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AvA LIVE

Warner Bailey

⭐ AvA LIVE is Entertainment’s weekly talk show featuring news, insights and career advice hosted by Warner Bailey, founder of Assistants vs. Agents.

Built to provide a roadmap for the next generation.

🎥 Watch AvA LIVE every Wednesday on YouTube at 12:30 PM PT, or stream it anytime on Spotify

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17 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 15 min
English

Episodes 17

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#24
Thursday · 1 hr 6 min
Emmys Hottest Takes, Red Flats Queen, US Open's Riddler & Mario Dedivanovic
From working with Kim Kardashian to building MAKEUP BY MARIO, going behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, and stumping tennis’s biggest stars at the US Open, this week’s AvA LIVE goes inside entertainment, beauty, fashion, and sports with the people making it happen.Plus: breaking down the 2026 Emmys and previewing Global Citizen Festival’s star-studded lineup.ON THIS EPISODE:💄 Mario Dedivanovic, Founder & CEO of MAKEUP BY MARIO, joins us to discuss his journey from Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist to beauty founder.👠 Erin Gillman, VIP assistant, PR professional, and the “Red Flats Queen,” takes us inside New York Fashion Week.🎾 Sharif Cobb, the US Open’s “Riddler,” joins us to talk about stumping some of the biggest names in tennis.🏆 Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, breaks down what the Emmys got right, what they got wrong, and what’s next for television.🌍 Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Global Citizen, previews the 2026 festival, with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean leading the lineup.🎤 AvA correspondents Kira Joe, SJ, and Brent join us in the studio for “Leading Ladies” and the Emmys categories you missed.
#23
September 10 · 1 hr 6 min
Is AI taking your job?, Investing $250M in creators, Running the largest national touring festival
On this episode of AvA LIVE: "All the Cool Girls Get Fired" co-authors Laura Brown and Christina O'Neill open up about getting fired within 14 months of each other, why taking "no" for an answer isn't always a bad thing, and their dream guest for the Cool Girls podcast. Ogilvy's Reid Litman breaks down his Gen Z research and why building your career right now is a lot like building a brand: relationships over algorithms. The Atlantic's CEO Nicholas Thompson talks getting fired from his first job in under 60 minutes, getting kidnapped in Morocco, and why media might be the most meritocratic profession left. Breakaway Music Festival co-founder Adam Lynn traces the festival's path from a BYOB cornfield show in Athens, Ohio to the largest touring festival in the country. CAA's Tucker Brown explains how the Dude Perfect deal reshaped how private equity thinks about creator businesses, and takes on a round of creator-economy hot takes.
#22
September 3 · 1 hr 9 min
A DreamWorks Assistant Sold His Spec To HBO + Creators of FX's Adults + Daniel Lubetzky
A DreamWorks assistant just sold his spec script to HBO. THE HOLLYWOOD DREAM IS ALIVE AND WELL. Kalos Chu joins AvA LIVE to tell the incredible story of how he went from working as an assistant to selling Imposter. Also this week: KIND Snacks founder and Shark Tank investor Daniel Lubetzky launches his new project, Build or Break, which explores the defining failures behind highly successful people, and shares the setbacks that shaped his own career. Silent House Studios President Alex Reardon takes us behind the scenes of designing live shows for Tyler, the Creator, The Weeknd and Avicii. Proof Film Festival founder Imani Davis breaks down the future of movie theaters and indie film. Plus, Adults creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw unpack the FX comedy’s breakout second season.
#21
August 27 · 1 hr 16 min
Daniel Mac, Debra Lee, Slow Ventures’ Jack Raines, Morning Brew’s Macy & Publicis’ Chris Pearson
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Chris Pearson of Publicis Groupe breaks down the changing world of NIL, brand partnerships and what college athletes need to know about building their businesses. Creator Daniel Mack takes us inside the rise of What Do You Do For a Living?, from leaving his finance job after a viral TikTok to building a career in the creator economy. Former BET Networks CEO Debra Lee reflects on her 32 years at BET, the future of cable and streaming, and what Hollywood still needs to do to improve diversity and representation. Jack Raines of Slow Ventures shares lessons from his new book Young Money and explains why your 20s may be the best time to take career risks and reinvent yourself. Morning Brew’s Macy takes us behind the scenes of Out There, breaks down what it takes to build a career on camera, and shares why she believes human-made creative work will become even more valuable in the age of AI. Finally, Berklee College of Music senior Lillian Diaz shares what she learned from her Live Nation internship, how she approached a competitive job search, and the advice she has for students trying to break into entertainment. PLUS: SJ joins us in studio for the AvA merch drop, we give away full merch collections to two viewers, and Kira Jo returns with this week’s Leading Ladies in entertainment.
