Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Schnabel.
Hi Chris Schnabel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
How It Started
Mad Props was launched in 2020 by Chris Schnabel, a seasoned video producer and storyteller with a passion for giving people their flowers while they can still smell them. The podcast was born from his desire to highlight the often-overlooked journeys of creatives, athletes, and industry pros—those who put in the work but don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
Originally a solo project, Mad Props grew steadily through Chris’s unique mix of authentic conversation, top-tier production, and relentless drive. In 2025, Hannah Robertson joined as co-host, bringing a new dynamic to the show with her charisma, communication expertise, and fresh perspective—elevating the energy and expanding the conversations.
What It’s About
At its core, Mad Props is about celebrating people who deserve more credit. Each episode dives into the stories behind the success—raw, real, and inspiring. Whether it’s a musician navigating the independent scene, a showrunner breaking creative ground, or a Broadway actor owning the stage, the show gives space for genuine conversations and honest reflections.
Guests have included:
Daron Nefcy, creator of Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Kid Quill, chart-topping independent artist
Julius Thomas III, acclaimed Broadway lead in Hamilton
Where It Is Now
Now with over 15,000 YouTube subscribers and growing across all major platforms, Mad Props has become a trusted destination for fans who crave insight, authenticity, and a little bit of fun. It’s available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
What’s Next
With a co-hosting duo that blends chemistry with curiosity, and a loyal fanbase that continues to grow, Mad Props is expanding into new content series, Patreon exclusives, and live activations. What started as one man’s mission to tell great stories has become a full-blown platform for voices worth hearing.
🎙️ Mad Props: Giving credit where it’s due.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s definitely been a journey with its fair share of bumps.
When I started Mad Props back in 2020, I had a clear vision for the show, but like most passion projects, the real world didn’t always make it easy to keep things consistent. Life steps in—whether it’s other jobs, travel, personal responsibilities, or just the curveballs that come with everyday life. Staying on a regular schedule while juggling everything else has been one of the biggest challenges.
There’s also the reality of what it takes behind the scenes to make a podcast run. A good podcast isn’t just about pressing record—it’s time-consuming and costly. From planning episodes and booking guests to filming, editing, designing graphics, promoting each episode, and making sure everything goes live on time—it’s basically a full production every week. And that doesn’t even include all the unexpected hurdles like last-minute guest cancellations or tech issues.
Finding quality guests consistently is another big one. We’ve been fortunate to have some incredible people on the show—from Daron Nefcy to Kid Quill to Julius Thomas III—but coordinating schedules, especially with busy creatives or public figures, is always a challenge. Sometimes it takes weeks or even months of back-and-forth to get the timing right.
Despite all of that, we’ve kept going—episode after episode—because we believe in what Mad Props stands for. We want to give people the recognition they deserve and tell stories that matter. It hasn’t been smooth, but the impact and the community we’re building make it all worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Mad Props Podcast, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mad Props is more than just a podcast—it’s a front-row seat to the real stories behind the spotlight.
Mad Props brings you honest, unfiltered conversations with the people who put in the work but don’t always get the recognition. From creators and performers to athletes and entrepreneurs, every guest has a journey worth hearing—and lessons worth learning.
We don’t do clickbait. We don’t do fluff. We highlight the grind, the growth, and the gratitude. Whether you’re chasing your own goals or just looking for something real, Mad Props delivers inspiring, insightful, and entertaining stories that leave you thinking—and wanting more.
So if you’re into authentic conversations, underdog wins, and giving credit where it’s due, you’re in the right place.
🎧 Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/madpropspod or wherever you get your podcasts—and come give some props.
What makes you happy?
The fact that the stories can reach a wider audience. But the real happiness comes from hearing from fans of the show whom we’ve never met, and hearing how much they love the show. How they love the questions and conversations we have with these guests. It makes me happy knowing that people enjoy the product, because a lot of work goes into every episode.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.schnabelstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspod/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadPropsPod/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/MadPropsPod/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadPropsPod
Image Credits
Mary Hutti – Schnabel Studios
