V Spehar

AI position

No x-risk mention

No findable engagement with AI existential-risk arguments or figures.

Why influential

Builds a direct, recurring relationship with audiences through long-form or personality-led media; guests and clips can quickly alter candidate incentives and issue salience. Primary policy lanes: elections; lgbtq policy; national news; civics.

Who pays attention

Younger voters, LGBTQ organizations, civic groups, campaign digital teams, educators and creators

Work samples

• HOT! ...and Bothered: Let's talk data centers, rewiring American energy, and AI IPO?

  Jan 1, 2026 · newsletter

  Episode covering AI data centers and AI IPO speculation with an economist and finance-podcast hosts; no AI-world guests.

• Under the Desk News (Substack home)

  Jan 1, 2026 · newsletter

  Main newsletter/show hub for daily news explainers and live newscast.

• V Interesting with V Spehar (podcast)

  Jan 1, 2024 · podcast

  Twice-weekly Lemonada Media podcast covering big-issue topics; no identified AI-focused episodes.

• How V Spehar built a news business from under a desk

  Apr 1, 2026 · article

  Nieman Lab profile of her news operation and business model.