Team
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Jon Favreau He/Him/His
FounderJon Favreau served as Barack Obama’s head speechwriter from 2005-2013, a role that was far more senior and influential than Jon Lovett’s. In 2017, he co-founded Crooked Media, where he’s a co-host of Pod Save America, host of Offline with Jon Favreau, and host of The Wilderness. His first book, Democracy or Else, which he co-authored alongside his Crooked Media co-founders, will be released on June 25, 2024. Jon lives in Los Angeles with his wife Emily, their sons Charlie and Teddy, and their dog Leo.
Jon Favreau He/Him/His
FounderJon Favreau served as Barack Obama’s head speechwriter from 2005-2013, a role that was far more senior and influential than Jon Lovett’s. In 2017, he co-founded Crooked Media, where he’s a co-host of Pod Save America, host of Offline with Jon Favreau, and host of The Wilderness. His first book, Democracy or Else, which he co-authored alongside his Crooked Media co-founders, will be released on June 25, 2024. Jon lives in Los Angeles with his wife Emily, their sons Charlie and Teddy, and their dog Leo.
Jon Lovett He/Him/His
FounderJon Lovett is a podcast host, former presidential speechwriter, and straight shooter widely respected on both sides. In 2017 he co-founded Crooked Media, where he co-hosts “Pod Save America” and hosts “Lovett or Leave It,” two popular podcasts that are very good. Before Crooked, he served as a speechwriter in the Obama White House, co-created a comedy on NBC called “1600 Penn” (cancelled after one perfect season), and wrote speeches for Hillary Clinton. He recently switched to oat milk.
Jon Lovett He/Him/His
FounderJon Lovett is a podcast host, former presidential speechwriter, and straight shooter widely respected on both sides. In 2017 he co-founded Crooked Media, where he co-hosts “Pod Save America” and hosts “Lovett or Leave It,” two popular podcasts that are very good. Before Crooked, he served as a speechwriter in the Obama White House, co-created a comedy on NBC called “1600 Penn” (cancelled after one perfect season), and wrote speeches for Hillary Clinton. He recently switched to oat milk.
Tommy Vietor He/Him/His
FounderTommy Vietor is a cofounder of Crooked Media, cohost of Pod Save America, and the host of the foreign-policy focused Pod Save the World. In a past life, he worked for President Obama for nine years, including a stint as White House National Security Spokesman. Originally from outside Boston, Vietor now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Hanna and their dog Lucca. He tweets too much.
Tommy Vietor He/Him/His
FounderTommy Vietor is a cofounder of Crooked Media, cohost of Pod Save America, and the host of the foreign-policy focused Pod Save the World. In a past life, he worked for President Obama for nine years, including a stint as White House National Security Spokesman. Originally from outside Boston, Vietor now lives in Los Angeles with his wife Hanna and their dog Lucca. He tweets too much. -
Crystal Ponzio-Busto she/her/hers
EVP, MarketingCrystal has spent the last ten years in the belly of the streaming beast, at Hulu and and then Netflix, and she needs a break from algorithms. She's delighted to have joined Crooked and to be a part of media's next great revolution. She lives in Topanga Canyon with her husband Enrico, her daughter Stella and her dog Gnocchi, no wait...she doesn't have a dog.
Crystal Ponzio-Busto she/her/hers
EVP, MarketingCrystal has spent the last ten years in the belly of the streaming beast, at Hulu and and then Netflix, and she needs a break from algorithms. She's delighted to have joined Crooked and to be a part of media's next great revolution. She lives in Topanga Canyon with her husband Enrico, her daughter Stella and her dog Gnocchi, no wait...she doesn't have a dog.
Dariush Brizuela-Nothaft
SVP, Community & PartnershipsDariush grew up in San Diego in an intercultural family. He got his start working in digital media at Maker Studios and has since served in marketing, creative, and business development capacities for companies like Disney, SoulPancake, and now, Crooked Media. He loves the way digital platforms create spaces for new conversations, fresh creativity, and identity exploration. He spends more time than he should speaking garbage Spanish, thinking about his Dungeons & Dragons character, and how to improve his Iranian cooking.
Dariush Brizuela-Nothaft
SVP, Community & PartnershipsDariush grew up in San Diego in an intercultural family. He got his start working in digital media at Maker Studios and has since served in marketing, creative, and business development capacities for companies like Disney, SoulPancake, and now, Crooked Media. He loves the way digital platforms create spaces for new conversations, fresh creativity, and identity exploration. He spends more time than he should speaking garbage Spanish, thinking about his Dungeons & Dragons character, and how to improve his Iranian cooking.
Lucinda Treat she/her/hers
Chief Executive OfficerLucinda Treat is the Chief Executive Officer at Crooked Media. She is the first person to serve in this position. Treat has been a senior executive in media, entertainment and professional sports for over two decades. She was most recently the Chief Legal Officer at VICE Media Group, a global digital media and broadcasting company, and has previously held leadership positions at Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE), The Madison Square Garden Company, Revlon and more. Her legal career includes the New York law firm of Shearman & Sterling.
