AreYouKiddingTV creators Joey Gizzi and Steven Lannum are teaming up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation for Movember. Learn how the viral duo is raising awareness for men’s health and inspiring millions.
AreYouKiddingTV Uses Viral Fame to Champion Men’s Health in Powerful Movember Partnership
With more than two billion YouTube views and millions of followers across platforms, Joey Gizzi and Steven Lannum—the creative force behind AreYouKiddingTV—have built their reputation on humor, positivity, and unforgettable public challenges. But this November, the duo is using their massive reach for something much deeper: raising awareness for men’s health as official partners of the Prostate Cancer Foundation during Movember.
For two creators who have mastered the art of making strangers smile, this new mission taps into something personal. Their journey from college roommates to digital stars has taught them the value of connection, community, and wellbeing. Now, they’re hoping to inspire millions of men to take their health seriously—without losing the laughter that made them famous.
From Campus Creators to Global Phenomenon
Gizzi and Lannum first crossed paths as freshmen at Elon University in North Carolina. They clicked instantly, bonding over their shared passion for video production and storytelling. What started as lighthearted campus content eventually grew into the AreYouKiddingTV brand, and by 2016, they had launched their official social media journey.
Fast-forward to today:
- 4 million+ YouTube subscribers
- 8 million+ followers on TikTok
- Billions of views across their catalog of pranks, challenges, and feel-good public interactions
What sets them apart? Their content is built on positivity. Unlike typical prank channels that rely on embarrassment or shock value, AreYouKiddingTV focuses on creativity, teamwork, and surprising kindness. Strangers are pulled into scavenger hunts, challenges for cash, or emotionally touching moments where they’re rewarded for generosity or quick thinking—not mocked for it.
This emphasis on connection has made the duo both beloved entertainers and trusted influencers. And now, they’re ready to amplify that trust into something more meaningful.
A New Mission: Men’s Health Awareness
In 2023, Gizzi and Lannum made headlines when they promised to donate $1,000 to charity if any Major League Baseball team would let them run onto the field. The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed, turning a wild stunt into a major charitable moment. That experience sparked something new for the pair.
“I think for a while we’ve wanted to do something charity related,” says Steven Lannum. “A lot of our brand is about giving back and helping people out, and prostate cancer is an important issue.”
They’re right—and the numbers back it up.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer occurs when normal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread if untreated. In the United States:
- One in eight men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
- It is the second most common cancer in men, behind skin cancer.
- Nearly 10% of new cases involve men younger than 55.
These statistics are alarming, but they’re also motivating for creators who know their main audience includes younger men who often avoid talking about medical topics.
Breaking the Stigma Through Humor and Honesty
One of the biggest challenges in men’s health is the lack of conversation. Many men avoid discussing personal issues or symptoms, especially when they relate to cancer screenings or reproductive health. That silence leads to late diagnoses—and preventable outcomes.
AreYouKiddingTV hopes to break that silence.
“We give money to random people, so why not once in a while be more specific about where we’re giving and where we’re putting attention?” says Joey Gizzi. He believes social media—especially short-form content—is a powerful tool to reach men who may not otherwise think about screenings or risk factors.
And their approach is subtle but effective. They’re not turning their channel into a lecture. Instead, they’re integrating awareness into the upbeat, relatable style their followers love. Whether through themed challenges, commentary, or surprise charity partnerships, the message is woven naturally into the entertainment.
“It’s one of those things where, even if it’s subconsciously, if we can get people more open and willing to get themselves checked—or at least be more aware—we’ll feel like we’ve succeeded,” Gizzi explains.
Why Movember Matters
Movember is an annual global movement centered on men’s health. While it’s widely recognized for its mustache-growing tradition, its purpose is far bigger: raising awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, suicide prevention, and overall male wellbeing.
By teaming up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, AreYouKiddingTV is joining a respected network of advocates committed to education and early detection. Their involvement introduces the cause to an entirely new demographic—one that often consumes content but rarely consumes health information.
Using Viral Influence for Good
Gizzi and Lannum’s partnership with the PCF shows that creators can make a real impact when they choose to use their platforms responsibly. The move also reflects a growing trend: influencers stepping into roles traditionally reserved for nonprofits or public health campaigns.
And for AreYouKiddingTV, this is just the beginning. Their reach, creativity, and ability to connect with everyday people give them a unique advantage in spreading messages that matter.
By blending humor, heart, and health education, they’re proving that viral fame can be a powerful force for good—especially when it encourages men to prioritize their wellbeing.
