NILfluencer

Pacific Lens Studios
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Welcome to NILfluencer—the ultimate podcast for student-athletes building their personal brands with purpose, not just profit. Hosted by Rachel Mueller (@TheGirlIQ) and rotating guests including D1 athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry leaders, NILfluencer dives deep into the real stories behind Name, Image, and Likeness. From building your social presence before college to navigating mental health, sponsorships, burnout, and balancing life beyond the field—this is the playbook Gen Z athletes didn’t get in school. No fluff. No filters. Just raw, inspiring conversations about what it really takes to go from player to powerhouse. What you’ll learn: – NIL brand strategy – Social media growth tips – Athlete mental health & identity – Sponsorship dos & don’ts – Real talk on staying authentic under pressure – How to build a brand that lasts beyond college Who it’s for: – High school athletes exploring NIL opportunities – D1 competitors navigating sponsorships and social presence – Student-athletes balancing mental health and brand identity – Anyone ready to build a lasting, authentic personal brand Weekly episodes with athletes, influencers, and experts who’ve done it—and are ready to help you do it, too. Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Episodes

  1. More Than a Jersey | Dr. Jake Rostas on NIL, Mental Grit & Authentic Branding | NILfluencer

    09/11/2025

    More Than a Jersey | Dr. Jake Rostas on NIL, Mental Grit & Authentic Branding | NILfluencer

    “You don’t need to fake it—because faking it is what burns people out.” Former D1 linebacker, veterinarian, and ultramarathoner Dr. Jake Rostas joins NILfluencer to talk about purpose-driven branding, mental health, and why student-athletes must build more than a highlight reel. From team-first mindsets to running 63 miles in freezing Wisconsin, this episode is packed with powerful truths on authenticity, discipline, sacrifice, and building a legacy that lasts. What you'll learn: – Why authenticity is your greatest NIL asset – The mental lessons Jake learned from ultramarathons – What it really means to build a brand with discipline – How to transition from athlete identity to long-term impact – When to post, what to post, and how to think long-game – The one thing every athlete should write down this week Who will love this episode: – Student-athletes navigating NIL in real time – High school athletes building their brand before D1 – Athletes seeking purpose beyond performance – Coaches, mentors, and families guiding the next generation – Anyone looking for real talk on discipline, burnout, and legacy Timestamps: 00:00 – From D1 football to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 03:00 – Team-first mindset: the original brand 08:00 – Running 63 miles in the Frigid Fox ultramarathon 14:00 – Small goals, mental grit, and breaking down barriers 20:00 – How a life-changing loss fueled lifelong discipline 27:00 – Building a brand before NIL was legal 33:00 – Authenticity vs. burnout: the hidden danger of faking it 40:00 – What NIL athletes should be thinking about right now 46:00 – Final takeaways: your brand should outlast your career Stay Connected: Like this video if you learned something new Drop your questions or feedback in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more athlete-led episodes Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Resources Mentioned: Follow Jake: @jakerostas on Instagram | YouTube: Ultravet Rostas Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 6 #NILfluencer #JakeRostas #NILAthlete

    50 min
  2. Posting Through Practice | Gigi Rimlinger on NIL, Growth & Going D1 | NILfluencer

    09/11/2025

    Posting Through Practice | Gigi Rimlinger on NIL, Growth & Going D1 | NILfluencer

    “You live on a floating rock—what’s the worst that could happen?” In her very first podcast, rising D1 water polo athlete and content creator Gigi Rimlinger joins Rachel Mueller (The Girl IQ) to talk about growing a social media presence, chasing NIL dreams, and navigating the pressure of being a female athlete online. From senior year stress to sunscreen, sponsorships, and going viral for being authentic, this episode is for every young athlete wondering where to start—and why they should. What you'll learn: – How Gigi built a following of 13K+ before even starting college – The power of “Get Ready With Me” content in high school sports – How to balance confidence, vulnerability, and online hate – Three keys to creator success: Content, Consistency, Collaboration – NIL strategies for student-athletes entering D1 programs – Real talk on mental health, sponsorships, and staying authentic Who will love this episode: – Student-athletes building a brand before college – Female athletes navigating social pressure – Parents supporting their kids through NIL and social media – High school seniors ready to take the next step – Anyone who’s been judged for being their authentic self online Timestamps: 00:00 – Gigi’s first podcast and last semester of high school 03:00 – From high school pool to D1 water polo at UC Santa Barbara 06:00 – How Gigi built her platform and grew confidence 10:00 – Handling hate, judgment, and mental health 14:00 – NIL strategy: what brands want & how to stay authentic 19:00 – Prom, practices, and behind-the-scenes content 24:00 – Rachel’s 3 Cs: Content, Consistency, Collaboration 28:00 – Why timelines don’t define success in NIL or life 31:00 – Wrap-up: “We’re not competition—we’re allies” Stay Connected: Like this video if you learned something new Drop your questions or encouragement in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon for more athlete-led episodes Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Resources Mentioned: Follow Gigi: @gigirimlinger on TikTok and IG Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 5 #NILfluencer #GigiRimlinger #NILAthlete

