Colin and Samir host Streamys roundtable with winners like Ryan Trahan, Michelle Khare

Two days before the 2023 Streamy Awards, creator economy experts Colin Rosenblum and Samir Chaudry uploaded a special conversation with some of the show’s nominees. The podcasting duo shared a round table with Cleo Abram, Ammar Kandil of Yes Theory, Michelle Khare, Zach King, and Ryan Trahan, all of whom discussed their experiences as online video professionals.

The conversation, dubbed “YouTube Mastermind,” offered insights from prominent figures in the creator ecosystem. The individuals who assembled at Colin and Samir’s roundtable weren’t just 2023 Streamy nominees. Four of them — Kandil, Khare, King, and Trahan — have taken home trophies at previous editions of the online video award show. (Full disclosure: Tubefilter co-produces the Streamys alongside dick clark productions.)

The wide-ranging conversation touched on many topics related to the creator lifestyle. The panelists discussed their daily lives, routines, and creative processes, while also identifying hurdles they had to overcome before making it big. They dished on brand partnership strategies, examined the ways their channels can spark social change, and looked forward to the future of digital media.

The combination of serious analysis and an informal setting drew positive reviews from both viewers and participants. In a comment on Colin and Samir’s upload, Abram described the roundtable as “the best water cooler conversation ever.”

A recurring theme in the conversation was the importance of authentic expression, even if viewers don’t immediately respond to that approach. “We were validated by the work we were making, even if it wasn’t finding tons of viewership,” Rosenblum said of his early work alongside Chaudry. “I want everyone who watches our content to feel inspired just to try something a little different,” Khare added.

The conversation served as a preamble to the 2023 Streamys, which are set to go live from Los Angeles on Sunday, August 27. The show will be hosted by MatPat, with musical performances from Armani White and Icona Pop. Like the other creators on their roundtable, Colin and Samir are up for an award. They’ll look to emerge victorious in the Learning and Education category.