Document, Don’t Create: Jake Koehler on Lost iPhones, Found Purpose
Episode 6: Document, Don’t Create: Jake Koehler on Lost iPhones, Found Purpose
Episode Summary:
Jake Kohler, better known as Scuba Jake and the creator behind the D Almighty YouTube channel, shares how a passion for diving in local rivers turned into a global YouTube phenomenon. From pulling up iPhones and wedding rings to stumbling across mortars and even human remains, Jake has seen it all underwater. In this conversation, he opens up about the early days of chasing Call of Duty dreams, the viral video that changed his life, and the realities of building a business with over 14 million subscribers.
We talk about:
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The wildest (and strangest) finds from the Chattahoochee River
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The balance between helping people recover lost items and dealing with dangerous discoveries
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Building a YouTube career from a Galaxy S3 and a found GoPro
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How to stay grounded when millions are watching
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Advice for young creators chasing a dream of content creation
Whether you’re curious about treasure hunting, YouTube, or just what it takes to turn passion into purpose, this episode delivers a rare look into the life of a creator who turned river diving into a full-time career.
Key Quotes
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“I found my first pistol, called the police, and that video went viral—it got a billion views in less than a week.”
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“The moment I went underwater, all my worries disappeared.”
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“I just wanted to make enough money to eat anywhere I wanted, anytime I wanted.”
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“When I hit a million subscribers, my shoulders felt so heavy. I thought, wow—that’s a lot of people to not let down.”
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“Treasure isn’t just gold and diamonds—it’s giving back something people thought they lost forever.”
Links
Guest: Jake Koehler
Host: Fountain City Founders Team
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