Blake Samson Reveals Why He Really Left GMBN (and What’s Next)

Blake Samson (aka Zimblake) is on the podcast!!
After nine years at GMBN, Blake opens up for the first time about what it was really like to be part of one of the world’s biggest MTB YouTube channels.

He takes us inside the “gold rush” early days, the reality of filming 365 videos a year, the sunshine shoots, idea sessions, thumbnail battles, and the relentless pace that nearly broke him. Blake also shares how Martin Ashton brought him into the fold, the story behind the legendary Bucket Bike, his approach to reaching audiences outside of MTB, and his surprising pick for the one bike he’d ride for life.

And as one chapter ends, Blake teases the next: going all-in on his own channel with a mix of MTB, outdoor builds, Jeeps, 4x4 adventures, camping, motorbikes, fishing, and big adventures still to come.

TRC x BPW Christmas Ride
https://www.bikeparkwales.com/about/e...

Olly & Jono's Slovenia Trip
https://bikenomad.com/en/enduro-dream...

Subscribe to Blake's Channel: ‪@Zimblake‬

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00:00:00 Blake Samson joins the podcast
00:01:30 The Christmas Ride is back at BikePark Wales
00:03:04 Olly’s Slovenia tours invite
00:04:00 How Blake first joined GMBN
00:12:20 Inside the GMBN machine
00:14:00 Watching the channel explode in size
00:19:00 The internet’s thirsty
00:23:00 Why authenticity always wins
00:25:30 Where Blake found inspiration for content
00:32:35 The Bike Spa
00:36:00 Strategy shifts and changes at GMBN
00:42:00 Planning and scripting a viral video
00:45:40 What Blake will miss most about GMBN
00:51:10 What Blake definitely won’t miss
00:54:00 Burnout, balance, and staying yourself
00:59:00 The emotional last GMBN video
01:02:10 Exposure Lights
01:09:36 Blake announces his brand-new project
01:12:40 Lessons from years of GMBN videos
01:19:24 Discovering Matt Armstrong’s formula
01:22:00 Is there a “Sam Pilgrim” in every sport?
01:25:50 The new Blake Samson brand (still secret)
01:29:40 When the first video is dropping
01:36:49 Building community beyond GMBN
01:39:54 BetterHelp
01:41:49 Listener questions with Blake
01:50:06 Wrap up — like & subscribe

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