Ep. 61 | How to go viral with Franchesca "Chescaleigh" Ramsey
franchesca"TRUSTING MYSELF HAS HONESTLY BEEN THE BEST GIFT OF MY 40s
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Franchesca Ramsey, aka Chescaleigh, is a celebrated creator, actor, and public speaker known for her viral content and hosting MTV’s Decoded. As a longtime friend and inspiring voice, I’m thrilled to have her on the show. You’ll hear us talk about creating viral content, navigating queer identity online, setting social media boundaries, and her unique role as a connector in entertainment.
description:
In this episode of It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, Delina welcomes Franchesca Ramsey, known as Chescaleigh, a multifaceted creative force and viral sensation. Franchesca shares the story behind the success of the Leopard Song, the science of going viral, and behind-the-scenes moments from her time hosting MTV's Decoded. She opens up candidly about coming out as queer, setting social media boundaries, and offers practical advice for making an authentic impact online.
Franchesca also discusses her upcoming masterclass in content creation and reveals her unique talent for spotting rising stars, making her a pivotal connector in the entertainment industry. With laughter, wisdom, and actionable insights, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone wanting to influence digital culture while staying true to themselves.
Show Topics:
Friendship origins and career highlights
Life lessons and mental health in the online space
Creative ventures and podcasting
Dating, self-love, and personal boundaries
The science and art of viral content creation
Overcoming creative blocks and supporting peers
Coming out and queer identity
Career advice and mentorship
Influential people Shoutouts
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
01:26 Meet Franchesca Ramsey
02:12 The Beginnings of a Friendship
02:58 Career Highlights and Makeup Stories
06:54 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons
11:34 Navigating Online Presence and Mental Health
18:33 Podcasting and Creative Ventures
23:29 Dating and Personal Life
28:34 Navigating FaceTime Dates
30:05 Embracing Self-Love and Friendships
32:04 The Power of Calendars and Organization
34:45 The Science Behind Creating Viral Content
37:31 The Value of Relatable Content
45:02 Overcoming Creative Challenges
55:39 Supporting Friends in the Industry
01:02:04 The Importance of Presentation
01:02:38 Punctuality and Professionalism
01:05:38 The Viral Leopard Song
01:13:07 Coming Out and Queer Identity
01:17:42 Balancing Privacy and Public Life
01:21:07 Career Advice and Mentorship
01:27:01 Shoutouts to Influential People
01:32:15 Where to Find Franchesca's Work
ABOUT franchesca “chescaleigh” ramsey
Franchesca “Chescaleigh” Ramsey is an actor, writer, public speaker, and creator/star of MTV’s award-winning web series Decoded. She first gained viral fame with her 2012 video “Sh*t White Girls Say…to Black Girls,” which reached millions of views and sparked important conversations on race and culture. Franchesca has written for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, authored the 2018 NAACP-nominated book Well That Escalated Quickly, and has appeared in TV series such as Broad City and Superstore. She co-hosts the podcast Lemme Fix It! and is known for her sharp wit and social justice advocacy.
Follow Franchesca on all social media platforms
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Website
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