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Business Insider
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I struggled to land a job in LA, until I started producing video podcasts for influencers
Devon Asher pivoted from working on Hollywood sets to producing video podcasts with influencers. Asher used a strategically placed Venmo payment and video résumé to get his first podcasting job. This article is part of " Trends to Bet Your Career On," a series about trending professional opportunities. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Devon Asher, a 28-year-old podcast producer in Los Angeles. Asher works on shows for influencers, including Tana Mongeau and Trisha Paytas. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I always wanted to be a music video director. I moved to Los Angeles to get my film and television production degree. After college, I was working on all the cool commercials and music videos that I used to dream about working on. Then the pandemic hit, and the industry shut down in March 2020. I found video podcasting, and it changed everything for me. Unemployed and sitting in my apartment, I had been watching YouTubers like the Vlog Squad, Tana Mongeau, and Trisha Paytas. One day, Heath Hussar and Zane Hijazi said on their podcast, "Unfiltered," that Zane was looking for an assistant. I came up with an idea to Venmo Zane $8 (my lucky number) and a short message directing him to a DM I sent on Instagram. Instagram is overused, and a lot of people ignore their messages, especially when someone, like Zane, has millions of followers. That's why I sent the Venmo request. About 10 minutes later, Zane responded on Instagram and asked me to send him my résumé. Instead of sending a basic PDF, I made a video explaining how my film degree could help him and noted people I'd worked for in the music industry. I talked about how I'm on top of pop culture and what's trending. I borrowed a drone to make the video. To make it visually appealing, I filmed at my friend's house in Laguna Beach, on the beach, and at Griffith Park. It worked. I landed the job working for Zane, which included helping with the production behind his video podcast. Since that job, I've bounced around several influencer gigs working primarily as a producer across video podcasts, including "Unfiltered" and "Wild 'Til 9" with Lauren Riihimaki and Jeremy Lewis. Currently, I work on "Not Loveline" with Tana and Trisha. It's a tough industry to break into, but there's a lot of opportunity It's really hard to get into the influencer video podcasting space. And I've struggled at times to keep consistent work. Like a traditional TV production, some video podcasts take breaks between seasons to book guests, find sponsors, or switch up their set design. This has left me without a job. Working in this career can be scary at times. Essentially, you're a freelancer. But working on an influencer's video podcast is an easier lifestyle for me than being on a traditional Hollywood set. Pivoting from TV and film has allowed me to take on bigger roles, such as the lead producer for shows with episodes that have over 1 million views on YouTube. It's also allowed me to make closer connections and land more gigs, partially because of my specialty. There aren't that many well-known video podcast producers with experience working for an influencer. But landing these jobs is rarely done in a traditional way. It's mostly keeping up with influencers posting that they need someone or through word of mouth. Sometimes an influencer will reach out directly after meeting me. For instance, Trisha cold-emailed me asking whether I could help produce her show with Tana. Overall, working in podcasting is a lot of fun. It's the best job I've ever had. My schedule can be hectic In this career, you have to be open to working late at night and being flexible. Each podcast has a different shooting schedule. I could bescheduled to film after 8 p.m. or 11 p.m., and the next day, a show will start at noon. Sometimes, we batch film episodes, like when an influencer has travel coming up. Since my work schedule isn't consistent, I try to keep my personal schedule open. I travel only if the creator I'm working for is away. Between shows, I've tried taking on other work. I was a creative consultant for the podcast network Past Your Bedtime. I thought this would be more stable for me. But I was working on eight of the company's shows — and it was exhausting. So I stepped back from creative consulting to work more closely with individual influencers. Influencers want someone who knows editing, camera work, lighting, and audio A lot more goes into a video podcast than an audio-only show. For example, I help with lighting, camera work, and editing. These video podcasts are typically filmed in the influencer's home studio, like in their basement or garage. I also have to be aware of what's trending to help pitch segments: What movie or TV show is everyone talking about? What's happening on TikTok? Influencers want a podcast producer who understands trends and has a pulse on pop culture. Many of them like to discuss current events with cohosts or guests. Most importantly, though, I always try to maintain a positive attitude, even when things are stressful for the influencer on set. If you can stay level-headed while recording and find a solution or work through whatever the problem is, they will find you very valuable.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'People wanted me to fight Corinna': Tana Mongeau addresses Corinna Kopf fight rumors on Logan Paul podcast
