MEET THE CREATORS

Barrett Adair

  • Barrett Adair (she/her) is a digital creator who blends sharp political insight with vibrant social-media creativity. With a presence on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, Barrett uses accessible formats — from meme-style posts to live commentary — to engage younger audiences in politics and civic action.

    As co-founder of the Instagram channel Hellicity Merriman (created with Carter Leigh), Barrett turned an American Girl doll-themed meme account into a trusted resource for the 2024 election. What began as playful “AG doll” visuals evolved into daily updates, behind-the-scenes explanation, and community-driven discussion of key political moments. 

    Before going full-blast creator, Barrett worked as a digital strategist in progressive politics. This professional background underpins her content: she doesn’t just entertain—she informs, equipping her viewers with tools to decode media narratives, evaluate policy shifts, and find agency. 

    Barrett's voice is especially tuned to Gen Z and younger millennials who might feel alienated by traditional political coverage. Her goal: meet people where they scroll, speak in the language they use, and make civic engagement feel less distant, more enjoyable, and more relevant.

    Whether it’s a 60-second TikTok explaining a Supreme Court decision, a YouTube live unpacking voter registration deadlines, or an Instagram story reflecting on representation in politics, Barrett Adair keeps it real, quick, and culturally grounded.

    Follow her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube via @BarrettAdair — because understanding power doesn’t have to be boring.

Brian Baez

  • Brian Baez (he/him) is the creator behind MentallyDivine Official and host of The Mentally Divine Podcast, where his mantra is simple: Politics is pop culture. Each week, Baez breaks down headlines with the pacing of a creator and the rigor of a researcher—turning complex policy, elections, and media narratives into clear, engaging stories built for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. 

    As CEO of Mentally Divine Studios, Baez focuses on accessibility and cultural fluency—centering audiences too often ignored in political coverage, particularly Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities. His mission is to meet people where they already are online and give them tools to spot disinformation, understand power, and take action. 

    Baez’s on-air presence extends beyond his own channels. He’s appeared as a political commentator and guest on podcasts and live shows, offering perspective on everything from misinformation to movement politics. 

    Committed to civic engagement, Baez collaborates with voter-education and turnout initiatives and frequently hosts interactive live streams that help viewers translate outrage into outcomes. He has partnered with organizers and campaigns to equip creators with accurate, shareable content that drives participation. 

    The Mentally Divine Podcast streams live on YouTube, with Baez guiding fast-paced conversations that unpack the week’s biggest stories and the narratives behind them. His north star is impact: if his audience walks away more informed, more skeptical of spin, and more confident in their voice, he’s done his job. 

    Follow: @mentallydivineofficial (IG/TikTok) • @MentallyDivine (X) • The Mentally Divine Podcast on YouTube. 

Jack Cocchiarella 

  • Jack Cocchiarella (he/him) is a leading voice in progressive political commentary, known for his work as host of The Jack Cocchiarella Show on YouTube and active presence on X (formerly Twitter). With a knack for rapid-fire analysis and a deep focus on Gen Z’s role in the 21st-century political landscape, Cocchiarella merges online creator energy with strategic insight. 

    Based in Washington, D.C., after a political science path through Columbia University, Cocchiarella positions himself at the intersection of media virality and civic engagement—highlighting how today’s platforms shape electoral conversations. His commentary covers everything from algorithmic media dynamics to youth voter mobilization, and his channels regularly break down political stories, offering context, critique, and a call to action. 

    Whether he’s posting a short-form YouTube explainer on a major policy shift or tweeting pointed observations about the next wave of activism, Cocchiarella’s approach is direct, informed, and unapologetically Gen Z-forward. His aim: empower younger viewers and engage them where they already spend time online. He invites his audience not just to watch—but to engage, question, organize, and amplify their voices.

    Follow him on YouTube as “The Jack Cocchiarella Show” and on X at @JDCocchiarella for his latest takes and livestreams.

Micah Erfan

  • Micah Erfan is a Gen Z-era political thinker and creator who uses his voice across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) to unpack issues of media, policy and power for younger audiences. 

    Co-Founder of TheSirenHQ and policy advisor to Adam Mockler, Micah’s posts blend sharp legal insight with digital strategy, offering real-time takes on the intersection of law, media, and democracy. On Instagram, he creates short-form videos that expose disinformation tactics and highlight the need to build what he calls “a liberal media ecosystem,” using data, humor, and clarity to empower audiences to think critically about the content they consume.

    Currently, Micah is a J.D. Candidate at University of Virginia Law School, where he brings his academic training in policy and governance into his creator work. His professional pathway includes a position as Lead Policy Advisor at Mockler Media and co-founding digital platforms that aim to shift how young people receive news and analysis. 

    On his channels, Micah breaks down topics like algorithmic influence, youth voter mobilization, and the structural forces shaping public discourse. His content is fast-paced, culturally grounded, and built to meet audiences where they already spend time. One recent Instagram reel, for example, examines how right-wing media ecosystems dominate social platforms—and invites viewers to build new ones. 