    31 min
  3. Keep Grinding | DIY Content, Creator Burnout & Posting Without Virality | NILfluencer

    09/11/2025

    Keep Grinding | DIY Content, Creator Burnout & Posting Without Virality | NILfluencer

    "Every platform has a different audience. Why post once when you can post everywhere?" Welcome back to NILfluencer! Dr. G is joined again by Rachel Mueller (@TheGirlIQ) and co-host Omar Brown, former NFL defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons, as they dive into the reality of being a content creator in today’s chaotic, competitive, and ever-changing landscape. This episode pulls back the curtain on bloopers, burnout, DIY hacks, algorithm myths, and the mental game of staying in it when the views don’t come. What you'll learn: – Why consistency beats virality in content creation – How Rachel approaches bloopers, hacks, and audience testing – The creative process behind her DIY videos – The impact of perfectionism on burnout – Why some of her lowest-viewed videos are still wins – Tools and tactics to build across 8+ platforms without losing your mind Who will love this episode: – DIY creators and digital tinkerers – Student-athletes trying to grow on social while managing pressure – Burned-out influencers seeking purpose again – Fans of funny fails and behind-the-scenes moments – People navigating negativity, hate, or imposter syndrome Timestamps: 00:00 – Rachel returns: the power of DIY and the pivot after virality 04:00 – Cupcake hacks, dishwasher tricks & pinecone pumpkins 09:00 – Why she records bloopers—and how they outperform polished videos 13:00 – The Woommate series: 100M views and the origin story 19:00 – Comments, criticism & staying confident through chaos 25:00 – How many videos actually go viral? (Spoiler: almost none) 30:00 – Hacking content for every platform, not just TikTok 37:00 – Burnout, purpose & what creators get wrong 44:00 – Pranks, puzzle games & viral content strategy 51:00 – Rachel’s final message to creators: passion over perfection Stay Connected: Like this video if you learned something new Drop your questions or feedback in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon for weekly episodes Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 4 #NILfluencer #ContentBurnout #DIYLife

    42 min
  4. Not Every Post Will Hit | DIY Content, Viral Flops & Creator Burnout | NILfluencer

    09/11/2025

    Not Every Post Will Hit | DIY Content, Viral Flops & Creator Burnout | NILfluencer

    What happens after you go viral—and what if you never do? In this episode, Rachel Mueller aka The Girl IQ joins Dr. G to talk about the mental side of content creation, how DIY helped her build an empire, and why the bloopers sometimes beat the hacks. From burnout to branding, she shares the unfiltered truth behind her viral moments, flops, and everything in between. What you'll learn: – How to survive (and thrive) when your content doesn’t go viral – Why passion is the only real protection against burnout – Rachel’s process for finding new DIY ideas that work – How to embrace imperfection—bloopers, fails & awkward moments – Why content strategy = trial and error + trust – How social platforms are changing (again)—and how to keep up Who will love this episode: – Creators trying to grow a consistent presence online – Female athletes exploring personal branding through DIY content – Student-athletes learning to use content as influence – Teens and college students balancing creativity & mental health – Coaches and mentors helping Gen Z athletes build NIL platforms Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Rachel returns to talk DIY, virality & staying consistent 04:00 – The pinecone pumpkin, dishwasher hacks & how ideas are born 08:00 – Bloopers, flops & learning to laugh at yourself 12:00 – DIY chaos, vision, and creative trial & error 17:00 – “They’ll hate you, then love you, then hate you again” 22:00 – The mental game of content creation & self-worth 28:00 – Posting on 8 platforms: consistency beats perfection 35:00 – Burnout, purpose & posting even when no one’s watching 42:00 – What social platforms teach us about resilience 48:00 – Advice for new DIY creators & building something that lasts Stay Connected: Like this video if it helped you Share your NIL journey or questions in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to master your NIL potential Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 3 #NILfluencer #TheGirlIQ #DIYContent

    53 min
  5. From Santa Ana to Social Star | Rachel Mueller’s NIL Journey & Brand Building Tips | NILfluencer

    09/10/2025

    From Santa Ana to Social Star | Rachel Mueller’s NIL Journey & Brand Building Tips | NILfluencer

