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V Spehar

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  • Digital Journalist, Podcaster, and Content Creator
  • Contributor to The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, and NBC News
  • TIME100’s Most Influential Digital Voices of 2025

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At a time when trust in the news is fading, V Spehar has built something rare: a space where people feel informed and understood. As the founder of Under the Desk News, they’ve created a community of millions who come for context that cuts through the noise. Named one of TIME100’s Most Influential Digital Voices, V has become a steady presence in a chaotic media landscape Their storytelling bridges the space between breaking stories and human stories, showing that understanding current events starts with empathy, not outrage.

A seasoned journalist with a sharp grasp of politics, policy, and culture, V has reported from the Democratic National Convention and the Paris Olympics, and conducted interviews with Presidents Biden and Obama. Their work reflects a command of complex issues and a talent for translating them into something people can actually use and understand.

V approaches the stage like they approach the news, with curiosity, precision, and a clear sense of responsibility. Their talks cut through noise and polarization, inviting people to think critically while remembering the humanity behind every headline.

 

V Spehar headshot
Past Hosts Include:
  • Edelman
  • Athena Health
  • Weber State University
  • Lehigh University
  • SUNY Genesco
  • Stella Foundation
  • Clinton Global Initiative
  • Paley Center
Rave Reviews About V Spehar
“
V was FANTASTIC and the event went great.

”
V Spehar: Protecting Truth and Information in a Fractured World | Clinton Global Initiative Livestream - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with V Spehar
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How to Read the News Without Losing Your Mind

Journalist and Under the Desk News founder V SPEHAR helps audiences navigate the constant rush of headlines and opinions. Drawing on their experience covering major political and cultural moments, V shows how to separate fact from frenzy, understand what’s really driving the story, and stay informed ...

Journalist and Under the Desk News founder V SPEHAR helps audiences navigate the constant rush of headlines and opinions. Drawing on their experience covering major political and cultural moments, V shows how to separate fact from frenzy, understand what’s really driving the story, and stay informed without burning out.

How Trust is Built in a Distrusting World

Through their work at Under the Desk News, V SPEHAR has learned what it takes to earn an audience’s confidence one story at a time. V shares how consistency, transparency, and empathy can rebuild credibility in an era of misinformation—and what every communicator can learn from that process. ...

Through their work at Under the Desk News, V SPEHAR has learned what it takes to earn an audience’s confidence one story at a time. V shares how consistency, transparency, and empathy can rebuild credibility in an era of misinformation—and what every communicator can learn from that process.

Inside the Headlines: How Stories Take Shape

From the Democratic National Convention to conversations with Presidents Biden and Obama, V SPEHAR has seen how narratives form and evolve in real time. In this talk, they reveal how information spreads, how stories gain traction, and how to read the news with a sharper, more discerning eye. ...

From the Democratic National Convention to conversations with Presidents Biden and Obama, V SPEHAR has seen how narratives form and evolve in real time. In this talk, they reveal how information spreads, how stories gain traction, and how to read the news with a sharper, more discerning eye.

The Power of Platform: What Under the Desk News Reveals About the Future of Media

With millions of followers and global recognition, V SPEHAR shows how a creator-driven approach is reshaping journalism. They take audiences behind the camera to unpack what makes digital storytelling effective, why people crave connection over polish, and how platforms can be used to inform rather ...

With millions of followers and global recognition, V SPEHAR shows how a creator-driven approach is reshaping journalism. They take audiences behind the camera to unpack what makes digital storytelling effective, why people crave connection over polish, and how platforms can be used to inform rather than inflame.

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Press & Media
V Spehar is keeping their promise while delivering the news on social media - Mashable
A GREAT Day with keynote speaker V Spehar - The Lamron
V Spehar reflects on 4 years of Under the Desk News, the TikTok ban & tension with traditional media - Advocate
Digital Journalist and Award-Winning Podcaster V Spehar Discusses Navigating Nontraditional Media, TikTok Ban at Compelling Perspectives - Lehigh University
V Spehar Stamps That 'Lesbians Getting Boyfriends' Isn't a Crisis - It's a Sign Of Sexual Fluidity - Gayety
V Spehar | TIME 100 Creators - TIME
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Biography

V Spehar (they/them) is an award-winning digital journalist, podcaster, and content creator making news more human and accessible. Creator of Under the Desk News, V has built a following of over 4.7 million by delivering current events with clarity, empathy, and wit. They tackle topics from Gen Z voter engagement to gender-affirming care, and their reporting has included interviews with Presidents Biden and Obama, Vice President Harris, and key cabinet members.

V has covered major political and cultural moments, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention and the Paris Olympics for TikTok, and contributed to outlets such as The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, and NBC News. Recognized with a Special Achievement Webby Award, a Shorty Award for News Creator of the Year, and as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Digital Voices of 2025, V is a sought-after speaker on authenticity, resilience, and civic engagement. They are currently working on their debut book with Zando Publishing, coming early 2026.

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