Chances are, if you spent time on YouTube in recent years, you know about Tana Mongeau, a creator from Las Vegas, Nevada, known for her dramatic and often unbelievable “storytimes.”
On Wed. March 4, Tulane University students welcomed Mongeau with loud applause as she entered McAlister Auditorium for a question-and-answer session moderated by Tulane senior Kendall Muse.
During the event, Mongeau talked about what it was like growing up in Las Vegas before discussing the early stages of her YouTube career.
“No one should raise a kid there,” Mongeau said of Las Vegas. About her earlier vlogs on YouTube, Mongeau said she was “seeking chaos.”
Mongeau explained that she began creating content on YouTube at just 14 years old. She initially had hopes of becoming a beauty blogger before ultimately finding that storytelling resonated with her audience best.
Later in the conversation, Mongeau opened up about her transformative sobriety journey. Mongeau said her problems with alcohol started with casual drinking at parties.
“You know, I ruined my life a little bit, but I created a lot of lore,” she said. “I truly enjoy being so present in my life, and actually remembering things and making decisions that I stand by, and being a person that I’m proud of.”
This topic of personal growth naturally led to a discussion of Mongeau’s current relationship and the lessons she has learned over the years. She reflected on how maturity and self-awareness have shaped the way she now approaches romance and advice.
Mongeau said her perspective on what makes a healthy relationship has changed over time.
“A good partner is about someone who is always there for you, and who also brings you peace,” she said. “I think that for a long time I thought that peace was boring … You want the guy who you feel peaceful with, and your nervous system is calm with.”
Mongeau described learning to prioritize emotional stability and support over the chaos that once defined much of her public image.
“[With] a real partner, you’re gonna have to go through ups and downs,” she said. “You gotta trust that they’re gonna be there.”