It Must Be Nice

About It Must Be Nice

It Must Be Nice is a podcast of real conversations about the work, pressure, sacrifice, and chaos behind what people call “must be nice."

Publisher

Brandon

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Feb 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   Ep. #17 with Aydon Holley: Flips, Followers, and Turning Views Into a Career

   Brandon sits down with content creator, athlete, and performer Aydon Holley for a conversation about going viral, building a career online, and what it actually takes to turn short-form videos into a real business. Aydon talks about getting cast on American Ninja Warrior, training for only a month, filming late into the night, and finding out he made it to the quarterfinals after assuming his run was over. From there, he breaks down how he first started posting videos in high school, how one viral swing flip helped him gain hundreds of thousands of followers, and how early brand deals with companies like American Eagle and Crocs showed him that content could become more than just a hobby. The conversation dives into the business side of being a creator, including mass filming, short-form strategy, UGC deals, working with management, platform payouts, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and why follower count does not always translate to money. They also talk about Red Bull events, creator houses, burnout, getting de-platformed, trial reels, rage bait, Pokemon cards, building a personal brand beyond flips, and why Aydon believes the best approach is to keep posting and think like a kid when a video does not perform. Stay connected with Aydon here: https://www.instagram.com/aydonholley https://link.me/aydonholley

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Ep. #16 with JP Sears: Comedy, Discomfort, and Becoming a Better Man

   Brandon and Drew sit down with comedian, creator, speaker, and author JP Sears for a conversation about comedy, discomfort, discipline, creativity, and what it takes to become a stronger man. JP talks about his approach to fitness, why he uses difficult workouts as character tests, and how physical suffering can become one of the best tools for mental health. The conversation also gets into his experience completing the Liver King Barbarian Challenge, training in his garage gym, and why he believes men need to rebuild strength from the inside out. From there, JP and Drew dive into Drew’s experience winning Outlast on Netflix, the mental battle of survival, missing family, starving in Alaska, and why discomfort can reveal who you really are. JP also shares how he moved from personal training and holistic health into YouTube comedy, why he never planned on becoming a comedian, and how one viral video helped him realize there was something real behind his creative voice. He breaks down his process for writing, filming, editing, touring, stand-up, satire, and building multiple YouTube channels, including his newer project, The Better Man Project. The episode also moves into deeper topics like politics, distrust in institutions, masculinity, faith, personal responsibility, free speech, family, and why JP believes strong men are built by taking ownership of their own lives instead of waiting for someone else to fix things. Stay connected with JP here: https://linktr.ee/awakenwithjp https://www.instagram.com/awakenwithjp/

3. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Ep. #15 with Dylan & Blake Gossett: Music, Family, and Turning a Viral Moment Into a Career

   Brandon and Drew sit down with Dylan Gossett and Blake Gossett for a conversation about music, family, touring, going viral, and what happens when one song changes everything. Dylan talks about writing “Coal” years before posting it, uploading it to social media with his phone propped up on a box and water bottle, and waking up to millions of views, label calls, American Idol messages, and a completely different future than the one he had planned. The conversation dives into the early chaos of navigating record label interest, bad deals, lawyers, publishing, owning masters, and why Dylan chose not to rush into a 360 deal just because people were suddenly paying attention. Blake shares how he went from playing music for fun to joining Dylan on the road, including the moment Dylan gave him his dream guitar and basically pulled him into the next chapter of the band. From there, they talk about their first sold-out headline show in Ireland, touring overseas, playing College Station, pulling up in their first tour bus, and what it feels like to open for bands like Red Clay Strays and Mumford & Sons. They also get into the reality of life on the road, missing family, bringing wives and kids out on tour, building a setlist, festival strategy, social media pressure, album rollouts, and why Dylan still wants the music to feel raw, live, and honest instead of overly polished. Stay connected with Dylan & Blake here: https://www.instagram.com/blakegossettmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/dylangossett/ https://dylangossett.komi.io

4. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Ep. #14 with Alex Laughlin: Speed, Control, and Chasing History at 330 MPH

   Brandon and Drew sit down with professional drag racer, pilot, and animal rescue founder Alex Laughlin for a conversation about speed, risk, instinct, and what it really takes to compete at the highest levels of drag racing. Alex talks about recently earning his pilot’s license, the mental grind of flight school, and how aviation compares to life behind the wheel. From there, the conversation moves into his path through racing, from go-karts, legends cars, and tractor pulling to Pro Mod, Pro Stock, Top Fuel, and Nitro Funny Car. He breaks down what it feels like to launch a 10,000-horsepower car, why reaction time can win or lose a race, how drivers handle chaos at over 300 MPH, and what actually happens behind the scenes during a race weekend. Alex shares stories from his time with Gas Monkey, the reality of sponsorships in motorsports, the pressure of jumping into opportunities before feeling fully ready, and the rare chance he has to make history across multiple racing categories. The episode gets into life outside the track, including Alex’s rescue for large animals, his farm, the work that goes into caring for horses, donkeys, llamas, and the unexpected side of building something that exists for more than just racing. Stay tuned with Alex here:https://www.instagram.com/alexlaughlin40https://alexlaughlin40.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBaDYgvkhlIJx3U9vw89yqw

5. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Ep. #13 with Tom Nash: Survival, Agency, and Building a Life After the Unthinkable

   Brandon and Marshall, IMBN Production Lead, sit down with Tom Nash to talk about surviving the unimaginable, rebuilding life after losing both arms and legs, and how a near-death experience completely changed the way he looks at time, purpose, and opportunity.Tom shares the story of contracting meningococcal disease at 19, being placed in a coma for two and a half weeks, spending 18 months in hospitals and rehab, and the moment he was forced to choose between life and death.The conversation dives into pain, recovery, prosthetics, phantom limbs, dark humor, and why regaining a sense of agency became one of the most important parts of his survival.They also get into Tom’s life after the hospital, from learning how to play guitar with hooks to launching one of the longest-running weekly club nights in Sydney history, becoming a DJ, writing a book, giving a TED Talk, and building his show Last Meal with Tom Nash.Along the way, they talk about Australian barbecue, cooking, travel, people-watching, public curiosity, adapting to the world around you, and why Tom prefers to keep the future open-ended instead of locking himself into a five-year plan.Stay tuned with Tom here:https://www.instagram.com/djhookiehttps://www.tomnash.com/https://www.youtube.com/@UCEvIDC-LmGKlYeh2TkyN8iw

6. 

   22 Jun 2026

   Ep. #12 with Sacred Thomas: Content, Authenticity, and Building a Life You Actually Want

   Brandon and Drew sit down with creator, videographer, and entrepreneur Sacred Thomas to talk about the unconventional path that led him from running a party bus company to building an audience of millions across social media. Sacred shares how picking up a camera changed the trajectory of his life, why he sold his business to pursue content creation full-time, and how learning to speak on camera became the catalyst for explosive growth online. The conversation dives into the realities of social media monetization, the challenges of launching a supplement company to an audience that knows you for something completely different, and why followers don't always translate into revenue. They also swap stories from their time filming with Doc Antle after Tiger King, discuss how reality television can shape public perception, and break down the opportunities and risks that AI is creating for creators, businesses, and the future of media. Along the way, they explore relationships, personal growth, authenticity, podcasting, travel, and the importance of building a life that aligns with who you actually want to become. Stay tuned with Sacred here: https://www.instagram.com/sacredthomas/ https://takethishealth.com/ https://sacredbysacred.com/

7. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Ep. #11 with Bill Thompson: Building Spartan Forge, Hunting Smarter, and Life After the Military

   Brandon and Drew sit down with Bill Thompson, founder of Spartan Forge, former Special Operations intelligence analyst, and one of the most respected voices in hunting technology. Bill shares the story behind building Spartan Forge from the ground up, how a rejected contract from a competitor ultimately pushed him to create his own platform, and why what looked like an overnight success was actually the result of years of work behind the scenes. The conversation dives into hunting, mapping technology, AI, cybersecurity, and Bill's recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, including what it was really like navigating one of the biggest podcasts in the world. They also discuss whitetail hunting, traditional archery, fasting, resilience, family, and the balance between technology and the outdoors. Along the way, Brandon and Drew share stories from their own adventures while Bill offers his perspective on preparedness, personal growth, and the lessons learned from decades spent solving difficult problems. From entrepreneurship and hunting strategy to AI, privacy, and modern life, this episode covers a wide range of topics with one of the most fascinating guests to join the show. Stay tuned with Bill here: https://www.instagram.com/billthompsonsft/ https://spartanforge.ai/ https://www.instagram.com/spartan.forge/

8. 

   25 May 2026

   Ep. 10 with Cru Mahoney: Discipline, Identity, and Becoming the Person You Respect

   Brandon and Drew sit down with Cru Mahoney to talk about discipline, identity, self-respect, and the mindset behind becoming the person you say you want to be. From waking up at 5 a.m. every day, running daily for nearly eight years straight, and taking ice baths for over 1,200 days in a row, Cru breaks down why discipline isn’t about punishment, it’s about building trust with yourself. The conversation dives into confidence, anxiety, self-talk, consistency, and why most people are constantly battling their own mind instead of working with it. They also discuss loneliness growing up, feeling disconnected from others, learning to tolerate discomfort, and how difficult experiences shape identity over time. Cru explains why he believes confidence is earned through evidence, why authenticity matters more than external validation, and how most people spend their lives chasing someone else’s priorities. The episode explores everything from health, routines, and dopamine to coaching, purpose, social pressure, Austin culture, relationships, and the balance between structure and freedom. Stay tuned with Cru here: https://www.instagram.com/crumahoney/ https://www.youtube.com/@crumahoney https://www.crumahoney.com/

9. 

