Mariah Johnson aka Mariah The Weather Bookie, aka Milwaukee’s Favorite Influencer, came across my feed on a day when I really needed a laugh. I love Milwaukee so much, being involved in the creative community here has been one of the biggest blessings in my life but there are a lot of things about this city that break my heart. When you love something genuinely, you inherently care about it more and the little things that just aren’t right become more glaringly obvious. Seeing Mariah post content about the funny, only in Milwaukee type of events our city sees on the daily and be able to talk about the realities that affect the people living here in the very same breath was really refreshing.

Mariah is a content creator who understands the way the people living in Milwaukee want to be spoken to. She’s honest, her content is hilarious, and it gets straight to the point. Before I was able to meet her for our photoshoot, I had already heard the phrase, “I knew about that from Mariahdaweatherbookie before I saw it on the news.” from a few friends. Getting to talk with Mariah for even just the hour or so we had, I could feel a lot of determination and genuine passion radiating off of this woman. There was just a lot of honesty and a warmth she brought to the conversation, an energy I imagine Mariah carries with her wherever she goes.

There just isn’t something I could say about how one of a kind Mariah is and how much our city needs voices like hers that would paint it quite as nicely as the bookie herself. I really suggest checking out her content if you haven’t seen her on your feed yet. Mariah speaks up well enough for herself and loudly for the people in the community she loves. Find her on all social media platforms and if you’re lucky, on the streets of Milwaukee reporting live.

Where are you from? What’s your relationship to the city you live in now?

I was born and raised in Milwaukee. I love my city. This city raised me and made me who I am today. I still reside here! I am just getting started.

Things you love about Milwaukee? Things you wish would change?

The attitude, the food scene and culture. MKE really has an amazing food scene that really showcases so many different cultures here! I wish we could change how all the organizations are fighting the same cause but choose to not partner with each other. It shows and the youth see it! And reckless driving, we need to really take a pause, maybe everyone doesn't drive for a week and see how we can save so many lives.

You’re so genuinely funny. How long have you been doing your specific brand of comedy? How would you explain the kind of videos you make to someone who hasn’t had the pleasure?

If you asked people that have known me my whole life they would say “she's been like this, a huge idiot” but honestly its really natural and that sounds superficial but truthfully when I try to be funny, I AM NOT!

The raw MKE with a twist of humor and craziness, might get a movie reference, maybe a tear but you will always leave with a serious message about our city.

What motivates you to get out in Milwaukee and make the content you do?

My bookies, meeting them in real life makes me keep going. Seeing youth recognize me and be able to give them real advice in person or on the internet I know it's bigger than the weather!

What’s the first movie you remember watching?

Parent Trap - and best believe I am a camp kid! There's a hole in the log in the bottom of the Sea.

Do you have any actors or comedians you find a lot of inspiration in, anyone who’s work you relate to?

Tbh, Adam Sandler, I love how he's kinda just like what - what did i say. Cause same. And Anna Faris, I am a die hard Scary Movie fan but I love her in anything!

Any films that you think really encapsulate good comedy to you? Films you go back to watching over and over for some reason?

White Chicks, Step Brothers, Scary Movies 1, 2 and 3, and the new one, Big Daddy, Van Wilder, House Bunny… I LOVE me some movies.

Do you have any advice for a younger version of yourself?

To truly just be myself. People that love me will find me, stop trying to fit in. Also your emotions aren't too big. People lack empathy, they are miserable!

Any projects you’re currently working on? Things you’re hoping to do next?

I would love to do some talks in the city, and my ultimate goal is to start a car accident clean up business in the city but im still figuring that out.

Share your preferred social handles/website, whatever you’ve got/want people to find your work on:

@mariahdaweatherbookie on all social media platforms!

Into independent film? Want to learn more?

Learn more about Jolee Mallman