Lucinda Treat she/her/hers
Chief Executive OfficerLucinda Treat is the Chief Executive Officer at Crooked Media. She is the first person to serve in this position. Treat has been a senior executive in media, entertainment and professional sports for over two decades. She was most recently the Chief Legal Officer at VICE Media Group, a global digital media and broadcasting company, and has previously held leadership positions at Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE), The Madison Square Garden Company, Revlon and more. Her legal career includes the New York law firm of Shearman & Sterling.
Madeleine Haeringer She
EVP, News & ProgrammingMadeleine Haeringer is Crooked’s EVP & General Manager of News & Programming, responsible for leading the content development, expansion, and operations across the Crooked network. Prior to assuming this role, Haeringer served as Senior Vice President of Editorial for NBC News in charge of managing the editorial agenda and coordinating coverage across all broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms. She also led NBC’s growing audio business, which became a top five audio publisher under her leadership, and worked closely with NBC Studios on identifying and developing premium documentaries, series and scripted projects. Among the most awarded female broadcast journalists, Haeringer is respected among her peers for her instincts, tenacity and impeccable news judgment. Over the course of her career, she has earned every major journalism award, including twenty-two News & Documentary Emmy Awards, seven Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Peabody Awards, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and three Overseas Press Club Awards.
Madeleine Haeringer She
EVP, News & ProgrammingMadeleine Haeringer is Crooked’s EVP & General Manager of News & Programming, responsible for leading the content development, expansion, and operations across the Crooked network. Prior to assuming this role, Haeringer served as Senior Vice President of Editorial for NBC News in charge of managing the editorial agenda and coordinating coverage across all broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms. She also led NBC’s growing audio business, which became a top five audio publisher under her leadership, and worked closely with NBC Studios on identifying and developing premium documentaries, series and scripted projects. Among the most awarded female broadcast journalists, Haeringer is respected among her peers for her instincts, tenacity and impeccable news judgment. Over the course of her career, she has earned every major journalism award, including twenty-two News & Documentary Emmy Awards, seven Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Peabody Awards, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and three Overseas Press Club Awards.
Michele Rosette she/her/hers
Chief Financial OfficerMichele Rosette is the Chief Financial Officer at Crooked, overseeing all aspects of the company's financial management. She leads a team of finance professionals in strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting and internal controls, and compliance. As a strategic and operational partner to the executive team, Michele plays a pivotal role in executing the company’s growth strategy. Before joining Crooked, Michele served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Funny or Die, a producer of premium comedic content. She also held several senior finance positions at CORE Media Group, the award-winning producer of television shows such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In each role, Michele developed robust partnerships within the business, fostering collaboration to achieve financial objectives. Michele approaches all challenges with the company’s objectives in mind, always considering the impact on their most important resources—the people.
Michele Rosette she/her/hers
Chief Financial OfficerMichele Rosette is the Chief Financial Officer at Crooked, overseeing all aspects of the company's financial management. She leads a team of finance professionals in strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting and internal controls, and compliance. As a strategic and operational partner to the executive team, Michele plays a pivotal role in executing the company’s growth strategy. Before joining Crooked, Michele served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Funny or Die, a producer of premium comedic content. She also held several senior finance positions at CORE Media Group, the award-winning producer of television shows such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In each role, Michele developed robust partnerships within the business, fostering collaboration to achieve financial objectives. Michele approaches all challenges with the company’s objectives in mind, always considering the impact on their most important resources—the people.
Shaniqua McClendon she/her/hers
VP, Political StrategyShaniqua McClendon has spent a decade working in politics and is currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. She also serves as the Political Director for Crooked Media, home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America. In this role, Shaniqua led the creation of their voter engagement program, Vote Save America and volunteer engagement program, Adopt a State, which has educated millions of voters, recruited hundreds of thousands of volunteers and raised millions of dollars for progressive causes and candidates. Prior to Crooked Media, Shaniqua began her career as a White House Intern for President Barack Obama. She then went on to Capitol Hill, serving as a policy advisor to Senator Kay R. Hagan and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, where she spearheaded the creation of the first-ever Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. Shaniqua is originally from North Carolina and earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also earned a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Service. Shaniqua is also a Fund Her Board Member.
Shaniqua McClendon she/her/hers
VP, Political StrategyShaniqua McClendon has spent a decade working in politics and is currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. She also serves as the Political Director for Crooked Media, home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America. In this role, Shaniqua led the creation of their voter engagement program, Vote Save America and volunteer engagement program, Adopt a State, which has educated millions of voters, recruited hundreds of thousands of volunteers and raised millions of dollars for progressive causes and candidates. Prior to Crooked Media, Shaniqua began her career as a White House Intern for President Barack Obama. She then went on to Capitol Hill, serving as a policy advisor to Senator Kay R. Hagan and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, where she spearheaded the creation of the first-ever Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. Shaniqua is originally from North Carolina and earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also earned a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Service. Shaniqua is also a Fund Her Board Member.
