# How Smosh Endured Numerous Pitfalls Before Becoming a 70-Person Media Powerhouse

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/next-in-media-470115/how-smosh-endured-numerous-pitfalls-before-becoming-a-70-person-media-powerhouse
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/next-in-media-470115/how-smosh-endured-numerous-pitfalls-before-becoming-a-70-person-media-powerhouse.md
Podcast: [Next in Media](https://stenobird.com/podcast/next-in-media-470115)
Published: 2026-01-13T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://next-in-media.simplecast.com/episodes/how-alessandra-catanese-transformed-smosh-into-a-70-person-media-powerhouse-jUB6Qwk5
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/cdn.simplecast.com/audio/52d0b960-b4ba-4ed3-b906-2cdf551997ff/episodes/11aee81c-07f6-4a94-9212-7560a7bb5177/audio/1542e026-48be-41b1-a125-437bd4421ee7/default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=YFEXptae
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/next-in-media-470115/episodes/how-smosh-endured-numerous-pitfalls-before-becoming-a-70-person-media-powerhouse
Duration seconds: 1894

## Resource

I never thought I'd be running a 70-employee media company built around two guys making Pokemon sketches. When I became CEO of Smosh in early 2023, I was stewarding a 20-year legacy spanning five YouTube channels, 15 cast members, and millions of fans. My 15 years in talent management - from Maker Studios to working with Anthony Padilla at Press Alike - taught me to think about creators as brands. Now Ian, Anthony, and I create the vision together, building a sustainable entertainment company that respects both comedy and business fundamentals. We're redefining digital-first entertainment. We've invested in 4K production for YouTube's living room experience and launched shows like Hospital - a semi-scripted improv comedy where doctors swap out when they break character. We're building cast-driven merch lines and creating accessible content anyone can enjoy without knowing our history. But I'm most passionate about changing how brands work with creators. Too many advertisers treat us like bedroom amateurs when we have the infrastructure and insights traditional media can't match. TV commercials are terrible - agencies waste millions on creative that doesn't convert. We deliver instant metrics, authentic partnerships, and only work with brands we sincerely use. We're proving collaboration over competition is the future.

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## Transcript

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