Kylan Darnell went from a town of 1,500 people in rural Ohio to 200,000 followers in a single day — and nobody was more shocked than her. In this episode, the University of Alabama senior, Rush Talk icon, and former Miss Ohio Teen USA gets real about what overnight fame actually costs, why being a perfectionist nearly broke her, and how she rebuilt her confidence from the inside out.

We get into the hidden pressure of being a public figure on a college campus, what it was like watching her sister and mom join her online, the sorority call that devastated her during 2025 Bama Rush, making $100K in a month as a college student, and why dropping the perfect version of herself was the best thing she ever did.

Plus — Kylan teases what's coming next for the Darnell family, her move to New York, and her future in sports broadcasting.

In this episode we cover:
Going from 1,500 people in rural Ohio to 200K followers overnight
The hidden pressure of being famous on a college campus
Making $100K in a month as a college student
The 2025 Bama Rush call that devastated her
Why perfectionism was crippling her
Her sister Izzy and Mama T joining her online
What's next — New York and sports broadcasting

Kylan Darnell went from a town of 1,500 people in rural Ohio to 200,000 followers in a single day &mdash; and nobody was more shocked than her. In this episode, the University of Alabama senior, Rush Talk icon, and former Miss Ohio Teen USA gets real about what overnight fame actually costs, why being a perfectionist nearly broke her, and how she rebuilt her confidence from the inside out.
We get into the hidden pressure of being a public figure on a college campus, what it was like watching her sister and mom join her online, the sorority call that devastated her during 2025 Bama Rush, making $100K in a month as a college student, and why dropping the perfect version of herself was the best thing she ever did.
Plus &mdash; Kylan teases what's coming next for the Darnell family, her move to New York, and her future in sports broadcasting.
In this episode we cover:
<ul>
<li>Going from 1,500 people in rural Ohio to 200K followers overnight</li>
<li>The hidden pressure of being famous on a college campus</li>
<li>Making $100K in a month as a college student</li>
<li>The 2025 Bama Rush call that devastated her</li>
<li>Why perfectionism was crippling her</li>
<li>Her sister Izzy and Mama T joining her online</li>
<li>What's next &mdash; New York and sports broadcasting</li>
</ul>

Post Run High features conversations with high-performing founders, athletes, artists, health and science experts, and leaders about what it really takes to succeed. Through honest, post-movement conversations, guests share how they’ve navigated challenges, built resilience, and used movement as a tool for clarity, discipline, and growth. Each episode explores the mindset behind performance — what keeps people going when things get hard — and offers tangible advice listeners can apply in their everyday lives.

Post Run High features conversations with high-performing founders, athletes, artists, health and science experts, and leaders about what it really takes to succeed.&nbsp;Through honest, post-movement conversations, guests share how they&rsquo;ve navigated challenges, built resilience, and used movement as a tool for clarity, discipline, and growth.&nbsp;Each episode explores the mindset behind performance &mdash; what keeps people going when things get hard &mdash; and offers tangible advice listeners can apply in their everyday lives.
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Post Run High

Post Run High is a podcast about honest conversations that happen when people slow down and let their guard drop.

Hosted by Kate Mackz, the show brings together founders, creators, athletes, artists, and thinkers to talk about performance, identity, pressure, and the moments that shape who we become. Recorded after a run, walk, or shared movement, these conversations tap into the clarity that often comes when the body is tired and the mind is open.

This isn’t a show about success on paper. It’s about what people carry behind the scenes — how they cope with doubt, navigate change, stay disciplined, and keep going when things get hard. Post Run High is a space for reflection, perspective, and real insight you can take into your own life.

Post Run High is a podcast about honest conversations that happen when people slow down and let their guard drop.
Hosted by Kate Mackz, the show brings together founders, creators, athletes, artists, and thinkers to talk about performance, identity, pressure, and the moments that shape who we become. Recorded after a run, walk, or shared movement, these conversations tap into the clarity that often comes when the body is tired and the mind is open.
This isn&rsquo;t a show about success on paper. It&rsquo;s about what people carry behind the scenes &mdash; how they cope with doubt, navigate change, stay disciplined, and keep going when things get hard. Post Run High is a space for reflection, perspective, and real insight you can take into your own life.

Post Run High with Kate Mackz

The Hidden Price of Going Viral in College | Kylan Darnell

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ad4c8ef0-b1aa-4051-9419-b3fa010660e3/transcript