He Made a List of Things That Rule… And It Went Viral | Evan Ochs, Stuff That Rules

On today's show I sat down with Indiana-based creator Evan Ochs, founder of "Stuff That Rules," a short-form series of daily videos sharing five overlooked joys as a practical gratitude habit.

Ochs explains how the idea began with journaling after a weeknight beer, then evolved from early TikTok experiments into a reposted list video that unexpectedly went viral, leading him to double down on the consistent format filmed from his bedroom closet for audio and visual consistency.

We discuss men's mental health, audience DMs about tough times and sobriety, the challenge of monetizing authentically, and Ochs' first brand deal with Mugsy Jeans.

He also shares plans for "jobs that rule" and "places that rule," reflects on living in LA and Chicago, highlights Indiana's southern hills and Ferdinand's St. Benedict's Brew Works, and closes with advice to start posting and building your own list.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:
- The Idea Behind Stuff That Rules
- Challenges of Monetizing for Creators
- Future Plans for Jobs That Rule and Places That Rule

Thank you to our partners:
Duke Homes
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:34 Guest Introduction: Evan Ochs, Stuff That Rules
02:36 How Stuff That Rules Started
03:55 First Viral Breakthrough
07:01 The Closet Setup
08:55 Hopeful Internet and Community
11:30 Creative Process and Day Job
13:02 Monetizing Without Selling Out
16:07 Lessons for New Creators
17:56 Indiana Roots and Local Love
21:23 Impact on Viewers
22:49 New Series Ideas Ahead
27:31 Riffing on Things That Rule
30:05 Hidden Gems and Monastery Brewery
31:41 Monastery Road Trip
32:23 Shrine Awe Moment
32:59 Art Museum Wonder
33:38 Road Trip Snacks
34:33 School Lunch Classics
35:39 Recess Glory Days
36:07 Fictional Bars Talk
36:35 Satisfying Sounds
37:25 Santa Letters Magic
39:55 Viral Topics Breakdown
41:14 Gratitude Mindset Shift
43:10 Bracket Winner Debate
44:19 Books And Phone Balance
46:02 Doing Things Solo
48:08 Collabs And Celeb DMs
50:38 Why Indiana Home
53:06 Hidden Gem Brewery
53:45 Final Shoutouts

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