Today, Instagram released the fifth episode of its original series “Close Friends Only,” featuring former NBA player Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan Anthony. The father-son duo sat down for a heartfelt conversation on fatherhood and parenting in the age of social media. They discussed how they use Instagram to stay connected with each other and loved ones, the biggest creative risks they’ve taken, Carmelo’s most random Instagram searches, basketball (of course), and why more parents should have conversations with their children about social media – and more – just in time for Father’s Day.
“Close Friends Only” is available now across streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, and Apple Podcasts.
Episode highlights:
- Communication is Key: Kiyan says the biggest lesson his dad has taught him is to communicate and come to him with anything - good or bad (06:04)
- Taking Creative Chances: When asked about the biggest creative risk he’s taken, Kiyan says it was starting a clothing line which has since become a success (10:00)
- Personal All-Star Lineup: Carmelo divulges who he’d draft in his personal All-Star lineup.
- Basketball Legends: The duo talk about basketball and how sports have changed in the era of social media
- Growing Up On IG: Carmelo talks about how Kiyan built trust with him and his mom, which ultimately led to them allowing him to join Instagram. Carmelo mentions that if Instagram Teen Accounts had been available when Kiyan was younger, he would’ve let him on the app sooner (14:03)
- What’s On Your Instagram: The duo dig in to what they see on Instagram - Kiyan finds cooking recipes on Instagram Reels (07:30) and Carmelo’s recommendations show a range of content from astrology accounts to custom mugs (03:35)
- Social Media Role Reversal: Carmelo and Kiyan both teach each other something new - Carmelo shows Kiyan how to use Search to discover new food spots (03:55), and Kiyan teaches his dad how to reshare Reels to Stories and how to post a fit pic (11:25)
About Close Friends Only
Welcome to Close Friends Only, Instagram’s original series, where your favorite duos connect a little deeper, reveal a little more about themselves, and give you a glimpse into what - and who’s - inside their green circle of trust.
Check out more episodes featuring Doja Cat and Ice Spice, Reneé Rapp and Rachel Sennott, Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla, and Lil Yachty and Druski.
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