When Tony Kariotis moved back to his native Boston during the pandemic, he knew the time was right to do something different. And he wanted it to be big. Three years later, his videos have gone viral and he’s a top Greek influencer. He’s channeled these experiences with his background in film, production, and photography into a popular podcast, a photo book, and a Greek media empire, which he calls Greece Media.
Meet Tony Kariotis
Born and raised in Boston, Kariotis traces his Greek roots to Kalamata and Kalymnos. He grew up in a large, but close-knit Greek-American family, something he cherishes. When he was in high school, he became an active member in GOYA. He played basketball at his church, then coached. As the longest tenured coach, he’s about to kick-off his 17th season. After, he studied film and photography, which he calls “his passion”, and after, joined the the family business.
Then he lost his father.
“In 2008, we started the Teddy K Classic in his memory. He was known in Boston’s sports community.”
The basketball tournament celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, including 30 teams of Greek-Americans of all ages. The five-day annual event raises funds to award scholarships to Greek-American youth.
His passion continued to nudge him, and in 2018, Kariotis started Greece Media.
“The catalyst of all of this was my @greece Instagram account.”
Looking to spread his wings, Kariotis moved to New York. Later, he traveled to Greece, where he created content and developed some business ideas.
“My goal was to find ways to spend more time in Greece. I wanted to leverage the power of social media and build something cool.” Then Covid brought him back home. “I took advantage of the time to brainstorm how to grow this.”
“Greece Chats” podcast
In 2020, he launched “Greece Chats” podcast. He's posted more than 50 episodes to date and recently launched his fourth season.
“The interviews are lighthearted and fun, and something to help the Greek community.”
“Ep Apagorevete”
In summer 2021, while traveling in Greece, Kariotis had an idea. He asked his girlfriend to video him observing something, then he'd say, “Ep Apagorevete”.
“It garnered a ton of views on socials and I knew we were onto something. So we created more. It went viral. All the kids in Greece say it.”
“Ep” caught the attention of Savva Poumpouras, co-host of “Eleni”, Eleni Menegaki’s show on AlphaTV in Greece.
“I’d always been a fan and knew someday I wanted to appear on the show. And then it happened. It was surreal.”
He connected with Poumpouras on social media, then sent him an “Ep Apagorevete” T-shirt. Kariotis thought if he got lucky, Poumpouras would post a photo on social media of himself wearing it. But the co-host wore it on “Eleni”—and invited Kariotis as a guest.
“Now, wherever my girlfriend, Maria and I go, people shout, ‘Ep Apagorevete!’”
This idea that just “popped into his head one day” made him a top Greek influencer, with 475,000 followers. But there’s more to Greece Media.
Greece Media grows
Greece Media is now like a virtual ambassador of Greece. Kariotis offers services like travel planning and Greek citizenship application assistance, plus a blog, an e-shop, and more. He spends several months in Greece each year, showcasing Greece on social media.
Through all these experiences and travels, Kariotis amassed a large collection of photos. On a suggestion, he compiled 100 photos into a gorgeous coffee table book called NakedGreece. With images of cerulean waters, glowing sunsets, and more, it’s flying off the shelf.
“I’m always taking photos. I have so many. There’s so much more of Greece to showcase. I’ll probably do another.”
In just five years, Kariotis has delved further into his passion for production and photography, sowing the seeds of his never-ending ideas into his own Greek media empire. And he’s not done. Learn more and sign up for the newsletter at greece-media.com.
