WATCH Before You Blow Up on YouTube | The Cautionary Tale of Jani Lane

Here's a lesson I've tried to keep in mind as I've rapidly acquired a sizable audience on KZbin. I think it's relevant to anyone making any kind of media, or really anyone operating in the public realm. It's adapted from a talk I gave at the 2019 Georgia Scholastic Press Association conference at the University of Georgia.
The VH1 interview clip of Warrant singer Jani Lane, referenced in the video: • Jani Lane writes 'Cher...

[@aragusea]

Q: So, really, are you bothered by the memes? A: No! Certainly there are some comments that bother me a lot (such as the vile trash that pops up here whenever a woman appears in one of my videos), but the jokes are cool. All good. Especially with the "season x instead of y" stuff - I hit you with a clickbaity video title, and it worked, but the flip-side of that is I've gotta be ready for you to throw it back at me. I'm a big boy, I can take it. Q: Are you still a professor? A: Yes, but my colleagues are currently searching for my replacement, and I'll drop down to adjunct status at the end of this semester. I love my university, I love teaching, but YouTubing at my current level is far more profitable than being a rank-and-file liberal arts faculty member, and I have little kids with empty college accounts. Luckily, I love YouTubing - it's like teaching, but I can reach far more people, and instead of charging them tuition, I just ask them to watch a couple ads. Q: How much money are you making, exactly? A: At the moment, more than I need. Not movie star money, but good doctor/lawyer-type money. You might wonder, then, why I make you sit through sponsorship segments. The answer is that I'm pretty sure my income will plummet as soon as the U.S. economy hits a recession, which I worry is just around the corner. When companies hit hard times, one of the first things they cut is their marketing budgets. I'm saving now while I'm riding high, because I don't imagine I will be forever. Also, come December, I'll need to buy health insurance for my entire family on the individual market. If you don't live in the U.S., feel lucky that you don't know how outrageously expensive that will be - probably 3x my mortgage payment, for garbage insurance that won't pay for anything. Q: Are you going to start posting more non-food videos to the channel? A: I don't know, what do you think I should do? I was thinking about starting a second channel once I'm no longer teaching full-time, where I could do videos about all the other stuff I'm interested in. Do you think I should do that, or keep it all on one channel?

[@rubino7099]

How About White wine guy

[@varunmanoj8134]

Are you going to make your own merch cause I would buy it any day

[@masman659]

Keep it all on one channel, but space it out like your doing now. With "regular" food content on Thursdays, and other topic videos on other days. Thanks for the entertaining videos! I especially enjoyed learning the ins and outs about teflon pans the other week.

[@ChefMainee]

Adam Ragusea if you’re posting frequently, things that you don’t want to flood the main channel with then go ahead. But I feel like unless there is a noticeable difference in quality of videos or a ton of videos diverging from the main idea of teaching then everything should be on one channel. Also, depends on your goals too, you still have to build up a second channel, will make less money from it, and if you give up on it you have a dead channel when you could’ve just left the ideas on the main.

[@Ruslancho99]

I would personally love to see you have another channel, consider me a sub :)

[@Edagui97]

"Here lies Adam Ragusea, the man who buried his gravestone, not himself, and here's why"

[@Capelett]

Best comment so far

[@brandonprows]

Underrated comment. Brilliant.

[@akaherb8815]

This is so fucking funny

[@user-dx8nj7qj2g]

probably poured some white wine in there as well

[@ianzen]

This is the first comment I've actually laughed out loud in my life

[@bandwagon240]

I think Rick Astley is a perfect example on how to handle things. He's a total boss, embraces his song and will never give you up or make you cry.

[@kwameadams1140]

Now look what you did to meeee

[@llamaswag2451]

I frickin love Rick Astley

[@sallyjrwjrw6766]

Man, people don't know Rick Astley! Otherwise this comment would be more liked.

[@Sandwich13455]

Yup or run around 👍

[@CarynDPrescott]

He even rocked out with the Foo Fighters 😄

[@HeadbangersKitchen]

This really hits home. I've been a struggling metal musician for 20 years but I'm known today for my Keto recipes more than anything and when I'm dead I'll be 'that Keto guy who died' rather than that killer death metal music. It's just the way the cookie crumbles. Of course I love what I do with the Keto recipes on my channel but music is always my first love. But I remember this tale too and I'll happily be the Keto guy instead of the guy with a day job he hates just to pay bills so he can write death metal on the weekends.

[@FINfinFINfinFINfin]

If it make you feel any better, I'd rather jam to your music than listen to you harp about keto.

[@iryairya2008]

Good for you man

[@Rainhet]

You know what would be cool as hell? Cooking and metal. YSAC sings in almost all of his cooking videos. I don't even care about his recipes, he's just very entertaining.

[@hughjecoque3515]

Sounds like you lucked out. Keto is rarely delicious, but death metal is guaranteed to be dog shit.

[@tinidor08]

Dude, why not mix both. Like that Vegan black Metal chef guy.

[@Autogenification]

"The ingredients of fame are as mysterious as they are volatile." Powerful quote 👌

[@64-rd]

Why I blow up my KZbin channel, not my steak

[@thedailystride5407]

Garden z lasu This comment is perfect

[@pigeontherealpigeon9018]

*NOT my steak*

[@lrcera]

LMAO

[@Somethinggolfer123]

You beat everyone to the joke

[@MooseManYT]

Very well said.

[@ZanderMander]

"Vinegar leg on the right" will be on your tombstone for sure

[@MooseManYT]

MrZander.com uuuhhh that line hurts for me to read in my head

[@jvccr7533]

This is why I season my grave, not my tomb stone.

