Shows
KronikledSteffi Cao | The Origin of Nutting, RIP Buzzfeed and Gym BrosWriter Steffi Cao joins media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell to unpack the evolving world of journalism and content creation. With bylines in The Atlantic, Teen Vogue, and The Washington Post, Steffi shares her journey from BuzzFeed News to freelancing, offering insights on the ethics and challenges of reporting in today’s media landscape. Steffi discusses the differences between writing and journalism, her first national byline, and her investigative reporting on “incels” for The Daily Beast. She also dives into the relationship between journalists and content creators, stressing the need for accountability, transparency, and maintaining integrity in a corporate-driven media world...
2025-08-0731 minKronikledThe Atlantic | Kronikled by KelseyMedia literacy influencer Kelsey Russell dives into history and influence of The Atlantic magazine. Founded in 1857 at a Boston dinner party with literary giants like Ralph Waldo Emerson, the publication has long been known for its abolitionist roots, long-form storytelling, and coverage of politics, culture, and technology. Kelsey explores The Atlantic’s evolution — from publishing slave narratives to endorsing Democratic presidential candidates. The episode ends by introducing journalist Steffi Cao, who will join Kelsey in the next segment to discuss her own experiences writing for The Atlantic and the evolving relationship between journalists and influencers. Subscribe for more deep dives...
2025-08-0509 min
ICYMIShould I Join Bluesky?Candice Lim is joined by Slate business and tech writer Nitish Pahwa and internet culture writer Steffi Cao to debate, defend, and decide how they’re going to face the internet this year. Each brought a personal query they’re on the fence about, and the remaining panelists will argue both sides before coming to a verdict. For example, should we join Bluesky? How can we resist the urge to fact-check our friends in their Instagram comments? And is it time to delete our texts? But first, they’re debating: does the internet care about analog awards shows, such as the...
2025-01-0843 min
Slate Culture FeedICYMI: Should I Join Bluesky?Candice Lim is joined by Slate business and tech writer Nitish Pahwa and internet culture writer Steffi Cao to debate, defend, and decide how they’re going to face the internet this year. Each brought a personal query they’re on the fence about, and the remaining panelists will argue both sides before coming to a verdict. For example, should we join Bluesky? How can we resist the urge to fact-check our friends in their Instagram comments? And is it time to delete our texts? But first, they’re debating: does the internet care about analog awards shows, such as the...
2025-01-0849 min
Slate TechnologyICYMI: Should I Join Bluesky?Candice Lim is joined by Slate business and tech writer Nitish Pahwa and internet culture writer Steffi Cao to debate, defend, and decide how they’re going to face the internet this year. Each brought a personal query they’re on the fence about, and the remaining panelists will argue both sides before coming to a verdict. For example, should we join Bluesky? How can we resist the urge to fact-check our friends in their Instagram comments? And is it time to delete our texts? But first, they’re debating: does the internet care about analog awards shows, such as the...
2025-01-0846 min
Slate AdviceICYMI | Should I Block My Boyfriend’s Aunt on Instagram?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao (It’s Steffi) to answer some very special, holiday-specific internet questions from her readers, such as: should I block my boyfriend’s aunt on Instagram? And how do I battle Facebook conspiracy theories at the dinner table?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim, with production assistance from Alexandra Botti.
2024-12-0444 minSlate Culture FeedICYMI: Should I Block My Boyfriend’s Aunt on Instagram?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao (It’s Steffi) to answer some very special, holiday-specific internet questions from her readers, such as: should I block my boyfriend’s aunt on Instagram? And how do I battle Facebook conspiracy theories at the dinner table?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim, with production assistance from Alexandra Botti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-12-0447 minSlate TechnologyICYMI: Should I Block My Boyfriend’s Aunt on Instagram?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao (It’s Steffi) to answer some very special, holiday-specific internet questions from her readers, such as: should I block my boyfriend’s aunt on Instagram? And how do I battle Facebook conspiracy theories at the dinner table?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim, with production assistance from Alexandra Botti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-12-0444 minICYMIShould I Block My Boyfriend’s Aunt on Instagram?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao (It’s Steffi) to answer some very special, holiday-specific internet questions from her readers, such as: should I block my boyfriend’s aunt on Instagram? And how do I battle Facebook conspiracy theories at the dinner table?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim, with production assistance from Alexandra Botti. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-12-0441 min
Negronis with NordA Conversation with Steffi Cao: Internet and Culture WriterWelcome to Negronis with Nord!This week, I sat down with internet and culture writer, Steffi Cao, to discuss five recent topics and trends we’ve been noticing. From the questionable relevance of Fashion Week to influencers’ pressure to endorse during the election to the increased obsession with plastic surgery - we cover it all.Follow Steffi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefficao/?hl=enSubscribe to Steffi's Substack: https://stefficao.substack.comTo follow Fohr on instagram click HERETo follow James on instagram click HERESubscribe to Fohr newsletters HERE
2024-10-1532 minSlate AdviceICYMI: Should I Stop Sharing My Location? Why Do My Friends Act Wild In My Instagram Comments?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao, whose Substack recently started an advice column all about internet etiquette. On today’s episode, they’re answering reader questions such as: Should I report unhinged Facebook behavior? And should I get into political fights in the DMs?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim.
2024-08-1039 minICYMIShould I Stop Sharing My Location? Why Do My Friends Act Wild In My Instagram Comments?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao, whose Substack recently started an advice column all about internet etiquette. On today’s episode, they’re answering reader questions such as: Should I report unhinged Facebook behavior? And should I get into political fights in the DMs?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-08-1036 minSlate TechnologyICYMI: Should I Stop Sharing My Location? Why Do My Friends Act Wild In My Instagram Comments?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao, whose Substack recently started an advice column all about internet etiquette. On today’s episode, they’re answering reader questions such as: Should I report unhinged Facebook behavior? And should I get into political fights in the DMs?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-08-1039 minSlate Culture FeedICYMI: Should I Stop Sharing My Location? Why Do My Friends Act Wild In My Instagram Comments?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao, whose Substack recently started an advice column all about internet etiquette. On today’s episode, they’re answering reader questions such as: Should I report unhinged Facebook behavior? And should I get into political fights in the DMs?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-08-1042 min
Slate ConversationsICYMI: Should I Stop Sharing My Location? Why Do My Friends Act Wild In My Instagram Comments?Candice Lim is joined by internet culture writer Steffi Cao, whose Substack recently started an advice column all about internet etiquette. On today’s episode, they’re answering reader questions such as: Should I report unhinged Facebook behavior? And should I get into political fights in the DMs?This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario and Candice Lim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-08-1039 minSlate Culture FeedIs Roblox Coming for TikTok?On today’s episode, Steffi Cao explains Roblox to Rachelle. Cao, a culture writer with bylines at The Atlantic, Fast Company, Forbes, BuzzFeed and more, recently wrote about Roblox’s new attempt to venture outside of kids’ gaming.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-04-2437 minSlate TechnologyICYMI: Is Roblox Coming for TikTok?On today’s episode, Steffi Cao explains Roblox to Rachelle. Cao, a culture writer with bylines at The Atlantic, Fast Company, Forbes, BuzzFeed and more, recently wrote about Roblox’s new attempt to venture outside of kids’ gaming.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-04-2439 min
Slate BusinessICYMI: Is Roblox Coming for TikTok?On today’s episode, Steffi Cao explains Roblox to Rachelle. Cao, a culture writer with bylines at The Atlantic, Fast Company, Forbes, BuzzFeed and more, recently wrote about Roblox’s new attempt to venture outside of kids’ gaming.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2024-04-2439 minICYMIIs Roblox Coming for TikTok?On today’s episode, Steffi Cao explains Roblox to Rachelle. Cao, a culture writer with bylines at The Atlantic, Fast Company, Forbes, BuzzFeed and more, recently wrote about Roblox’s new attempt to venture outside of kids’ gaming.This podcast is produced by Se’era Spragley Ricks, Daisy Rosario, Candice Lim and Rachelle Hampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-04-2437 min
The Digital Void PodcastWhy are YouTube Influencers Negging Audiences Into Taking Lifestyle Advice? w/ Steffi CaoHow do YouTube influencers neg their audiences into taking lifestyle advice?Internet culture writer Steffi Cao joins Jamie to discuss how influencers undermine audiences with video titles that are not what they seem. The two discuss authenticity on social media platforms, why clickbait titles still reign supreme, and if there’s anything positive to come of this trend.📖 Read YouTube Influencers want to neg you into taking lifestyle advice in Fast CompanyAbout Steffi CaoSteffi Cao is an internet culture writer, most recently reporting at BuzzFeed News and F...