    Micah’s mission is clear: empower younger, digitally native audiences to not just consume politics, but interrogate it. Whether on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram Stories, he invites followers to question narratives, understand policy implications, and leverage their online voice for change.

    Follow him on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @micah_erfan — where policy meets pop culture, and facts always come first.

Josh Helfgott

  • Josh Helfgott is a digital creator, educator, and advocate best known for his viral “Gay News” series on TikTok, where he breaks down LGBTQ+ history, civil-rights issues, and current political battles with clarity and heart. Raised on Long Island by his two mothers in a childhood marked by bullying and invisibility, Helfgott turned those early experiences into fuel for storytelling and empowerment. 

    On TikTok, Helfgott has amassed millions of followers who tune in for his signature intro, “Gay News,” followed by impactful takes on legislation, representation, and youth mobilization. 

    He also leverages Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to engage audiences in digestible, bold content on identity, power, and resilience. 

    Helfgott isn’t just a content creator—he’s a civic mobilizer. He helped galvanize young queer voters during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections and made waves with petitions and organizing around the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized communities. In addition, his visibility and advocacy led to recognition from organizations such as GLAAD and nomination for influencer awards in the queer media space. 

    At the core of his work: a promise to the “13-year-old me” who felt alone and unseen—Helfgott crafts media so that young LGBTQ+ people don’t feel invisible, and so they understand their stories matter. Whether he’s flashing a quick social-clip explainer or going deep on policy, his mission remains the same: representation, information, and action.

    Follow him on TikTok, Instagram and X @joshhelfgott — where story meets solidarity and identity meets impact.

Sarah Stewart Holland

  • Sarah Stewart Holland (she/her) is a co-host of the acclaimed podcast Pantsuit Politics and a prominent voice in the digital-politics sphere with an active presence on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). Rooted in her early career as a congressional staffer and campaign aide, she brings firsthand insight into the mechanics of policy and power. 

    On her social channels, Sarah delivers accessible, culturally attuned commentary that spans elections, civic engagement, cultural identity and media literacy. Through Pantsuit Politics—described by many listeners as “America’s political therapists” and praised in outlets such as The New York Times and The Atlantic—she and co-host Beth Silvers foster what they term “grace-filled” political conversations across the semantic divides of today’s landscape.

    Sarah’s creator content often highlights the importance of listening beneath the noise: Instagram reels where she breaks down divisive headlines, YouTube episodes that explore nuanced policy topics, TikToks that connect politics to everyday culture, and X posts that invite questioning, not just outrage. Her mission: to shift political engagement from echo-chamber shouting to meaningful discourse and actionable insight.

    Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X under @sarahstewartholland — where conversation meets connection, and politics meets purpose.

Elizabeth Booker Houston 

  • Elizabeth Booker Houston brings together her sharp legal mind, public‐health expertise and comedic edge to dissect politics, policy and culture for digital audiences. Based in Washington, D.C. (originally from Memphis, Tennessee), she holds a J.D. and an M.P.H. from the University of Memphis and began her career in federal compliance and regulatory work before pivoting into content creation and stand-up. 

    Houston delivers “legal snark” wrapped in stand-up style wit—think courtroom logic meets viral reaction video. Her commentary tackles disinformation, health-care inequities, social justice and the ever-changing dynamics of power in humorous, accessible fashion. 

    Notably, Houston went viral in 2024 after a fiery online response to a high-profile commentator’s remarks, elevating her profile as an influencer who blends moments of pop culture with serious civic messaging. Her YouTube channel describes the work as “law, public health & politics from a D.C.-metro creator,” emphasizing that her content isn’t just commentary—it’s meant to empower audiences to engage, question and act. 

    Houston’s mission: to shift complex topics out of boardrooms and into moments people actually scroll through, while equipping them with tools to navigate narratives, hold systems accountable and participate in civic life. She invites her viewers to do more than watch—she challenges them to speak out.

    Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X under @bookersquared — where law meets laughter and insight meets action.

Zackory Kirk

  • Dr. Zackory Kirk, known online as “TheZactivist,”  is an educator-turned-creator who brings rigorous analysis and unapologetic advocacy to the intersection of people, politics, and pop culture. With active presences on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Substack (via his newsletter The Colored Section), he leverages his background as an instructional coach, curriculum director, writer, and media strategist to craft content aimed at Black, Brown, and Queer communities. 

    Authentic to his mission, Dr. Kirk’s voice is one of empowerment: he breaks down complex social justice themes, policy shifts, voter-education, and cultural commentary into digestible, compelling formats. Whether it’s a YouTube live where he unpacks a government shutdown, a TikTok clip exposing disinformation, or a Substack essay exploring environmental racism, TheZactivist puts facts, context, and community at the center. 

    Rooted in wellness and resilience, his creator identity reflects his journey — both as an educator and as someone committed to personal transformation and collective liberation. \

    Beyond content creation, Dr. Kirk is a speaker, consultant, and thought partner for organizations seeking to engage next-gen audiences with purpose and precision. His aim is to build media systems that center marginalized voices — and to equip those audiences with the tools to transform insight into action. 

