1. What was your childhood like? Did you know what you wanted to do even as a child?
My childhood was interesting. It wasn't plagued by hardships such as poverty or abuse, but we all find our obstacles and mine were mostly in the form of keeping up with those around me. I was young for my grade so all of my friends progressed and matured before I did so there were definitely social struggles. But, hey, look at how self aware it's made me, so there's that.
I actually wanted to be in the NBA but I didn't want to practice so my mom/reality crushed that dream, but I always had a deep interest in acting. I didn't know specifically what I wanted to do until the summer of 2008 (between my junior and senior year of college) when it all clicked for me.
2. How did you get started on YouTube?
Two ways: the first was just as a video uploading site where I would post videos I made for my college TV station and those got shared pretty well, but I never got involved in the community. The second was when I was paired up to room with BrettTheIntern (http://youtube.com/
3. What made you decide to put yourself out there on YouTube like you did?
I find myself to be pretty reserved on YouTube in comparison to some others. Everything I put out on YouTube is thought out, I'm not a fan of vlogging (without an activity such as traveling) or airing my personal business. I like to think that I'm not the show, I'm the host of it.
4. What was it like to work with the SourceFed crew?
It was a great experience. Every single one of them helped me grow and learn in some way. Always surround yourself with people who are better than you in some way. It will help you grow.
5. How do you deal with the popularity that comes with doing the podcast and having been on SourceFed?
I revel in it. I love running into people who know my work and enjoy it. It's a very validating feeling. I don't view myself as greater than anyone because everyone has something awesome to offer, so it's nice to continue the conversation that we started online in person.
6. How long have you been doing YouTube/writing?
I've been writing ever since teachers made me write essays in school and I hated it. I had a tutor who said that there were kids who would give their pinky toe to be able to articulate and write like me. I remember that because it's a really weird way to say that. Teachers would tell me that I wrote like I was speaking and would always try to correct it which is why I think I hated writing. Now, it's my job to write like I speak so it's actually for the better.
I joined YouTube in 2007? I think? I'm not totally sure
7. Is this your dream job? If not, what is your dream job?
I will be announcing my dream job very soon. Because I have it :)
8. What sort of things do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a huge fan of eating, but I was told that can't be a hobby (just a vice) so I'll resort to my second favorite hobby which is puzzles and treasure hunting. I love geocaching which is a global treasure hunt of sorts. I also really enjoy reading now which is interesting because I hated it in school. Maybe I just don't like being told what to do...
9. What is your favorite book and why?
Ah! This is a hard one. It changes all the time. There isn't one book that stands out amongst the rest, but I've read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell which was tremendously inspiring and am in the middle of David and Goliath by him as well. I also really enjoyed Wool which was recommended to me based on my affinity for The Hunger Games and did not disappoint.
10. What's your favorite band/singer and how many times have you seen them live?
Another toughie! This changes all the time, but my constant is The Beatles. I haven't seen them live, but I did get to see Paul McCartney which was quite a treat. Still playing, I'd have to say The Barenaked Ladies always get me excited and their live show is awesome. They have a concert streaming on Netflix last I checked.
11. What was your experience growing up Jewish? Did you ever encounter anti-semitism?
Growing up Jewish didn't really play a role for me until high school. I went to a private Jewish high school that was non-denominational so I was really able to explore the religion and decide for myself what it meant to me. I wish all sects of all religions allowed this. I think religion should be a completely individualized discovery because through that, the community will be stronger. There was one kid when I did crew who was anti-semetic towards me but he wore a turban so looking back he was probably just deflecting onto me. No hard feelings.
12. Do you like Broadway? What's your favorite show?
I love broadway. I'm actually writing a musical with Antonius from AVByte (http://youtube.com/AVByte) right now that I'm incredibly excited about. It should be done around September of this year and I'll be able to say more about it. My favorite show out right now is either Book of Mormon or Avenue Q. They're both composed by the same guy.
13. THERE IS NO 13!
14. Do you believe in unicorns? If you had a pet unicorn, what would it look like and what would you name it?
Of course I believe in Unicorns. I see drawings of them all the time. Just because something doesn't exist in our reality doesn't mean they don't exist. If I had a Unicorn I don't think I'd want a white one. No rainbows (as they're usually surrounded by rainbows). I think I'd want a black one whose horn was made of black pearl. I'd name him Thunder after my cartoon character Thunder McWylde.
15. What's your favorite TV show and do you consider yourself a fanboy?
I love a lot of TV. Right now American Dad has me watching every episode. I do fanboy but I think it's more over the writing than anything else. I still fanboy over things from my childhood like Weird Al or any cast member from Scrubs.
16. Are you superstitious? (I am. I skipped number 13.)
I know, I called you out on it. I knock on wood when I don't want to jinx something and I wont walk under a latter but I think that second one is mostly for safety reasons.
17. Is there anything that you want to pimp out real quickly?
I've been pimping things out all along. But thank you for the opportunity. I guess my cartoon Thunder McWylde. We made six episodes and they're up on Dane Boe's channel (http://youtube.com/daneboe) and I'm really proud of them. My friends and I came up with him during that summer of 2008 I talked about and I can't believe anything actually came of it. People should watch it, they'll like it.
So, there you have it! Ross Everett's deepest, darkest secrets. Go ahead and check out those links that he included, and make sure to check out SourceFed, Thunder McWylde, and everything else that was mentioned in the interview!
Have a great day!
Maia
You can change the world when you change your mind.
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