Shot at 19, Now He's Selling Out Shows | 2Kold, Pop the Balloon

On today's show I sat down with content creator and rapper Corey Tibbs Jr., professionally known as CeeJay2Kold and 2Kold, founder of the dating series Pop the Balloon.

2Kold began creating and posting dance videos online as a kid, and grew up primarily in Haughville on Indianapolis' near west side. His life changed when he was shot in the face at 19, spent three days in a coma and roughly 30 days in the hospital.

He explains how he transitioned from reaction videos to more structured creation by investing in camera equipment, studying specs and tutorials, taking courses, and learning from local videographers, moves that paid off when he achieved YouTube monetization.

2Kold details how Pop the Balloon started, with initial filming at the media hub and event space Midwest League in Indianapolis. The unscripted show features contestants who present their name, age, and job, and balloons are popped if someone isn't interested, followed by an explanation.

2Kold outlines a major 2026 tour running February through June starting in Washington, D.C., with nearly 25 additional stops in major cities across the country. Looking ahead, he announces a new competitive reality series concept called QOTC: Queens of the City, focused on business-minded women and brand development with structured auditions and challenges such as creating business plans.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about: - 2Kold's Journey as a Content Creator - The Dating Show Pop the Balloon - Queens of the City Reality Series

Thank you to our partners: Hoosier Lottery Huse Culinary

Check out these great clips from the show: 01:38 Guest Introduction: 2Kold, Pop the Balloon 02:48 Dancing, MySpace, and First YouTube Uploads 03:44 Growing Up in Haughville 06:48 Getting Shot at 19 and the Recovery 08:47 Leveling Up as a Creator 13:16 YouTube Reactions Take Off 15:53 Two-Year Plan & Family Pressure 17:53 Monetization, Hustling, and Building a Business 22:10 What Is Pop the Balloon? 24:27 Launching the First Live Episode 28:42 Welcoming Contestants & the 'pop' Psychology 30:12 Turning Pop the Balloon Into a Business 31:51 Why It's So Bingeable 34:04 Tickets, Audience Participation & Sudden Popularity 35:05 Casting, Sponsors, Org Collabs & Niche Episodes 37:20 Balancing Family Life with Nonstop Production 38:25 2026 Tour Game Plan 40:36 'Queens of the City' Reality Series 46:40 Creator Advice 49:50 Memorable Matches & Favorite Creators 53:07 Hidden Gems and Why Indiana is Home

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