What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an influencer? Maybe it’s the girl driving in her Mercedes-Benz to her high-rise apartment and showing us her nighttime routine, complete with dinner from Whole Foods and a shower routine of $500 worth of Sephora products. Or perhaps you think of comedians who have gone viral and raked in millions of followers for their pranks. But did you know that influencers aren’t just here to make us jealous of their luxury lifestyles or to entertain us with their audacious behavior? There are plenty of influencers who spark positive change among their hundreds of thousands of followers—many are experts in their fields and have degrees and certifications to back their expertise. Here are 20 inspiring and smart influencers we think are worth the scroll.
1. Martinus Evans (@martinusevans)
Evans believes there’s no limit on size or minimum speed for running. The marathon runner is the founder of Slow AF Run Club. Back in 2012, Evans went on his first run after his doctor bluntly told him that at 300 pounds, he was overweight and he needed to lose weight or die. Despite the initial struggle of his first run, Evans went on to complete his first marathon just 18 months later. Today, Evans has created a nationwide running community, Slow AF Run Club, that promotes perseverance, positivity, determination, dedication and courage. Evans has also expanded his brand into the book, “Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run” and the “The 300 Pounds and Running Podcast Network.”
2. Judith Joseph (@drjudithjoseph)
Are you dealing with high-functioning depression? Or perhaps your narcissistic mother-in-law is putting a strain on your relationship. Psychiatrist and researcher, Dr Judith Joseph’s TikTok videos have you covered. Joseph’s entertaining videos provide an educational and engaging approach to mental illness, including how different generations approach life and relationships. As a Trinidadian-American, Joseph also addresses the unique mental health challenges immigrants face, including scarcity, trauma and cultural expectations.
3. Jay Shetty (@jayshetty)
The former monk is now helping people train their minds for peace and purpose with his award-winning podcast, On Purpose. Born and raised in London, Shetty graduated from Cass Business School in 2010. However, Shetty felt uncertain about how his degree aligns with his continuous yearning to make a difference in the world. It was then that Shetty embarked on a three-year journey as a Hindu monk in India and the UK. For three years, Shetty woke up at 4 a.m., taking cold showers, simplified his diet and studied up to eight hours of meditation, delving into the ancient practice of breath and mindfulness. During his transformative period of self-discovery, Shetty realized his life’s calling extended beyond himself- he was determined to help others find their purpose. Shetty’s podcast, “On Purpose,” features athletes, thought leaders and celebrities. He is also the author of two books, “Think Like A Monk” and “8 Rules of Love.
4. Mike “Dr Mike” Varshavski, DO (@DoctorMike)
Dr. Mike is the OG medical influencer and, according to Forbes, “The Sexiest Doctor Alive.” His YouTube videos debunk medical myths, like what alternative medicine does well and when it lies, the surprising truth about raw milk and the truth about calories and insulin. Feeling like you’re in a less scientific mode and more into story time? Dr. Mike has you covered with his fun and random facts. For example, did you know two Jewish doctors who were taken as prisoners tricked the Nazis? Dr. Mike also reacts to popular movies, tv shows and even memes. When he’s not informing and entertaining his 14 million subscribers, Dr. Mike is a practicing board-certified family medicine doctor living in NYC.
5. Joseph Salhab, DO (@thestomachdoc)
Gut health has been having a moment in the health industry, and with an increase in colorectal cancer among millennials, more people are taking their gut health seriously. Dr. Joseph Salhab, aka the “stomach doc,” offers simple tips to improve your liver, stomach and colon and ensure a smooth, comfortable bathroom experience.
6. Vivian Tu (@Yourrichbff)
Investing, high-yield savings account, Roth IRAs? Learning about finances can be intimidating, but Vivian Tu is your former Wall Street Girly turned rich bff who will help you master the art of personal finance. Tu turns finance into fun-nance with her books Rich AF and Well-Endowed. Before creating her online community, Tu started her career as a trader at JPMorgan. During that time, the only other woman on her team was her mentor, who pushed her to get her finances in order, and who Tu credits for her success. After working on Wall Street, Tu joined BuzzFeed as a Strategy Sales Partner and often found her coworkers and friends asking her for advice on basic finances. Fast forward years later, Tu decided to become a full-time content creator, and the Rich BFF community accumulated 6 million besties.
7. Ahmad Alzahabi (@thegoldenbalance)
Upgrade your meals to the next level with quick, flavorful recipes from Ahmad Alzahabi, aka “the golden balance.” Alzhabi offers his followers a variety of cuisines from around the world, including Middle Eastern classics, as homage to his Syrian-American heritage. Before starting his content creator journey, Alzhabi interned at a four-star Swiss hotel in Dubai while earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration. After graduation, Alzhabi decided to start his online journey. Since 2020, Alzahabi has become a household name as the golden balance with the slogans, “Now Bismillah” and “Final Product.” Alzhabi’s recipes are simple to follow and often take 30 minutes or less, with minimal cleanup.
8. Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah)
Leah Thomas, aka greengirlleah, wants everyone’s environmentalism to be intersectional. The thirty-year-old is an environmental creative and has coined the term “eco-communicator” to describe her style of environmental activism. Her work explores the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Thomas is the author of “The Intersectional Environmentalist.” Thomas’ work has been recognized in several publications and lists, including Forbes’ 30 under 30 and Business Insider’s Climate Action 30.
9. Emmanuel Acho (@emmanuelacho)
The former NFL linebacker turned YouTuber doesn’t tiptoe around the subject of race in America and encourages his viewers to be part of the conversation through his video series, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” where Acho hosts discussions on topics including race versus religion, white parents raising black children and reverse racism. The web series also expanded to three books, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man”, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy,” and “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew,” co-authored by Noa Tiishby, that explores an investigation into antisemitism.
10. Will Taylor (@brightbazaar)
Will Taylor proves that you can go beyond beige and neutrals to create a fabulous, cohesive space. Taylor has more than a decade of experience in interior design. His blog Bright Bazaar was started in 2009 and today has more than 355,000 Instagram followers. Taylor’s accessible approach to design has led him to host segments and makeovers on Good Morning America and to author two best-selling design books.
Featured image credit: Maiye Jeremiah via Unsplash