YouTuber Tana Mongeau has now addressed long-standing rumors of a reported fight with fellow creator Corinna Kopf, as well as the record tension between David Dobrik and Jeff Wittek. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a recent "IMPAULSIVE" podcast, hosted by and Mike Majlak, Tana Mongeau was frank in talking about influencer boxing, her complicated allegiances, and the backstage alliances that continue to shape her reality. Tana Mongeau goes behind the scenes on Corinna Kopf, influencer boxing and messy friendship with Jeff Wittek YouTuber Tana Mongeau, famous for her unrestrained streams and podcast 'Cancelled', again hit the headlines when she discussed personal scandals on a recent podcast. The 26-year-old has admitted that she almost participated in influencer boxing, a trend that was once hot but is now dying out, and once even contemplated taking on influencer Corinna Kopf in the ring, though this now seems more of a joke than a possible bout. 'People wanted me to go at it with Corinna,' said Tana Mongeau to Logan Paul and Mike Majlak in the IMPAULSIVE podcast, referencing the excitement of an earlier appearance by Corinna Kopf on the same program. 'I remember that time. She came on this show. I think she would say, 'Would you still want to fight Corinna?' But like, I do love watching two grown men just duke it out. Like, I love watching a good fight. I do. So I would love, I wish everything in my face wasn't fake. ' In refusing the suggestion, Tana Mongeau complimented the controversial world of influencer boxing for its entertainment but conceded it's lost some of its sparkle. Rather than fighting with Corinna Kopf, who also rose to fame early on from David Dobrik's Vlog Squad and has since established herself as a successful streamer and content creator, Mongeau pondered the idea of working with her instead. 'It's a little gimmicky. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But also, is that beef still? Cause I think I could see you guys doing a clam collab instead. Like, think about like it's bikini bottom. It's like we're in SpongeBob. Like dude, imagine if you two did some crazy shit,' she joked, suggesting a creative partnership over conflict. TANA MONGEAU ON FIGHTING CORINNA KOPF The discussion soon turned to the deeper, more intricate relationships of the group, including Jeff Wittek and David Dobrik. Mongeau was frank about her continued struggle to balance friendships with both parties of the now-famous crane injury accident. She acknowledged that although she still has Jeff Wittek's back, she doesn't agree with cutting people off simply because of where they came from. 'Corinna's been a subject in the Jeff thing, because I do love, I do love her. I do love Corinna. Jeff's come around to it because it's just like, dude, if you have to write off anyone who's ever associated with someone that hit you in the head with a crane, it's like a lot of people. And dude, Corinna has always been really good to me, but it is like not to go to Jeff's defense crazy and like, whatever, I understand where you're coming from, but I don't know my respect for all of them... It's hard. I'm wondering if Dobrik, I mean, they all say that if he didn't have the money and he didn't have the fame and he didn't have the power, they would still be there," she revealed, noting that she and Jeff recently had a heart-to-heart regarding emotional reciprocation in their friendship. Despite the dirty history, Mongeau said that she wanted to stay on good terms with individuals who've been kind to her, no matter what their involvement in bigger scandals. She further shared that she will be heading off to Hawaii for some downtime before launching her upcoming sold-out tour in Australia. "I am going to Hawaii right now just to chill," she shared. "We're about to tour Australia, but I think it's completely sold out. Australia is the coolest place on the planet. This is kind of my last tour on the touring world, at least for 2025, maybe a little bit of 2026. So exciting." Also read: While Tana Mongeau ends up in internet controversy every now and then, it seems that she keeps moving forward, leveraging humor and vulnerability to build a connection with followers and trying to remain positive.
