Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Sam Hurley

Sam Hurley has emerged as one of the most popular content creators of his generation, but despite all that success, he’s remained the humble young man who first began creating videos on his iPad.

With over five million combined followers across Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, Sam is using his platform to give back. He’s teamed up with St. Jude for their Thanks and Giving campaign.

We caught up with Sam to learn more about the initiative, his history with St. Jude, and why he’s always been passionate about giving back.

PC: How did you discover your passion for content creation?
Sam: When I was really young, I got an iPad and started making videos. I fell in love with content creating way back then!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Sam: Jay Alvarrez has definitely had the biggest influence on my career.

PC: Your history with St. Jude dates back to when you were a kid. Tell us how you first learned about them and your involvement with the organization from a young age.
Sam: I first learned about St. Jude from my mom, who is a member of the Tri Delta sorority, because it’s their philanthropy. She’s an advisor at the University of Arkansas. They were always doing things to raise money and awareness for St. Jude like giving away donuts/taking donations as students walked by, hosting pancake meals, writing letters to the patients, and collecting addresses for support. I was there with her so much that I always jumped right in and did it too!

PC: Before the pandemic hit, you spent some time with the kids at St. Jude. What was that experience like? Did you share any words of wisdom with them?
Sam: Going to the St. Jude campus and meeting the patients was a full-circle moment for me. I call it the Disneyland of hospitals. The energy there was of positivity, healing, and peace. I felt so connected. As far as me giving them any words of wisdom, I’m not sure I did. However, I know I learned a lot from them. The kids I met were so strong, and they amazed me.

PC: You’ve teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their Thanks and Giving campaign. Have you always known you wanted to use your platform to give back?
Sam: Yes, I’ve always known I wanted to use my platform to give back. I am in this position because my supporters believed in me. I want to continue to do right by them, and I feel giving back is the best way!

PC: What has it meant to you to be a part of this campaign?
Sam: Honestly, being able to be involved with St. Jude on this level is among the experiences I’ve cherished most out of all the amazing things I’ve been blessed to get to do!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sam: Modern Family.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sam: Point Break.

PC: Favorite book?
Sam: Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sam: Jersey Boys and La La Land.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sam: Harry Styles.

PC: Favorite holiday tradition?
Sam: Having all my family come together at my grandparents’ house.

Make sure to follow Sam on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. Subscribe to his YouTube channel. Take part in the Thanks and Giving campaign today!