Podcast: John Friia and History TikTok
John Friia (@hereinnyc) joins the podcast this week!
We talk about how he got started on TikTok from trying the typical dances to participating in trends like “Things that just make sense in my NYC apartment” to finding his niche with NYC tours and local guides.
We hear more about his 102-year-old Aunt who he documented visiting her old apartment in Hell’s Kitchen on TikTok. He’s also working on a book and creating more content about her life!
John tells us about his Insomnia Cookie cake for reaching 80,000 followers. And (gasp!) reveals that his favorite cookie is NOT Levain but rather Chip. After seeing his TikTok about Chip, I could be persuaded…
History TikTok
History TikTok is a side of TikTok showcasing histories, mysteries, and phenomenons of decades past. Creators host tours of historical landmarks, produce reports on interesting past stories, and show old film reels.
VintageEloquence uses TikTok to post old film reels, like this one about Titanic survivors:
History Feels produces fascinating documentaries in under one minute, like this one about unsolved mysteries:
Ariel Viera posts histories about local city spots, like the tragic Brittany Hall NYU dorm backstory and the ghost stories that would follow. (Fun fact: I stayed in this dorm during my NYU orientation with a girl named ARIEL 😱)
Favorite creators
Christine Tran (@tourdelust)
Christine Tran of Tour de Lust posts TikTok content about New York things, travel, photography & just having fun.
Uncovermore (@uncovermore)
Ari from uncovermore curates a guide to the ins and outs of NYC and beyond, including hidden gems like this TikTok of Wave Hill in the Bronx:
Meg Radice & Audrey Jongens (@theviplist)
Meg Radice & Audrey Jongens of The VIP List share a taste of the luxury metropolitan lifestyle through refined reviews and captivating TikTok videos.
Cathy Pedrayes (@cathypedrayes)
Cathy Pedrayes (@cathypedrayes) posts safety tips in her patented blue dress and pearls on TikTok. Her friendly and calm demeanor will help assuage all your fears.
Lightning Round: John Friia’s Best of NYC
We end the show with a lightning round of John serving up some rapid fire NYC favorites:
- Best bagel in NYC?
- Best Italian Restaurant in NYC ?
- Best pizza in NYC?
- Best brunch spot in NYC?
- Best park in NYC?
- Best kept NYC secret?
- Best view in New York?
- Best way to spend 24 hours in NYC?
Listen to the podcast to hear his answers….
Follow John at @hereinnyc on TikTok and @here_in_ny on Instagram.