   11 May 2026

   Ep. #9 with Brandon Rhyder: Texas Music, Family, and Building a Life on the Road

   Brandon and Drew sit down with Texas country artist Brandon Rhyder to talk about the reality of chasing a music career, the sacrifices that come with life on the road, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Brandon shares stories from moving to Austin in 1999 to pursue music, the early years of grinding through songwriter nights and small venues, and the moment a friend first pushed him to seriously chase music as a career. The conversation also dives into the making of his album “Conviction,” recording in Nashville with Walt Wilkins, and how songs often become tied to some of the biggest moments in people’s lives. They also discuss balancing touring with family life, how success can change your perspective over time, and why giving back through charity events and youth hunts has become one of the most meaningful parts of Brandon’s journey. The episode touches on everything from songwriting and Texas music culture to fatherhood, legacy, burnout, and learning how to stay grounded while pursuing something bigger than yourself. Stay tuned with Brandon Rhyder here: https://www.instagram.com/b_rhyder/https://smithmusic.ffm.to/662582294323_brandonrhyder_underthelightsonfriday

10. 

    27 Apr 2026

    Ep. #8 with Judd Lienhard: Discipline, Longevity, and Training That Actually Works

    Brandon and Drew sit down with Judd to break down what actually works when it comes to training, longevity, and building a body that holds up for the long haul. From VO₂ max trends and breathing protocols to sleep, diet, and injury prevention, Judd explains why most people overcomplicate fitness and why the fundamentals still beat every new “cheat code” trend on the internet. The conversation dives into everything from building an aerobic base and fixing posture issues to gut health, alcohol, recovery, and why consistency always beats intensity in the long run. They also get into Judd’s work training athletes and kids, how confidence can change the trajectory of a young athlete’s life, and the responsibility coaches and parents have when it comes to shaping the inner voice of the next generation. Stay tuned with Judd here: https://linktr.ee/juddlienhard https://www.juddlienhard.com/

11. 

    13 Apr 2026

    Ep. #7 with Saine Wong: Craft, Pressure, and Chasing Perfection

    Brandon and Drew sit down with chef Saine Wong, the mind behind one of Austin’s most unique dining experiences, an intimate six-seat sushi counter where every detail matters, Toshokan. Saine shares how years of grinding in professional kitchens eventually led him to build a restaurant entirely around his own philosophy of food, conversation, and experience. What started as an idea to create something personal quickly turned into one of Austin’s hardest reservations to get, with seats selling out instantly and guests waiting months just for a chance to sit at the counter. They talk about the pressure that comes with running a restaurant at that level: the constant expectations, the fear that one bad review could impact everything, and the responsibility of keeping a team employed while maintaining standards night after night. The conversation dives into the reality of the restaurant industry, the obsession with details most diners never notice, how fish travels from Japanese markets to American kitchens in under a day, and why the best restaurants are about connection. It’s a conversation about craft, pressure, and building something meaningful one experience at a time. Stay connected with Saine Wong here and book your reservation! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sainew/ Restaurant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toshokanatx/ Reservations: https://www.toshokanatx.com/

12. 

    27 Mar 2026

    Ep. #6 with Dakota Stilts Albritton: Fans First, Being Different, and Going All In

    Brandon sits down with Dakota Stilts Albritton of the Savannah Bananas to talk about one of the wildest rides in modern sports. From pushing concrete and almost quitting baseball to becoming the first-ever “entertainer player” in Banana Ball history, Dakota shares how a $20 tryout, a pair of drywall stilts, and a push from his mom turned into performing in front of 2.3 million fans a year. They break down what it’s really like inside the Savannah Bananas organization — the 5.5 million person waitlist, selling out NFL and MLB stadiums, pitching on stilts at Yankee Stadium on his birthday, and why the culture is so strict that even star players get cut if they don’t live up to “Fans First.” Dakota also opens up about the early camper days, almost running out of gas chasing the dream, and the moment a kid putting on stilts reminded him why he does it. This one is about belief, culture, leadership, and why sometimes the craziest idea in the room is the one that changes everything. Stay tuned on Dakota's Journey below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakota_albritton/ Merch: https://athletelogos.com/collections/stilts

13. 

