There are a handful of young New Yorkers who are defining the next era of the city’s creative scene. Lindsey Metselaar is one of them. The born and raised New Yorker is a girl about town but in a 2019 kind of way. The personable Metselaar works non stop. Hosting, consulting, podcasting, live streaming, Instagramming. While she has multiple successful brands and businesses, Metselaar is best known for her super successful podcast, We Met at ACME, which chronicles the ups and downs of dating life, particularly in the city New Yorkers call home. Metselaar is about to embark on a tour, a live version of her podcast, so we chatted to the driven Lindsey about what she’s most looking forward to and how she built such a dynamic brand.
You've built an incredible brand for yourself across different verticals: podcast, Instagram, etc, Did you always know you wanted this type of career?
LINDSEY METSELAAR: When I did my undergrad at Boston University, I studied communication, specifically film and television. I knew I wanted to do something in communication but wasn't even aware that podcasting was an option. I'm pretty sure I thought a podcast was a radio station. Upon graduating in 2012, I started to listen to some podcasts here and there, and I loved the idea of speaking directly into someone's ears. I ended up starting my own social media company, and throughout all of this, I was always the one in my friend group that everyone went to for relationship advice. In 2017, I was in need of a podcast to give me advice when I realized there were no podcasts that focused on dating.
Why do you think your Podcast resonates so well with people?
LM: Everyone (including me) is so fascinated with the ins and outs of interpersonal relationships: how people met, why they break up, etc. We get so emotionally invested in other people's relationships, and I wanted to create a platform where I could ask those questions directly and people could listen.
You're about to go on tour! What are you most looking forward to?
LM: I'm so beyond excited! I've never been on tour, so I'm looking forward to exploring every city. But most importantly, I'm looking forward to meeting We Met At Acme listeners, many of whom I've DM'd with over the years for dating advice. Also, I've never been to Atlanta, and I've heard the food there is amazing.
How do you think being a born and raised New Yorker has influenced you being an entrepreneur?
LM: Growing up in NYC definitely played a huge part in making me self-sufficient. When you grow up in a city like New York, you grow up a lot faster than anywhere else, and you have to fend for yourself from a young age. That definitely added to my entrepreneurial mindset. However, I think the biggest factor that contributed to my need for entrepreneurship is my dad! He always encouraged me to think outside the box, to be creative, and to start my own company.
On that note, what are some of your favorite New York City spots?
LM: Obviously I love Acme, but there are so many other incredible spots. In terms of restaurants, JG Melons is amazing for burgers, Bar Pitti for pasta, 456 Shanghai for real china town Chinese, and Bonsignour for chicken fingers. I spend as much time as I can outside, whether it's just walking around or hanging out with friends on a rooftop or at the park.
Who is your dream Podcast guest?
LM: Howard Stern! What he has built is so incredible. I feel like he is so flawless at interviewing, and can get anyone to speak on any topic, even if it makes them uncomfortable. I also would love to get Tara Westover on the podcast. I just finished her book Educated, and I imagine she would have a really interesting perspective on dating from a unique background.
What are you most looking forward to for summer 2019?
LM: The tour! And also just traveling in general. A ton of my friends are getting married this summer, and I love a good wedding, and always cry when they walk down the aisle.
Photography by: Photography Courtesy of Lindsey Metselaar
