E166 Alessandra Catanese: How Smosh Builds Upon a Creative Culture

Alessandra Catanese serves as CEO of Smosh, the internet’s largest sketch comedy brand and a pioneer in creator-first entertainment, redefining comedy for the digital generation. Catanese’s career has spanned the evolution of the digital creator space, from helping establish the talent department at Maker Studios during the early days of YouTube, to launching the Los Angeles division of Patreon in 2016. She went on to become a leading talent manager at Anonymous Content, where she signed creators including BennyDrama, Anthony Padilla, and Kelsey Darragh. In 2020, Catanese co-founded Pressalike alongside Padilla, producing digital-first creator content that has earned multiple Streamy nominations and a Webby Award. In 2023, she helped lead Pressalike’s acquisition of Smosh, where she now oversees operations for the pioneering comedy collective, helping it double in size, both in fanbase as well as employees. Under her leadership, Smosh continues to build on its legacy, having grown into an independent media and production company pushing the boundaries of digital-first comedy.