The Viral Power of Doing Things the Right Way

Ep 274

UPBEAT

Ep 274

UPBEAT

What happens when you stop chasing trends and start doing things the right way? Your way? The authentic way? What if you actually ran with the ideas that came to you organically?

In this solo episode of UPBEAT with Parker Kane, I share the story of seeing The All-American Rejects live and how their “house party tour” shows the power of going viral while staying authentic. I also break down four key takeaways you can use in life, business, branding, and personal growth.

‍1. The Viral Power of Authenticity
The All-American Rejects have been breaking records this year. Not by following the usual music industry playbook. Not by charging fans an arm and a leg for tickets. Not by running everything through platforms like Ticketmaster, where both fans and artists lose. They did it by connecting with fans in a genuine way through their house party shows. This idea was about showing up authentically, keeping things accessible, and letting word of mouth do the rest. That is what made it go viral.

‍2. Why Doing Things Alone Can Be Healing
The All-American Rejects played a show recently in Boise, Idaho, where they broke records at the West Idaho Fair. Nearly 20,000 people showed up, making it the largest concert ever at the fairgrounds. I went to this concert by myself, and it ended up being one of the best choices I could have made. Concerts, movies, dinners—doing things alone can strip away the pressure to perform or “mask” for others. You get to enjoy the moment, do the things you love, reconnect with yourself, and discover what really lights you up.

‍3. The Importance of Connection and Kindness
Even though I went solo, I didn’t feel alone during the show. Some kind strangers next to me invited me into their group. It was a good way to expand my circle, network, and meet new people. This just goes to show how far a simple act of kindness can go. It doesn’t take much: a hello, an invite, or an offer to share. Small gestures like that can make someone feel seen. That kind of connection is powerful, both in life and in business.

‍4. Embracing Your True Interests
It’s easy to feel boxed in by labels: country fan, rock fan, businessperson, creator. But the truth is, we’re all more than one thing. I love country, I love rock, I love pop, and I love hip-hop. The same goes for all of us. Embracing your full range of interests can unlock clarity in life and authenticity in your brand. No point in putting yourself in a box!

In Closing
This unplanned episode reminded me that sometimes the best lessons come when we are not looking for them. Authenticity, solo experiences, connection, and embracing who we are each have a way of going viral in their own time.