Buzz Feed
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Corinna Kopf Has Weighed In On The Anna Paul And Mikaela Testa Beef
Please be advised this article contains allegations between two opposing parties, full details of this situation have yet to be proven true. Warning: This article deals with themes of grooming and sexual exploitation that may be triggering for some readers. The Anna Paul and Mikaela Testa feud just picked up an expansion pack in the form of new allegations from American influencer, Corinna Kopf. Corinna is best known for her time in David Dobrik's Vlog Squad, at the height of its popularity in the mid 2010s. She continues her work as influencer and content creator across a number of platforms including Instagram, Twitch and OnlyFans. Following a string of Instagram Stories shared by Mikaela about Drake's controversial outfit choice at his Brisbane show the previous evening, Corinna made a series of accusations about the Aussie influencer's "true" character on her own account. The American creator also highlighted Mikaela's role in the breakdown of her own personal relationships. Mikaela responded, describing Corinna as "a parasocial fan for Anna and Atis [Paul]" — and also alleged that she orchestrated a plot to have her [Mikaela] banned from Instagram. But it just keeps on going — with Mikaela sharing more about how they became friends in the first place. One of the internet's first glimpses into their friendship was in early 2024 when Mikaela made a video captioned, "I love my rich bestie 🥰". @mikaelatesta i love having a rich bestie 🥰 ♬ original sound - Mikaela Testa TikTok @mikaelatesta / Via More Stories from Mikaela allude to their relationship going beyond friendship into something, allegedly, more sinister. Mikaela seemingly boils Corinna's sudden outburst online down to the posts she made about Drake — who Corinna was previously linked to in 2023. According to her, this is why the American influencer decided to end "her silence" and speak up on Mikaela's behaviour. Drake says he might massage Corinna Kopf's feet on live.👀😭 — Hip Hop Ties (@HipHopTiesMedia) June 2, 2023 Twitter: @HipHopTiesMedia Hold onto your coat tails and Cartier love bracelets though, it's not done yet — Corinna disputed the claims with a series of blacked-out videos, featuring just her voice. Here's what she had to say: Corinna denied claims that she tried to have Mikaela's Instagram banned out of jealousy, saying, "If I was so envious of someone blowing up and trying to get their Instagram banned why on earth would I tag her in every single one of my Snapchats. Over and over again over a four week span, blowing her Snapchat following up to 750,000 followers. That just doesn't really add up to me." Via her voiceover, she also explained that she'd always felt this way about Mikaela, and even discussed it with others, who apparently agreed that she was "a pathological liar". She also denied Mikaela's accusation that she's a "parasocial fan" saying that after she'd heard about the allegations made against Anna Paul, she should've distanced herself from Mikaela sooner. Her final story urged everyone to pay attention to Mikaela's content — "The proof is in the pudding". Although so much of the story is completely shrouded in mystery, there's no denying how its captivated Aussies (and the world). We will be seated when more unfolds. Mikaela has since deleted her Instagram Stories calling out Corinna — but we'll keep you posted with any new updates. If this article brings up any issues for you or anyone you know, or you have experienced grooming and sexual exploitation, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Express Tribune
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jeff Wittek shares update on recovery after latest surgery from 2021 Dobrik accident
YouTube star Jeff Wittek has opened up about his ongoing recovery after undergoing what he calls his "biggest surgery yet." The influencer, known for his Jeff's Barbershop interview series, suffered a severe eye injury in 2021 when a stunt involving David Dobrik's Vlog Squad went wrong. The accident occurred when Dobrik swung Wittek around on an excavator, leading to a serious collision that nearly cost him his vision. Following years of medical procedures and a public fallout with Dobrik, Wittek recently told Dexerto that his latest surgery was his most significant yet, delaying projects like an upcoming movie shoot. 'I wish I had better news, but this last surgery was the biggest one yet," Wittek said. "I still can't drive myself, but I'm getting there. Hopefully, I'll be 100% ready for the tour this spring." Despite ongoing recovery challenges, Wittek remains focused on his career, including his podcast Jeff FM and the launch of his first physical Jeff's Barbershop location in New York. He emphasized the importance of mindset in overcoming obstacles, stating that fitness and staying busy help him maintain a positive outlook. With a live tour ahead and Jeff's Barbershop evolving, Wittek is determined to make a full comeback. "Giving up isn't an option—I've put everything into this, so it's either make it big or die trying."