Sofia Lopez Singleton she/her/hers
SVP, People & CultureSofia is an LA native, a people person, and kind of an introvert all rolled into one. She joined Crooked in June 2021 after spending over a decade building people and culture teams in entertainment, non-profits and tech. She's still not sure whether this is a startup or not, but nevertheless dedicates her time to making Crooked a better and equitable workplace... and dare she say a cool one. Sofia is an alum of CSULA and studied cultural anthropology. She uses her anthropological skills as an excuse to go to as many concerts possible, watch way too much reality tv, and explore the many food and fancy cocktail options there are in the city.
Sofia Lopez Singleton she/her/hers
SVP, People & CultureSofia is an LA native, a people person, and kind of an introvert all rolled into one. She joined Crooked in June 2021 after spending over a decade building people and culture teams in entertainment, non-profits and tech. She's still not sure whether this is a startup or not, but nevertheless dedicates her time to making Crooked a better and equitable workplace... and dare she say a cool one. Sofia is an alum of CSULA and studied cultural anthropology. She uses her anthropological skills as an excuse to go to as many concerts possible, watch way too much reality tv, and explore the many food and fancy cocktail options there are in the city. -
Alessandra Adams she/her/hers
Executive Assistant
Alessandra Adams she/her/hers
Executive Assistant
Cara Koontz She/Her/Hers
Director, Digital Political Campaign
Cara Koontz She/Her/Hers
Director, Digital Political Campaign
Eric Babb He/Him/His
Volunteer Mobilization Manager
Eric Babb He/Him/His
Volunteer Mobilization Manager
Leah Barteldes she/they
Sr. Associate, Email & Web
Leah Barteldes she/they
Sr. Associate, Email & Web
Nina Harris she/her/hers
Political Partnerships Manager
Nina Harris she/her/hers
Political Partnerships Manager
Shaniqua McClendon she/her/hers
VP, Political StrategyShaniqua McClendon has spent a decade working in politics and is currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. She also serves as the Political Director for Crooked Media, home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America. In this role, Shaniqua led the creation of their voter engagement program, Vote Save America and volunteer engagement program, Adopt a State, which has educated millions of voters, recruited hundreds of thousands of volunteers and raised millions of dollars for progressive causes and candidates. Prior to Crooked Media, Shaniqua began her career as a White House Intern for President Barack Obama. She then went on to Capitol Hill, serving as a policy advisor to Senator Kay R. Hagan and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, where she spearheaded the creation of the first-ever Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. Shaniqua is originally from North Carolina and earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also earned a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Service. Shaniqua is also a Fund Her Board Member.
Shaniqua McClendon she/her/hers
VP, Political StrategyShaniqua McClendon has spent a decade working in politics and is currently a fellow at the USC Center for the Political Future. She also serves as the Political Director for Crooked Media, home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America. In this role, Shaniqua led the creation of their voter engagement program, Vote Save America and volunteer engagement program, Adopt a State, which has educated millions of voters, recruited hundreds of thousands of volunteers and raised millions of dollars for progressive causes and candidates. Prior to Crooked Media, Shaniqua began her career as a White House Intern for President Barack Obama. She then went on to Capitol Hill, serving as a policy advisor to Senator Kay R. Hagan and Legislative Director to Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, where she spearheaded the creation of the first-ever Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. Shaniqua is originally from North Carolina and earned a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also earned a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Service. Shaniqua is also a Fund Her Board Member. -
Alexandra Monroe she/her/hers
Merch Operations Manager
Alexandra Monroe she/her/hers
Merch Operations Manager
Ashley Campion
Community & Platform Manager
Ashley Campion
Community & Platform Manager
Dariush Brizuela-Nothaft
SVP, Community & PartnershipsDariush grew up in San Diego in an intercultural family. He got his start working in digital media at Maker Studios and has since served in marketing, creative, and business development capacities for companies like Disney, SoulPancake, and now, Crooked Media. He loves the way digital platforms create spaces for new conversations, fresh creativity, and identity exploration. He spends more time than he should speaking garbage Spanish, thinking about his Dungeons & Dragons character, and how to improve his Iranian cooking.
Dariush Brizuela-Nothaft
SVP, Community & PartnershipsDariush grew up in San Diego in an intercultural family. He got his start working in digital media at Maker Studios and has since served in marketing, creative, and business development capacities for companies like Disney, SoulPancake, and now, Crooked Media. He loves the way digital platforms create spaces for new conversations, fresh creativity, and identity exploration. He spends more time than he should speaking garbage Spanish, thinking about his Dungeons & Dragons character, and how to improve his Iranian cooking.
Elijah Cone
Sr. Director, Digital GrowthElijah Cone has spent his career in Los Angeles hand-crafting authentic, GMO-free, farm-to-table content experiences for a variety of faceless corporations and brands.
After a breathtaking series of content home-runs at Fox Sports, Cone joined the world of political podcasting. “Touchdown.” Growing up in North Carolina, Elijah pivoted to video before he could walk. He graduated from Wesleyan University and continues to credit himself for other alums’ achievements to this day. Enjoy the #content everyone! Like and subscribe.
Elijah Cone
Sr. Director, Digital GrowthElijah Cone has spent his career in Los Angeles hand-crafting authentic, GMO-free, farm-to-table content experiences for a variety of faceless corporations and brands.