[@yummehcheezman]

and a bottle of white wine in his casket

[@motohama2750]

"Here lies Adam Ragusea; Passed Because the Vinegar Leg Was Not on The Right"

[@MikeR65]

How morbid, I prefer to think of Adam as alive thank you.

[@EmilieBee]

this is a great PSA for high schoolers! can’t imagine what it’d be like to be that age with the internet now. i went 10 years ago and internet culture has changed so much.

[@robinlillian9471]

It was a lot easier for teenagers when they could screw up without the whole world knowing about it.

[@Terri_MacKay]

Now I feel incredibly bad because as soon as you said Warrant, Cherry Pie started playing in my head. How sad that someone who was so talented was known only for one cheesy song he wrote in 15 minutes to placate his record label. You could tell in that video clip, that the way that song had taken over his life and defined him as a musician to millions of people, truly caused him pain.

[@TheDeathmail]

But the thing is, he actually made it big. Most musicians never get that far. Even if it was only once, he became a legend. He put himself out there in music history and got known. That is something rare and worthy of praise. He should have been grateful that he could even get that. Without that song, how he'd have been defined was that one guy nobody knows.... that one guy who was among the billions of failures....

[@advancewarstournamentseries]

I never liked that song

[@darrint3573]

They had quite a few catchy hits that received equal airplay. Uncle Tom's Cabin, Heaven & Down Boys immediately come to mind. Although none of the hair metal bands of the Big '80s ever had the consistency or talent of a Motley Crue. Each filler-free album had a different sound.

[@guscox9651]

Next up: Adam regrets blowing up because the comments section is just memes

[@dxcSOUL]

Goose Cox that’s a key performance indicator of success, friendo

[@charlie_mario6292]

No

[@Toms-dd9kv]

Goose Cox read the q&a

[@JM-fo1te]

That's right bitch. He better entertained me.

[@Cowclops]

This is why i season the cutting board, not the meme.

[@tamimyousefi]

This mans self discipline is admirable. Zero mentions of white wine are made in this video.

[@RICOLAWW]

This is why I adore anonymity. I would rather be forgotten after the next two generations than be known for something because given my luck its going to be a shitshow.

[@robinlillian9471]

You never know. This post could be what you are remembered for. :) What matters is that the world is a better place because of you, and not what you are remembered for. It's the little acts of small people who don't get remembered that keep the world running.

[@AA_21861]

If we are being honest, what each of us wants is the freedom to engage with the world entirely on our own terms. To decide for ourselves when and how we become famous and when and how to retreat to obscurity. It's never going to happen of course. The world is far too complicated for that, but the truth is that we never stop looking for that freedom, even when we don't realise we are looking for it. All our other choices (fame vs obscurity for instance, or riches versus meaningful relationships), is just filler content until we can find that freedom to engage with the world however we want.

[@MrSomeDonkus]

Tbh thats why i think staying anonymous is such a good idea. If you ever make something that blows up and tries to define who you are for the rest of your life, you can just simply leave it behind and start fresh whenever you want. Another good idea is to just make sure that everything you put out there is something that you genuinely think is incredible and you would love if people remembered you for it.

[@PotrzebieConolly]

"Everything" is very hard to do. John Lennon and Bob Dylan couldn't manage it. But having more than one thing getting recognized would be good, and more achievable.

[@josepharte]

So this vid is essentially "Why I season my attitude, NOT my career"

[@josepharte]

@@YearsOVDecay1 You should salt your food, not yourself.

[@nugget8612]

Roman Polak that’s a good one

[@hobo_jojo]

@@josepharte nice one

[@denchua]

@@josepharte hahahahaha!

[@ShovelChef]

Bangarang Roman! 😂👏👏👏

[@holokyttaja5476]

No wonder you blew up, your editing, charisma and overall production is great. And everyone likes food. Actually you're one of my favourite creators on KZbin at the moment.

[@gaeb-hd4lf]

His production is not that great in my opinion. I would say is his charisma and his technique, as well as his atention to detail and clear instructions...

[@planetvnus]

He’s one of my favourites too! I really enjoyed this video even though it’s not about food

[@sasishaan]

Agreed, Adam comes off so down to earth and honest, great stuff!

[@xlittlep]

It's the jump cuts. The jump cuts are what make KZbinrs (and actors and podcasters and radio journos, etc) seem charismatic, but paradoxically they do this by tearing away all of the actual personality of the star. In one of Adam's earlier videos, he includes footage from his instagram where he was testing some experiment or something. He comments about how he has less control over the video, but you get a feel for his real personality. I remember seeing that and thinking, "oh okay, so he has the same thoughts and emotions when he cooks that I do." It was nice. Adam's videos are great because they all seem like they were done in one take, but do you think they were done in one take with no "uhms" or "ahhs"? Even a guy like Tom Scott (who tries to film his videos in one take, on location) comes across as seemingly perfect, because he puts the work in and memorizes the entire five-minute script.

[@matijabrajovic6370]

True brother!

[@tamago77]

For the record, Jamie Lane said later that he regrets the things he said in that interview and that he is grateful for the success that Cherry Pie brought him and Warrant. He also said that is a good thing that he was able to write such a good single and he was pride of it. Let's say he was in a bad mood when he gave that interview. I think is not always everything Black or white. Beside this I like the message of this video

[@Xavier_the_Boxing_Nerd]

Unfortunately, not everyone can handle it when the thing they are remembered by is something that gives them no pleasure.