#20
August 20 · 1 hr 23 min
Ari Shaffir, glamBOT Cole, Bustle's Editor-In-Chief, JT Barnett, Mt. Joy & Hollywood Camera Ops
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Cole Walliser, the director behind E!'s Glam Bot, takes us behind the scenes of awards season and the red carpet — from Miley Cyrus dance battles to a decade at the Emmys — and reacts live to the internet's harshest takes on the creator economy. Comedian Ari Shafir talks about cutting his teeth at the Comedy Store, the upside of social media for stand-up, and why Joe Rogan is the most misunderstood guy in the business. Bustle editor-in-chief Charlotte Owen explains why AI is making generic content worthless, what she learned assisting at Vanity Fair, and why niche beats scale. Creator and Core founder JT Barnett breaks down how a weekend coffee pop-up became a magnet for LA's creatives. Cinematographer Kira Upin shares what actually goes into building an image on set, including one wild story about faking a blood-spitting punch. Finally, Mt. Joy's Matt Quinn talks touring, luck, and getting championed by Wayne Rooney backstage in DC. PLUS: SJ returns for the weekly news rundown, a new segment called Shreddit puts anti-creator hot takes through an actual shredder, and Kira Joe rounds up the week's Leading Ladies of Entertainment.
#19
August 13 · 1 hr 22 min
Love Story Creator, Curry Barker's Manager, Bran Flakezz, Oren John & Inside the Writers Room
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Creator Bran Flakes joins the show to talk about brand transparency, why "creator" beats "influencer," and the mistake he wishes young creators would stop making. Then, Love Story creator Connor Hines breaks down his new A24 project heading to Netflix, the overall deal that came with it, and how he sold his first show as a nanny with zero screenwriting experience. Oren John, the internet's favorite creative director, rates the year's biggest marketing campaigns — from The Odyssey to Marty Supreme — and explains why out-of-home is AI-proof. Manager Aaron Folbe tells the story of finding Curry Barker on Instagram before anyone else, and how a $750K horror movie turned into a box-office phenomenon. TV staff writer Serena takes us inside the writers' room, from blue-sky pitching to murdering your darlings, and why she still believes the pipeline isn't broken. PLUS: Special correspondent SJ joins live from London for the Unc Take / Real Take, a Muppets-themed talent-agency game with Disney+, and an Unsung Heroes visit to Outside Lands with RÜFÜS DU SOL's motion director Leah Borilski. On this episode of AvA LIVE: Creator Bran Flakes joins the show to talk about brand transparency, why "creator" beats "influencer," and the mistake he wishes young creators would stop making. Then, Love Story creator Connor Hines breaks down his new A24 project heading to Netflix, the overall deal that came with it, and how he sold his first show as a nanny with zero screenwriting experience. Oren John, the internet's favorite creative director, rates the year's biggest marketing campaigns — from The Odyssey to Marty Supreme — and explains why out-of-home is AI-proof. Manager Aaron Folbe tells the story of finding Curry Barker on Instagram before anyone else, and how a $750K horror movie turned into a box-office phenomenon. TV staff writer Serena takes us inside the writers' room, from blue-sky pitching to murdering your darlings, and why she still believes the pipeline isn't broken. PLUS: Special correspondent SJ joins live from London for the Unc Take / Real Take, a Muppets-themed talent-agency game with Disney+, and an Unsung Heroes visit to Outside Lands with RÜFÜS DU SOL's motion director Leah Borilski.
#18
August 6 · 1 hr 25 min
Este Haim, Marketing the Oscars, A24's Newest Movie , CEO of Beehiiv & working with Meg Stalter
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Este Haim joins the show to talk about scoring Universal Pictures’ One Night Only, working across music and film, and which HAIM sister is the most unhinged. Then, her assistant Bella Jacobellis joins her for a live guessing game and a conversation about what makes their working relationship successful. Cailin Russo shares how an eight-year-old song landing in the Heated Rivalry finale changed the trajectory of her career, along with stories from working with Justin Bieber, The Weeknd and Meg Stalter. Jennifer Davidson, Chief Marketing, Communications and Content Officer at the Academy, takes us inside the Oscars and breaks down how the Academy is evolving for a new generation and a global audience. Screenwriters Todd Bartels and Lou Howe reveal the process behind writing A24’s upcoming Anthony Bourdain film Tony. Finally, beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk explains how he went from having 49 cents in his bank account to building a company valued at $225 million. PLUS: We announce a new AvA x beehiiv competition for aspiring writers and creators. Launch your own publication for the chance to win $1,000, career support from the beehiiv team and a call with AvA founder Warner Bailey.
