What happens when you bet on yourself so hard it borders on delusion, but it works?
In this episode of The Subtext, we sit down with Cayden Ginting: Gates Scholar, Columbia student, content creator (80k+), and the co-founder of Tally, Gen Z’s most unhinged habit tracker. We unpack how a joke accountability challenge with a friend turned into a real startup redefining behavioral growth for Gen Z, the wild viral launch that gained 650k+ impressions, 350+ DMs, and even a closed deal with an investor within 24 hours, and the deeply personal moments that shaped Cayden’s relentless drive.
From losing his mom during college apps to almost starring in his own goon-themed ad campaign, Cayden shares his raw subtext: freedom, obsession, and proving others wrong. If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and burnout, or wondered how far you’d go to chase a vision, this one’s for you.
Topics include:
The story behind Tally’s viral launch video
How grief and grit pushed Cayden through Columbia
Why personal brand is the new moat
Deleted startup ideas (like a restroom chatbot for first dates)
What anchors him amidst the chaos
This episode is wild, inspiring, and full of unexpected left turns. Just like Cayden’s journey.
Follow Cayden:
Instagram- @caydenginting