After a breathtaking series of content home-runs at Fox Sports, Cone joined the world of political podcasting. “Touchdown.” Growing up in North Carolina, Elijah pivoted to video before he could walk. He graduated from Wesleyan University and continues to credit himself for other alums’ achievements to this day. Enjoy the #content everyone! Like and subscribe.
Hayley Jones
Social Media Manager
Hayley Jones
Social Media Manager
Reyna Parades she/her/hers
Sr. Marketing Coordinator, Community & Revenue
Reyna Parades she/her/hers
Sr. Marketing Coordinator, Community & Revenue
Roshni Kolachalam she/her/hers
Director, EcommerceRoshni comes to the best coast by way of New York and Atlanta with an aggressive knack for all things merch.
Not an Obama White House alum, but by golly she voted for the man--twice. She came to the west coast after a 4-year stint in New York working in fashion at companies like Kate Spade & Fab.com. She’s officially a Los Angeles convert after experiencing that HIIT training is more a lifestyle obligation rather than…well…an option. She was also born and raised in Atlanta (Respectfully, the hip hop capital of the world and not interchangeable with ‘Hotlanta’). Her past roles include spearheading and strategizing online sales for Rachel Zoe and First Media so she will sell the hell out of Crooked Media merch. Also… click this.
Roshni Kolachalam she/her/hers
Director, EcommerceRoshni comes to the best coast by way of New York and Atlanta with an aggressive knack for all things merch.
Not an Obama White House alum, but by golly she voted for the man--twice. She came to the west coast after a 4-year stint in New York working in fashion at companies like Kate Spade & Fab.com. She’s officially a Los Angeles convert after experiencing that HIIT training is more a lifestyle obligation rather than…well…an option. She was also born and raised in Atlanta (Respectfully, the hip hop capital of the world and not interchangeable with ‘Hotlanta’). Her past roles include spearheading and strategizing online sales for Rachel Zoe and First Media so she will sell the hell out of Crooked Media merch. Also… click this. -
Beckie Claassen she/her/hers
Production Accountant
Beckie Claassen she/her/hers
Production Accountant
Michele Rosette she/her/hers
Chief Financial OfficerMichele Rosette is the Chief Financial Officer at Crooked, overseeing all aspects of the company's financial management. She leads a team of finance professionals in strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting and internal controls, and compliance. As a strategic and operational partner to the executive team, Michele plays a pivotal role in executing the company’s growth strategy. Before joining Crooked, Michele served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Funny or Die, a producer of premium comedic content. She also held several senior finance positions at CORE Media Group, the award-winning producer of television shows such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In each role, Michele developed robust partnerships within the business, fostering collaboration to achieve financial objectives. Michele approaches all challenges with the company’s objectives in mind, always considering the impact on their most important resources—the people.
Michele Rosette she/her/hers
Chief Financial OfficerMichele Rosette is the Chief Financial Officer at Crooked, overseeing all aspects of the company's financial management. She leads a team of finance professionals in strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting and internal controls, and compliance. As a strategic and operational partner to the executive team, Michele plays a pivotal role in executing the company’s growth strategy. Before joining Crooked, Michele served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Funny or Die, a producer of premium comedic content. She also held several senior finance positions at CORE Media Group, the award-winning producer of television shows such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. In each role, Michele developed robust partnerships within the business, fostering collaboration to achieve financial objectives. Michele approaches all challenges with the company’s objectives in mind, always considering the impact on their most important resources—the people.
Ryan Gallagher He/Him/His
Sr Director, Finance
Ryan Gallagher He/Him/His
Sr Director, Finance -
Giancarlo Bizzaro
VP, Sales
Giancarlo Bizzaro
VP, SalesReyna Cueva
Director of AccountsReyna Cueva
Director of Accounts -
Alexandra Hernandez she/her/hers
Operations Manager
Alexandra Hernandez she/her/hers
Operations Manager
Andie Taft she/her/hers
Ops & People Coordinator
Andie Taft she/her/hers
Ops & People Coordinator
Ari Schwartz They/them
Chief of Staff
Ari Schwartz They/them
Chief of Staff
Christian Avendano He/Him/His
IT Coordinator
Christian Avendano He/Him/His
IT Coordinator
Christina Vo she/her/hers
Recruiter
Christina Vo she/her/hers
Recruiter
Juna Skrami They/Them/She
Senior People & Culture Generalist
Juna Skrami They/Them/She
Senior People & Culture Generalist
Justine Howe she/her/hers
Sr. Director, Impact OperationsJustine Howe has been to 25 countries, 45 states, but unfortunately only 1 planet.
She loves being the chief. Of stuff. Think: culture, project management, event planning, a little bit of interior decorating, a little HR, and a little IT. But mostly everyone thinks of her as the person who bought the office plants and plans the parties. Justine was born in Minnesota, went to the University of Pittsburgh and worked for Tory Burch in New York before realizing she's a Californian yogi at heart and moving to LA. Also, she had someone else write this bio because she was very nervous about it.