#17
July 30 · 1 hr 22 min
Head of Entertainment @ TikTok, Inside Streamer University With Kai Cenat’s Manager + BTS of SNL
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Dawn Yang, Global Head of Entertainment at TikTok, breaks down the truth behind your For You Page and reveals the upcoming trends shaping social-first content. Reed Duchscher, Founder and CEO of Night, takes us inside Streamer University and breaks down the way to build top creators as a manager. William Stanford Davis, who plays the beloved "Mr. Johnson" on Abbott Elementary walks us through landing his career-defining role in the hit TV sitcom, and the resilience it took to make his way there. Finally, Brianna Jacobson, Script Coordinator at SNL takes us behind the scenes of the show from the cue cards to the script.
July 23 · 1 hr 22 min
The Real Story of Building UTA + How Love Island Gets Made
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Jeremy Zimmer, Co-Founder, former CEO and Executive Chairman of UTA, reflects on building one of Hollywood’s top talent agencies, what makes a great agent and how his definition of success has changed. Jazzy Collins, the Emmy-winning casting director behind Love Island USA, The Traitors and The Bachelor franchise, breaks down how reality stars are discovered, what makes someone impossible to look away from and how to break into casting. Max Tcheyan, Co-Founder and CEO of Caper and former Co-Founder of Puck, explains the growing power of hospitality, where traditional media went wrong and the overlooked industries young founders should be building in. Andrea Metz and Michelle Peerali, Co-Founders of Hi Mom Productions, take us behind the scenes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Million Dollar Nannies and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, revealing how much of reality television is planned and where producers draw the line.
July 20 · 1 hr 21 min
What It Takes to Win in Hollywood: Former Head of TV @ Sony Pictures + Producer of The Hangover
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Steve Mosko, former President of Sony Pictures Television and the executive behind Breaking Bad, Seinfeld and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, talks winning in Hollywood, the California tax credit fight and why he's more optimistic about the business than ever. Scott Budnick, producer of The Hangover and founder of One Community and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, breaks down leaving Hollywood for prison reform and why proximity changes everything. Naz Perez, TV host who produced The Bachelor for seven seasons, shares how to interview anyone, being human on camera, and building a career entirely on her own terms. ⭐ AvA LIVE is Entertainment’s weekly talk show featuring news, insights and career advice hosted by Warner Bailey, founder of AvA."I launched it to help give the next generation the roadmap & access I wish I had when I was just starting out" -Warner🎥 Watch AvA LIVE every Wednesday on YouTube at 12:30 PM PT, or stream it anytime on YouTube & SpotifyLineup booked in partnership with Central Talent Booking📩 ENTERTAINMENT RESOURCES The Mail Cart by AvA: https://assistantsvsagents.beehiiv.comAvA Job Board: https://avajobboard.niceboard.co/✅ AvA ON SOCIALInstagram: / assistantsvsagents AvA LIVE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalivehq/?...TikTok: / assistantsvsagents LinkedIn: / assistantsvsagents 🤝 ABOUT ASSISTANTS VS. AGENTS:Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) is a next-gen media company shaping the voice of Entertainment's future leaders. Founded by Warner Bailey while an assistant at WME, AvA has evolved from a viral meme page into a multi-platform ecosystem spanning media, events, job board, content, educational resources, and tech, all built to connect and empower the rising class of entertainment.
