Joey Zauzig Unfiltered
- May 21
- 4 min read
With his quick wit, candid storytelling, and refreshingly unfiltered sense of humor, Joey Zauzig has become one of social media’s most relatable and recognizable personalities – affectionately known by many as “the internet’s best friend.” Whether he’s sharing hilarious takes on dating and modern adulthood, opening up about confidence and personal growth, or serving up his viral “Skinty” recipes, Joey has built a digital world that feels both entertaining and genuinely human. Miami Living Magazine sits down with the Los Angeles-based creator to talk authenticity, internet culture, and the experiences that continue shaping his ever-evolving journey online and beyond.
Miami Living (ML): Welcome to Miami Living Magazine Joey! Before we dive into everything happening in your world right now, how would you personally describe Joey Zauzig today: both as a creator and simply as a person outside of social media?
Joey: I’m so excited to be a part of this. Funny enough, one of my very first internships was at Modern Luxury, so this feels incredibly full circle. I’ve been creating content for nearly eight years now, and in many ways, I’ve grown alongside the evolution of social media itself.
I think the reason my audience connects with my content is because it genuinely reflects who I am offline. I love making people smile, sharing honest moments, and offering advice that, ironically, I sometimes need to remind myself of too. As my content continues to evolve, I try to evolve personally right alongside it, which can be challenging when so much of your life is lived publicly online. But at the end of the day, I truly love being able to share my experiences and create content that people can relate to and feel seen by.
ML: You’ve built such a distinct online presence by combining humor, honesty, and relatability in a way that genuinely makes people feel connected to you. When you first began sharing your life online, did you ever imagine your content would resonate with audiences on this kind of scale?
Joey: I never really had a set plan, but I always knew I wanted to create content that could help people feel seen and learn from my experiences. As everything has continued to grow, it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my audience grow and evolve alongside me.
I think a lot of that comes from my own experiences growing up. I was bullied when I was younger, and I always wished I had an older brother or sister figure to look up to for advice and reassurance. So now, being able to be that person for others in some way feels really meaningful to me.
ML: From dating commentary to friendship dynamics, your content often captures the little unspoken social experiences people don’t usually admit out loud. Where do your ideas typically come from?
Joey: Honestly, most of my ideas come from real life experiences or conversations I’m having with the people around me. I think the reason people connect with the content is because it’s rooted in authentic situations that so many people go through, but don’t always openly talk about.
ML: Your humor feels very rooted in honesty and self-awareness rather than performance. Have you always been naturally open about the messy parts of life and dating, or was there a moment when you realized vulnerability was actually your strength online?
Joey: I’ve never really thought of vulnerability as a “strategy” or even a strength, it’s just naturally who I am. My life has definitely been a rollercoaster with plenty of highs and lows, and at some point I figured, why not share it, laugh about it together, and hopefully help other people avoid making some of the same mistakes I have along the way.
I think vulnerability goes a long way, both online and offline. People connect with honesty, and I’ve always tried to be open about the reality of things. Although, if I’m being honest, I probably overshare a little sometimes too, lol.
ML: Your “Skinty” food recipes have become a recognizable part of your online identity. What is it about “Skinty” that has made those posts turn viral?
Joey: I think everyone wants to find ways to enjoy their favorite foods with a little less guilt. I’ve always believed there are creative ways to swap ingredients and make meals lighter without sacrificing taste. At the end of the day, it’s all about staying snatched while still enjoying your life.
ML: Since your appearance on MTV’s reality series “The Real Friends of Weho”, how has your relationship with visibility and public perception evolved? Did being on reality television change the way you approach your work online?
Joey: I think people got to see a different side of me on The Real Friends of WeHo, but whether it’s social media or television, I always try to show up as fully myself. Watching yourself back on a reality show definitely forces you to grow and self-reflect at a much faster rate. But apparently I didn’t learn my lesson because I’m about to be on another reality show for Bravo, so we’ll see what happens next haha!
ML: As someone whose content often centers around confidence, self-expression, and navigating adulthood with humor, what would you say to people who are still learning how to feel comfortable being fully themselves?
Joey: Patience is probably the biggest piece of advice I would give anyone. I’m still working on confidence and fully believing in myself too. It’s a journey, and I think people forget to give themselves grace while they’re figuring it all out. Becoming comfortable in who you are takes time, and that’s completely okay.
ML: Looking ahead, what are some things that you’re most excited about stepping into during this next chapter of your journey?
Joey: I’m really excited to continue expanding into television. Right now, having so much momentum online has inspired me to reach an even larger audience and find new ways to share my message. I’m incredibly grateful for everything happening at the moment, and honestly, I feel like the sky’s the limit. There are a lot of exciting things ahead, and I can’t wait to bring my audience along for the journey.
