This week on That Tech Pod, we're doing something a little different. We don't usually talk to influencers, but we wanted to find out what really goes into turning your life, personality, and opinions into a career online. So we sat down with Lindsay Perrin, a content creator with more than 100,000 followers and millions of views, to get the inside scoop on the business behind the posts.

How much of being an influencer is talent, and how much is figuring out what the algorithm wants? Is it really a job, or just posting videos and hoping the internet likes you? Lindsay shares what it takes to build an audience, make money, and keep creating when the algorithm seems to have a mind of its own.

We also bring in our college intern, Emily, a Marketing major, to get the perspective of someone from the generation these platforms are built around. Does she see influencer as a legitimate career, or does the whole thing sound a little ridiculous to her?

Because there's a lot more to being a creator than getting free stuff and hoping you go viral. Or at least, that's what they want us to believe.

Lindsay Perrin is a content creator, storyteller and LGBTQ+ community organizer based in Indianapolis, Indiana. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, she has built an online community of more than 100,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram through her authentic storytelling, infectious enthusiasm and passion for bringing people together. Her content has generated more than 20 million views across TikTok, Instagram and Threads. She was hired by Rolling Stone to cover the closing night of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and has been featured twice in PEOPLE, with both stories originating from viral social media content. Known for her viral “Are You Gay?” videos and for creating Scissor Slam at Lollapalooza, which attracted hundreds and received national media attention, Lindsay has turned online connections into real-world community. She also uses her platform for independent storytelling and commentary, including extensive coverage of the Lindsay Clancy case and her “Live from the Living Room” series. Despite her viral success, Lindsay has experienced firsthand the challenges of social media monetization, platform algorithms and creator compensation. Her approach to content creation is rooted in authenticity, curiosity and the belief that social media’s greatest value is its ability to connect people and amplify voices. You can find Lindsay on Instagram and TikTok at @laperrin10.