From Pop Culture to Comedy Gold: How Zach Justice’s Dropouts Podcast Became a Global Hit

In the vast landscape of digital content, few creators stand out, like Zach Justice, the comedian and co-host behind Dropouts Podcast, one of the world’s most popular and fast-growing shows. With a following of over 6 million across social media and over 1 million YouTube subscribers, Dropouts has carved out a dedicated fanbase drawn to its edgy, hilarious takes on trending topics.

Justice, alongside co-host Jared Bailey, launched the Dropouts Podcast four years ago. Since then, the show has skyrocketed to the top of podcast charts, with its weekly episodes pulling in fans from around the globe. The show’s appeal lies in its unique blend of humor, honesty, and an unapologetically edgy take on pop culture, news, and life. Each episode features Justice, Bailey, and their third co-host, Indiana Massara, dissecting the week’s hottest topics with irreverence and charm. The trio’s chemistry and comedic timing keep listeners hooked, and their guests—spanning top comedians, social media stars, and musicians—bring fresh perspectives each week.

Episodes of Dropouts often feature big names in comedy and social media, from Josh Richards and Chris Olsen to Chris Distefano and more. Justice and Bailey keep their interviews refreshingly open, balancing humor with genuine curiosity as they discuss life updates, career changes, and cultural hot takes. As Dropouts Podcast continues to dominate charts and gain followers, Zach Justice and his co-hosts are showing the world that podcasting isn’t just about headlines—it’s about finding the humor in everything and bringing fans along for the ride. With their blend of comedy, relatability, and endless charisma, Dropouts is a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.

StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Zach to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

Zach, you’ve built Dropouts Podcast into one of the most listened-to shows in the world. What inspired you to start the podcast, and how did you develop its unique comedic and edgy style?

Trauma, trauma, and more trauma… Kiddingggg (kind of), but I love getting to talk with people and value getting to know someone through conversations. I think one of my strengths is being able to have conversations with anyone. I wanted to create a talk show-style series similar to Eric Andre, but the pandemic hit, and we couldn’t meet up with people or travel. Thus, Dropouts was created in comedic and edgy style, developed through deep emotional pain.

With over 6 million followers across social media and more than 1 million YouTube subscribers, what do you think resonates most with your audience, and how do you keep them engaged week after week?

Wow, it’s crazy to hear that number. I think what resonates most with people is that I’m myself, and I’m a regular person.

You’ve had some major guests on the show, from Josh Richards to Chris Distefano. What’s been one of your most memorable interviews, and how do you approach getting your guests to open up and be themselves on the podcast?

We’ve had a lot of great guests on the podcast so far, but the most memorable, I would say, was Neil deGrasse Tyson. I used to watch him in school as a kid, so that was a really full-circle moment for me. As for getting guests to open up, I have always wanted the podcast to feel like friends hanging out, so it feels more like a comfortable environment for everyone. I try to break away from the typical interview style.

The Dropouts Podcast is known for its hilarious takes on pop culture headlines. How do you stay on top of trending topics, and what’s your process for deciding which stories to cover each week?

There’s not a big process on deciding what stories to cover, but rather what we think our audience will resonate with the most as well as us. We’re not a drama podcast, so if there is a story we heard that we find entertaining, we’ll talk about it – otherwise, we will typically pull stories from our personal lives.

What can fans expect from the live shows, and how does performing in front of a live audience differ from recording in the studio?

Live shows are the best experiences. We get to talk, hang out, and engage with our supporters. We can finally put a face to it all. It’s great getting to hear how people started listening, how long they’ve been listening, and why they enjoy the show! Hearing people resonate and enjoy what you put out makes it all worth it.

Your podcast often delves into relationships, breakups, and life changes. How do you balance humor with sensitivity when discussing these more personal topics, and how do you think your own experiences influence the show?

Finding the balance comes from having open conversations while maintaining self-awareness. Sometimes, I just have to laugh at things going on in my own life, whether it be life changes or relationships, and not take everything so seriously. This gives us a light-hearted tone while respecting sensitivities, making the humor feel authentic and compassionate.

Comedy can sometimes push boundaries. How do you navigate the line between being edgy and respectful, especially in today’s social climate, where people are more aware of the impact of words and jokes?

I just try to make everyone laugh. Nothing is serious. I make fun of myself more than anything.

As someone who’s been in the podcasting game for a few years, what advice would you give to aspiring podcasters who want to create content that stands out and builds a loyal following?

I would say just start posting, finding your niche, and creating. You’ll never know what will happen, but know what will happen if you do nothing. Be yourself and be consistent.