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 be scheduled 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.
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