July 13 · 1 hr 14 min
How Hollywood, Media & Sports Are Changing | Ben Wang, Roshan Sethi, Brent Weinstein & Rich Motzkin
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Ben Wang, star of Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, talks playing a Hollywood assistant and building his acting career. Richard Motzkin, EVP and Managing Executive of Global Soccer at The Team, breaks down the World Cup, Team USA and representing icons like Alex Morgan, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard. Roshan Sethi, physician, filmmaker and co-creator of The Resident, discusses directing, writing and building one of Hollywood’s most unconventional careers. Brent Weinstein, a senior leader at CAA, explains the future of digital media, podcasts, gaming and talent ventures. ⭐ AvA LIVE is Entertainment’s weekly talk show featuring news, insights and career advice hosted by Warner Bailey, founder of AvA. "I launched it to help give the next generation the roadmap & access I wish I had when I was just starting out" -Warner 🎥 Watch AvA LIVE every Wednesday on YouTube at 12:30 PM PT, or stream it anytime on YouTube & SpotifyLineup booked in partnership with Central Talent Booking
July 7 · 1 hr 18 min
Head of Film & TV @ Hello Sunshine, Live Nation President, One Tree Hill stars & Nicole Lapin
On this episode of AvA LIVE: Omar Al-Joulani, President of Touring at Live Nation, breaks down booking major tours for artists like The Weeknd, Rihanna, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. James Lafferty and Stephen Colletti talk One Tree Hill, independent filmmaking, and bringing Everyone Is Doing Great to Netflix. Lauren Neustadter, President of Film and Television at Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, explains how books become hit shows. Nicole Lapin, founder of Money News Network, shares money advice for assistants trying to survive and build wealth in entertainment.Plus: The Mail Cart breaks down this week’s entertainment news, we highlight open roles from Night, CAA, and Agenda, and we celebrate our June Assistants of the Month.Guests:Omar Al-Joulani — President of Touring, Live NationJames Lafferty & Stephen Colletti — Actors, One Tree Hill & Everyone Is Doing GreatLauren Neustadter — President of Film and Television, Hello SunshineNicole Lapin — Media Mogul, Financial Journalist & Founder, Money News NetworkSegments:The Mail Cart — This Week’s Entertainment NewsJob Board Highlight — Night, CAA, AgendaAssistants of the Month — June WinnersSUBSCRIBE NOW 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@AvALIVEHQ⭐ AvA LIVE is Entertainment’s weekly talk show featuring news, insights and career advice hosted by Warner Bailey, founder of AvA."I launched it to help give the next generation the roadmap & access I wish I had when I was just starting out" -Warner🎥 Watch AvA LIVE every Wednesday on YouTube at 12:30 PM PT, or stream it anytime on YouTube & SpotifyLineup booked in partnership with Central Talent Booking📩 ENTERTAINMENT RESOURCES The Mail Cart by AvA: https://assistantsvsagents.beehiiv.comAvA Job Board: https://avajobboard.niceboard.co/✅ AvA ON SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/assistantsvsagents/AvA LIVE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalivehq/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@assistantsvsagentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assistantsvsagents/🤝 ABOUT ASSISTANTS VS. AGENTS:Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) is a next-gen media company shaping the voice of Entertainment's future leaders. Founded by Warner Bailey while an assistant at WME, AvA has evolved from a viral meme page into a multi-platform ecosystem spanning media, events, job board, content, educational resources, and tech, all built to connect and empower the rising class of entertainment.
June 26 · 1 hr 10 min
Bill Lawrence (Shrinking, Ted Lasso), Digital for Benson Boone & Sombr, InStyle's 'The Intern & Creator Camp
This week on AvA LIVE we are joined by: ⭐ Jonathan Borge - Deputy Editor & Head of Entertainment at InStyle. The Intern. The Boss. Going Up⭐ Bill Lawrence - Emmy-winning Writer, Producer & Director behind Shrinking, Ted Lasso, Rooster, Scrubs & more⭐ Dalia Ganz - EVP - Digital & Marketing @ Warner Records who oversees the growth of Sombr, Red Chilli Peppers, Dua Lipa, Madonna & more ⭐ Chris Duncan & Max Reisinger - Co-Founders of Creator Camp, the A24 SUBSCRIBE NOW 👉 / @avalivehq Plus:• A24 and Google's AI Deal• IG TV is BACK and Horizontal• Live check-in from Cannes... well not really• The hottest jobs of the week • The World Cup Hydration Breaks• Unsung Heroes of Hollywood
June 19 · 1 hr 11 min
Building Fandoms with Chris Lake, Terry Crews, Paul Rabil (PLL) & Olivia Levin (Taylor Swift Fandom)
This week we sit down with sit down with some of Entertainment's biggest names shaping the next generation of fandoms.Chris Lake - Grammy-nominated producer & DJTerry Crews - Athlete, actor, host, author and activistPaul Rabil - Co-Founder, Premier Lacrosse League · Athlete · Author · ProducerOlivia Levin - Creator - @Swiftiesforeternity ⭐ AvA LIVE is Entertainment’s weekly talk show featuring news, insights and career advice hosted by Warner Bailey, founder of AvA."I launched it to help give the next generation the roadmap & access I wish I had when I was just starting out" -Warner🎥 Watch AvA LIVE every Wednesday on YouTube at 12:30 PM PT, or stream it anytime on YouTube & SpotifyLineup booked in partnership with Central Talent Booking📩 ENTERTAINMENT RESOURCES The Mail Cart by AvA: https://assistantsvsagents.beehiiv.comAvA Job Board: https://avajobboard.niceboard.co/✅ AvA ON SOCIALInstagram: / assistantsvsagents AvA LIVE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avalivehq/?...TikTok: / assistantsvsagents LinkedIn: / assistantsvsagents 🤝 ABOUT ASSISTANTS VS. AGENTS:Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) is a next-gen media company shaping the voice of Entertainment's future leaders. Founded by Warner Bailey while an assistant at WME, AvA has evolved from a viral meme page into a multi-platform ecosystem spanning media, events, job board, content, educational resources, and tech, all built to connect and empower the rising class of entertainment.
