Bobbi Althoff, the popular influencer turned podcaster, is embarking on a fresh journey with the second season of her video podcast, “Not This Again”. The new episodes debuted on 18 February, showcasing Althoff’s intention to evolve both her style and identity as a host.
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At 28, the American creator acknowledged her ongoing quest for self-discovery in the world of podcasting. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Althoff expressed her desire to experiment with her content as she refines her hosting abilities. “I’m just trying to switch things up and find my identity,” she stated, admitting that she is still in the process of shaping her voice. “I’m still searching though, so it’s not there yet,” she added, hinting at her commitment to continual growth.
Althoff first gained recognition through her earlier project, “The Really Good Podcast”, which showcased her unique blend of deadpan humour and an awkward interviewing style. She has attracted a variety of notable guests, including music icons like Drake and Lil Yachty, as well as prominent figures such as entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Her ability to engage with such a diverse range of personalities has certainly contributed to her rising popularity, evidenced by her impressive following of over 8 million on TikTok and more than 1 million subscribers on YouTube.
Reflecting on her early interviews, Althoff disclosed that her unconventional technique was not initially deliberate. “I think my interviews started as just me being an awkward person and not really knowing how to talk to strangers,” she explained. However, following two years of honing her skills, she now feels more adept at engaging with them. Despite this newfound comfort, she expressed a yearning to recapture the unpredictable charm that first contributed to her show’s success.
“I think it’s also about trying to bring back some of the stuff in the beginning that did make it do really well, which was how awkward it was,” Althoff reminisced. The spontaneous nature of her early content has become intertwined with her current style, creating an interesting tension between her growth as a communicator and her desire to retain the awkwardness that initially attracted viewers.
As a result of her podcasting journey, Althoff has experienced her own social growth. Laughing, she noted, “I feel like I had really bad social anxiety when I first started. And now I have like, moderately bad social anxiety.” This personal evolution reflects not only in her interviews but in her overall demeanor, showcasing her commitment to personal development.
When it comes to selecting guests for “Not This Again”, Althoff prefers a more personal approach. She focuses on individuals she is genuinely interested in getting to know or believes would bring a humorous dynamic to the conversation. This selective process has allowed her to create a comfortable environment for both herself and her guests, fostering authentic discussions.
Althoff’s rise to fame began on TikTok in 2021, where she engaged audiences with candid videos about motherhood and pregnancy. Her trajectory shifted dramatically with the launch of “The Really Good Podcast” in April 2023, which garnered viral success due in part to her intentionally awkward style. In a previous TikTok promoting the series, Althoff shared her initial struggles and triumphs. She recounted the naysayers who doubted her potential to secure high-profile guests or gain viewership. Nevertheless, she remains steadfast in her belief that perseverance is key, declaring, “Don’t give up on your dreams. Ever.”
As she embarks on the new season of her podcast, Althoff is embracing this transition not only as a creator but also as an individual. Her journey illustrates the complexities and challenges faced by emerging podcasters, underscoring the importance of authenticity and personal growth. With the aim of fine-tuning her distinctive voice, audiences can expect an intriguing blend of familiarity and novelty in the episodes ahead.