Shot at 19, Now He's Selling Out Shows | 2Kold, Pop the Balloon

On today's show I sat down with content creator and rapper Corey Tibbs Jr., professionally known as CeeJay2Kold and 2Kold, founder of the dating series Pop the Balloon.

2Kold began creating and posting dance videos online as a kid, and grew up primarily in Haughville on Indianapolis' near west side. His life changed when he was shot in the face at 19, spent three days in a coma and roughly 30 days in the hospital.

He explains how he transitioned from reaction videos to more structured creation by investing in camera equipment, studying specs and tutorials, taking courses, and learning from local videographers, moves that paid off when he achieved YouTube monetization.

2Kold details how Pop the Balloon started, with initial filming at the media hub and event space Midwest League in Indianapolis. The unscripted show features contestants who present their name, age, and job, and balloons are popped if someone isn't interested, followed by an explanation.

2Kold outlines a major 2026 tour running February through June starting in Washington, D.C., with nearly 25 additional stops in major cities across the country. Looking ahead, he announces a new competitive reality series concept called QOTC: Queens of the City, focused on business-minded women and brand development with structured auditions and challenges such as creating business plans.

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:
- 2Kold's Journey as a Content Creator
- The Dating Show Pop the Balloon
- Queens of the City Reality Series

Thank you to our partners:
Hoosier Lottery
Huse Culinary

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:38 Guest Introduction: 2Kold, Pop the Balloon
02:48 Dancing, MySpace, and First YouTube Uploads
03:44 Growing Up in Haughville
06:48 Getting Shot at 19 and the Recovery
08:47 Leveling Up as a Creator
13:16 YouTube Reactions Take Off
15:53 Two-Year Plan & Family Pressure
17:53 Monetization, Hustling, and Building a Business
22:10 What Is Pop the Balloon?
24:27 Launching the First Live Episode
28:42 Welcoming Contestants & the 'pop' Psychology
30:12 Turning Pop the Balloon Into a Business
31:51 Why It's So Bingeable
34:04 Tickets, Audience Participation & Sudden Popularity
35:05 Casting, Sponsors, Org Collabs & Niche Episodes
37:20 Balancing Family Life with Nonstop Production
38:25 2026 Tour Game Plan
40:36 'Queens of the City' Reality Series
46:40 Creator Advice
49:50 Memorable Matches & Favorite Creators
53:07 Hidden Gems and Why Indiana is Home

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