Kronikled

A few weeks after I posted my first newspaper TikTok, an editor from the New York Times metro section reached out. Her name was Dodai Stewart. We had some things in common: both black, spent time at the Westminster Schools, and obviously loved newspapers. She encouraged me to continue the media literacy content because of its impact in the journalism world. Dodai is the prime example of why I created Kronikled. She's someone whose work you've probably come across, but her story is what makes the words more exciting. She's NYC native writing for the NYT, the great niece of Ollie Stewart (listen find out who this icon is), and has a print magazine collection that blows my mind. She's also dynamic, hilarious, and remarkably knowledge about media to the point you'll have no choice but to pick up a piece of print after this episode.

It's time to get into the magazine created for the gentlemen. When I think of GQ I think if sexy, stylish, and sleek...something I hope would be in my future significant others rotation. My research of GQ led me down the different path of exploring how the word "metrosexuality" is closely tied with the magazine, how it's basically the ex-step brother of Esquire, and how it's a bit more left leaning than I remembered. Let's get Kronikled.

Where can you still buy print media? If you're in New York City, I'll always tell you to go to a store in midtown: Magazine Cafe. I go to Magazine Cafe once a week to browse and buy something new. I thought to myself...why not bring the owner on Kronikled! Mr. Manish opened up about his media consumption growing in in India in the 1980s, how Magazine Cafe solved a problem plaguing magazine stores, what's selling, and what's flopping in print.

In this episode, I sit down with Festicia Bovell, Editor-in-Chief of FOCUS Magazine, to discuss the relationship and her journey between journalism and PR relationships. We go back to her covering stories at American University's publication The Black Print...and of course FOCUS Magazine and why this Gen-Z EIC is printing a magazine.

Glamour Magazine debuted in 1939 and was the first American fashion magazine to feature an African American woman on its cover. The magazine ceased print publication in 2019 due to declining circulation. Let's get into it!

In this episode of Kronikled, Kelsey sits down with award-winning journalist and beauty expert Kayla Greaves to explore how media, marketing, and culture collide in the digital age. Kayla unpacks the rise of influencers in the beauty world, the power of earned marketing, and what it means to be an expert in an era where everyone has a platform. She also shares her perspective on AI, why media literacy is critical, and her personal love for analog practices that keep her grounded. It’s a thoughtful, timely conversation on authenticity, authority, and the future of storytelling.

In this episode of Kronikled, Kelsey unpacks the history of Vogue magazine before Anna Wintour’s reign—from its 1892 beginnings as a journal for the leisure class, to Conde Nast’s global expansion, to the iconic editors and designers who reshaped fashion and culture through its pages. Along the way, she explores how world events, media literacy, and questions of class and representation influenced the magazine’s evolution, reminding us that Vogue has always been more than fashion—it’s been a mirror of society itself.

In this special solo episode of Kronikled, I step back from interviewing and share my own journey into becoming a media literacy influencer.From my early days as “little Kelsey” in Atlanta private schools, to navigating college as a Posse Scholar, to dealing with anxiety and rediscovering my love for print media — this episode is all about how I fell in love with knowledge, education, and making media literacy sexy again.I open up about:-How private school + socioeconomic privilege shaped my education-What I learned as a Posse Scholar at Boston University-My struggles with anxiety, therapy, and learning to self-regulate-Why I started reading The New York Times in print — and how it changed everything -How I turned curiosity into a career as a media literacy influencerIf you’ve ever wondered how media literacy can improve your confidence, emotional health, and even your conversations — this one’s for you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the pod and keep this knowledge flowing. Share with a friend who needs a little more print in their life!

In this first installment of Kronikled’s special solo series, Kelsey dives into the foundations of media literacy. From defining what it really means to exploring why your “media diet” matters, Kelsey shares practical ways to spot reliable sources, ask better questions, and step outside your media comfort zone.Learn the first step of media literacy—description—and how to apply it when scrolling social media, reading news, or diving into your favorite topics. With tips like lateral verification, checking for sources, and being mindful of emotional triggers in headlines, this episode gives you the tools to start consuming media more critically and confidently.This is the beginning of a series of special episodes designed to walk you through the five steps of media literacy: description, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and engagement.Whether you’re an influencer, journalist, or just someone who wants a healthier media diet, this episode is your guide to staying curious, thoughtful, and literate in today’s information overload.

In this episode of Kronikled, journalist and podcaster Miles Johnson sits down with media literacy influencer, Kelsey Russell, to share his journey from Morehouse College to national sports media — diving into Philly sports culture, launching his own podcast, Real Talk with MJ, during the pandemic, mastering multimedia skills, and turning a speech impediment into a strength, all while proving why creativity, consistency, and an entrepreneurial mindset are essential in today’s journalism.

In this episode of Kronikled, we flip through the pages of Sports Illustrated—from its 1930s beginnings as a niche “country club sports” magazine, through its golden age under Time Inc., to its modern-day identity as a brand more famous for swimsuit editions than anything. We unpack how WWII, television, editorial vision, and shifting ownership shaped its trajectory, and explore why its cultural relevance has waned in recent years. Along the way, we break down the magazine’s media bias, political coverage, and what it might take to win back the next generation of sports fans.

Writer 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. Aspiring writers and content creators will find practical advice on pitching, navigating freelancing, and building trust with audiences. Subscribe for more interviews people shaping the word we read today.

Media 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 into media history and behind-the-scenes stories from the people shaping media today.

Rolling Stone culture writer CT Jones shares their journey from film student at NYU, producer at Newsweek and eventually joining Rolling Stone. With over 3,000 freelance articles under their belt, CT opens up about the struggles of modern journalism — from the importance of giving writers proper credit to balancing emotional storytelling with integrity. CT also reflects on writing about their cousin’s death in the Charleston Church Shootings, profiling Keith Lee, and their frustrations with influencers not acknowledging the work journalists put in + a sneak peak not their future as a fictional novelist. Subscribe for more deep dives into print media history and exclusive interviews with the people shaping media.

Join Kelsey Russell, the print princess, as she gets into the history and evolution of Rolling Stone magazine — from its 1967 founding by Jan Wenner and Ralph Gleason to its cultural shifts across decades. Discover how a free roach clip saved the magazine from flopping, how its cut throat music critiques and gonzo journalism defined an era, and where it fits into your media diet. We’ll also explore the magazine’s political influence — from Democratic endorsements to sharp critiques of Trump and Bush Subscribe for more deep dives into print media history and exclusive interviews with the people shaping media.

Kronikled is a podcast where media literacy gets a mic. Hosted by Kelsey Russell, TikTok’s favorite Print Princess and media literacy baddie, we dive into the history of print, the influence of social media, and the blurred lines between truth and trends. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursday on all podcast platforms.