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Julian Shapiro-Barnum looked back on the best episode of his web series while speaking to PEOPLE at the 2026 YouTube Brandcast Upfront on Wednesday, May 13, in New York City
The content creator, 26, invites celebrities to spend time with kids on his viral shows Recess Therapy and Celebrity Substitute
He also recently announced a third show, Outside Tonight, which premieres on YouTube on June 17
Julian Shapiro-Barnum has hosted some massive talent on his viral web series, but two guests stand out from the rest — at least according to his troupe of kid collaborators.
The content creator, 26, made his name by moderating adorably candid conversations between stars and children on Recess Therapy, and he invites A-listers to lead a classroom of young students on Celebrity Substitute. He looked back on the best of his digital footprint while speaking with PEOPLE at the 2026 YouTube Brandcast Upfront on Wednesday, May 13.
Shapiro-Barnum — who recently announced his third web show, a late-night-style talk series titled Outside Tonight, which premieres on YouTube on June 17 — typically brings in a fresh face for each episode, but that doesn’t stop the kids from asking to reunite with their favorite visitors.
Julian Shapiro-Barnum with Leah Michele and Jonathan Groff and the kids of ‘Celebrity Substitute.’
Credit: Danielle Perelman
He nods to Jonathan Groff, 41, who has been on both Recess Therapy and Celebrity Substitute. “The kids are obsessed with that man, as am I, and he has been on my show more than anybody else,” says Shapiro-Barnum.
Olivia Rodrigo is another name that comes to mind as someone the little ones keep asking to see more of. “I think they felt older sister vibes 100 percent from her,” he tells PEOPLE of the “Drop Dead” singer, 23.
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The kids aren’t the only ones who appreciated Rodrigo’s appearance on Recess Therapyin September 2023. The episode went viral thanks to one of Shapiro-Barnum’s biggest young stars, Miles, who offered up some relationship advice. When Rodrigo asked him how he thinks she can find love, he told her, “Pick a person that looks kind.”
Later, he added, “I really hope you find love,” and delicately placed his hand on Rodrigo’s knee.
The singer then called Miles “so sweet,” which prompted him to add an important clarification to his advice. “The only person you can’t marry is your cousins,” Miles said, which earned laughs from both Rodrigo and Shapiro-Barnum.
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