Editor, Writer, Strategist
15+ years building, rebuilding, and stewarding independent media — from founding new publications to revitalizing legacy ones. I define editorial vision, grow real audiences, and run the operation behind the work.
Georgia Straight · 2023
A tale of two horrors. A first-person essay written while editing the Georgia Straight — on filmmaking, personal crisis, and what it means to tell a story when you're still inside it.
Georgia Straight · 2023
Klein on doppelgangers, conspiracy culture, and how the internet scrambles identity — timed to the release of Doppelganger.
BCBusiness
A reported feature on the fast-growing industry of executive psychedelic therapy — and what it says about how we think about mental health, performance, and healing.
RANGE · 2024
A closer look at the flight path of the autonomous Aussie psych-rock superheroes — on creative independence, prolific output, and operating outside the industry.
The Level · 2025
A direct, reported answer to a question that gets asked in bad faith and deserves a good-faith response — on land, treaties, law, and history.
The Level · 2025
On what happens when the world's most powerful cultural institution bets on generative AI — and what's actually at stake for artists, audiences, and the idea of authorship.
I'm a senior editorial, audience, and brand leader with 15+ years of experience building, rebuilding, and stewarding independent media organizations. My background spans journalism, publishing, and brand strategy, with a consistent focus on audience trust, clarity of mission, and long-term sustainability.
I've founded publications from scratch, revitalized legacy ones, and led editorial operations across print, digital, newsletter, and social. Whether I'm defining a brand voice, commissioning long-form work, or managing a contributor network, I bring the same discipline: high standards, real publishing cadence, and a genuine belief that the work should earn its audience rather than chase it.
I'm based in Vancouver, BC. My editorial sensibility runs wide — culture, food, craft, cities, technology, the internet — and I believe the best editorial properties feel like they come from a single, coherent point of view, no matter how many formats they publish in.
Founding Editor-in-Chief
The Level
Apr 2025 – Feb 2026 · Vancouver, BC
Founded and led a new digital media brand — defining editorial vision, brand voice, and content standards across newsletter, website, and social. Built audience growth strategy with emphasis on short-form video and platform-native storytelling.
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief
The Georgia Straight & Overstory Media Group
May 2022 – Feb 2024 · Vancouver, BC
Led the editorial and organizational rebuilding of a legacy independent publication. Modernized voice, clarified audience focus, and relaunched products across print, digital, social, and newsletter with an emphasis on public trust and community connection.
Principal
Moon Dog Media & Consulting
Nov 2018 – Present · Vancouver, BC
Media, content, and brand strategy engagements for media, education, and consumer-focused organizations. Develops editorial frameworks, brand voice guidelines, and content strategy designed to increase engagement and loyalty.
Founder & Editor
The Growler
Sep 2014 – Oct 2016 · Vancouver, BC
Founded and scaled BC's first dedicated craft beer magazine — built editorial strategy, contributor network, and brand identity from scratch, growing a loyal niche audience.
Digital Editor
Glacier Media
Sep 2012 – Sep 2014 · Vancouver, BC
Led digital editorial strategy across multiple publications. Drove traffic and engagement growth through new formats and audience-focused content.
Arts & Culture Editor
Pique Newsmagazine
Jun 2010 – Sep 2012 · Whistler, BC
Covered arts, culture, and business; managed freelance contributors. Promoted from council reporter to Arts Editor.
I'm open to conversations about editorial leadership roles. The best way to reach me is email — I read everything and respond to things that feel like genuine fits.
stephensmys@gmail.com