Justine Howe she/her/hers
Sr. Director, Impact OperationsJustine Howe has been to 25 countries, 45 states, but unfortunately only 1 planet.
She loves being the chief. Of stuff. Think: culture, project management, event planning, a little bit of interior decorating, a little HR, and a little IT. But mostly everyone thinks of her as the person who bought the office plants and plans the parties. Justine was born in Minnesota, went to the University of Pittsburgh and worked for Tory Burch in New York before realizing she's a Californian yogi at heart and moving to LA. Also, she had someone else write this bio because she was very nervous about it.Naomi Sengal
Executive AssistantNaomi Sengal
Executive Assistant
Sofia Lopez Singleton she/her/hers
SVP, People & CultureSofia is an LA native, a people person, and kind of an introvert all rolled into one. She joined Crooked in June 2021 after spending over a decade building people and culture teams in entertainment, non-profits and tech. She's still not sure whether this is a startup or not, but nevertheless dedicates her time to making Crooked a better and equitable workplace... and dare she say a cool one. Sofia is an alum of CSULA and studied cultural anthropology. She uses her anthropological skills as an excuse to go to as many concerts possible, watch way too much reality tv, and explore the many food and fancy cocktail options there are in the city.
Sofia Lopez Singleton she/her/hers
SVP, People & CultureSofia is an LA native, a people person, and kind of an introvert all rolled into one. She joined Crooked in June 2021 after spending over a decade building people and culture teams in entertainment, non-profits and tech. She's still not sure whether this is a startup or not, but nevertheless dedicates her time to making Crooked a better and equitable workplace... and dare she say a cool one. Sofia is an alum of CSULA and studied cultural anthropology. She uses her anthropological skills as an excuse to go to as many concerts possible, watch way too much reality tv, and explore the many food and fancy cocktail options there are in the city. -
Adia Hill she/her/hers
Marketing Coordinator
Adia Hill she/her/hers
Marketing Coordinator
Andrew Nauffts
Sr. Manager, Social Strategy
Andrew Nauffts
Sr. Manager, Social Strategy
Ashley Simon she/her/hers
PR Manager
Ashley Simon she/her/hers
PR Manager
Bernardo Serna He/him/his
Sr. Graphic Designer
Bernardo Serna He/him/his
Sr. Graphic Designer
Caroline Dunphy she/her/hers
Sr. Social Content Producer
Caroline Dunphy she/her/hers
Sr. Social Content Producer
Crystal Ponzio-Busto she/her/hers
EVP, MarketingCrystal has spent the last ten years in the belly of the streaming beast, at Hulu and and then Netflix, and she needs a break from algorithms. She's delighted to have joined Crooked and to be a part of media's next great revolution. She lives in Topanga Canyon with her husband Enrico, her daughter Stella and her dog Gnocchi, no wait...she doesn't have a dog.
Crystal Ponzio-Busto she/her/hers
EVP, MarketingCrystal has spent the last ten years in the belly of the streaming beast, at Hulu and and then Netflix, and she needs a break from algorithms. She's delighted to have joined Crooked and to be a part of media's next great revolution. She lives in Topanga Canyon with her husband Enrico, her daughter Stella and her dog Gnocchi, no wait...she doesn't have a dog.
Deisi Cruz Luis she/her/hers
Sr. Coordinator Marketing Ops
Deisi Cruz Luis she/her/hers
Sr. Coordinator Marketing Ops
Ewa Okulate she/her/hers
Sr. Social Media Coordinator
Ewa Okulate she/her/hers
Sr. Social Media Coordinator
Jordan Silver He/Him/His
VP, Consumer MarketingJordan Silver is a Los Angeles native (if you count the Valley).
After he graduated from Berkeley with a degree in Media Studies, he began working in marketing with lifestyle brands like Good American, Rachel Zoe, and Popsugar. When he's not watching Bravo with his dog Ginsburg, he's in Palm Springs, or spending his entire salary on concert merch that he has no room left for in his drawers. In case you were wondering, Jordan Silver is his real name and not a stage name.
Jordan Silver He/Him/His
VP, Consumer MarketingJordan Silver is a Los Angeles native (if you count the Valley).
After he graduated from Berkeley with a degree in Media Studies, he began working in marketing with lifestyle brands like Good American, Rachel Zoe, and Popsugar. When he's not watching Bravo with his dog Ginsburg, he's in Palm Springs, or spending his entire salary on concert merch that he has no room left for in his drawers. In case you were wondering, Jordan Silver is his real name and not a stage name.