June 17 · 1 hr 1 min
Head of Threads, Co-Head of Digital @ WME, Pluribus Producers & Writers + Star of Jury Duty
This week on AvA LIVE, we’re joined by the people shaping the future of entertainment, media, technology, and representation. 🎙️ Jad Dayeh, Co-Head of Digital & Senior Partner at WME, joins us to break down how he broke in, how talent is becoming media companies, why he bet on digital 17 years ago, what modern entertainment deals actually look like, and what agencies need to do to survive the creator era. 📱 Connor Hayes, Head of Threads at Meta, takes us inside the launch of Threads, the future of social media, AI moderation, creator growth, and why follower count matters less than ever. 🎬 Jenn Carroll & Gordon Smith, who rose from assistants on Breaking Bad to key creative forces behind Better Call Saul and Apple TV+'s upcoming series Pluribus, share their journey through Hollywood, lessons from Vince Gilligan, the future of storytelling, and whether the assistant-to-executive path is still viable. Plus: •The DGA's new deal with studios •Martin Scorsese joins an AI company •CAA launches a $250M creator acquisition fund •Summer box office rebounds •Unsung Heroes •Free lunch winners AvA Job Board highlights with 200+ open entertainment jobs 📩 ENTERTAINMENT RESOURCES The Mail Cart by AvA: https://assistantsvsagents.beehiiv.com AvA Job Board: https://avajobboard.niceboard.co /✅ AvA ON SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/assistantsvsagents/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@assistantsvsagents LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assistantsvsagents/ 🤝 ABOUT ASSISTANTS VS. AGENTS: Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) is a next-gen media company shaping the voice of Entertainment's future leaders. Founded by Warner Bailey while an assistant at WME, AvA has evolved from a viral meme page into a multi-platform ecosystem spanning media, events, job board, content, educational resources, and tech, all built to connect and empower the rising class of entertainment.
June 5 · 1 hr 18 min
Who Runs Hollywood? Bad Bunny’s Agent, Overtime Founder & Crisis PR + Creator Economy Power Players
This week on AvA LIVE, we’re joined by the people behind some of the biggest careers, companies, and cultural shifts in entertainment.Dan Porter, Founder of Overtime and former Head of Digital at WME, breaks down internet-first media, creator power, and why follower count is the wrong way to measure influence.Ashley Hansen & Kyle Boulia of Forward Global LA take us inside crisis PR, personal branding, and what it’s really like managing reputation in the social media era.Syd Cohen from The Publish Press joins us to talk Jay Shetty’s $100M deal, YouTube’s growing box office power, and why every major media company is chasing creators.Jbeau Lewis, Partner and Music Agent at UTA, talks representing Bad Bunny, Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, LANY and more, the rise of Latin music, stadium tours, Super Bowl moments, and what artists and agents need to understand about each other.Plus: The assistant who discovered Backrooms, AvA Job Board highlights, and Assistants of the Month.
#8
May 29 · 1 hr 14 min
Cara DeLevingne, Hollywood Royalty: Erika Alexander, CatGPT, The Biggest Celebrity Bookers behind Kimmel to Alex Cooper & Ex-Morning Brew turned Creator Talent Manager
This week on AvA LIVE, we’re joined by Erika Alexander (Living Single, Get Out, American Fiction), creator and founder CatGPT, Central Talent Booking founder Joanna Jordan & EVP Antoine Jordan, and Smooth Media co-founder Jenny Rothenberg to break down the future of Hollywood, creator businesses, AI, podcasting and entertainment careers.Plus a surprise from Cara DeLevingne! We talk talent booking for the biggest shows in the world including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Call Her Daddy, Mel Robbins, and IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson , why physical phones became a viral business, building Press Publish with Colin & Samir, the rise of knowledge creators, and how the next generation of entertainment companies are being built.

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