This is a first for the Dom Harvey Podcast- a 4-way! I’m joined by Rowan, Alan and Adam from Viva La Dirt League- one of the biggest New Zealand success stories most Kiwis have never heard of.
Full disclosure: a week before this conversation, I didn’t know much about them either. Then I saw the buzz in the office, did a deep dive, and realised these three unassuming Kiwi lads have built something absolutely massive.
We’re talking 7.4 million YouTube subscribers, 5.6 billion views, a global fanbase, a custom-built studio with a giant green screen, a medieval tavern, a fake tech store, and a full-noise business that began with a few mates making nerdy videos for fun.
Rowan, Alan and Adam are the brains behind VLDL.
What started in 2011 with parody songs and rough-as-guts sketches has become an international comedy machine for /gamers and fantasy fans.
We talk about the early days when every video seemed to lose them subscribers.
The moment they quit safe jobs to go all-in.
Raising more than $4 million on Kickstarter.
The pressure of employing people.
And the strange reality of being famous to millions online while still walking around New Zealand mostly unnoticed.
This is a funny, honest chat about creativity, business, resilience, friendship and building something huge from the bottom of the world.
If you love VLDL you’ll naturally love this.
You’ll also get a lot from it if you are interested in becoming a content creator.
But its just great story for anyone who is interested in New Zealanders doing epic shit.
I loved this one. Hope you do too.
Massive thanks to my long‑term podcast sponsor, Generate.
Like a lot of Kiwis, I spent years saying, “I’ll look at my KiwiSaver account later.”
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They’re an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with strong long‑term performance. You can check out their latest returns online, or book a no‑obligation chat with one of their friendly advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom.
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The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. You can view their Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Advice Provider information at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/disclosures.
Past performance does not guarantee future returns.
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