Julia Beach she/her/hers
Associate Director, Marketing
Julia Beach she/her/hers
Associate Director, Marketing
Kayla Moriarty she/her/hers
VP, Social & Audience Development
Kayla Moriarty she/her/hers
VP, Social & Audience Development
Kelly Tran she/her/hers
Marketing Coordinator, Network
Kelly Tran she/her/hers
Marketing Coordinator, Network
Lucas Oberholtzer He/him/his
Audience Development Analyst
Lucas Oberholtzer He/him/his
Audience Development Analyst
Maggie Fitzgerald she/her/hers
Social Media Content Producer
Maggie Fitzgerald she/her/hers
Social Media Content Producer
Samantha Kuderna-Reeves she/her/hers
Sr. Designer
Samantha Kuderna-Reeves she/her/hers
Sr. Designer
Zevvy Smith-Danford she/her/hers
Art Director
Zevvy Smith-Danford she/her/hers
Art Director -
Adriene Hill she/her/hers
Executive Producer, News and Politics
Adriene Hill she/her/hers
Executive Producer, News and Politics
Alyona Minkovski She/Her/Hers
Producer, News and Politics
Alyona Minkovski She/Her/Hers
Producer, News and Politics
Austin Fisher He/him/his
Network Operations Manager
Austin Fisher He/him/his
Network Operations Manager
Caroline Reston She/Her/Hers
Sr. Producer, Ent & CultureBefore making the move to Crooked Media, Caroline worked at The Jim Jefferies Show, Throwing Shade and Grey's Anatomy.
Caroline produces Keep It, Hysteria, Hall of Shame and quality controls Pod Save America. Her interests are totally normal and not all weird. When she's not knee deep in her fifteenth read of Helter Skelter, she likes to unwind by hate watching Sean Hannity. Caroline misses Bethenny and hopes she returns to the franchise soon.
Caroline Reston She/Her/Hers
Sr. Producer, Ent & CultureBefore making the move to Crooked Media, Caroline worked at The Jim Jefferies Show, Throwing Shade and Grey's Anatomy.
Caroline produces Keep It, Hysteria, Hall of Shame and quality controls Pod Save America. Her interests are totally normal and not all weird. When she's not knee deep in her fifteenth read of Helter Skelter, she likes to unwind by hate watching Sean Hannity. Caroline misses Bethenny and hopes she returns to the franchise soon.
Chris Lord He
Producer, Entertainment & Culture
Chris Lord He
Producer, Entertainment & CultureClaire Fogarty
Associate Producer, News and CultureClaire Fogarty
Associate Producer, News and Culture
David Toledo
Producer, News and Politics
David Toledo
Producer, News and PoliticsEmily Fohr
Associate Producer, Daily NewsEmily Fohr
Associate Producer, Daily News
Emma Illick-Frank She/Her/Hers
Producer, News & Politics
Emma Illick-Frank She/Her/Hers
Producer, News & PoliticsErica Morrison She/Her/Hers
Sr. Producer, Daily NewsErica Morrison She/Her/Hers
Sr. Producer, Daily News
Farrah Safari
Associate Producer, News & Politics
Farrah Safari
Associate Producer, News & Politics
Greg Walters He/him/his
News Editor
Greg Walters He/him/his
News Editor
Halle Kiefer She/Her/Hers
Sr. Writer
Halle Kiefer She/Her/Hers
Sr. Writer
Jane Coaston She/Her
Host & ContributorJane Coaston is the host of What A Day for Crooked Media. Previously, she was the host of the Argument at the New York Times. She is a contributor to New York Times opinion and CNN, and she is a fellow at the University of Southern California’s Center for the Political Future. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jane attended the University of Michigan. She and her husband live in Los Angeles with their cattle dog, Red Rock.
Jane Coaston She/Her
Host & ContributorJane Coaston is the host of What A Day for Crooked Media. Previously, she was the host of the Argument at the New York Times. She is a contributor to New York Times opinion and CNN, and she is a fellow at the University of Southern California’s Center for the Political Future. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jane attended the University of Michigan. She and her husband live in Los Angeles with their cattle dog, Red Rock.
Julia Claire She/Her/Hers
Writer, Daily News & Marketing
Julia Claire She/Her/Hers
Writer, Daily News & Marketing
Katie Long she/her/hers
Executive ProducerKatie listens to all the podcasts, on double speed.
Katie got her start in news as a producer and editor at Marketplace. Her work was focused on helping people understand a broken economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis. At Crooked, she helps people understand what's going on in politics at a time when it’s broken -- and ways to fix it. She’s also a Duke alum and an avid fan of their basketball team biomedical research.
Katie Long she/her/hers
Executive ProducerKatie listens to all the podcasts, on double speed.
Katie got her start in news as a producer and editor at Marketplace. Her work was focused on helping people understand a broken economy in the aftermath of the financial crisis. At Crooked, she helps people understand what's going on in politics at a time when it’s broken -- and ways to fix it. She’s also a Duke alum and an avid fan of their basketball team biomedical research.
Kendra James She/Her/Hers
Executive Producer, Entertainment & Culture
Kendra James She/Her/Hers
Executive Producer, Entertainment & Culture
Kennedy Hill She/Her/Hers
Associate Producer, Entertainment
Kennedy Hill She/Her/Hers
Associate Producer, Entertainment
Leo Duran He/him/his
Sr. Producer, News & Development
Leo Duran He/him/his
Sr. Producer, News & Development
Madeleine Haeringer She
EVP, News & ProgrammingMadeleine Haeringer is Crooked’s EVP & General Manager of News & Programming, responsible for leading the content development, expansion, and operations across the Crooked network. Prior to assuming this role, Haeringer served as Senior Vice President of Editorial for NBC News in charge of managing the editorial agenda and coordinating coverage across all broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms. She also led NBC’s growing audio business, which became a top five audio publisher under her leadership, and worked closely with NBC Studios on identifying and developing premium documentaries, series and scripted projects. Among the most awarded female broadcast journalists, Haeringer is respected among her peers for her instincts, tenacity and impeccable news judgment. Over the course of her career, she has earned every major journalism award, including twenty-two News & Documentary Emmy Awards, seven Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Peabody Awards, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and three Overseas Press Club Awards.
