Last updated: July 2026
Stephen Perlstein leads business development at Libsyn, one of the largest podcast hosting and advertising companies in the world. As Senior Vice President, he is responsible for how a portfolio of top-tier shows gets bought, priced, and monetized, negotiating network and talent deals, setting advertising rate structure, and growing the supply side of Libsyn’s ad marketplace.
That portfolio includes ABC Audio, Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary’s The Video Archives, Dan Harris’ 10% Happier, Daniel Tosh’s Tosh Show, The Viall Files, Aaron Mahnke’s Lore, Chris Gethard’s Beautiful/Anonymous, Small Town Murders, Darknet Diaries, Roseanne Barr, Newsworthy, and Hannah Berner’s Berner Phone.
Perlstein also serves as a professor of business at California State University, Fullerton, focusing on fostering the next generation of media leaders.
Previously, Stephen was SVP of Podcasts & Marketing at Studio71, where he built a top-10 podcast network from the ground up, overseeing more than 200 podcasts. He led the comprehensive development and expansion of a media portfolio, negotiating contracts, fostering collaborations, and ensuring operational efficiency. Bridging business and creative talent conversations, Perlstein spearheaded projects with top talent like Bob Saget, Lindsay Lohan, Trixie Mattel, LaurDIY, and MKBHD. In marketing, Perlstein architected Studio71’s most expansive media coverage in years, revitalizing the brand in both press and client relations.
Stephen also led Podcasts at Viral Nation, where he helped digital creators across industries achieve their goals in podcasting. At Viral Nation, he shepherded a number of projects in various stages of development, including podcasts from Amber Rose, Steven He, Daisy Marquez, and others.
Perlstein received his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and his BA in Film from California State University, Northridge.
He is also a Los Angeles-based television writer, with credits including New Looney Tunes on Cartoon Network and Dance Moms on Lifetime. He has written for LA Weekly, UCB Comedy, and more. Stephen is also the Editor-in-Chief of Hence.LA, a satirical website about Los Angeles. He co-wrote and produced Kreezus, a full-length Christmas parody of Kanye West’s Yeezus, which was featured on MTV, Slate, and Billboard.
Stephen has acted in a number of commercials and even more BuzzFeed videos, despite being an objectively “meh” actor.
Stephen is also a runner, reader, podcaster, improviser, comedian, meditator, and producer—just like everyone else in Los Angeles.