Alyona Minkovski

Linkedin 

Professional Summary         

      Seasoned host and producer using the art of storytelling and knowledge of production to create impactful and award winning programs, engage audiences, and grow brand identity. Nearly 15 years of experience presenting and developing audio and video content from concept to completion in podcasting, documentary and short form video, live broadcasts, and events for The Atlantic, Wondery, Salon, Real Vision, ABC News Live, and HuffPost, among others. Drawing on recent events and archive material to ideate, research, pitch and deliver compelling segments. Working end-to-end in  production from logistics, guest booking, and outreach, to scripting, editing, and promotional assets. Highly organized, with a keen eye for detail. Thrives in fast-paced and diverse environments that champion collaboration and innovation. 

Experience

THE ATLANTIC                                                                                                                          Sep. 2021-Present Producer, Atlantic Re:Think

  • Developed themes and narrative as story producer for multiple seasons of “American Metamorphosis’, award winning podcast with over 3 million downloads.

  • Responsible for two episodes per season, researched topics and guests, shaped narrative and format, conducted pre-interviews, prepared the host for recordings with experts, wrote scripts and prepared social copy.

  • Collaborated with colleagues on the producing team by providing consistent edits and feedback on their episodes, including contributing ideas.

  • Created written deliverables for the client, engaged in weekly presentations, handled questions related to feedback, and contributed to decks pitching additional projects. 

  • Organized individual episode logistics, including recording schedules, equipment needs, releases and managed all other communication with guests. 

  • Worked directly with the audio editor on post-production, providing guidance on sound design and final cuts.

  • Provided feedback on colleague performance and creative process to Executive Producer and Re:Think management, contributing to workflow design. 

  • Participated in brand building, social media, and internal strategy sessions for Re:Think’s company-wide efforts. 

FREELANCE                                                                                                                                     Jan. 2017-Present 

Host/Producer/Writer/Voice Over Artist

  • Produced episodes for Wondery podcast, “American Scandal”. Drove ideation, research, and interviews. Lead post-production and provided cues and notes to the sound engineer.

  • Hosted live events in partnership with creative agency MARBLE. 

  • Narrated interactive documentaries for Frame, winning Edward R. Murrow Award.

  • Hosted “ABC News Live”, covering the Trump administration and other current events.

  • Reported stories and wrote analysis for The New Republic, The Nation, Salon, and more.

  • Produced, hosted and wrote short form videos for digital media outlets like Attn and Mic.

Communications Strategist           Jan. 2020-Dec 2022

  • Led communications strategy for clients across politics, media, tech and wellness, securing press attention in print, radio and television outlets. 

  • Conducted press outreach, wrote press releases, and ghost wrote op-eds around company launches, rebrands and special projects to build brand awareness. 

  • Media trained clients to improve preparedness and success in live interviews. 

  • Served as Senior Communications advisor for Alan Khazei for Congress in MA4, creating overall comms strategy and working with senior leaders on policy papers, constituent engagement and events. 

REAL VISION                                                                                                                                April 2018-May 2019

Senior Editorial Producer/Senior Reporter/Host                                                 

  • Designed and presented a suite of new editorial content expected to expand the reach of niche finance content to a wider entrepreneur focused audience. 

  • Wrote and produced “The Big Story”, a documentary series focused on business and finance, winning W3 Silver Award in Documentary.

  • Took over the documentary series building  process and created efficiencies leveraging timelines and a content calendar to triple the amount of content released per year. 

  • Represented organization at business conferences as lead spokesperson for the company to identify stakeholder case studies for storytelling. 

  • Led video strategy meetings with the c-suite to build company resulting in a transformed approach to video plans. 

  • Hosted “Trade Ideas”, an interview program about global finance and investment.

SALON                                          Oct. 2017-April 2018 

Host/Producer/Writer

  • Hosted Live stream interviews with celebrities, authors, and political leaders reaching a global audience of 10 million monthly unique visitors.

  • Developed, scripted, and delivered  brand new “Salon Talks” series of  segments 3-5 times a week leading voiceover work and producing from scratch from concept to delivery. 

  • Expanded print focused strategy  to a multimedia approach doubling the weekly output of video content. 

  • Wrote analysis and original reporting for Salon.com on topics such as politics, criminal justice, gender equality, foreign policy, national security and environmental issues.

HUFFPOST                                          Aug. 2012-Dec. 2016 

Host/Producer, HuffPost Live

  • Served as lead political host and producer for HuffPost Live’s daily in studio programming.

  • Covered the 2016 election from primaries, debates and other major events across the U.S.

  • Reported live from the World Economic Forum in Davis, 2014 Sochi Olympics, President Obama’s trip to Cuba.

  • Developed, hosted and led editorial for shows “Political Junkies”, “Free Speech Zone”.

  • Produced documentary and short form videos about social justice, politics and culture. 

Awards

  • Publisher Podcast Awards (2022) - “American Metamorphosis”, Best Branded Podcast (producer)

  • Edward R. Murrow Awards (2022) - “The Raleigh Pact”, News Documentary (narrator)

  • W3 Silver Award (2019) -“Tesla:  Electric Noise”, Best Documentary (writer,producer)

  • The Webbys (2013, 2014, 2015) - “HuffPost Live”, Best News Channel (host, producer)

  • Gracie Awards (2014) - “Mass Shooting Victims Tell Their Stories”(host and producer)

  • Forbes 30 Under 30 (2011) - Featured in Forbes list of media personalities under 30

  • Nomations: Digiday Media Awards (2022), The Webbys (2022), GLAAD Awards (2014)

Education 

  • University Of California, Santa Cruz (2008) - B.A. Political Science; Film & Digital Media

Hobbies & Skills

 Travel | Singing | Interior Design| Fluent in Russian | Conversational Spanish