
Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe
Coco Mocoe is a marketing professional with a background in entertainment and digital media. From producing videos with celebrities for TikTok and YouTube to dissecting internet phenomenons and trends -- she has done it. And now she will do it weekly on the podcast. Tune in each week for internet news, entertainment stories, rising stars, trend predictions and more. But most importantly, remembering the human behind the handles.
Business & Interview Inquiries: cocomocoe@whalartalent.com
Instagram: @CocoMocoe
YouTube: Coco Mocoe
TikTok: @CocoMocoe cocomocoe.substack.com
Latest episodes

May 18, 2023 • 58min
Vanderpump Rules: What the cast zodiac signs say about their personalities + finale reaction
The long-awaited Vanderpump Rules finale to season 10 (episode 15) is here. This is bigger than a super bowl. Super bowls happen once a year. This 'Scandoval' was once-in-a-lifetime! We break down the episode scene by painful scene. And then we end the episode with a deep dive into the cast zodiac signs and what it could all potentially mean. For context, here are the cast zodiac signs from what I could find online: Virgo: Lisa Vanderpump, Lala Kent, Raquel Leviss Cancer: Ariana Maddix, Tom S*ndoval, Jax Taylor, Stassi Schroeder Aquarius: James Kennedy, Kristen Doute, Charli Capricorn: Katie Maloney, Ally Lewber Taurus: Scheana Shay Libra: Tom Schwartz Gemini: Andy Cohen No Leos, Aries or Scorpios on this cast You can listen to my deep-dive episode on the original Scandoval when it broke and why it took over the world from a media-perspective hereIf you like the podcast, you will love my socials: Instagram: @cocomocoeTikTok: @cocomocoeYouTube: Coco Mocoe For business inquiries and sponsorships, email: cocomocoe@whalartalent.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

May 8, 2023 • 44min
Shirah Benarde: How she made $40k from TikTok & had one of the fastest deals in Shark Tank history (NightCap)
Have you ever watched Shark Tank and wondered about the behind-the-scene details or what happens to the contestants after they strike a deal with a shark? Today's episode is with Shirah Benarde (@shirahbenarde). She and her brother founded the anti-roofie scrunchie brand, NightCapIt (@nightcapit). They had one of the fastest deals in Shark Tank history with Lori Griener. Here is the NightCap site if you want to purchase protection for your drinks! Here is a viral clip from their episode of Shark Tank!We talk about how she made $40k from TikTok alone in the 6 weeks leading up to their pitch on Shark Tank. We talk about her Gen-Z focused branding strategy (community over perfection) and how she grew her brand to almost 500k on TikTok at the time of posting this episode. And we talk about her plans to branch the company out in to the music and college space. This was such a fun interview and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed chatting with Shirah! The book I referred to in the middle of the podcast is linked here. It has been almost a decade since I read the book so my recollection may have been fuzzy and I am not a mental health professional! I encourage you to read the book yourself to fact check me, as always! Tune into 'Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe' for weekly episodes on pop culture, entertainment and marketing news.If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! @CocoMocoe on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