[@hongo3870]

Atleast theyre remembered

[@Makoonga]

I often wonder how journalists feel that everything they write only has a 5 minute lifespan.

[@Lovuschka]

Because the mainstream media journalists know they are completely irrelevant. Unless they do really stupid stuff like terror leader Carlos Maza.

[@aatef1986]

Multiply this 5 min by the people who read it and it could span to years

[@Benicius10]

@@aatef1986 no, it feels pretty awful, that you have looked into some aspect as deep as you could, so that you could answer any random question on the matter, but after you have issued it, the next day, next day you have to go from a blank page to something different. One of the biggest reasons why after some few journalism internships I understood it wasn't for me.

[@Sandra-hc4vo]

still i think those articles have a cumulative effect on how we understand what's going on in the world. So I would hope they'd feel pretty ok.

[@woodysdrums8083]

Why it's by their story they are telling. NW a novelist who gets 5 minutes... Well?

[@christianvelez5608]

“Here lies Adam Ragusea, who requested that his coffin be embalmed, and NOT his body.”

[@IslandLace]

Christian Velez 😂😂😂

[@zachariahjones9481]

actualy genius

[@krisinsaigon]

that's very clever

[@christiekaulback4172]

It wasn’t the song that caused the issues he had. It is well known that when he first started out as a musician that another fellow musician from a famous band had s#$ually abused him and he was ashamed and horrified by it. Sadly he never talked about it to anyone and it ate away at his soul which caused him to drink to try to forget. His alcoholism is what killed him. RIP Jani you were an amazing musician and kind hearted soul. ❤️

[@georgehuerta1990]

It’s crazy with the money he had that he didn’t get some type of counseling and be able just to talk about the sexual abuse or no forget that the rape that he endured. Because when you talk about it and put it out there and keep talking about it until you purge it out of your soul that you’ll come to peace with it and move on and he never did I’ve always felt sorry for this guy once I heard that story. Nobody really knows who did it there’s been some names thrown around which I really think may be with Rob Alford but no one will ever know and I hope Jamie rest in peace

[@todd1606]

You are 100% correct. The shame and humiliation he held inside was just too much.

[@toridoeseverything]

@@georgehuerta1990 I theorize that it was Rob Halford and Dave Holland

[@RebeLeigh]

If he never spoke to anyone about it then how do we know it really happened?

[@danthaman03]

​@@RebeLeighhis wife bobbi brown wrote about it in her autobiography.

[@Me-mb1ex]

“Never sacrifice your authenticity for approval.”

[@fishfire_2999]

It depends what the approval check looks like.

[@Sokrabiades]

So when ought you sacrifice your authenticity?

[@askwhy7141]

meokbang

[@neszero]

I think it has less to do with approval, and more to do with disgusting amounts of money

[@horrortackleharry]

Easy to say- but most people under 30 have no idea what their 'authenticity' is. It's an inherent part of being young, and is why they're usually easy to manipulate.

[@Milligan777]

I never thought I'd learn a valuable lesson from "Cherry Pie".

[@nothx962]

Ofcourse not, you're a Germs fan! I like both bands though.

[@whereswesker]

I would say hair metal aged really well. there's so many young kids obsessed with it and I'm one of them and grew up listening to it. Rip Jani.

[@Carltonwanks]

Adam is a wimpy coward, he would never say mean things towards rap

[@nathanstein589]

@@Carltonwanks okay grandpa

[@preachercaine]

I vaguely remember Jani actually walking his comments back a little once he'd sobered up from that interview. He said something along the lines of; whilst it could be annoying, he recognised the song launched the band into a whole new, bigger arena and gave them greater opportunities. And that he didn't actually hate it.

[@Julieac100]

Bluntly, it was the lifestyle that ultimately killed him, not being miserable. Alcoholism is a deadly force, and when you are surrounded by others partaking, and being in that arena, it has to be a hell you can't imagine. What is very sad is that he couldn't be saved. While Cherry Pie is catchy, the songs Jani wrote that have a real story in them, like Heaven and I Saw Red, will always stand out to me.

[@G.L.O.S.S.]

@@Julieac100 Jani was raped when he started in the L.A. scene; that's one of the things that killed him

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Walking back something said while drunk.....hmmmm.....When drinking, people lose their ability to filter. True words, true feelings, true thoughts are spoken by drunks because they aren't conscious enough to use everyday filters. While he may have apologized later, he spoke the truth in the interview, didn't he? May he rest in peace.

[@philfrank5601]

​@@cliftonmcnalley8469 I wouldn't put much belief in comments made while people are drunk. If you know drunks, you know they lie. Jani knew this was the only MTV interview he'd likely ever have again, especially at that time. He admitted he didn't hate the song afterward. He knows what to say to get a good soundbite, and to embellish it more to get it on the show? It worked. Just like writing Cherry Pie in 15 minutes.

[@SlainByTheWire]

Don't worry guys, KZbin fixed this by making sure no one can get big on KZbin anymore.

[@williambrown2135]

No one can, until someone does. Damn youtube fix has glitches, can't wait for 3.0

[@nikolas_schreck6196]

KZbin is nothing but censorship and advertising listing to us all the time.

[@chestersnap]

Except for already large corporations

[@vispev3123]

Lisa gaming yt: I break the algorithm

[@davidaston5773]

KZbin isn't the only avenue to succeed online or the real world. They've fixed their own demise in future like many other once mega corporations. Considering how YT rips off and sabotages creators AFTER years of creators/users making them rich - is it even worth the effort? There's plenty of ways to make a lot of money and create a life where you get to be who you want to but without having your freedoms/privacy or future potential sacrificed. Don't know about you but real 'stars' are the ones who work in hospitals, help the homeless ect. Not some vapid yoootuuuube 'influencer' (or other platforms) who is most likely been pushed because it is good for business and politics.

