Check out our interview with content creator and influencer Carly Weinstein who ditches the drama to focus on self-growth and mental health with her popular podcast “Hot Girl Talks.”
With nearly half a million followers on socials and well over 38 million likes on her TikTok, Carly is this generations everyday gal-pal with her fun and down-to-earth and comedic content discussing every day, real life challenges and issues that almost all young 20 somethings go through. Along with her two co-hosts and best friends Hailey and Jaz, the three host “Hot Girl Talks” a weekly series that covers the ups and downs of social lives, dating advice, sex, relationships, life in NYC, other pop-culture news.
Along with “Hot Girl Talks,” Carly also co-hosts another podcast series with her mother titled “Ok Stop Wine-ing.” The mother/daughter duo have weekly conversations advising others on navigating friendships, relationships, work, obstacles in life and everyday advice.
When Carly is not busy creating her social media content or recording episodes of her podcast, she can be found spending time with her close friends in NYC. She is also an avid traveler and loves to focus on her fitness with weightlifting and recently became obsessed with pickleball. Carly is also looking to get more involved with mental health advocacy and breast cancer research.
Follow Carly on IG @carly_weinstein & TikTok @carlyweinstein1
Hi Carly, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a 25-year old NYC-based lifestyle influencer that believes in confidence, self-love, and positivity. My life goal is to help young women be the best versions of themselves.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Confident, kind, driven.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I started out as a social media manager, running Instagram pages and websites for female-founded companies. My passion was really always helping people though, so when I started using TikTok, I realized I could use my talents in social media and my love for inspiring others & combine the two!
How has this changed your life?
I wake up every day feeling so excited and grateful. I still constantly am like “is this really my life?!” Truthfully, my dream my entire life was to help young girls going through similar struggles that I went through when I was younger, so to be able to do that is all I could ask for!
Who influenced you and why did you choose to be a content creator?
I love music, and Sam Smith and Megan Trainor are two singers I have looked up to for years. They are both paving their own paths, and although they aren’t primarily content creators, their words have impacted so many. I chose to be a content creator for that exact reason. Because my words have an impact, and I want to help others and be able to share life experiences.
Now let’s talk about your popular podcast “Hot Girl Talks?”
Hot Girl Talks is all about being in your 20’s. From dating & relationships to friendships & the struggles of being a woman, we cover it all.
What is different from your podcast to other podcasts?
Unlike many other podcasts and popular influencers, we aren’t about the “clean girl aesthetic.” We are about being raw & real, which sometimes is not cute or pretty! We talk about our most embarrassing moments & lowest lows, in hopes of making other young girls feel less alone!
How often do you release new content?
New Episodes drop every Thursday.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful podcast?
Being consistent & authentic.
And about your co-host podcast with your mom “Ok, Stop Wine-ing?”
My mom & I are best friends, and decided to start a podcast during the pandemic, mainly because we have hilarious banter! However, once we dove into it, we realized we could really help people of all ages going through similar struggles as us, and also give advice on mother-daughter relationships.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Meeting the people, I’ve had an impact on in person and getting to hug them & have conversations with them! It makes me the happiest.
As a popular influencer, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encouraging people to follow their dreams?
I definitely find that I have to be careful, and also make sure those around me are careful as well. It adds pressure, but it also keeps me accountable and helps me continue to be a role model for others.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Secret- I read it at a very young age and it really taught me the power of positive thinking & how you can accomplish anything you want if you believe in yourself.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The only person holding you back from accomplishing your dreams is you. You have the power to make your dreams happen, and nobody else can stop you!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
You are beautiful- believe that!! Stop caring so much about what others think, and realize you are absolutely perfect the way you are. I cared so much about how my body looked that it would stop me from going after my dreams or living my best life. I wish I had taken some of the focus off of that and just enjoyed the journey more.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friends would probably describe me as silly, outgoing, motivated, and loving.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Work in progress.” I believe I will always be learning and growing every single day, and so I am constantly a work in progress with no real destination or end goal. I just constantly want to keep striving for more.
What’s next for Carly Weinstein in the last months of 2022 and for 2023?
Taking care of myself and my mental health, working hard at my job, and doing some public speaking for high school and college-aged students!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I could eat salads all day every day, hence my popular “salad of the day” videos on Tik Tok. Salads can be so yummy and fun and never boring!!
And your favorite cheat food?
I don’t believe in “cheat foods”, but the food that makes my soul the happiest is probably pasta or pizza!
How would you explain your fashion style?
Simple, chic, and trendy. I like to blend different styles, but I am all about simplicity.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Loving what you do, being surrounded by people you love and care about, and doing the things that make you feel the most alive.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Sam Smith!! Again, I’m totally obsessed. They are my inspiration, and their talent is also out of this world.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Right now, my friends & I have been talking about doing a trip to Bali, so that is definitely my dream at this moment.
Do you support any charity?
Yes, back in college I was very involved with St Jude Children’s hospital, and I continue to donate to them. I also am involved in NEDA, The Trevor Project, and the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself using my platform to help young people, while also doing more in-person speaking engagements. I also would love to start writing a book.
Favorite song? Why?
I couldn’t ever pick just one, but Fresh Roses by Juke Ross was a song that got me through a lot of hard times. It talks about how in order to have better days, you need to go through the bad ones.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think that if it is used in a positive way, it has the power to actually help so many people feel less alone.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram @carly_weinstein
TikTok @carlyweinstein1
Favorites:
Book: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne / Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole
Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Suess
Movie: Grease
Tv Series: Schitts Creek; Sex & The City
Favorite Food: Sushi!!
Travel Destination: Israel & Florence, Italy
Sports Team: New York Giants!!
Photo credit: Tiana Michele
