On this week’s episode of The Found Podcast, we welcome the hilarious, heartfelt, and refreshingly real Lauren Trefethren—better known as @laurenmidwest on Instagram.

What started as a fun, creative outlet has transformed into an unexpected career for Lauren, one where she gets to share her love for Midwest culture, motherhood, and Minnesota sports, all while embracing the messiness of real life.

The Unexpected Turn to Content Creation

Like many of the women we feature on the podcast, Lauren didn’t set out on this career path. With a background as a school counselor, her path took a surprising turn when her relatable and often laugh-out-loud funny videos started resonating with audiences far beyond her local Midwest community. What began as a side hobby has organically grown into something bigger—a full-fledged job that she never saw coming but has fully embraced.

“It was very much a fun side hobby, and it’s becoming more and more my job, which has been a really fun, unexpected turn of events.”

Embracing Imperfection and Showing Up Authentically

Lauren’s content is a reflection of her charming, real personality. She’s not the type to put on a curated facade—she shows up as she is, whether that means filming a video with a breakout on her chin or sharing a raw, emotional thought that’s been on her heart. Her authenticity is what draws people in.

“I am very much a ‘I’m gonna tell you what I think exactly when I think it’ type of person, and I’m gonna show up with a chin zit in my videos. Like, I don’t really… I don’t care, is the thing.”

For Lauren, being real isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. She believes that imperfection is what makes her content relatable, and she credits that honesty with helping her build the community she has today.

“It’s the imperfection and the showing up authentically that has helped me become the kind of creator that I am.”

The Depth Behind the Humor

While Lauren’s content often leans into humor, she acknowledges that comedy is often born from personal struggles. Many people who are funny, she notes, have developed their sense of humor as a way to cope with life’s hardships. Behind the jokes and viral reels, there’s always a deeper story.

“Behind every person who has a sense of humor is a lot of depth and a lot of pain. Usually, people get funny because they’re hurting.”

That willingness to explore both the light and heavy sides of life is part of what makes Lauren’s content so special. She isn’t afraid to dive into grief, loss, or personal struggles, but she does so with the same warmth and relatability that she brings to her humorous content.

“I’m just gonna share what’s on my heart when I have the courage to do so.”

Breaking the Rules of Content Creation

In a world that constantly tells creators to niche down and focus on one thing, Lauren takes a different approach. She shares whatever is on her mind—whether it’s a breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ latest season, a hilarious take on Midwest hotdishes, or a heartfelt reflection on motherhood and mental health.

Lauren also rejects the pressure to have a perfectly structured content plan. Instead, she leans into spontaneity and creativity, allowing her ideas to unfold naturally.

“I’m running on vibes and good times, and I don’t really have a strategic way of doing things. That will not work for everybody.”

Rather than forcing herself into a rigid content calendar, she gives herself the freedom to create on her own terms. For her, that flexibility is key.

“I can just be my creative, weird, unscheduled self, and it might… it might build something. It might work better than if I try to write everything out in my calendar and then I shame myself for not sticking to it.”

A Conversation Filled with Laughs, Honesty, and Nostalgia

This episode of The Found Podcast is full of laughter, deep conversations, and even a nostalgic dive into mid-2000s culture. Lauren’s warmth and openness make for a conversation that is both fun and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a content creator looking for permission to break the “rules” or someone who just loves a good Midwest joke, this episode is for you.

So, grab your Caribou Coffee (#iykyk, right Minnesota friends?), cozy up, and tune in to hear from the one and only Lauren Trefethren!

Connect with Lauren:

• Follow @laurenmidwest on Instagram
• Watch Lauren compete in Netflix’s new reality competition show, Million Dollar Secret, now streaming!