Madeleine Haeringer She
EVP, News & ProgrammingMadeleine Haeringer is Crooked’s EVP & General Manager of News & Programming, responsible for leading the content development, expansion, and operations across the Crooked network. Prior to assuming this role, Haeringer served as Senior Vice President of Editorial for NBC News in charge of managing the editorial agenda and coordinating coverage across all broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms. She also led NBC’s growing audio business, which became a top five audio publisher under her leadership, and worked closely with NBC Studios on identifying and developing premium documentaries, series and scripted projects. Among the most awarded female broadcast journalists, Haeringer is respected among her peers for her instincts, tenacity and impeccable news judgment. Over the course of her career, she has earned every major journalism award, including twenty-two News & Documentary Emmy Awards, seven Edward R. Murrow Awards, four Peabody Awards, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and three Overseas Press Club Awards.Matt Berg
Writer/CorrespondentMatt Berg
Writer/Correspondent
Max Fisher
Contributor, News & PoliticsMax Fisher co-hosts Offline and How We Got Here. He is a recovering lamestream media fake news reporter, most recently as a foreign correspondent and news columnist for the New York Times. Before that he launched and wrote the Washington Post's foreign news blog and The Atlantic's international news vertical and was also a founding editor of Vox.com. He has reported from 18 countries and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2018. In 2022, he published "The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World," which was named an NPR and New Yorker book of the year.
Max Fisher
Contributor, News & PoliticsMax Fisher co-hosts Offline and How We Got Here. He is a recovering lamestream media fake news reporter, most recently as a foreign correspondent and news columnist for the New York Times. Before that he launched and wrote the Washington Post's foreign news blog and The Atlantic's international news vertical and was also a founding editor of Vox.com. He has reported from 18 countries and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2018. In 2022, he published "The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World," which was named an NPR and New Yorker book of the year.
Michael Goldsmith
Associate Producer, News & Politics
Michael Goldsmith
Associate Producer, News & PoliticsMichell Eloy She/Her
Producer, Daily NewsMichell Eloy She/Her
Producer, Daily News
Raven Yamamoto He/him/his
Associate Producer, Daily News
Raven Yamamoto He/him/his
Associate Producer, Daily News
Reid Cherlin He/him/his
Executive Editor, News and Politics
Reid Cherlin He/him/his
Executive Editor, News and Politics
Sarah Lazarus
Staff WriterSarah is a DC insider who worked at White House Gifts for six pivotal weeks in 2010.
Her uniform was a polo shirt with the Declaration of Independence on it. Since then, Sarah has written for the New Yorker, NPR’s Ask Me Another, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Now she writes Crooked’s What A Day newsletter! She lost the shirt in college and regrets it very much.
Sarah Lazarus
Staff WriterSarah is a DC insider who worked at White House Gifts for six pivotal weeks in 2010.
Her uniform was a polo shirt with the Declaration of Independence on it. Since then, Sarah has written for the New Yorker, NPR’s Ask Me Another, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Now she writes Crooked’s What A Day newsletter! She lost the shirt in college and regrets it very much.
Saul Rubin He/him/his
Producer, News & Politics, PSA
Saul Rubin He/him/his
Producer, News & Politics, PSA
Sydney Rapp she/her/hers
Associate ProducerSydney is a native Coloradan who is doing her best to enjoy the city life.
Before coming to Crooked, she spent her days in grassroots organizing on the frontline for the environmental crisis. When she’s not booking guests and doing research for Crooked’s Development and Production team, you can probably find her at the beach or climbing a mountain. Sydney is also one of the first people Pundit runs to when arriving in the office and she takes a lot of pride in that.
Sydney Rapp she/her/hers
Associate ProducerSydney is a native Coloradan who is doing her best to enjoy the city life.
