In this episode, we dive into the rise of parasocial relationships and how shows like Love Island, Temptation Island, and even podcasts like ours contribute to them. We unpack our own experiences with parasocial connections, question whether influencers owe transparency, and reflect on the emotional cost of fame. We also explore how our households shaped us—from the lies our parents told to how they gave (or didn’t give) us confidence. On today’s bonus content segment, we have your favorite — Dollar Store Therapy. Wootak (our social media king) gives you valuable advice on how to grow your social media and make a profit AND we give you the cold harsh true about whether it’s time to leave the relationship or time to shut up and make it work. Honest takes, tough love, and a little bit of chaos. 🤫 Above The Influence is a completely self funded podcast. Subscribing to our bonus content is the BEST way to support our show: https://abovetheinfluenceshow.com/ JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/7UwGtYhmE6 💊 For Holistic Formulas to Support Your LUNGS, LIVER, AND HANGOVERS: https://www.superbonsai.com/ Timestamp (ep. 17) 0:00 - Intro 2:12 - Parasocial relationships 4:05 - Are you Type A or Type B when traveling 11:37 - Sleeping next to a naked Viet 13:14 - Poopy Viet 14:28 - Love Island 17:49 - Viet hates Huda 21:12 - Who does Viet Stan on Love Island? 26:09 - Temptation Island? 27:05 - The differences between Korean and American shows 40:24 - Money vs. Clout 42:09 - Why is parasocial relationships getting more intense? 45:56 - is it weird for people to mourn celebrities like they were your family? 47:40 - How has LA been different after the pandemic? 50:59 - Do we personally have a parasocial relationship with a celebrity/influencer? 1:00:52 - The most parasocial thing someone has ever said to us 1:05:02 - Do influencers owe their audience transparency? 1:12:10 - Being a reality TV star or lifestyle influencer is the most emotionally dangerous career? 1:12:33 - su1cd3 prominent in asian culture 1:18:35 - What does our peak content life looks like 1:21:20 - Watching movies alone: Sad or normal? 1:24:51 - Lies told by our parents 1:32:04 - Wootak gets scolded because of his brother 1:33:43 - How to give confidence to your children 1:44:54 - How did we get beat as a kid 2:00:16 - It’s our parent’s first time living too 2:02:08 - Dollar Store Therapy Follow Esther Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebunszz/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlebunszz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@es_and_jess Follow Wootak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barchemistry Personal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superbonsaihealth Instagram: https://instagram.com/barchemistry Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/wootak YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDfX41sMJRIeG8kqAGTz6mg Follow Viet Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akaviettrap/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viettrap Follow Blade Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bladebrady/?hl=en #podcastersofinstagram #abovetheinfluence #undertheinfluence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices