"Kareem Rahma"
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “"Kareem Rahma"” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason, Jonah, and Will welcome media entrepreneur and comedian Kareem Rahma, known for his viral interview series Subway Takes and Keep the Meter Running. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter about NASA's Artemis mission, space travel, and conspiracy theories around the moon landing, with Kareem playfully questioning the authenticity of space footage and joking about government cover-ups involving aliens. The tone shifts to a deeper exploration of Kareem’s journey from a failed tech entrepreneur in Minneapolis to a self-made media sensation in New York City. He recounts his early days at Vice, where he was paid in cocaine, his stint at the New York Times, and multiple failed ventures before finding success with short-form, unscripted content that captures authentic human stories—particularly through conversations with everyday New Yorkers like cab drivers and subway riders. His breakthrough came when a single episode of Keep the Meter Running went viral overnight, leading to a full-scale production on YouTube and the launch of Subway Takes, a daily two-minute talk show on the subway where he interviews creatives and delivers hot takes. The hosts praise Kareem’s authenticity, curiosity, and ability to turn simple human interactions into compelling storytelling. They also discuss the cultural relevance of his work in an age of digital disconnection, emphasizing the power of real conversation. The episode closes with a heartfelt exchange about purpose, creativity, and the importance of engaging with the world—culminating in a playful, warm farewell that underscores the genuine connection between the hosts and their guest.
Authentic human connection is the most powerful content—real conversations with everyday people create viral, meaningful media.
Success often comes after multiple failures; Kareem Rahma’s journey from failed startups to viral fame shows that persistence and self-awareness are key.
The best creative work emerges from curiosity and genuine engagement with the world, not from chasing trends or algorithms.
Short-form content can be high-quality and deeply human—Subway Takes and Keep the Meter Running prove that vertical video can deliver emotional depth and storytelling excellence.
Being a 'man of the people' isn’t a gimmick—it’s a mindset rooted in humility, curiosity, and the willingness to listen.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to SmartLess & NASA's Artemis Controversy
The episode opens with a playful introduction and a humorous debate over NASA's Artemis mission, questioning whether a lunar flyby is truly groundbreaking or just a symbolic gesture. The hosts mock the idea of 'slingshotting' around the moon, comparing it to stopping at a friend’s house instead of going to the destination. They joke about the lack of showers in space and the toilet problems on the mission, setting a lighthearted tone.
Aliens, Government Cover-Ups, and Pop Culture Conditioning
“I think the CIA has been known to use movies to promote, like, oh, we're going to war in the Middle East. And I'm saying maybe this group was, they pulled Spielberg in and said, hey, listen, could you help us out with, could you cover the pop culture end of this?”
Kareem’s Journey: From Failed Entrepreneur to Media Sensation
“I called my mom. I was like, I know what I'm going to do for a living. I'm just going to hang out with other people.”
The Birth of Subway Takes and Keep the Meter Running
“I went to the bodega the next morning. And at this point, I just turned my phone back on but I didn't log. Like I didn't open the apps. I went to the bodega and the guy goes, oh, you look so familiar. And I go, I don't know, I'm a loser. I've been here a million times.”
The Power of Real Conversation in a Digital Age
The hosts reflect on how Kareem’s work taps into a cultural hunger for genuine connection. They discuss how social media has eroded real conversation, and how Subway Takes and Keep the Meter Running offer a refreshing alternative—simple, unscripted, and deeply human. They emphasize the importance of being present, curious, and engaged in the world.
“If you want to post anything on the internet, comment, whatever, anything, we have to know your name and your address. Your phone number. And your face, your face. No anonymous. No anonymous question. No anonymous anymore.”
“I called my mom. I was like, I know what I'm going to do for a living. I'm just going to hang out with other people.”
“I think the CIA has been known to use movies to promote, like, oh, we're going to war in the Middle East. And I'm saying maybe this group was, they pulled Spielberg in and said, hey, listen, could you help us out with, could you cover the pop culture end of this?”
Hosts
Guest
Kareem Rahma
person
SmartLess
media
Subway Takes
other
Keep the Meter Running
other
NASA
organization
Artemis
other
Vice
other
CIA
organization
New York Times
other
Steven Spielberg
person
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “"Kareem Rahma"” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime