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profile:
woman on a mission
Danielle Robay wants to know what makes you tick. Spend just five minutes with her, and next thing you know you are telling her all about how your childhood missteps shaped you, what your dream job would be, or how many times you’ve been in love. She makes you feel as though you are in the spotlight and simultaneously right at home. Even during short interviews, her genuine interest is palpable.
“Robay finds a way to draw people out. She can’t help it, and you can’t help but oblige. This is the case for anyone in her presence, whether you’re a writer, a hermit or a five-star celebrity, because Robay has the ability to make people feel seen.” – LARRY KING
Robay’s talent is matched only by her work ethic. She’s currently the host of E! News’ “While You Were Streaming” + creator of the video podcast PRETTYSMART, + the best selling card game QUESTION EVERYTHING: 52 Cards For Deep(er) Conversation, noted by Forbes as a “game changer”.
In May of 2017, she was named as co-host of Chicago’s newest morning show WCIU’s The Jam. As the youngest morning TV Host in Chicago, she brought her trademark blend of energy, wit, and candid cultural commentary to the city—along with a loyal social media following of over 300K connections across major digital platforms.
She’s hosted live, national TV shows, red carpet events, and interviewed the biggest names in Hollywood—from Bradley Cooper to Taylor Swift, and Helen Mirren to Tom Hanks. You’ve seen her LIVE at FOX’s official Teen Choice Award’s red-carpet pre show, and on Clevver TV, where her morning show, daily news segments, and red carpet interviews received over 100 million views a month online. She’s created, written, and produced TV and online content (CBS’s Entertainment Tonight Online); and been a regular contributor and guest host for shows like Dr. Drew(HLN), Good Morning, Britain (ITV), and Morning Buzz (VH1), The Steve Harvey Show, NBC’s 1st Look, Dr. Phil.
An old soul with contemporary vision, Robay’s plan is to be the titan of what she calls “cerebral entertainment.” In one breath, she can name all nine Supreme Court Justices, and all of the Kardashians (extended family included). She’ll quote Gloria Steinem or Janet Mock just as easily as Will Smith or Reese Witherspoon. Robay sees pop culture as this generation’s cultural currency—more than ever, pop culture lives within the context of larger cultural conversations, though the substance may come dressed up as gossip and reality TV drama. Robay is one of the few voices equipped to lead the discourse. As the recurring millennial voice on HLN’s Dr. Drew from 2014 to 2016, she has sounded off on topics ranging from viral fame to domestic abuse.
Just like Barbara Walters did for earlier generations of women, Robay seeks to transform her generation’s relationship with popular media, creating a platform for young women to shape the world through open dialogue. For Robay, the social IS political.
Instead of just adding content, Robay is more interested in adding value, both in front of and behind the camera. For Robay, the images and conversations around us matter, even when we think they don’t. Her content reflects an ethos centered around the transformative potential of digital media:
