I came across the YouTube channel Collecting with Dr. Applesauce after I had been collecting Funko Pops for about a year. One of Will’s unboxing videos came up in my recommended. Normally I don’t watch a ton of unboxing videos so I clicked with very few expectations. What I found was an extremely positive and uplifting personality on a platform flooded with the polar opposite.
This really seemed like someone I could sit and talk with, have some things in common with, and probably someone I could learn a bit from.
With his channel just breaking the 11K subscriber mark, Will took the time to talk with me about YouTube, Funko, and more!
TC: I know from watching your videos that you’re from Texas. Did you grow up there? Any crazy stories from growing up in the south?
DA: “Yea I grew up in Texas. We moved to California for a few years, then moved back to Texas in 2001. Nothing too crazy has happened in the south, but I have slept through multiple earthquakes in California!”
TC: You don’t shy away from sharing your faith on your channel. (Which I think is great) Were you nervous to bring that up in videos?
DA: “I think the first time I overtly shared my faith in a video was when I bought the fake Jesus Pop that was being sold on Amazon. I liked it a lot, and thought it would be a good opportunity to share when I unboxed (or in this situation from Amazon I unbagged it, lol). I’ve actually been sharing my faith in every video, with my tag line at the end. “Find someone to love and serve, and be the change you want to see in the world.” Jesus calls us to love others, and through CHOOSING to love other people, and serve them, we can find fulfillment in our lives. But yea, that first time I was nervous. Now, I don’t really plan it, I just share and encourage in videos when I feel it’s the right time. I never want people to feel like I am telling them what to do or what to believe, but just encouraging them that there is love in those acceptance for them in God. I hope people see that through my videos and communities I have created.”
TC: How were you introduced to Funko products?
DA: ” Well, I was a missionary all of 2014. I literally sold 90% of my possessions, and lived out of a backpack for a year and traveled through Africa, Europe and Asia, volunteering in various churches, schools, etc. and living on $5 a day food budget and $5 a day lodging budget. It was a missions program called The World Race. When I came back home to Texas, I moved in with a new roommate from church, Tommy. Tommy was a big Pop collector, so I would go on Funko Pop hunts with him to spend time with him, and found a Goku I liked here, and a Batman I liked there… and that’s how it started!”
TC: What was the first piece in your collection?
DA: ” My first Pop was the Original DC Hero’s Box Batam 01. My wife, at the time girlfriend, bought it for me for Valentine’s Day. So this is all her fault.” (he laughs)
TC: How long into collecting did you start filming videos? What was your very first video?
DA: “I had been collecting for 3 or 4 years before I decided to make a YouTube video. I had been watching a few collecting videos on YouTube, and then I got to meet Chris Sabat at a convention in Dallas, Chris lives in the Area, and get a signed Majin Vegeta from him. I really wanted to make a video on it, so I did. And that was the first one. I’m pretty sure it was flagged for copyright violation because I was listening to Carlos Santana or something in the background!”
TC: Did you have experience making videos? How did you learn filming and editing?
DA: ” I had Zero experience filming. I learned by trial and error, watching YouTube tutorials, and a few generous Youtubers that we’re willing to give me advice.”
TC: Funko has a line called “Rocks” featuring musicians from every genre. What’s your favorite piece from the “Rocks” line?
DA: “To be honest, I don’t collect the Rocks line. I’m not a HUGE fan of “People Pops”. While I do have a few, it’s not something I actively collect.”
TC: I know you also have a kid. Has collecting provided any extra chances to bond with the little one?
DA: “Absolutely. Before Covid 19, we would regularly go out once a week and hit up our favorite stores, Think Geek, Hot Topic and Box Lunch, hang out together and then go to the playground. It has provided a lot of opportunity to bond and make memories with him for sure. In fact, I get lots of messages from people telling me my videos have inspired them to collect with their kids or grandkids, and use it as a opportunity to spend time with them. That’s pretty cool.”
TC: What are some pieces that haven’t been made that you would like to see produced?
DA: “Oh man. My answers are all anime. Demon Slayer and Samurai Champloo are at the top of the list for me.”
TC: Any advice on avoiding headaches when collecting?
DA: “That’s a topic I cover often in a lot of videos. But, the short version is don’t have FOMO. You don’t HAVE TO HAVE everything. Try your best, be informed about releases from your favorite lines, and if you miss one, be patient and wait for the market to settle. That’s advice that has helped me enjoy collecting a lot more.”
TC: Who are your favorite musicians?
DA: “Incubus, Carlos Santana, Mosaic MSC, those are a few.”
TC: What are you listening to right now?
DA: “I’m actually catching up on new videos from YouTubers I like. Being a Youtuber, I don’t get to watch as many videos as I would like.”
TC: Any advice to someone who wants to film videos but doesn’t know where to start?
DA: “If you’re wanting to film videos, or start a YouTube channel about anything, my advice is to MAKE A VIDEO AND UPLOAD IT TO YOUTUBE. You don’t need pro gear, you don’t need to spend tons on equipment. I started with my iPhone, a $18 tripod and natural light through an open window. The best way to start a channel is to smash fear in the face and START.
Beyond that, focus on quality and consistent content, on a schedule that is possible for you to keep, but will challenge you. Be different. Different is better than better. Ultimately, good audio and lighting are important, but you can solve those problems very affordably, I still use a $30 shotgun mic to this day. People’s biggest challenge, including my own, was being afraid to put up a crappy video. My first video was BAD, and I’m still learning and growing. I’m not where near Peter McKinnon or Daniel Schiffer (check them out for DOPE videos) level of production, but I’m better than I was. Don’t compare yourself to others, just compare yourself to who you were yesterday, and strive to be a bit better.”
Check out the Dr. Applesauce YouTube channel: