Kristen Maldonado, Founder of Pop Culture Planet
As a connoisseur of all things entertainment, Kristen Maldonado had always dreamt of pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. And the native New Yorker made it happen, landing a coveted social media job at MTV after college. During her decade-long tenure, the Hofstra University alum flexed her entrepreneurial muscle, and launched her own media platform and accompanying video podcast, Pop Culture Planet, which spotlights the latest in movies, music, and TV. After getting laid off in May 2023, Maldonado made the decision to invest all her time and energy into her passion project.
“While I never planned to leave my corporate job, I will say getting laid off might have been one of the best things to happen to me,” says Maldonado, who is Puerto Rican and Dominican. “I’ve been able to become my own boss and put my energy back into myself and grow my career.”
We chatted with this mujer de magia about her professional journey, the advice she’d give aspiring journalists, and what being Latina means to her.
Grace Gavilanes: Tell us about the road to launching Pop Culture Planet. Did you always dream of starting your own business?
Kristen Maldonado: At Pop Culture Planet, we cover the world of entertainment while also shining a light on representation and inclusion. The road to launching the outlet has been unexpected, but full of joy and learning experiences. I had been working on what would eventually become Pop Culture Planet for the last decade while working full-time as a social media strategist at MTV. I was making videos on YouTube reviewing shows and movies and had dreams of being an on-camera talent, but didn’t imagine I’d ever leave my job. During the pandemic, my work reviewing movies and TV shows on social media expanded into the Pop Culture Planet outlet and video podcast, but it wasn’t until I was laid off in May 2023 that I was really able to take everything to the next level.
I had been doing everything by myself — pitching coverage, writing, filming and editing videos, social strategy, and more — but, when I got laid off, I finally decided to bring more people into the fold. Now we have contributors and interns writing on the site and have seen our numbers skyrocket. It’s exciting to be able to help usher in the next generation of entertainment journalists and writers, and share my experience and connections to help them — especially women and people of color — have an easier time getting into the industry than I had. I went an unconventional route, but am so proud of all the things I’ve been able to accomplish independently.
GG: What would you say is the most rewarding part of your work?
KM: There are so many rewarding parts of my work! I love when I hear back from a viewer or reader who felt I captured exactly how they felt about a project or who enjoyed learning more about a show or movie based on an interview I did. I also love mentoring, so it’s been such a joy to begin expanding the website with contributors and interns and getting a chance to help them get a foot in the door when it comes to the entertainment space.
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
KM: I feel really blessed that my hard work has been getting noticed, so I’ve had a lot of exciting wins lately. One of the big ones was being invited to do a set visit for a Hallmark Christmas movie! That was a pinch-me moment to get a chance to see what goes on behind-the-scenes on location and speak with the cast. I’ve also been invited to moderate panels and speak on entertainment segments for NY1 and New York Live, which has been a dream come true to be featured on live TV. I’m very proud of being Rotten Tomatoes approved and becoming a member of Critics Choice as well. I was also able to buy a home with my husband, which has been the greatest joy.
““Growing up, my parents taught me that in order to be successful I’d have to work harder than anyone else. So to me, being a Latina has always meant being a hustler.””
GG: What advice would you give someone who’s looking to leave their corporate job and are unsure of next steps?
KM: While I never planned to leave my corporate job, I will say getting laid off might have been one of the best things to happen to me. I’ve been able to become my own boss and put my energy back into myself and grow my career. For anyone looking for advice on next steps, I would say make sure you have a plan. Since I was always working on Pop Culture Planet while I had my corporate job, it allowed me to have a new direction to focus on when I did get laid off. I think it’s smart to build up your side hustle as much as possible before leaving your corporate job versus just jumping without a safety net.
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
KM: I’ve definitely experienced imposter syndrome. It’s so easy to look at what other people are doing and compare yourself and feel like you’re not doing enough or wondering why someone else is doing things you’re not. When I feel that way, I do a few things. I look back on my wins, I talk to my family who are extremely supportive, and I use positive self-talk when discussing my work. Being underestimated is tough, so I work to be confident and remind myself that we’re all in the same room for a reason. I deserve to be there.
GG: What advice would you give someone who’s looking to start their own business?
KM: Often people are afraid to start new things because they feel like it needs to be perfect before they put it out there. I would recommend to just start. You will learn and improve over time. Then, stay consistent. You can’t fail if you never give up.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
KM: Growing up, my parents taught me that in order to be successful I’d have to work harder than anyone else. So to me, being a Latina has always meant being a hustler.