    Follow him @theZactivist on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and subscribe to The Colored Section on Substack — because in his world, awareness is only the first step toward change.

Leigh McGowan

  • Leigh McGowan is the creator and driving force behind the digital media brand PoliticsGirl, launched on YouTube in 2015 and re-imagined on TikTok in 2020 to bring serious civic discourse to younger audiences. With her “kitchen rant” style—straight-talk commentary filmed as though she’s talking to a friend—she simplifies complicated political issues, empowers everyday people, and makes civic engagement feel achievable rather than intimidating. 

    McGowan’s mission is grounded in a singular belief: “When you understand, you care — and when you care, you vote.” Her channels span TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) under handles like @IAmPoliticsGirl and “PoliticsGirl.” Her content has earned widespread recognition—from hundreds of millions of views across platforms to Webby Awards for her podcast and digital work. 

    Beyond short-form video, she hosts the PoliticsGirl Podcast—a weekly show that takes deep dives into topics like “The Rise of Autocracy Around the World” and “The History of Public Education in America,” blending solo commentary with interviews of high-profile guests such as White House officials. In 2024 she published A Return to Common Sense, a New York Times bestselling book that offers six guiding principles for modern civic engagement through an accessible lens. 

    Leigh believes politics isn’t just a spectator sport—it’s a participatory one. Her voice encourages all of us to speak up, show up, and make our voices count.

    Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X: @IAmPoliticsGirl — where democracy meets real talk.

Beth Silvers

  • Beth Silvers is the co-host of the acclaimed podcast Pantsuit Politics alongside Sarah Stewart Holland, where the duo offer what they describe as “grace-filled political conversation” designed to bridge the divides in today’s civic culture. 

    A lawyer by training (J.D. from the University of Kentucky’s Rosenberg College of Law) and former human-resources executive, Beth brings both analytical depth and lived experience to her creator work. 

    On her channels—including YouTube, Instagram, X, and TikTok—she translates complex systems, news cycles, and policy debates into accessible content aimed at younger, engaged audiences. Her creator voice emphasizes listening, curiosity, and shared values over hyper-partisan shouting. As she told UKNow, “If we approach political conversations with curiosity, we can almost always learn something about ourselves or other people.” 

    Beth and Sarah launched Pantsuit Politics in November 2015, initially framing their dynamic as “Sarah from the Left” and “Beth from the Right,” but over time their focus shifted to common values and thoughtful discussion rather than adversarial debate. 

    Besides podcasting, she is co-author of I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) and other works meant to equip audiences for meaningful civic engagement. 

    Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X under @beth_silvers — where politics meets possibility, and connection replaces confrontation.

Heidy Torres

  • Heidy Torres is a bilingual content creator, political analyst, and filmmaker who uses her platform to elevate Latinx voices, unpack media narratives, and activate civic participation across social media. Formerly a political correspondent for Univision, she built her career by translating complex policy and cultural issues into relatable stories for Spanish-speaking audiences. 

    On Instagram, where she goes by @heidytorr, she is an outspoken voice for truth in media. Her content reflects that mission—bold, informed, and rooted in accountability. Across Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube, she creates sharp, bilingual videos that call out disinformation, amplify underrepresented voices, and challenge systems of power. Through what she calls a “liberal media ecosystem,” Heidy uses storytelling as a tool to inform, mobilize, and connect communities too often left out of national conversations.

    Drawing on a background in political journalism and grassroots mobilization, Torres features stories centered on Latinx youth engagement, media accountability, and the intersection of identity and activism. Her documentary and social-media work aim to bridge news, narrative, and community action. Her voice stands out for its combination of cultural fluency, media-savvy storytelling, and a commitment to making politics accessible.

    Follow her on Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube under @heidytorr — where Latinx empowerment meets media literacy and civic action.

Kenny Walden

  • Kenny Walden (he/him), better known across social platforms as 2RawTooReal, brings no-holds-barred commentary to the intersection of politics and pop culture. With a presence on TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, Kenny uses satire and straight talk to dissect current events, government policy, and media messaging for a global audience

    Launching his voice from the vantage of “raw & uncut” political reaction videos, Kenny’s tagline makes it clear: he offers parody and satire by design, to spark conversation and shake up complacency. His work centers on empowering Black and Brown communities, challenging dominant narratives, and encouraging civic engagement through accessible formats.

    Whether it’s a viral Instagram reel dissecting rhetoric, a YouTube live breakdown of the week in politics, or a quick-hit TikTok that breaks down disinformation, Kenny aims for impact. His community’s subtitle: “Real-time reactions, real time consequences.”

    In addition to his creator output, Kenny has been featured on external podcasts and shows, where he expands on themes like voter education, media bias, and digital activism. His perspective has resonated in spaces where creators meet social movements and policy discussion. 

    For Kenny Walden, creating content isn’t just about online views—it’s about shifting the conversation and mobilizing voices. With 2RawTooReal, you’ll hear the questions no one else will ask and see the angles no one else will cover.

    Follow: @2RawTooReal on Instagram, TikTok, and X.