Justin Brown: I Do Not Have Followers, I Have My People

In a candid conversation on the "Mick Unplugged" podcast, Justin Brown, widely known as The Real Food Stalker, delved into his unique approach to food blogging, the importance of consistency, and his philosophy on connecting with his audience. From his early days of simply wanting to share places he loved to eat, to building a community he affectionately calls "his people," Justin's story is a testament to staying true to oneself in the digital age.

The Genesis of The Real Food Stalker

Justin's journey into food blogging began not with a grand ambition for fame, but with a simple desire to share his passion for food. "I had a goal, not a real goal, but I was just like, I'm just going to keep doing it," Justin recounted (0:02). His initial aim was to let people know about the places he liked to eat. This humble beginning eventually evolved into the phenomenon it is today. Mick, the host, shared his personal connection to Justin's work, revealing that Justin was the one who inspired him to venture into content creation on Instagram. Mick, initially a LinkedIn-focused professional, found Justin's authentic and positive approach refreshing. "I loved how authentic you were, I loved how positive you were, and it was just amazing to see the work you were putting in," Mick expressed (1:28). This authenticity allowed Mick to realize he could be himself on Instagram, rather than conforming to perceived norms.

Justin elaborated on the freedom this authenticity provides. "I get to be me," he stated (2:05), explaining that he doesn't have to switch personas when he's done creating content. This genuine approach extends to his reviews; he doesn't feel the need to please everyone or be negative. If he doesn't like a place, he simply doesn't post about it. "People want me to be negative about certain stuff... but sometimes honesty is negative," Justin observed (2:46). He prefers to focus on what he enjoys, offering a positive experience to his audience.