Building an audience is one thing. Building trust is another. Steve Owens has managed to do both by focusing on conversations that feel genuine, thoughtful, and relatable. From his work as an actor and content creator to launching the fast-growing Things I’ve Learned (TIL) Podcast, he has created a space where guests share not just their successes, but the experiences and lessons that shaped them. With millions of views across social media, Steve believes the most impactful stories are often the most honest ones. In this exclusive interview with AboutInsider, he talks about the journey behind TIL Podcast, the art of creating content that truly connects with people, and why authentic storytelling will continue to shape the future of digital media.
Welcome to AboutInsider, Steve Owens! For readers who may be discovering you for the first time, could you introduce yourself and share a little about your journey as an actor, host, and content creator?
My name is Steve Owens, and I’m an actor, host, writer, and content creator based in Los Angeles. My career has always been rooted in storytelling. I originally moved to LA to pursue acting, and over the years I’ve worked across television, digital media, and entertainment while continuing to develop my own creative projects.
What started as a desire to tell stories eventually evolved into building platforms where other people could share theirs. Through social media and now through “Things I’ve Learned” Podcast, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with millions of people by creating conversations that are honest, thoughtful, and often deeply personal. Whether I’m acting in front of the camera, interviewing a guest, or creating content online, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, inspired, and connected.
You have successfully built an audience of hundreds of thousands across social media. What originally inspired you to start creating content, and how has your vision evolved over time?
I started creating content because I wanted an outlet that wasn’t dependent on someone else giving me permission. As an actor, you’re often waiting for opportunities. Social media gave me the ability to create my own.
In the beginning, I was simply sharing observations, stories, and moments from my life. What surprised me was how many people related to them. Over time, I realized that audiences weren’t necessarily looking for perfection. They were looking for authenticity.
My vision has evolved from simply growing an audience to building a meaningful media brand. Today, I’m much more focused on creating conversations and content that leave people with something they can take into their own lives. Whether it’s a funny video or a long-form interview, I want people to walk away having learned something.
TIL Podcast has experienced remarkable growth since its launch in 2025. What was the motivation behind creating the podcast, and what gap did you hope to fill in the interview space?
The idea behind TIL Podcast, short for Things I’ve Learned came from a simple observation: some of the most valuable lessons people carry aren’t the ones that make headlines.
I wanted to create a space where guests could move beyond promotion and talk about the experiences, setbacks, relationships, and life lessons that shaped them. There are plenty of interview shows focused on what’s happening right now. I was more interested in understanding how someone became who they are.
The gap I hoped to fill was creating conversations that felt more reflective and human. The Audience is incredibly smart. They can tell when a conversation is genuine, and they respond when people are willing to be honest about both their successes and their struggles.
Many interviewers focus on headlines, but your conversations often feel deeply personal and emotionally driven. How do you create an environment where guests feel comfortable sharing authentic stories?
I think it starts with listening. A lot of interviewers are focused on getting to the next question. I’m focused on understanding the answer.
Before every interview, I spend time researching the guest, but I also try to approach the conversation with curiosity rather than an agenda. People can sense when you’re genuinely interested in them as a person and not just as a public figure.
I also try to lead with vulnerability myself. When guests feel that they’re speaking to another human being rather than someone looking for a soundbite, they’re often willing to go deeper. The goal isn’t to create a viral moment—it’s to create a real one.
Your content has generated more than 50 million views, with several videos reaching millions of people. What do you believe makes a conversation resonate so strongly with audiences today?
The core of every viral conversation I’ve had is tapping into feelings and experiences people recognize immediately but have never quite found the words to express.
People may come for a celebrity, but they stay for a feeling. The moments that tend to resonate most are when someone says something honest that reflects an experience many people have had but may not have known how to articulate.
Whether it’s grief, resilience, family, identity, success, or failure, audiences connect with truth. In a world where so much content is competing for attention, authenticity stands out.
I think viewers are increasingly looking for content that doesn’t just entertain them but also gives them perspective, comfort, or a sense of connection.
As someone working at the intersection of entertainment and digital media, how do you balance your career as an actor with your growing responsibilities as a podcast host and creator?
For me, they’re all extensions of the same mission: storytelling.
Acting allows me to step into someone else’s story. Hosting allows me to help someone tell their own story. Content creation allows me to connect directly with an audience. While the mediums are different, the skill set is surprisingly similar.
The biggest challenge is time management. As opportunities continue to grow, I’ve had to become much more intentional about where I focus my energy. But I also think each area strengthens the others. My acting experience helps me as a host, and the conversations I have as a host make me a better storyteller overall.
You have interviewed notable personalities from music, television, and entertainment. Is there a particular conversation or guest that left a lasting impact on you, and why?
One conversation that left a significant impact on me was speaking with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Here is someone who helped create music that has influenced generations, yet what struck me most was his humility and perspective. Hearing him talk about purpose, perseverance, and the mindset required to build something lasting reinforced the idea that true success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about impact.
I’ve been fortunate to speak with many incredible guests, and the common thread is that the people who have accomplished the most often remain the most grounded. That’s a lesson I carry with me.
One of your strengths is transforming long-form interviews into viral short-form content. What are the key elements you look for when identifying moments that can connect with millions of viewers?
I’m always looking for moments that create an immediate emotional response.
The best clips usually contain one of three things: a powerful lesson, a surprising revelation, or a universally relatable experience. If a viewer can understand the emotional stakes within the first few seconds, they’re much more likely to stay engaged.
I also pay close attention to shareability. People share content that says something about who they are or what they believe. If a clip makes someone think, laugh, feel understood, or inspires them to send it to a friend, it has the potential to travel far beyond the original audience.
The digital content landscape is constantly changing. What trends do you see shaping the future of podcasting, storytelling, and audience engagement over the next few years?
I think we’re moving toward a future where authenticity becomes even more valuable.
Artificial intelligence will continue to change how content is created and distributed, but human stories will become even more important because they’re the one thing technology can’t truly replicate.
We’re also seeing audiences consume content across multiple formats. A single conversation may exist as a podcast episode, a YouTube video, a short-form clip, a social post, and a newsletter. Creators who understand how to tell one story across multiple platforms will have a significant advantage.
Most importantly, I think audiences will continue rewarding creators who build trust. Community is becoming more valuable than reach.
Looking ahead, what exciting projects, collaborations, or goals are on the horizon for you and TIL Podcast, and what message would you like to share with aspiring creators and storytellers?
I’m incredibly excited about the future of TIL Podcast. We’re continuing to expand the caliber of guests, deepen the conversations, and build the show into a platform that audiences can rely on for meaningful storytelling.
Beyond the podcast, I’m continuing to pursue opportunities in acting, writing, and developing original entertainment projects. My long-term vision is to build a media company that creates impactful stories across multiple formats.
For aspiring creators, my advice is simple: start before you feel ready. Most people spend too much time waiting for perfect conditions. The truth is that growth comes from doing. I started with no money and no idea how I’d make it work.
Your first video won’t be your best. Your first interview won’t be your best. But every piece of content teaches you something. Stay consistent, stay curious, and focus on serving your audience. If you do that long enough, opportunities have a way of finding you.
The show has already featured notable guests including Susaye Greene, AJ Johnson, Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence, and Nicco Annan, reflecting both his access and the tone of the conversations he’s building.