[@horrortackleharry]

Anyone who feels totally defined by their job will experience psychological problems, famous or not.

[@Hammett175]

DeShawn 'Dawg' BNBG Good call.

[@rhabdob3895]

And that’s why the US is fentanyling itself into the grave.

[@ElFlippage]

mic drop comment

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

Yes.

[@jdrmurphy4141]

What a thing to say , Hit me right in the face, I'm a builder, who feel defined by my job. You won't understand why , but this is powerful comment to me.

[@yelsahblah3270]

A wise man once said, your life is %10 what happens to you and %90 of how you react to it.

[@JoeHell67]

Jani Lane is my hero, a great Songwriter and Rocksinger! He was a big part of my youth and i will always honor him! RIP Joe from Germany

[@lucagattoni-celli1377]

I briefly went viral and was freaking out when someone gave me amazing advice: "If you act like you did something bad, people will assume you did."

[@starlitekaraoke113]

“To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.” Elvis Presley

[@jebemtigolaz]

Yeah, Elvis was spot on, humans are not chains.

[@MamothRoar]

But we do judge things based off the oceans "one wave". Normally the very worst wave

[@rokkfel4999]

@@MamothRoar I think it meant like “oh look what a gentle wave “ while somewhere else tsunami just hit.....don’t judge based on something you’ve only seen without seeing it all

[@rokkfel4999]

@Captain Kirk yes yes he did

[@jessyjulie5506]

Depends on how bad his weakest link is, I mean if he murdered someone...

[@zee3499]

My Mom and her best friend were super close with Jani, they grew up with him. Such a nice but lonely guy. Very sad.

[@shirleygiordano7627]

Warrant's breakthrough album, "Cherry Pie," was originally called, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and there are so many good ignored songs from this band. I love 80s metal, I grew up at that time. Good point here. I hope you got to the students. I hope you reach many. RIP, Jani.

[@skybike89]

You know this warrants a cherry pie recipe video now right?

[@Caseyuptobat]

If the filling isn't a cherry and white wine reduction, we riot

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

M C I see what you did there. Bravo!

[@oneblacksun]

@@Caseyuptobat Actually might work. The reduction can enhance the natural sweetness of cherries while dulling the sourness.

[@elliez.3561]

@@Caseyuptobat And he seasons his pie pan before putting his crust on.

[@razvanconstantin740]

Yes officer This one over here

[@jessiefox3739]

I learned the exact same lesson from Carrie Fisher who's entire life was engulfed by Princess Leia. She said that Star Wars was her unraveling.

[@BrandiXo]

@Rich S its the things people have to do for fame that becomes evil. Sacrifices, rituals, look up Hollyhood on KZbin. She's not only one talks about it either.

[@codymays9943]

Rich S Thank you. She sucked so bad.

[@littlekingtrashmouth9219]

@@BrandiXo you’re a fine girl

[@jessi2077]

@@BrandiXo lol look up conspiracy videos. what sound advice 🙄🙄🙄 learn how to do actual research

[@gbolt1403]

@@BrandiXo what a good wife you would be.

[@rockermanpre747]

Thank you for been respectful to Jani Lanes memory. Had Jani been able to sucessfully navigate through his challenges and get away from the bottle. I believe Jani was destined to be recongnised as one of the all time great song writers.

[@swn69]

"Not a genre of music that has aged particularly well..." I beg to differ, Adam. There's an entire channel on SiriusXM dedicated to 80's hair metal. It's called Hair Nation. There were so many bands back then that are still on the radio today. Warrant, not the least of them. Scorpions, Poison, Ratt, Kiss, Winger, Stryper, Great White, Slaughter, LA Guns, etc... etc...

[@SlavicCelery]

I mean I like them... But his point is still valid. There's a lot of people that love modern pop country music.

[@anthonypeters44]

The best music hair metal

[@guyincognito9410]

I hope you don’t mind being “the guy that taught me that you can store spaghetti sauce in cube form for scaleable serving sizes” bc it’s changed my life

[@flamingpi2245]

Don’t worry He’s already the Nnnno!! And the vinegar leg is on the right guy

[@guyincognito9410]

@@flamingpi2245 what?

[@flamingpi2245]

@@guyincognito9410 Vinegar leg is on the right Vinegar leg is on the right Vinegar leg is on the right I repeat Vinegar leg is on the right

[@zacterztx]

@@flamingpi2245 VINEGAR LEG IS NOW ON THE LEFT! I REPEAT, VINEGAR LEG IS NOW ON THE LEFT! ADAM WITH A GOATEE HAS STARTED HIS INVASION! PLEASE GIVE US COMMANDS!

[@flamingpi2245]

@@zacterztx LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!!!

[@berenddomhof7667]

Although it is good fun to make jokes about his white wine, 'season my blabla, not my blabla', 'blabla is on the left, blabla is on the right' and all of that, I do get the meaning of this video. Hopefully Adam knows that 90% of his subscribers and viewers appreciate and value him for his straightforward, extremely clear, direct and down to earth cooking skills. Not only that, but your way of video making is unique for the previously mentioned reasons, not even talking about the voice you got. Again, the memes are fun but Adam please remember you are one of the greatest cooks here on this platform and one of the greatest online communicators I've ever come across on the internet. Thank you for your content and I think I can speak on behalf of all of your viewers, we're excited for everything that is yet to come!

