers judge, criticize, and sometimes attack you from behind a screen.
For years, I have shared parts of my journey online, but there is always more happening behind the scenes than people realize. The reality of growing a platform is that along with community, connection, and opportunities, there can also be bullying, harassment, and encounters with internet trolls that can leave a lasting impact.
The Story Behind Hate Mail
Hate Mail was written from those experiences.
It is not just a book about trolls or negativity online. It’s a deeper conversation about what happens when criticism crosses a line, how online hate affects our mental health, and how we can protect our peace in a world where everyone has the ability to share an opinion.
In my conversation with Leron, I shared why I felt it was important to write this book and why the message extends far beyond the creator community.
While influencers and public figures may experience online attacks on a larger scale, the reality is that almost anyone who participates online can relate to being judged, criticized, or misunderstood.
My Hate Mail Podcast Interview Went Way Beyond Content Creation
One of the biggest themes we explored was the changing landscape of content creation. I shared what I still love about creating, the connections that make it worthwhile, and some of the concerns I have about the online environment today.
Social media has changed the way we communicate, but it has also changed the way we experience criticism. A comment, message, or post may only take seconds to write, but the impact of those words can last much longer.
That is why Hate Mail is not just for influencers, creators, or people with large audiences. It is for anyone who has ever hesitated before posting, worried about what others might think, or experienced negativity online.
Sharing a Personal Part of My Story
One of the most vulnerable moments in the interview was discussing my experience with suicidal ideation, which began when I was 13 years old and ended five years ago.
This was the first time I shared that part of my story in a podcast interview. It was a deeply personal conversation, but I believe these discussions matter. Talking honestly about difficult experiences can help create understanding and remind others that their struggles deserve to be acknowledged.
Listen to the Full Interview
Leron and I also had some lighter moments during the conversation, including when he shared what Google revealed about me, which brought some unexpected humor to the episode.
Ultimately, this interview became about much more than a book. It became a conversation about resilience, the realities of living online, and the importance of finding ways to stay grounded in a digital world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
If you have ever experienced online criticism, dealt with internet trolls, or wondered how to navigate negativity while protecting your mental health, I hope you will take the time to listen to the episode.
And if you are interested in learning more about Hate Mail: Why Trolls Hate You and How to Stay Sane in a World of Online Hate, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the story, experiences, and purpose behind the book.
Leave a Reply