Copyright Variety
Fox Corp.‘s Red Seat Ventures signed a deal with entrepreneur and media personality Jillian Michaels making the creator-focused digital media company the new production partner for her podcast “Keeping It Real.” Fox Corp. this February bought Red Seat Ventures, a production company that specializes in managing content businesses for media figures including Tucker Carlson, Piers Morgan, Megan Kelly, Dr. Phil and Bill O’Reilly (some of whom are former Fox News stars). Earlier this year Fox News tapped conservative influencer Brett Cooper, who is backed in part by Red Seat Ventures, as an on-air contributor. “Red Seat has built a reputation for producing powerful, thought-provoking content with some of the most dynamic voices in media,” Michaels said in a statement. “I’m genuinely honored to join the Red Seat family and bring ‘Keeping It Real’ to a platform that values substance, honesty and meaningful conversation.” “Keeping It Real: Conversations With Jillian Michaels” was previously produced by Crossover Media Group. On the podcast, Michaels discusses topics centered around health and wellness with different guests, and the conversations span mental health, science, current events, relationships and work life. She brings “valuable insights, inspiring life stories and actionable advice from leading thinkers, innovators and changemakers,” according to Red Seat. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon’s Wondery. “We are proud to partner with Jillian and to be the new home of her celebrated podcast as she continues to tackle timely and complex topics while empowering and inspiring her listeners,” said Christopher Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures. “Not only is she a renowned health and wellness expert but she’s also a motivator and an activist, and we’re honored to welcome her to our growing family of bold voices and entrepreneurial talent.” Among her business ventures, Michaels is the creator of the Fitness App, a winning diet and exercise app for women, and she launched Balance, a line of of fitness products. Her fitness DVDs remain the home workouts in history, according to Red Seat. She’s appeared in multiple TV shows and is a regular contributor to outlets including Fox News, E! News, News Nation and Daily Mail. Michaels also is a best-selling author and public speaker. Her TV gigs have included serving as a fitness trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” weight-loss competition series from 2004-11. Michaels recently disputed allegations made about her by “Biggest Loser” alumni in Netflix documentary “Fit for TV.” In 2008, Michaels launched her company Empowered Media with business partner Giancarlo Chersich. Empowered Media is dedicated to “total-life solutions” comprising all aspects of living well, including nutrition, fitness, self-help and overall lifestyle.