[@ayutonk2127]

Agree. I am not an english native speaker and not from the US. I find his video presentations are clear and easy to understand. So I hope he can make more cooking videos that can relate to wider (international) audience.

[@ShakeItJordie1987]

Who died and decided you're the decided of his subscribers?

[@TheChefBoo]

some of his videos are kind of like Good Eats. Not just cooking, but also going over HOW it works

[@azimnazlen8564]

This is one of the most unique takes on fame i ever heard. Not how fame is sought or how it hurts but how it is received and dealt.

[@juddvance7721]

Of all the videos of yours I have seen, I think this is my favorite. Two days ago, I was re-reading Michael Sweet (Stryper: another 80s hair band) autobiography. He mentioned how some artists hate their big hit (and I thought of the Cherry Pie guy: I remember than interview you posted). Michael said that has songs he likes to perform more than "Honestly" but he understands how many people like it and he considers it an honor to play it, even at many weddings when he gets asked to play them. He was happy to write a song that brought so many people joy.

[@danielgbgibson]

Reminds me of the wonderful musician Rupert Holmes, who said that his “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” was the #1 hit that destroyed his recording career. In spite of several decades of more substantial and acclaimed work as a composer, arranger, author, playwright and more, his greatest fear remains that he will be buried with a “tombstone shaped like a pineapple.”

[@juliusuzutunda]

"Buried with a tombstone shaped like a pineapple" I know i should not laugh, but unfortunately I happen to find this comment really funny when i should not. 😞😞😞😞

[@nautifella]

_"Buried with a tombstone shaped like a pineapple"_ - Arrangements can be made...

[@MikhaelAhava]

That is sad, it’s only what I heard.

[@RonJohn63]

@FiatDuster The Pina Colada Song was a song of it's time, and I'd still enjoy it if I hadn't heard it -- and Sailing, by Christopher Cross, in the same year -- 85,000 trillion times.

[@story3877]

God i hate that song. I don't blame him for that fear. Also why does everyone love a song about two lonely people seeking to cheat on the other only to find out that they were attracted to each other after all, once they got to see their interests on paper. WTF?

[@salt-emoji]

"the ingredients of Fame are as mysterious as they are volatile" now that's a quote.

[@Hexspa]

Matt R “Now that’s a quote.” Now *that’s* a quote.

[@jaybird57]

I had no idea... Shit hits me in the feels....Real fans listen to all the songs... R.I.P Jani...

[@Cyril29a]

I really appreciate this video. When I first started to watch it I thought it was going to be a warning about doing things and putting yourself at risk of backlash or misinterpretation. Instead it was a post about graciousness and patience, a post about the reality that we are products of our experiences and not really in control of any of them. Thanks Adam

[@blythers1974]

The accoustic version of I Saw Red is the best he ever was, to me. I was 16 when it first came out and it is STILL the #1 song on any of my playlists, I will be 50 in mid April. RIP 🫶💔❤️‍🩹

[@nebojsabogovac6208]

Cherry pie is one of my all time favorites. Jani later admitted it was very difficult time for him (his mother just passed away) when VH1 interviewed him, also confirming he liked the song.

[@LoveLunaFam]

Holy Shit! This video needs to be shown in High School not just college. I know the Jani Lane Story and was a fan of the hair bands 🤦🏻‍♀️ but this punched me in the gut. I’m a very private person online, I mean in today’s standards, because I’ve just always been more private. But this video makes perfect sense. In a way that I believe kids can relate to. And that’s what makes amazing teachers like you, you you have a creative way of teaching children or young adults an important lesson with something they can relate to and that will stick with them forever. I was very lucky to have a high school teacher like that. This is a great video like I said, and I will be showing to everyone I know.

[@oloxhossono1956]

when i first found this channel i thought adam was an annoying pompous know-it-all but over the last few months he’s taken me on a culinary journey i’ll never forget. thanks adam

[@Venus-pd3ml]

I bet this is how Robert Pattinson feels about being Edward from Twilight.

[@pauricboylan3571]

He's going to be the new Batman

[@MrLCGO]

He absolutely does. Maybe being Batman will wash some of that away but in a sense it's just replacing one role for another when he clearly is more into character acting. Or maybe being the new Batman is a compromise between the two a la Joaquin Phoenix's Joker. Who knows, we'll have to wait for the movie to come out.

[@Dirtnap1986]

Or Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter!!

[@gothictdk3792]

June Glow I hope not! I have two framed posters of Edward Cullen on my bedroom wall.

[@J-S.P]

Maybe, but he can shed that image. Think of it this way - 30 years ago if you watched Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure would ANYONE believe that one of those 2 guys would be one of the most sought after action stars in Hollywood?

[@User24x]

"You know, push that interview to the side, I'm happy as a clam to have written a song that is still being played and still dug by so many people. It's hard enough to write a song, let alone one that sticks around." - Jani Lane Edit: 'He later cleared up the issue and said that he'd only made such a dramatic statement because he was going through a divorce and his mother had recently passed away. With all the emotional pressure on him, he didn't want to be doing the interview to begin with.'

[@EsotericTherapy]

Cool, thanks for adding that. I thought it probably wouldn't be so straight forward.

[@User24x]

@@EsotericTherapy Np; I thought the same, so I did a bit of research : P

[@acegibson9533]

His divorce to Bobbi and his mother passing were the least of his problems.