    “Your username is your elevator pitch. If I can’t remember it in 3 seconds, I’m not typing it.” How do you grow a brand from scratch—without selling your soul? What does it take to stand out online in today’s NIL world? Join host Dr. G and co-host Coach Omar Brown as they sit down with NILfluencer co-host Rachel Mueller, aka The Girl IQ, to discuss her rise from a first-gen college grad in a family of eight to becoming a 2.4M-follower brand. She shares branding advice, mental health truths, and the behind-the-scenes reality of going viral with integrity. What you'll learn: – How Rachel built her brand from “The Mueller Twins” to “The Girl IQ” – Why your username is your personal elevator pitch – How to handle cyberbullying, jealousy, and mental fatigue online – Branding tips for high school girls and NIL-hopeful athletes – Why perfection is overrated and consistency wins – Batch filming, hashtag strategy, and social platform breakdowns – How your content library is your NIL insurance policy Who will love this episode: – Student-athletes building their NIL brand from the ground up – Female athletes creating brand-safe content – Influencers battling burnout or online hate – Parents of teens navigating social media pressure – Creators looking for authenticity over algorithms Timestamps: 00:00 – “Your username is your elevator pitch.” 05:00 – From Santa Ana to Cal State Fullerton to 2.4M followers 08:00 – The rise of The Girl IQ: clarity over ego 12:00 – Branding advice: name changes, identity, and social memory 17:00 – Hate, comparison, and the viral backlash cycle 20:00 – Advice for girls dealing with cyberbullying & pressure 26:00 – Content batching, planning, and creator discipline 32:00 – Life hacks, family hustle, and growing up with six siblings 40:00 – TikTok shop, platform features, and multi-platform presence 48:00 – The mental health cost of chasing perfection 53:00 – Final wisdom: if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Stay Connected: Like this video if it helped you Share your NIL journey or questions in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to master your NIL potential Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Resources Mentioned: NILfluencer on Skool: https://www.skool.com/nilfluencer Follow Rachel: @TheGirlIQ on all platforms Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 2 #NILfluencer #WomenInNIL #AthleteBranding

    56 min
  6. Start Your Brand Now | Recruiting, NIL Readiness & Social Media Strategy | NILfluencer

    09/10/2025

    Start Your Brand Now | Recruiting, NIL Readiness & Social Media Strategy | NILfluencer

    What does it take to build a brand before the offers come in? Are student-athletes truly ready for NIL money? Join host Dr. G, co-hosts Rachel Mueller (The Girl IQ) and Coach Omar Brown (former Atlanta Falcons safety), for a powerful premiere of NILfluencer. This episode dives deep into recruiting, social media strategy, brand building, and financial readiness for the NIL generation. What you'll learn: – What recruiters really look for beyond talent – How NIL impacts athlete identity, loyalty & performance – Social media strategies: what to post and avoid – The mindset and grind behind building your brand – Top 3 NIL action steps to take this week Who will love this episode: – Student-athletes and aspiring influencers – Parents navigating NIL opportunities – Coaches and athletic staff – High school athletes building their brand – Female athletes monetizing responsibly Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why NILfluencer matters now 01:15 – Meet your hosts: Dr. G, Rachel & Coach Omar 04:00 – Omar’s journey from the projects to the NFL 07:00 – NIL vs. old-school recruiting: what’s changed? 11:00 – Branding yourself: image, attitude & effort 15:00 – Social media do's & don'ts 22:00 – What makes you marketable to brands 28:00 – Building a brand that lasts 35:00 – NIL mistakes, shady deals & staying authentic 50:00 – Action plan: 3 steps to take this week 56:00 – Skool community & what's next Stay Connected: Like this video if it helped you Share your NIL journey or questions in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to master your NIL potential Welcome to NILfluencer – where your name meets opportunity Resources Mentioned: NILfluencer on Skool: https://www.skool.com/nilfluencer Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 1 #NILfluencer #AthleteBranding #NameImageLikeness

    58 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to NILfluencer—the ultimate podcast for student-athletes building their personal brands with purpose, not just profit. Hosted by Rachel Mueller (@TheGirlIQ) and rotating guests including D1 athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry leaders, NILfluencer dives deep into the real stories behind Name, Image, and Likeness. From building your social presence before college to navigating mental health, sponsorships, burnout, and balancing life beyond the field—this is the playbook Gen Z athletes didn’t get in school. No fluff. No filters. Just raw, inspiring conversations about what it really takes to go from player to powerhouse. What you’ll learn: – NIL brand strategy – Social media growth tips – Athlete mental health & identity – Sponsorship dos & don’ts – Real talk on staying authentic under pressure – How to build a brand that lasts beyond college Who it’s for: – High school athletes exploring NIL opportunities – D1 competitors navigating sponsorships and social presence – Student-athletes balancing mental health and brand identity – Anyone ready to build a lasting, authentic personal brand Weekly episodes with athletes, influencers, and experts who’ve done it—and are ready to help you do it, too. Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

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