VidCon Anaheim

V Spehar (they/them) is a Rochester-based LGBTQIA+ podcaster, online personality, and citizen journalist. Spehar launched Under the Desk News on TikTok in April 2020 with the aim to make news media less intimidating and easier to understand, and rapidly amassed 3 million followers. Their reporting has taken them from the floor of the State of the Union, to the sidelines of the Thanksgiving Day Parade with NBC, to speaking at UN programming. Last year, V received a special achievement Webby for their concise and compassionate reporting. They currently host the podcast American Fever Dream with Betches media.

Industry Track

Creators, Platforms & Power: How Social Media is Reshaping News and Public Discourse

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ballroom AB (Industry Mainstage)

Thursday, June 19

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Featuring: Aaron Parnas, Adam Aleksic (Linguistics Creator at Etymology Nerd), Galen Stocking (Senior Computational Social Scientist at Pew Research Center) and more

The way people consume news and engage with politics is shifting fast, with social platforms—and the individuals on them—reshaping public understanding of critical issues. This two-part session explores how creators are stepping into a role once dominated by legacy media.First, Galen Stocking of Pew Research shares new data on why—and which—audiences are turning to creators for news. Then, a panel of influential creators unpacks the responsibilities and challenges of delivering accurate information in an era of algorithmic bubbles and viral misinformation, and how they’re using their platforms to drive civic engagement and public discourse.

Participants

Aaron Parnas

Adam Aleksic

Linguistics Creator

Etymology Nerd

Galen Stocking

Senior Computational Social Scientist

Pew Research Center

Hank Green

Hassan Khadair

Director

Creators for Peace

Loren Piretra

CMO & Strategic Advisor

LP HQ

Taylor Lorenz

Journalist

User Mag

V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

Community Track

Click, Post, Exist: Non-Binary Visibility in the Digital Space

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Room 213ABC (Impact Stage)

Friday, June 20

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Categories: DE&I

Featuring: FunkyFrogBait, JellyBean, Mattie Westbrouck and more

The internet has become a powerful tool for self-expression, activism, and community-building, especially for non-binary individuals. In this session, creators and advocates will explore what it means to exist authentically online, from navigating visibility and representation to dealing with challenges like misgendering and online negativity. Join the conversation on building supportive digital spaces, amplifying non-binary voices, and using social media as a platform for change.

Participants

FunkyFrogBait

JellyBean

Mattie Westbrouck

V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

Community Track

Live Podcast: American Fever Dream

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Room 212 (Podcast Theater presented by Spotify)

Friday, June 20

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Categories: Entertainment & Sports

Featuring: Hank Green, V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Saage tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2025 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night.

Participants

Hank Green

V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

Industry Track

Digital Justice: How Social Media Is Fueling a New Era of Reform

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Room 304AB

Friday, June 20

3:35 pm - 4:20 pm

Featuring: Amy Nelson (Founder at The Riveter), Jesse Crosson - Second Chancer (Executive Director at Second Chancer Foundation), Michael R. Harris (President at The 20 Percent Project) and more

In an era where the justice system often favors those with power and resources, a new generation of creators is using digital platforms to expose injustice and drive change. Moderated by TikTok’s V Spehar (@underthedesknews), this session features four trailblazers who turned personal battles with the legal system into national movements. From exposing corporate abuse to deploying AI for clemency, these creators are turning storytelling into strategy and outrage into impact. Join this powerful conversation to learn how lived experience, digital advocacy, and civic tech are reshaping the future of justice.

Participants

Amy Nelson

Founder

The Riveter

Jesse Crosson - Second Chancer

Executive Director

Second Chancer Foundation

Michael R. Harris

President

The 20 Percent Project

Tiffany Cianci

Small Business Advocate

TikTok TownHall

V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

Community Track

VidCon After Dark: Yes and...?!

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Location: Room 213ABC (Impact Stage)

Friday, June 20

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Categories: After Dark, ASL Interpreters Present

Featuring: A.J. & Big Justice, Aaron Parnas, Ana Saia and more

V Spehar hosts this high energy variety show with performances by your favorite creators. But wait — they need YOU. Join us for a chance to share your talent and perform!This show is recommended for an 18+ audience.

Participants

A.J. & Big Justice

Aaron Parnas

Ana Saia

Blair Imani

Bryce Xavier

CG5

Dollar Tree Dinners

Enola Bedard

Evan and Katelyn

Peet Montzingo

V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

Valentine Brothers