[@ronniejdio9411]

Jani had many demons and finally fell victim to.them

[@stanleyhape8427]

Honestly it sounds like a bit of back peddling. He was in a downward spiral . He is not the first musician that has expressed similar feelings about playing a fan favorite hit night after night but that's what puts the butts in the seats and pays the bills.

[@foranken]

Adam, the struggles that have come because of your recent fame must seem daunting. I appreciate the way that your intelligence has embraced and overshadowed any hint of shallowness. The effort and research in your videos convinces me that you are caring, and empathetic, and giving. We, your audience, are the better for you having gone down this unexpected path. Thank you. I am very grateful for the success you have had, which benefits us all. May it continue!

[@stuslater9506]

Seeing that interview after all these years made me realize how amazing that guy really was.

[@stormcorrosion176]

RIP Jani. Best, clearest, most resonant voice to come out of the 80's hair scene. "Heaven" and "I saw Red" are heartbreakingly beautiful songs.

[@indiatastic]

I saw red was my JAM in 5th grade.

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

Loved them songs

[@anthonypeters44]

And blind faith

[@synthvault]

Jani Lane was so damn gifted. The more you dig into his past the more proof of his talents you find. RIP Jani.

[@80b]

This bought tears. Thank you.

[@nena5518]

I have watched a few of your videos and when I want to explain to my husband about cooking I have sometimes used your videos. This was the one that made me subscribe. The reason I like your videos suddenly became obvious. You do research and then test it out. You have that rare quality that is common sense. Thank you for embracing the road that opened up to you.

[@maxf6879]

When he gave that interview, he said that he was in a deep depression and his mom died around the time of that interview. He later regretted saying that he said he was proud of the song.

[@briefcaseblues6061]

Cherry pie was better than Poison's Unskinny Bop bs.

[@EmilyB-px6vy]

Man, I've always jammed to that song. I had no idea it caused such grief. My cherry pie now has a bitter taste. This was more depressing than I was anticipating.

[@bodalix18]

"My cherry pie now has a bitter taste." Phrasing!

[@pixel-hy4jx]

I mean it always made me feel like a stripper anyways

[@ham3749]

In that interview, they caught him on a bad day. He has said that does like the song, and it did give them great success. He wanted to be taken more seriously as a song writer and singer. He had another deep issue that his ex wife Bobby Brown talks about in her book, Cherry on top. Its very sad, and most likely the reason he drank.

[@olgakim4848]

Eh, such is life.

[@The_Other_Ghost]

@@pixel-hy4jx I always thought you were one.

[@izunahosaki6133]

The sad thing is that even probably after this video... i'll still remember him as the cherry pie guy

[@Enders]

I love cautionary tales. Not enough of them are heeded and it seems like anymore they have become something people totally ignore to bore forwards with their own ignorance. Thanks for making and posting this one.

[@Mossfaerie]

"I'm the guy who seasons his X instead of his Y. It me." - Adam Ragusea, 2019

[@Telltale.]

I had such a crush on jani and I used to tell ppl that song was written for me (Sherrie/Cherry). So sad that happened to him.

[@SunnytheWeim]

Thank you for this message.

[@laoumh]

I've seen many of your videos on the past few weeks, but this is the one that got my subscription, great work!

[@yikesbro1686]

‘Here lies Joe Blow, the guy who wrote that dumb tweet about that one thing that one time that went viral for some reason’ wow that is a mouthful...

[@coffeewind4409]

Joe blow. Mouthful.

[@DutchmanDavid]

At least Joe Blow will be remembered. How many memesters have had one of their memes go viral and become famous because of it? Barely any. I know of bad luck Brian, overly obsessed girlfriend and 'hide yo kids' guy. And that's because their face was plastered all over the place.

[@Orinslayer]

@@coffeewind4409 OwO

[@0xCAFEF00D]

@@DutchmanDavid Don't worry. When these masterful memers die they'll be revered as classical masters among Bach and Picasso.

[@joblofromkokomo]

I'm not dead. And I never wrote any tweet.

[@MattCalovich]

Leonard Nimoy dealt with this this most of his life, almost unsuccessfully, but he found a way to embrace it. He found a way to make it a piece of himself that he could appreciate. I believe there are two novels he wrote illuminating his struggles and acceptance of this idea, titled "I am not Spock" and "I am Spock", respectively.

[@BlastFromYesterday]

I was thinking, surely there are folks who are the former person (wanting people to recognize the work they poured more into) without resenting it so much they turn into a tragedy like Jani Lane. Your example seems like one case. I totally understand how it can lead one to wrestle with their image.

[@zakkho1]

To me he is William Bell, or Bellie. Or that voice from Civilization

[@MattCalovich]

@Erik Lerström I appreciate your insight, but I think you misunderstand Adam's overall message, or perhaps I have. He's not "one for one" comparing his experience with Cherry Pie. He's instead saying that he's thankful of knowing a story like Cherry Pie's to understand perspective of how things could go if you ride against the grain. That idea allowed him to easily ride this wave and kept him mindful of what he puts out there. Also, I think people are getting the wrong idea of this being strictly about "be careful what you put out there" because that's definitely not the whole point. Yes, that first step will give you more control over what gets famous, but at the same time you have to be prepared to potentially lean into something you don't necessarily love. As a content creator you could make something that you really dislike, but if it's something that has positively impacted your audience, and has become beloved by so many, more good will come from you taking ownership of the thing you put out there.