Before coming to Crooked, she spent her days in grassroots organizing on the frontline for the environmental crisis. When she’s not booking guests and doing research for Crooked’s Development and Production team, you can probably find her at the beach or climbing a mountain. Sydney is also one of the first people Pundit runs to when arriving in the office and she takes a lot of pride in that. -
Ben Hethcoat He/him/his
Sr. Video Producer
Ben Hethcoat He/him/his
Sr. Video Producer
Ben Zacuto He/him/his
Senior Ad Ops Coordinator
Ben Zacuto He/him/his
Senior Ad Ops Coordinator
Charlotte Landes They/them
Sr. Audio Engineer
Charlotte Landes They/them
Sr. Audio Engineer
Claudia Sheng
Associate Video Producer
Claudia Sheng
Associate Video Producer
David Toles He/him/his
Studio Technician
David Toles He/him/his
Studio Technician
Delon Villanueva He/him/his
Video Producer
Delon Villanueva He/him/his
Video ProducerDesmond Taylor
Desmond TaylorDesmond Taylor
Desmond Taylor
Evan Sutton He/him/his
Audio Engineer
Evan Sutton He/him/his
Audio EngineerJohanna Case
Video ProducerJohanna Case
Video Producer
Jordan Cantor she/her
Sr. Audio Engineer
Jordan Cantor she/her
Sr. Audio Engineer
Joseph Dutra
Video Editor
Joseph Dutra
Video Editor
Kiril Palaveev He/him/his
Associate Video Producer
Kiril Palaveev He/him/his
Associate Video Producer
Kyle Seglin
Director, AudioKyle, like all audio engineers, is a former psychotherapist. And like all former psychotherapists, Kyle loves to listen. You could say that’s what inspired him to study sound.
You’d be wrong though. It was early 2000s Long Island punk music that did it. (Obviously.) Kyle got his undergrad at UVA and his masters at Hunter College in NYC. He soon began working as a full-time psychotherapist while simultaneously recording bands in his Brooklyn-based recording studio. From there, he mixed for various TV shows, recorded and produced bands, post-mixed films and Internet media, and sound designed as a freelancer and staff engineer in both NYC and LA. In 2016 Kyle moved to the west coast to become a full time Californian. Kyle is also an avid TV-watcher, news-reader, dog-haver, and, totally without bragging, has a lot of plants.
Kyle Seglin
Director, AudioKyle, like all audio engineers, is a former psychotherapist. And like all former psychotherapists, Kyle loves to listen. You could say that’s what inspired him to study sound.
You’d be wrong though. It was early 2000s Long Island punk music that did it. (Obviously.) Kyle got his undergrad at UVA and his masters at Hunter College in NYC. He soon began working as a full-time psychotherapist while simultaneously recording bands in his Brooklyn-based recording studio. From there, he mixed for various TV shows, recorded and produced bands, post-mixed films and Internet media, and sound designed as a freelancer and staff engineer in both NYC and LA. In 2016 Kyle moved to the west coast to become a full time Californian. Kyle is also an avid TV-watcher, news-reader, dog-haver, and, totally without bragging, has a lot of plants.
Matt DeGroot He/him/his
VP, ProductionMatt combines his love of cinema and politics to bring you video content—allowing the Crooked hosts to prove they’re more than just a pretty voice.
After surviving childhood in the Steve King district of Iowa and five years in D.C.—where he became as comfortable producing an animated short about civil service reform as he was being shoved into a broom closet with Oliva Newton-John by secret service escorting Laura Bush through the Kennedy Center—he escaped to Los Angeles, where he spent the next five years at Buzzfeed trying on rompers, convincing Rob Lowe to be a TV court judge, and traveling the world meeting Olympians and eating ridiculously expensive food. To counteract the hours spent watching movies with his husband, Patrick, he gets his heart racing by hiking with his dog, Jolene; playing on a Hogwarts-themed dodgeball team; and watching far too much MSNBC.
Matt DeGroot He/him/his
VP, ProductionMatt combines his love of cinema and politics to bring you video content—allowing the Crooked hosts to prove they’re more than just a pretty voice.
After surviving childhood in the Steve King district of Iowa and five years in D.C.—where he became as comfortable producing an animated short about civil service reform as he was being shoved into a broom closet with Oliva Newton-John by secret service escorting Laura Bush through the Kennedy Center—he escaped to Los Angeles, where he spent the next five years at Buzzfeed trying on rompers, convincing Rob Lowe to be a TV court judge, and traveling the world meeting Olympians and eating ridiculously expensive food. To counteract the hours spent watching movies with his husband, Patrick, he gets his heart racing by hiking with his dog, Jolene; playing on a Hogwarts-themed dodgeball team; and watching far too much MSNBC.
Megan Patsel She/Her/Hers
Video Producer
Megan Patsel She/Her/Hers
Video Producer
Mia Kellman She/Her/Hers
Video Editor
Mia Kellman She/Her/Hers
Video Editor
Michelle Bocanegra She/Her/Hers
Sr. Ad Ops Manager
Michelle Bocanegra She/Her/Hers
Sr. Ad Ops Manager
Molly Lobell She/Her/Hers
Social Video Editor
Molly Lobell She/Her/Hers
Social Video Editor
Peter Molinaro He/him/his
Campaign Coordinator
Peter Molinaro He/him/his
Campaign Coordinator
Phoebe Bradford She/Her/Hers
Sr. Video Producer
Phoebe Bradford She/Her/Hers
Sr. Video Producer
Rachel Gaewski She/Her/Hers
Sr. Video Producer
Rachel Gaewski She/Her/Hers
Sr. Video Producer
Vasilis Fotopoulos He/him/his
Engineer & Composer
Vasilis Fotopoulos He/him/his
Engineer & Composer
William Jones
Video Optimization Specialist
William Jones
Video Optimization Specialist