2024-04-0119 min
The Digital Void PodcastThe Cancelled-to-Conservative Creator Pipeline w/ Steffi CaoWhere can creators turn after they’ve been cancelled? Internet culture writer Steffi Cao discusses why cancelled creators turn to right-wing values to grow their businesses, the difficulty audiences have determining authenticity, and why it all matters – from economics to real-world action. 📖 Read Influencers are pandering to conservatives to salvage their post-cancellation careers in Fast Company.About Steffi CaoSteffi Cao is an internet culture writer, most recently reporting at BuzzFeed News and Forbes as its inaugural creator economy staff writer. Her work has appeared in Teen Vogue, The Wash...
2024-01-3122 minThe Digital Void PodcastVisions for a Better Internet w/ Kat Tenbarge, Kelsey Russell, Steffi Cao, and Rachel E. GreenspanHow can we explore visions for a better internet as it undergoes a monumental evolution?Media literacy influencer Kelsey Russell, award-winning journalist Kat Tenbarge, digital culture journalist Steffi Cao, and moderator Rachel E. Greenspan explore the role of surveillance and the rise of panopticontent, the importance of trust and safety on healthy platforms, and why youth voices need to be included in conversations about social media platform development. This panel was recorded live from Digital Void's The Meme in the Moment Festival 2023 at Caveat in New York City on December 14, 2024.About Kat Tenbarge
2024-01-1732 min
Coffee with a JournalistSteffi Cao, ForbesIn this episode, our host Beck Bamberger sit down with Steffi Cao, a staff writer for Forbes, who specializes in covering the creator economy and internet culture. Steffi shares her insights on the creator economy beat, what catches her attention in pitches, and why she rarely writes about PR agency pitches. She also discusses the breadth of the creator economy, from Twitch streamers to hologram gamers, and the fascinating stories that emerge from this evolving industry. Join us as we sip on matcha and delve into the world of online influencers and the ventures they embark on.
2023-10-1022 min
It's Been a MinuteWhy we don't trust the 'vanilla girl'This week is all about beauty and diet trends. In this first interview from March, host Brittany Luse chats with Forbes staff writer Steffi Cao to discuss her essay, "white women want their power back: on bbls and balletcore, and the entropy of aesthetic." Steffi points to the online rise of the 'clean girl' and 'vanilla girl' aesthetics, just as the myth of innocent white womanhood erodes in the public sphere following outrage at "Karens" and critical looks at stars like Miley Cyrus who borrowed from Black aesthetics for years.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com...
2023-08-2216 min
Wear Many Hats174. Steffi CaoSteffi Cao is a writer and Internet Culture Reporter.Her writing has appeared in Teen Vogue, Bustle, MTV News, and The Washington Post and currently over at Buzzfeed where she writes about viral moments, the influencer economy, and social media.Steffi has a newsletter called “It’s Steffi” where the Wear Many Hats crew has now subscribed over at Substack. it’s steffi is a weeklyish combination of trendy little links and niche drama explainers you can take to brunch and flex on people with.I found her through friend and guest of the show...
2023-04-1258 min
It's Been a MinuteThe 'vanilla girl' trend shows that beauty is powerIf you're more than a casual observer on the interwebs, you've probably heard the term, "chronically online" – someone who knows the ins and outs of viral trends, memes and memorable moments. But sometimes you can get too deep in the Matrix. That's why our new segment, Chronically Online, is here to find the balance. To kick it off, host Brittany Luse chats with Buzzfeed News internet reporter Steffi Cao about her essay, "white women want their power back: on bbls and balletcore, and the entropy of aesthetic." After scrolling on Instagram Reels, Steffi noticed that the clean girl, co...
2023-03-2917 min