Social media star Trey Kennedy has 13 million followers who love his unique humor, including plenty of parenting satire. Trey’s podcast has 50,000 listeners per episode and he’s just released his first children’s book, How You Got Your Name. Not surprising, it draws inspiration from his viral video on kids names (“Roll Call in 10 Years”) which racked up 6 million views. With two kids under two, Kennedy is this week’s Meet a Dad interview on The Local Moms Network! We asked the comedian about his new book, why he loves playing moms, and more.
How did you first become active on social media?
I started playing with Vine when it came out in 2013 and by the time it disappeared, I had 2.6M followers. I mainly thought “well, that will be a cool story one day,” and was focused on finishing school and getting a job. But I had a nagging desire to keep making content so I tried to grow my IG and FB pages. By the time I graduated, I was struggling to get a job (no marketing firm would hire me because they didn’t see the value in social media then, lol), and was growing a following and sensed more and more of an opportunity. I went full time and didn’t look back.
Smart! You have two kids under 2 – what’s parenting like at this point for you?
It’s unbelievable. It’s so fun, and hard, and exhausting, and uncontrollable. My wife Katie is unreal and makes everything way better. I’m embracing every part of it because I know how quick it will go.
Any tips for parents who will have two under two?
Guard your newborn’s head like a hockey goalie. The toddler can strike at any moment.
Ha! Tell us about your new children’s book – what can parents who love your social media expect?
It’s (hopefully) humorous! In all my material I strive for light-hearted, stress-free, clean comedy that anyone can enjoy.
Who is your favorite character to play – moms? Wives? Middle schoolers? Why?
I think I have a soft spot for the mom character because it is my mom.
Aw love that! Why do you think your humor has resonated so well with moms?
I never want to make someone upset when I make fun of them. It’s been freeing to see how many people want to follow me so I can directly make fun of them. Those are my kind of people. Getting made fun of myself is like my favorite thing.
What’s your take on showing your kids on social media?
I do, but I’m careful not to really feature them. I don’t want to accidentally develop this brand where people want to see more and more of my kids and all of a sudden they’re employees one day. The focus is my comedy.
Gotcha. What’s next for you – more books or some other directions for your brand?
We just launched my wine brand Basic Cellars. I’m trying to make wine fun and along with my content, have people take themselves less seriously. Also, my next comedy special will be on HULU early next year too!
More from the Local Moms Network:
Meet a Mom: Mom Advocate and Influencer, Paige Connell
