In the fifth installment of The Outlet, “Ride Reels Media,” podcast hosts senior Kaelie Dieter and junior Avery Lurie interview senior Josh O’Connor about his social media brand, Ride Reels Media. When O’Connor first moved to St. Pete, he immediately took special interest in the city’s modern, exotic car scene. The unique cars he encountered, including a Batman Lamborghini, strengthened this passion. O’Connor felt St. Pete’s car community lacked sufficient recognition, inspiring him to post his findings online. “I think the [St. Pete’s car community is good,” O’Connor said. “It could be advertised a little better, though.” O’Connor began posting his automotive media on various social media platforms and immediately appreciated the community and creativity that came with car photography and videography. “I’ve gotten to meet some pretty cool people,” O’Connor said. O’Connor has continued to build his brand through collaborations with popular car owners, local brands, and other car enthusiasts in the St. Pete area. O’Connor also used his online brand as a way to step out of his comfort zone, reaching out to people with strong online followings to further build his own skillset. O’Connor said, “Just go in with the mindset of, ‘this person is here because they want to be.’ […] It’s nice to be in a space with people who are passionate about the same thing.” In addition to Ride Reels Media, O’Connor also runs a successful Business Account on Pinterest with 141,000 monthly views. On this account, O’Connor showcases his paintings and finds ways to express his creativity in formats beyond automotive media. O’Connor hopes to help people appreciate the variety within St. Pete’s car scene as his media following continues to grow. “[These cars] are everywhere,” O’Connor said. “You just have to keep an eye out.”

Music by Remy DeParis’24