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 cre...

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 leanin...

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,...

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 printin g 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 lit...

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 influence...

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 makin...

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 scrollin...

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...

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...

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 a...

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 narrati...

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 co...

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 expl...

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.