    20 Mar 2026

    Ep. #5 with Dean Stanfield: Comedy Clubs, Backcountry, and Betting on Yourself

    Brandon and Drew sit down with comedian Dean Stanfield for one of the wildest conversations yet. Dean breaks down what it’s really like performing at Just For Laughs in Montreal: seven minutes, 800 seats, no warm-up set, and realizing mid-joke that Canada does not love gun bits. He talks bombing in North Carolina, rebuilding a crowd, and why stand-up is a 10-year grind most people quit before they understand. From opening for Rodney Carrington to grinding road dates alone, Dean shares the realities of chasing comedy full-time: dropout gigs, motel walls, hecklers, crowd work pressure, and why bombing never hurts less… it just lasts longer. The conversation goes off the rails into Alaska hunts, altitude sickness hallucinations, eating squirrels, rally car crashes, and the dream of buying back the family ranch in Paducah. It’s about loyalty to your people, betting on yourself, and building something big enough to bring your friends with you when it works. Stay tuned and catch Dean here: https://www.instagram.com/deanastanfield/ https://comedyworks.com/comedians/dean-stanfield

14. 

    13 Mar 2026

    Ep. #4 with Michael Ray & Josh Phillips: Hits, Holds, and the Truth About Nashville

    Brandon and Drew sit down with country artist Michael Ray and Nashville songwriter Josh Phillips for a real conversation about how the music industry actually works once the spotlight turns off. They break down writing hundreds of songs just to land a few cuts, why hit songs sometimes sit on shelves for years, label politics, viral TikTok fame changing careers overnight, and how radio tours can keep artists away from home for months at a time. From Luke Combs early rejections to the story behind Dirt Cheap, the guys talk about betting on yourself, keeping creative control, and why connecting with fans matters more than impressing suits in an office. And of course, it wouldn’t be this show without prank wars, peacocks, and a zebra. Stay up to date with Michael Ray & Josh Phillips below: Follow & Listen to Michael Ray https://www.michaelraymusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michaelraymusic Follow & Listen to Josh Phillips https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EFL76uzqz15VQ https://www.instagram.com/imjoshphillips/?hl=en

15. 

    3 Mar 2026

    Ep. #3 with Zack Telander: Reinvention, Discipline, and Creative Freedom

    Brandon and Drew sit down with Zack Telander, musician and former fitness creator, to talk about reinvention, discipline, and creative freedom. What started as lifting videos and strength culture eventually turned into a full pivot into music and a decision to go all-in on something completely different in his 30s. Zack breaks down the reality of building an independent music career from scratch, why traditional record deals aren’t always what they seem, and how “golden handcuffs” quietly trap artists into careers they didn’t actually want. They get into audience capture, the pressure to perform online, and what happens when your identity outgrows the thing that made you successful. It’s about starting over without guarantees, choosing the harder path, and building something that actually feels like yours. Catch Zack’s latest MUSIC ALBUM and Tour dates below: https://www.instagram.com/zack_telander/ NEW ALBUM: https://open.spotify.com/album/3rNIGmMBjSk0vqOoQBZWNK?si=7i8kPMG7Ql-fJ-zjQ54Kpg Tour Dates: https://www.telander.live/

16. 

    17 Feb 2026

    Ep. #2 with Drake Vliem: Survival, Brotherhood, and The “Wing It” Mentality

    Brandon sits down with Drew Haas and Drake Vliem, Drew’s teammate from Netflix’s Outlast Season 2, where the two built an unbreakable brotherhood surviving the Alaskan wilderness together. What started as a reality show became a mental and physical war of endurance, trust, and grit.They unpack what Netflix’s Outlast really felt like, from the “no rules” team chaos to the brutal cold, the mental lows, and the weirdest part of winning: going back to normal life like nothing happened. They get into the behind-the-scenes mind games, the survival details you never saw on screen (food, fire, water, injuries), the flood of online hate after the show dropped, and why their whole strategy came down to two words: Wing It. Comment down below your favorite part of the podcast! Follow and stay up to date with Drake Vliem below: https://www.instagram.com/dvliem12/

17. 

    3 Feb 2026

    Ep. #1 with Bart Crow: Success, Stress, and Making Peace With It

    It Must Be Nice is an unscripted long-form podcast hosted by Brandon, featuring real conversations with creatives, builders, and operators about the work, pressure, and personal cost behind success. In Episode 1, Brandon is joined by co-host Drew Haas, along with guests Bart Crow of the Bart Crow Band and longtime friend Jason Jeffery, for an honest hangar-table conversation about longevity in music, financial stress, family life on the road, burnout, faith, and what happens after you’ve been grinding for decades. Bart opens up about a 21-year career in music, the mental toll of constant touring, slowing down after years of go-go-go, and the mindset shift that came from gratitude, prayer, and learning to stop comparing his path to everyone else’s. Check out Bart Crow Band! For upcoming tour dates, music, and announcements, visit: https://bartcrowmusic.com/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Contact It Must Be Nice

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.