[@alexmartin-schael7556]

Excellent discussion thread. Kudos, guys. I believe that you both, Matt and Erik, have very good points and agree with both of you for the most part, but I tend to be more in line with Erik's and Adam's point of view. At the end of the day, Warrant was already a hair metal band before Cherry Pie and nobody takes hair metal seriously from an artistic point of view (I love hair metal, but take it for what it is). Also, Jani Lane obtained substantial success over this song and met this then wife while filming its video, so the song had its good side too. However, I am also sympathetic with Jani Lane because he aspired to be best known by songs like Uncle Tom's Cabin than by Cherry Pie. Another thing that Lane appeared to forget is that heavy metal commercially died just after the Cherry Pie album. I do not think it was Cherry Pie's entire fault that Lane could not continue to be successful making better songs.

[@grinningtiki220]

@Erik LerströmGood question, How could he have leaned into it? Maybe by using it as a gate to his other and more purposeful musical insights. Its because of that song that I even know who Warrant are. Why I bought the album. Came for the Cherry Pie, stayed for Bed of Roses, Uncle Tom's cabin and Mr. Rainmaker. To name a few. It is unfortunate he couldn't forgive himself for having a hit with something he put little effort into and let it be a living nightmare. Just a different perspective. Its something I have been working through the last year with a career change or rather an exit. Everyone knows me as the "Film guy" and only ever want to talk about what movies are being filmed in the state. I could care less, the whole industry could collapse and it wouldn't make me blink. So now instead of being dismissive I use it as a segue to my new pursuits with a few amusing stories of what made me leave. It is what one makes of I guess. Hope you have a great day.

[@barnoldwhv]

Introspective videos like this are honestly some of the best on this channel. This was really good.

[@imprimisxo]

Thank you - that was exactly what I needed to hear at this stage of my life.

[@XavierKatzone]

Reminds me of an old joke ... An old Irishman shuffles into a bar at sundown with his eyes low and his head down the bartender says "ay, billy! whats the matter. you seem troubled" billy responds with "you see this bar we're standing in. I built it with me own hands! but they don't call me the bar builder, no! and the bridge everyone uses to cross the river to get to the market, i built that that with me own hands too! but do the call me the bridge builder? no, they do not. and the wall that protects our city, i built that with me own hands too! and they don't call me the wall builder neither. BUT YOU F*CK ONE GOAT!

[@kevinbot9364]

Good one, thanks

[@derrilazkia1002]

You don't choose fame But infamy, on the other hand...

[@Nghilifa]

Billy Goat 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mikoalt]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 nice one dude

[@AlphaProto]

OMG! I'm going to remember that one! It will be great at parties!

[@droopsmoop]

My main goal, is to blow up *and season my cutting board, not my steak ahrahrahrahr*

[@ARSZLB]

John DC lol RiFF RaFF meme

[@liesalllies]

I'm fucking wheezing laughing at this

[@CruelPizza213]

I haven’t seen a riff raff meme in so long lmaoo

[@ismetalikk]

I love this very much, thank you.

[@WeRNthisToGetHer]

I watched this a year ago and still keep this in mind because I do plan on working in the public arena. I have a celebrity friend who has shared some stories with me since and it's really true what you are saying. Fame is a very dangerous thing and can become a trap that destroys you. You are right about this wise advice. Be careful what you wish for.

[@rcs0296]

We enjoy watching you cook,and Im glad you do this

[@b_g_c3281]

_"Is it any wonder, I'll reject you first!_ _"Fame, fame, fame, fame...."_ ~ David Bowie

[@lotusfilms6082]

💗

[@jeffdaniel772]

What about his pink floating cat

[@morallygray6527]

Akron Ohio native here. Guy is a legend here. Rest in peace

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

akron u grad here

[@morallygray6527]

@@Hi_Names_Nat I moved to cuyahoga falls, not much better but.

[@morallygray6527]

@@WhiteBoardFinance wow a guy with 189k subs replied to me

[@sliver3703]

cleveland native here, sorry you have to live in a lame city bro

[@januzairamli4426]

morallyGray first time?

[@lanierwexford2582]

As KZbin offers me up your videos because I have been watching you videos this one is timely today. Thank you for all that. You do

[@kierenmoore3236]

Nutrition/food, Science and Music are my jam, so I’m glad I found your channel … always well written, delivered and produced. Cheers! 😎👍🏼

[@WhatIveLearned]

Great video. Quite true. "... NOW PLAY SEASON MY CUTTING BOARD!"

[@roy7o9]

Hey it's that keto guy!

[@zezmerelda240]

you're a good teacher. my journalism teacher told us the same thing many years ago,before the internet. he said never put anything on paper that you wouldn't want to see on the front page of the Detroit News. truer words were never spoken, and i've used this as an axiom!

[@Incandescentiron]

My son earned two degrees from Mercer. I'm watching your channel thinking, what is this intellectual doing in Macon Georgia? Now it all makes perfect sense. Thanks for clearing that one up for me!

[@ToastyCoClothing]

I learned to cook because of you, even if you didnt mean to be the teacher. your ny style vid blew up at a time where I was desperate for a good slice - but living in california finding a place with a good slice is gonna take you a looooong while of digging around before you find a nyc refugee. god bless you adam, and your kind hearted spirit

[@sabahbubbler]

Cherry Pie vs Never Gonna Give You Up. One chose to cherish their work

[@allendean9807]

Yeah, i need to agree with this...

[@Biosynthnut]

Uncle Tom's Cabin was supposed to be the title for the album. Which is bar far a better single than Cherry pie.

