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Ian Tarter
CEO & Co-Founder, Up x Up Left Media

I’m the CEO and Co-Founder of Up x Up Left Media, and I’ve  spent a crazy amount of time listening to podcasts and watching movies—like, maybe millions of hours. I’ve always been obsessed with how storytelling  can draw people in, connect them to each other, and  inspire their creativity. My love for media is what drives me to create content that does the same.

But what really lights me up is helping others overcome the challenges and obstacles that often get in the way of producing great content. Whether it's confidence, fear of the unknown, discomfort with technology, or just not knowing where to start , I’ve seen how these roadblocks hold brilliant, creative people back from realizing their dreams. 

Before founding Up x Up Left Media, I spent 10 years at Apple, helping people put together technology solutions to get the best out of their computers—and themselves. That experience reinforced my passion for empowering others through technology and creativity. It’s one of the big reasons I started Up x Up Left Media: to produce audio and video content that doesn't just entertain, it inspires.

I’m involved in every project we create, from development to promotion to publication and beyond. I want to make sure what we put out there is valuable and connects with our audience in a real way. With an MBA from the University of California, Davis with a focus in marketing, I’ve got a solid foundation to mix creativity with strategy, making sure we grow and keep pushing boundaries in digital media.

Michael Smith
Chief Social Media Officer & Co-Founder, Up x Up Left Media

I’m Michael Smith, the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Up x Up Left Media. My journey into the world of media started with a deep passion for radio, film, and the art of storytelling. With years of experience in media production and a background in film criticism, I’ve had the privilege of working in spaces that challenge me to think critically about how stories are told and how they resonate with audiences.

At Up x Up Left Media, I lead our creative vision, ensuring that everything we produce—from podcasts to YouTube channels—has a strong narrative at its core and truly engages our listeners and viewers. I believe in creating content that’s not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and valuable. Whether it’s crafting a compelling storyline or experimenting with new formats, my focus is always on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Having worked in media production for years, I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to bring fresh ideas to life. I’m deeply committed to fostering an environment where creativity thrives, helping our team bring their best ideas to the table and creating content that stands out in the digital space.