May 2, 2023 • 29min
Met Gala 2023: The Subliminal Messages Behind the Most Memorable Looks
In this episode, we delve into the 2023 Met Gala - the most highly anticipated fashion event of the year. Join us as we discuss the stunning red carpet looks, the most talked-about celebrity appearances, and the overarching cultural themes that defined the event. From the fashion-forward to the controversial, we break down every aspect of this unforgettable evening, providing insights and commentary that you won't want to miss. Tune in for a deep dive into the Met Gala 2023, and discover all the highlights and memorable moments from this iconic night in the fashion world.Here is an article from Vogue on all the Met Gala looksSome looks that stood out to me were from Kylie Jenner, Emma Chamberlain, Rihanna, Pedro Pascal and more! Not only do we talk about the theme, which was Karl Lagerfeld, but we also discuss what celebs did NOT attend - which can be just as telling. Thank you so much for listening to this episode and giving it a rating! We are climbing the Entertainment News & Pop Culture charts. THANK YOU!Let me know who you want me to interview in the future!Tune into 'Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe' for weekly episodes on pop culture, entertainment and marketing news.If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! @CocoMocoe on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Apr 24, 2023 • 48min
@caroreyrey: The Rise of Latinx Representation in Hollywood + Working with Celebs like Zendaya & Justin Bieber
Today's episode pulls back the curtain of Hollywood with Carolina Reynoso (@caroreyrey). Her and I met at our day job (BuzzFeed) and she has since gone on to film viral videos on red carpets like the Oscar's, meet Steven Spielberg, attend every exciting red carpet in the past year and much more. We talk about how she got her foot in the door to the industry. How she started out by working with celebrities like Zendaya and Justin Bieber. And her passion, which is Latinx representation in media. Here is an article by Axios about the Latinx moviegoer population vs Latinx representation in media: https://www.axios.com/2022/03/31/latinos-hollywood-representation-moviesFollow Carolina Reynoso (@caroreyrey) on social media here: Instagram TikTok Watch her on the PeroLike YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PeroLike --If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! Search 'Coco Mocoe' on your favorite apps to find me and connect. Instagram: @cocomocoeTikTok: @cocomocoeYouTube: Coco MocoeLinkedIn: Coco Mocoe For business inquiries, email: cocomocoe@whalartalent.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Apr 23, 2023 • 34min
Coachella 2023: Frank Ocean Makes History in the Worst Way Possible
Coachella 2023 was one of the most dramatic years the festival has ever seen, in the worst way possible. And this time it wasn't the influencers who got the most hate; but surprisingly, one of the most anticipated headliners in Coachella history. In this episode, we talk about Frank Ocean's disappointing performance (or lack thereof) as the Sunday headliner. What exactly went wrong and the advice I would give him on repairing his image from a marketing standpoint. Is Frank Ocean an example of the "rubber band" theory in marketing going too far? Variety magazine wrote an in-depth article about what went wrong with Frank Ocean's Coachella performance, which you can find here. Let me know what you think of this episode in the comments of my recent TikTok about this whole debacle! If you like the podcast, you will love my socials! TikTok: @cocomocoeYouTube: Coco MocoeInstagram: @cocomocoe LinkedIn: Coco Mocoe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Apr 14, 2023 • 1h 10min
'Love is Blind' Season 4 Finale: How Netflix saved a dying franchise (w Grace Reports)
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the highly anticipated finale of Love is Blind season 4, where the contestants reveal their final decisions on whether to stay engaged or walk away. Join us as we analyze the most dramatic moments, heartbreaking breakups, and heartwarming love stories that unfolded throughout the season. From dissecting the couples' final vows to uncovering behind-the-scenes secrets, we recap everything you need to know about this epic finale. Tune in to discover our predictions for which couples will make it, which ones won't, and the reasons behind their decisions. Don't miss out on this exclusive breakdown of Love is Blind season 4!The couples who are featured in the wedding finale are: 1. Chelsea and Kwame 2. Micah and Paul3. Tiffany and Brett4. Bliss and Zack Follow Grace Report on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for more reality TV recaps and deep dives.Thank you so much for listening to this episode and giving it a rating! That helps me so much as my podcast grows.Let me know who you want me to interview in the future!Tune into 'Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe' for weekly episodes on pop culture, entertainment and marketing news.If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! @CocoMocoe on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Apr 10, 2023 • 58min
Timm Chiusano: How a Marketing Exec Became TikTok's Favorite Vlogger
Today's episode is with one of TikTok's favorite vloggers, Timm Chiusano (@timmchiusano). He has been compared to one of the greatest vloggers and storytellers of all time, Casey Neistat. We talk about his rise on the app, his background working in media and winning an Emmy while he was at ESPN, his process for creating his most viral vlogs, his thoughts on the future of influencer brand collabs and more. My favorite thing about Timm is his ability to remain curious. So often, people think they must have a video planned out or educate in every second in order to provide value. But Timm's videos act as a reminder that sometimes people just want companionship and don't go on social media to be lectured at. Usually, that is what they are escaping by opening their phones. Thank you so much for listening to this episode and giving it a rating! That helps me so much as my podcast grows. Let me know who you want me to interview in the future! Tune into 'Ahead of the Curve with Coco Mocoe' for weekly episodes on pop culture, entertainment and marketing news.If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! @CocoMocoe on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Apr 3, 2023 • 56min
@JZEats: Why Selena Gomez & Paris Hilton have gotten involved with this specific niche of content creation (& why these creators are so lucrative compared to others)
Today we sit down with a 10-year veteran creator, JZ Eats. I wanted to chat with her because she represents the one niche of creator that is one of the most lucrative niches on the internet - even the biggest celebrities, like Selena Gomez and Paris Hilton, have dipped their toes in. And that would be food creators! Whether it is on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube or Pinterest - they remain some of the highest paid and highest engaged niche out of all creator-types. We dissect why that is in this episode.Hear her advice and story on the podcast today. More recipes on the JZ Eats website: https://jz-eats.com/ The recipe she suggested:Lemon Orzo Salad With Garlic Butter Shrimp - JZ EatsFollow her on Instagram and TikTok (@JZEats) -- Tune into 'Ahead of the Curve' for weekly episodes on pop culture, entertainment and marketing news.If you love the podcast, you will love my socials! @CocoMocoe on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Mar 30, 2023 • 45min
Gwyneth Paltrow: How a Ski Trial Helped Her Re-Brand as Relatable (ft. FluentlyForward)
Gwyneth Paltrow has become the most famous "almond mom" with her brand 'Goop' and her odd eating habits. But when it seemed like tides were turning against her, she began a trial for a ski accident in Utah. The trial has made her more relatable than ever, and seemingly by "accident". For more information on the trial, you can read this BuzzFeedNews article here.Shannon (aka FluentlyForward) and I talk about the dichotomy of Gwyneth Paltrow. What we can learn from a celebrity who doesn't try to be 'relatable' but rather leans into how out of touch she is. We also talk about this marketing approach in relation to other trending celebrities like Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Ellen DeGeneres and more. Everything is our opinions and all alleged.--If you want more from FluentlyForward, you can find her podcast landing page here. Instagram: @FluentlyForward-- If you like the podcast, you will love my socials: TikTok @CocoMocoeInstagram @CocoMocoeYouTube @CocoMocoecocomocoe@whalartalent.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com

Mar 22, 2023 • 32min
Will TikTok get banned? How it could change the social media landscape
Hi guys, Coco Mocoe here. Today's episode is all about the potential TikTok ban in the U.S. and the different ways this scenario could play out if it comes to fruition. For more context on the TikTok ban, read this CNBC article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-ban-whats-next-company-purchase/ Here is an up-to-date article about the TikTok CEO testifying before congress: https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/23/tech/tiktok-ceo-hearing/index.htmlSome topics covered in this episode: Why the TikTok ban might be xenophobic Why the TikTok ban could officially mark the end of Instagram, Facebook and Meta, as well Is history repeating itself like how Vine ended then we saw some creators jump to YouTube What platform could replace TikTok in it's absense? What creators will come out on top if the ban goes through? How can you best prepare and adapt? Let me know your thoughts on the TikTok ban on my recent TikTok about the topic. My goal is to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. New episodes every Monday morning. If you like my podcast, you will love my socials: Instagram: @cocomocoeTikTok: @cocomocoeYouTube: @coco mocoe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cocomocoe.substack.com