In this episode of Bricks and Risk, Dustin Brohm—real estate marketing leader, podcast host, and founder of Massive Agent Society—joins Tim and Sean to unpack one of the most liberating ideas for content creators and entrepreneurs: Haters are proof that you’re being seen.
Yes, it stings at first. The sarcastic reply, the eye-roll emoji, the stranger who tells you your post is cringe. But Dustin says it best:
“Dogs don’t bark at parked cars.”
And that one line reframes everything.
Why You Should Welcome the Noise
Dustin breaks down what it really means when people start reacting negatively online. It means you’re moving. You’re active. Visible. Creating friction. And in today’s content-heavy world, friction is necessary to stand out.
A parked car doesn’t get barked at because it’s not doing anything. It’s still. Safe. Ignored.
But the minute you start moving—sharing your voice, expressing opinions, showing your face—you attract attention. Good and bad. But most importantly, you become known.
Rude comments = proof of reach
Trolls = a sign your content is leaving the bubble
Negativity = a byproduct of visibility
Dustin shares candidly that some of his best-performing posts aren’t the ones with the most likes or shares. They’re the ones where strangers start jumping into the comments with offhanded insults or sarcasm. That’s when he knows the algorithm has kicked in. That’s when he knows he’s reaching beyond his own audience—and growing.
The Real Cost of Staying Silent
This episode is a wake-up call for anyone holding back online.
If you’ve ever:
Deleted a post because you worried what “that one person” might say
Avoided video because of how you look or sound
Felt crushed by a rude comment from someone who doesn’t even follow you
Then this conversation will shift your mindset permanently.
Because here’s the truth: you will never succeed online by trying to avoid criticism.
You win by being consistent in spite of it.
Dustin shares how he learned to use those comments as fuel. Not just to prove people wrong, but to sharpen his voice, thicken his skin, and double down on content that makes people react.
He’s not here for applause—he’s here for attention that creates opportunity.
Who Is @MassiveAgent ?
Through his coaching platform, Massive Agent Society, he helps agents systemize their marketing and build businesses that don’t just survive—but scale.
Dustin’s also a regular voice on stages like Inman Connect, eXpCon, and in publications like HousingWire. His philosophy isn’t about hacks or gimmicks. It’s about showing up, saying what you believe, and not folding when someone pushes back.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Visibility comes with noise: If nobody is hating, you’re probably not reaching far enough.
Criticism is a milestone, not a red flag: The moment people start to criticize you online is often the same moment you’re finally gaining traction.
Emotion = engagement: Dustin explains how polarizing posts often outperform vanilla ones—not because they’re controversial, but because they’re real.
Content isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay: In fact, it shouldn’t be. When you try to please everyone, you resonate with no one.
The algorithm listens to energy: When people start arguing, mocking, praising, or tagging friends in the comments, that post gets promoted. Even the haters are helping.
Final Word from @BricksandRisk :
Dustin’s approach to online presence is bold, simple, and battle-tested. He’s not trying to be liked by everyone. He’s trying to reach the people who need what he has to say—and that requires making noise, taking hits, and staying consistent no matter what shows up in the comments.
Because if they’re barking…
You’re finally moving.
More from Dustin Brohm
🎧 Massive Agent Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/3c5qSDbcwlPbiydjqWYEze?si=9564795b6f1f4ed7
📘 Explore the Massive Agent Society coaching: https://www.massiveagentsociety.com/
📱 Connect with Dustin on social @massiveagent for real-world insights that cut through the noise
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massiveagent