Elizabeth Panos is one of the most talented, sweetest, hard-working women I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know. She’s incredibly bubbly and a refreshing breath of air in this somewhat hectic industry. She’s so much more than those descriptions though. She’s blazing her own trail in the industry, and I’m so excited to see her keep growing and becoming more successful. To see how truly awesome she is, read further.
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I grew up in Pennsylvania selling video games illegally to the black market. Been arrested thirteen times for doing it. #worthit. Just kidding! I was a pretty goofy kid, and I’ve always been into fitness, health and video games. I know, makes perfect sense. I went to acting school in New York and then back to college for a “real degree…” major waste of money, haha. Now I’m living in California following my dreams. Only one life, so I’ve always gone for everything and I enjoy the adventures along the way! Oh, and I pretty much never stop smiling [This is true. She has a gorgeous smile -Alyssa]. It’s not fake, I just smile all the time. Smiling is my favorite.
2. How did you become involved with the gaming industry?
I was part of Living in 8 Bits on the East Coast and it was so much funnnn! I love all of those guys. We collabed with RetroLiberty and then Aaron (Stapish) asked me to be in a video for his channel. So I was out in California working on the music video with Aaron and Chris (NESComplex) when Aaron told me he thought he could get
me an interview at his new job. I was like, “psh, okay, I’ll try at least.” They were lazy enough to hire me on my interview day, and a week or two later, I was flying back across the country to be Aaron’s co-host for a gaming news network! I literally feel guilty telling people about my job. Best job ever.
3. You have a close relationship with RetroLiberty, an amazing YouTube channel. How did you meet them, and how has this relationship impacted you?
Well, we technically met through the collab with LI8B. But back then, I legit didn’t know anything about YouTube. I was so confused when they told me we were filming something for another channel. I was like “What’s a RetroLiberty?” Then we became friends on social media, I flew out to California for that music video…that Aaron will finish and put up at some point in life…and now I’m pretty much the annoying little sister he never wanted, haha. I’m just kidding…kind of…
Then I got to meet Ricky (Avila) and Chris and everyone and I love those guys. So grateful to have such good friends so far away from home out here! Also Aaron taught me how to edit, and if you’ve seen his stuff, he’s pretty much like the most boss editor ever. So it helped me a lot with work and my own channel. I love being able to create my own content now and make it look sweet.
4. What are some of your favorite games?
Whelp…if you’ve ever seen any of my social media…I don’t keep it secret that I love Ms. Pac-Man, haha. It’s my ultimate favorite game. I love playing on the SNES – Pac Booster always on, crazy and strange. My sister and I loved playing it growing up, so there’s a lot of memories to go with it, especially because we didn’t get along much – at all – growing up. So games were one thing that we could do for fun together (P.S. We’re super close now – only took 20 some years!). I also love all three of the Donkey Kong Countries, but especially Diddy’s Kong Quest. Target Terror in Crazy Kremlin is one of my fave levels where you ride in the creepy mouse. I think I need to be Dixie Kong for Halloween – I wanna fly with my ponytail. And Super Mario World… I can’t remember what the first game that I ever played was, whether it was Donkey Kong Country or Super Mario World, but in my gut I
feel like it was Super Mario World. I’m absolutely in love with it.
5. You have your own YouTube channel, Truthful Fitness. What inspired you to create your own channel?
I actually really wanted to make a gaming channel, but it would be a conflict of interest with the network I’m a part of for my day job. I’m really passionate about health and fitness as well, so I made a fitness channel because I wanted to be a part of a community and get to know other people who love working out…or are trying to love it, haha. Also, health issues run in my family, and I’ve had some since I was a kid, so health is really important to me. I love creating my own content, so it’s really fun to do and hang out with friends while filming. We usually go out to eat after and make a fun day out of it. For me, it’s really all about the community and a passion for helping people live healthy lives, including myself. It’s always more fun with other people 🙂
6. Who are some of your favorite women YouTubers?
Traci Hines. I fell in love with her first, and then her channel. When I first moved to California, she was one of the first people I met. I didn’t know much about YouTube and didn’t hear about her or her channel until Aaron (RetroLiberty) introduced us. She was so kind to me. I remember telling her I didn’t really know anyone except Aaron (at the time) out in California and I missed everyone at home. And she goes, “Well, you just made another friend – you can call me anytime!” And I’ve loved hanging out with her and getting to know her ever since. She’s such an amazing person and was one of the first friends I made here. She’s so down to earth, genuinely sweet, and humble that I never would’ve guessed how large her following is – and then after watching her videos, I found out why. I could listen to Traci sing all day. She’s absolutely incredible! I also really like Squid Gaming, I love her accent and she’s so funny! Also Sally McRae is super positive and inspirational.
7. What advice would you give to fellow women looking to enter the gaming industry or the YouTube community?
Well, just know that everyone is super friendly and will never say a bad thing about you and all gamers will think you’re 100% credible because you’re a woman and no one ever says anything mean on the internet. Just kidding 😛 Real answer – tough skin, have fun, love what you do, meet cool people, it’s worth it. Oh yeah, and always hashtag #likeaboss.
8. Lastly, where can we find you?
Well, right now I’m at work, but here’s my internet connections – say hi! Just fair warning…be ready for awkwardness 😉 YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Raur.
Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you, Elizabeth! I highly recommend checking out all of her social media. I promise that you’ll fall in love with her!
Nerdy But Flirty 