Steven Bartlett’s Seven-Figure Bet on a Women’s Podcast

Podcast mogul Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO with over 17 million YouTube subscribers, has made a seven-figure investment in Maggie Sellers Reum’s Hot Smart Rich podcast through his media company, FlightStory. The deal, which took four months to finalize, grants FlightStory equity in the show while Sellers Reum retains editorial control and majority ownership.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

Beyond the financial backing, Bartlett has played a hands-on mentorship role. Sellers Reum revealed in a recent Business Insider interview that he helps her combat deep self-doubt by reminding her that her show gives women a meaningful voice in business and culture. That emotional reinforcement has proven just as valuable as the capital itself.

The impact has been tangible. Sellers Reum recalled confidently approaching supermodel Molly Sims at a public event and directly pitching her as a guest — something she admits she likely would not have done before partnering with Bartlett. Sims agreed on the spot.

A Strategic Partnership With Creative Boundaries

The partnership mirrors the growth strategy Bartlett used to build The Diary of a CEO, leveraging FlightStory’s infrastructure and networks to expand Hot Smart Rich‘s reach and guest calibre. However, Sellers Reum was firm about preserving her distinct identity, taking on the title of Editor in Chief to reflect her creative authority.

“I’m not the female Steven,” she stated plainly. Her show currently has over 33,000 YouTube subscribers, a number expected to grow significantly under the FlightStory partnership.