The Unfiltered Pursuit: Inside Toddy Smith’s World of Passion and Play

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, Toddy Smith was surrounded by the classic Southern California vibe – a life that happened outside, a culture that thrived on surfing, skating, and grabbing food on the go. “Life in Southern California happens outside,” Toddy reflects. “Surf culture, skate culture, ride your bike through a Del Taco drive-thru culture – it all just pulls you out of the house, gets you up and moving. Making content was just one of those activities for me.” This lifestyle was the spark that led Toddy down the path of becoming one of today’s most relatable content creators.

Fitness has become integral to Toddy’s life, but not for any dramatic “before and after” story. “I wish I had an inspirational transformation story, but I really don’t,” he laughs. “Exercise is just something I enjoy doing, and I try to spend as much time as I can doing things I enjoy.” For Toddy, fitness isn’t a quest for redemption or glory but a pursuit of self-fulfillment, a theme that permeates much of his approach to life.

Toddy’s lifestyle clothing brand, Gothic Mochas, is a bold blend of his personal aesthetic and memories from his youth. “Gothic Mochas is a nod to when I was young. I grew up listening to Blink, getting lost in teenage angst,” he says. At its core, Gothic Mochas celebrates that inner, emotional teenager. Toddy also gives a shout-out to his business partner, Peter, who he affectionately calls “sexy and beautiful” and “the best surfer I know!”

In addition to fitness and fashion, Toddy has a love for filmmaking, especially short films that center on the beauty in life’s small, everyday moments. “I like stories that wouldn’t quite land at a dinner party but you could tell your spouse after work. Simple things. Mundane even,” he says. Unlike traditional Hollywood narratives, Toddy’s short films aim to capture a feeling or moment without a “right” answer or a moral lesson. “What matters is the feeling,” he explains. In contrast to his spontaneous vlogs, he takes his short films seriously, treating them as timeless art that should hold up over years.

Toddy’s passion for music is deeply personal. Although his first encounter with music was banging on a hotel lobby piano as a kid, it wasn’t until he got older that he decided to dive in. “I always listened to music and after 20+ years figured I might as well participate,” he shares. Now, music is a top creative outlet for Toddy, with lyrics and melodies often coming to mind before ideas for his other content.

With interests spanning fitness, fashion, film, and music, Toddy doesn’t attempt to create balance in his life. “There’s no balance here,” he admits. “I just do everything as hard as I can and pray I don’t tip over.” His secret to pursuing so much at once? Just start. “If you asked me where I started, I wouldn’t be able to tell you – because it’s just not important,” he says. The message is clear: the journey matters far more than knowing exactly where to begin.

One thing that sets Toddy apart is his genuine humor. He’s become known for creating content that feels like a conversation with a friend. His trick? “Some people picture the audience in their underwear. I always felt like that was invading their privacy. I prefer just forgetting that they’re there.” In a world where many content creators might get caught up in the numbers or the fame, Toddy finds success by staying present and focusing on what feels true to him.

Toddy’s goals have shifted since his early days of content creation. “When I was younger, my goals were all about ‘making it,’” he reflects. Now, he’s less focused on the destination and more on the journey. “The outcome is irrelevant. I just want to make the things I’m passionate about making.” His advice to his audience? Follow your passions relentlessly. “Passions can’t ask for a restraining order. Follow them everywhere.”