A report from the road … and he’s still the Dude!

The Dude (left) and Ryan Brinkman (right). Photo credit: Ryan Brinkman (screenshot from Instagram reel.)

Editor’s note: We published an article about Brinkman and The Dude last October. Read more about them here!

submitted by Ryan Brinkman

We are currently on a 100-day road trip around the country and are about a quarter of the way done with that, so I thought I’d give you an update on how things are going for The Dude (Dude) and me.

Dude is getting close to 18k followers on Instagram and also has gained a following of over 16k on TikTok. Since we last spoke we have had two viral videos! The one with Dude licking peanut butter off his nose has gotten over 8.6 million views on Instagram! The one of me trimming his nails has gotten over 5.7 million views on Instagram, 11.2 million on TikTok, and 2.3 million on Facebook! So around 20 million people have seen Dude lick peanut butter off my bald head.

So far, I’m starting to make money and get free stuff from sponsors! Currently have a deal with Fi collars and have recently had four other companies that have reached out and want to sponsor us but I can’t work with them till our trip is over so I can be at home to receive their products in the mail. Also, we have worked with Embassy Suites, which has given us a free two-day stay in exchange for posting about their property and have more Embassy Suites hotels lined up to stay at for the same deal!

Dude’s still got influence and style. Stay tuned to see what else he can come up with!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.