Zack Peter is a pop-culture junkie turned published author, leading podcaster, and ultimate tea spilling professional. You can catch his signature wit and gift-of-gab as host of #NoFilter with Zack Peter — an Apple Top 100 podcast, serving you the hottest reality tv news, three times a week.
He’s built the show from a podcast into a popular YouTube channel, go-to Instagram account (@nofilterwithzack), and a buzz-worthy line of #NoFilter Wine. Often sourced in US Weekly, Daily Mail, People, & Page Six, amongst others, he’s even been featured on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules and Summer House.
FMM: How did you break into the entertainment business?
Mostly by trying to bang-down every door I could get in front of! Until I realized, there are windows, and those are a lot easier to break! The “traditional” entertainment work is not easy to break into. But luckily with social media, I was able to tap into a new market that ultimately helped me build the platforms I have today. So it’s really about staying resilient and finding new and creative ways to get seen!
FMM: Tell us about how you started your popular pop culture show, #No Filter with Zack Peter.
I started about 7 years ago — way before podcasting was what it is today. Everyone and their grandma has a podcast now! It really happened on a whim. I was doing stand-up and making videos on YouTube when I came across a podcast studio that was looking for new talent. I didn’t really understand podcasts and was initially against the idea — “I’m an on-camera talent,” I would tell myself. However, I enjoyed listening to Tim Ferris on my way to work and it seemed like untapped territory, so I decided, why not? I told myself I’d give it a try for two-years and if it didn’t work out, then nobody would even notice or care. And if it did work out, then great!
It took a lot of learning and failing and rebuilding and failing again, and rebuilding it yet again to really find my groove. But I think that journey ultimately paid off in the end. I’ve seen many people jump into the game now and skyrocket to the top (which, great for them), but I’ve always kept my eye on the end-game. I’m playing for longevity, not quick success. I’m a fine piece of meat in a slow-cooker; not some McDonald’s Big Mac fresh out the freezer!
FMM: Who are a few of your favorite guests?
It changes all the time because I have such great conversations with people! One of my all-time favorites would have to be my 100th episode with Jenny McCarthy. Mainly because we’ve worked together for so long and she’s been like a mentor to me, so it was nice to really just sit her down, pick her brain, and talk about life. I’ve also had many great conversations with a lot of our favorite reality stars. I really got them to open up, like chatting with Lala Kent about sobriety and insecurity, or Scheana Shay about her miscarriage, Cherie Chan about grief and healing, Margaret Josephs about business and getting sued, and more. I love getting people we know and showcasing them on a real human level.
FMM: Who inspires you?
I would say that young version of myself that envisioned the life I have today. As a kid that didn’t come from much and fought very hard for every opportunity I’ve had access to. I always had big dreams and always believed in myself. So, now, whenever I doubt myself, I remember that kid that had such a hunger for life and I channel that ambition. I think it’s important. And, of course, I think I have to say, the women in my life — my mother, my grandmothers, and my aunts. They really taught me how to be strong, how to be resourceful, and have to have a really good work ethic. I always look to them for strength and motivation.
FMM: What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually so introverted! I think most people see my online personality and think I’m just a big bundle of fun that’s always going out, but I’m actually a lot more low-key than people realize. My idea of “going out” is having a nice dinner and drinks, but being home and in-bed by 10 PM. I’m up at 6 AM, I’m working ALL THE TIME, and when I’m not working, I’m usually enjoying some quiet moments to myself. I’m a lot more boring than I think people would expect!
FMM: What does it take to succeed in the entertainment business today?
Tenacity. You’ll get a lot of rejection and it’ll weigh on you. But you have to stay focused on your end-game and keep pushing forward, knowing that no matter how many times you hear “no,” there will be some yeses along the way! You just have to stay the course.
FMM: What challenges did you face while moving towards stardom?
Rejection I think is huge. And especially in Los Angeles, there’s a lot of competition. People have this scarcity mentality, but there’s room for everyone. I’m more focused on collaboration and helping each other reach the top together, rather than competing with each other. We all have something unique to offer.
FMM: How important is giving back for you?
I think it’s crucial. It keeps you sane and keeps the world in perspective. My background is in fundraising. I helped run Jenny McCarthy’s foundation for nearly a decade. I started when I was 16, volunteering my time, which eventually led to my role as her Executive Director before I pivoted into podcasting full-time. It was initially inspired by my brother, Ethan, who has autism. We did a lot of work to support families like my own, providing them access to medical treatment (covering doctor visits with specialists, lab testing, nutritional counseling), producing affordable conferences for families, and helping them improve their quality of life. It’s probably some of the most important work I’ll ever do and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to give back.
FMM: What is next for #No Filter with Zack Peter.
It’s grown so much and I’m so grateful for the community that keeps it going. The “Zack Pack” is really what carries the show and keeps pushing it forward. If I had a magic wand though, I would love to secure a deal with a major streaming service — I want that Joe Rogan/Alex Cooper Spotify-style deal! I want to continue growing the show, keep pushing the boundaries with the conversations we have, and continue expanding it into new spaces. In 2021, we launched the #NoFilter wine line (which is expanding this Spring), a line of merch, and now our Spilling Tea Live tour in April with Up & Adam. So, I would love to keep building beyond just the podcast and make it its own #NoFilter empire!