[@AirKangLocker]

Its becuz cherry pie became the hating icon from artists and fans of hair metal who thought it was one of the "nail in the coffin" for being very industrialised and pop. Sadly the dude just had to comply with the record company but got all the hate from the ppl that inspired him

[@victorialey2867]

@@AirKangLocker Very True. Most have no clue how to write a song that others with actually want to hear. He did it over and over and over again. Haters gonna hate.

[@kalebvera1841]

@void OS he was really good, many of his songs were deeper and better than cherry pie.

[@qte5530]

I knew him back in 89' and he was an amazing guy. He even told me not to ever do your best at the begging, he did not take his own advice😞

[@kevinoswald4136]

I lived in Akron in the 90s dated a girl that went to school with him she said he was a nice kid.

[@kevinoswald4136]

@@victorialey2867 why are you yelling

[@JimTheCurator]

@@kevinoswald4136 a lot of people are talking in this comment section, you have to speak up if you want to be heard

[@beehappy8941]

Janie Lane is a legend, may he rest in peace

[@Booshay__]

Everything makes sense now, knowing you are a journalism professor. Scripts are so well done and the interviews with other Scientists/Professors for additional info and context.

[@suelynncho]

Can we just appreciate how Adam answers all the questions for us in the comment section? It shows how much he cares for his community :)

[@mvpandrew93]

This is a man we don't deserve but need, keep being yourself Adam👌🏻

[@LovatoLover22]

Yass!

[@wolfbeam9169]

honestly, this is probably one of the things ive most needed to hear since ive been ambitious about getting more attention. I have thought about it before, but hearing a famous person say theres no formula to fame is strangely comforting to me.

[@SiMBol10]

This changes my perspective on you completely. You are a legend my man

[@s-boy4613]

People meming the video before even watching and seeing the serious message behind it. Smh

[@jelle7224]

I hate how everything has to be a meme these days.

[@noogie003]

I think people just like to have some fun before they watch and crack a joke, they probably still watch it after and get the message he’s trying to convey.

[@brettk.1398]

Alright Goku

[@s-boy4613]

@@noogie003 I have absolutely no problem with memes and jokes in most cases. But it would be great if people watched first then posted their memes. Cause if the video is really serious, the comment just comes off as distasteful and makes one look like an idiot.

[@noogie003]

Brittany Bennett Oh don’t be like that, let people have their fun. Switch the comments to new instead of most liked and there’s lots of discussion about the recipe I’ve noticed, the top ones are always the jokes because a lot of them are genuinely funny, or maybe make a subreddit which won’t attract as many memers. As much as I love Adam he’s done this to himself and frankly he said in the video that he knows he has to own the memes at this point.

[@6rasta6bhoy6]

Adam "Why I season my optimism and not my anxiety" Ragusea

[@Matois1]

I think this is one of your best videos, Adam, very nice message

[@kari7403]

Damn, Adam. I just found your channel the other night and I don't really watch cooking videos, unless I'm looking for something in particular. But I'm stuck on your channel. You are just so good natured, down to Earth, honest, and an all around decent human being. Or at least, that's the way you come across. I'm glad your channel was one of the ones to randomly go viral, and even happier you didn't let it slip by, but took advantage of it. You deserve it. I hope the best for you in your career/s, whatever you choose to do. And I'll be happy to watch your content as long as you're putting it out there. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe. 😄

[@jamestolliver9970]

Ah, I didnt know you were a journalist, I just thought you were a cook on the internet with really good production. Although it does make sense now, looking back at how you research topics you discuss and the tone with which you discuss said topics. At this point I might call you a food journalist who does home experimentation for his work. idk either way what you do is awesome, thanks.

[@cuppatae834]

There are COUNTLESS large channels that definitely need to see this.

[@MatthewAWinston]

Brilliant! Appreciation is a super-power.

[@OmicronGaming]

thanks for the help Adam

[@ishimam]

gg

[@juliusnepos6013]

Hey

[@nou-jn6uz]

ajzhdksjdkw what r u doing here

[@notzaran5977]

I dont think you need to worry

[@wasdc]

On omicrons grave will be written; guy who blew up trapping kids in a block game

[@shumakerart]

It’s so funny this is in my recommended , a few months ago a vid of mine blew up, it was an art piece I did of a succubus for an art show I had 3 days to start and finish the project (usually my pieces take months!). It was super rushed. Not my best work, but yes I agree you gotta own it ! I think with the musicians though it’s harder because when you tour it’s almost demanded of you everywhere you perform, so I can see it being dreadfully repetitive. Thankfully I don’t have to recreate that art piece every time lol 🤣

[@raihanislam912]

Your art is so cool!

[@bunny7741]

Your art is lovely! I'd probably never have found your channel had you not commented on this one. I think if you had written it as a "go check out my viral video" type though, I'd just have dismissed it like normal.

[@SmooshGoo]

Ahh I love those face sculptures, I think the best thing on art youtube will always be the sculptures. So cool to watch the process.

[@savanimay]

Your art is so good!

[@Kazza_8240]

God your stuff is *awesome* 😃 - subbed 👌🏻😁

[@georgesbrackets2706]

I love him with all of my heart, I miss jani. Warrant forever

[@Mitzi73]

Ringo's Nose Me too and this hipster who made this video will never know what a brilliant lyricist he was.

[@AmbrosiaSaladSandwich]

Ok the best part for me was at the end when you showed the seasoned cutting board video and I was like, “Omg! That’s you?!” and subbed.

[@LiminalDoll]

You have a really well done hook into this video. The introduction was seamless into the introduction of the topics at hand leaving me wanting to watch more even though I knew of the song without this big of context. This is very important and you handled the topic very seriously. Thank you ❣️☺️