One morning, I received an email from my client with an interview request from Maya Abrahamsson of The Latest With Maya (in addition to DIVINE, I manage several lifestyle experts). As I always do, I vetted the request by researching the person sending it, ensuring it was legitimate and a good use of my client’s time. What I discovered was an extraordinary young woman who, despite facing numerous health challenges, continues to inspire others.
Maya describes herself as “a metastasized brain tumor survivor and ongoing patient,” having undergone more than 25 brain surgeries, two and a half years of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Through it all, The Latest With Maya has remained her constant.
Starting at the age of 13, Maya began a pop culture show at Seacrest Studios in Children’s Hospital Colorado. The show, recorded for the children at the hospital, was also featured on Maya’s YouTube channel. At 14, she found her purpose, interviewing people who brought her the same joy and escape that she wanted to share with others.
When asked about her favorite interview, Maya is reluctant to choose just one. She says, “There have been so many interviews that have been my favourite. It’s always whoever I’m talking with in the moment. No matter who I’m interviewing, we always find something to connect over.” However, she recalls two standout interviews early in her career at Seacrest Studios: “I remember when I interviewed actors Todd Grinnell and Justin Bartha. Both were such fun interviews, and we laughed a lot. Those are the two that made me feel like I was really finding my rhythm as an interviewer.”
For Maya, the key to her success has been staying true to her passion—picking people whose work has inspired or entertained her, and finding a way to connect with them.
Can you imagine reaching out to your favorite celebrities and asking to interview them? That takes chutzpah, and Maya has it in spades. She speaks to those who inspire her, and in turn, she inspires me. Maya is kind, spunky, and creates opportunities despite life’s toughest challenges. That’s why she’s the latest subject in our #WomenInspiringWomen series:
Your journey with “The Latest with Maya” began during your time at Seacrest Studios. How did that experience shape your approach to storytelling and interviewing?
I don’t know that it shaped my approach to storytelling, but it gave me a launching ground to help me realize what I was passionate about, and helped me realize what I’m capable of. Even when I first started, I was identifying who I wanted to speak with, reaching out to them, and booking them.
It’s a lot of work interviewing people. How long does it take you and what is your process like?
It doesn’t take me that long anymore. I’ve changed it a little bit from going from Seacrest studios to now, solely my own YouTube channel. At Seacrest studios I always asked project specific questions. Now that I’m doing it on my YouTube channel, I just ask questions to get to know whoever I’m talking with as a person.
How do you find the courage to reach out to your guests, who are either well-known or celebrities?
When I first started, it intimidating reaching out to these people. I still have insecurity at times. When I was ending my show at Seacrest studios, I knew that I wanted to keep doing interviews. I knew that people wanted to talk to me, but it was also because the Ryan Seacrest name was attached. I was worried that once I didn’t have the Seacrest name attached to my show, that people wouldn’t be so willing or open to being interviewed.
My mom told me that I can’t think that way. I have to think, “Well, why wouldn’t they want to talk to me?” After having that conversation, I changed my mindset to why wouldn’t they want to have a fun conversation?
Having conducted over 300 interviews, what have you learned about connecting with people, both in front of and behind the camera?
I recently had my 500th interview! My interviews have helped me a lot with my communication skills. I want the people I interview to feel comfortable enough to let down their guard, so I’ve worked hard to be that way, too.
You have faced significant health challenges from a young age. How has that shaped how you see the world?
It has helped me learn to appreciate the small things more, and to take advantage of the days that I feel better. I really have my mom to thank for teaching me that there’s always something to smile about or laugh about, no matter what situation you’re in.
Balancing health, personal interests, and your own show is no small feat. What strategies or mindsets help you maintain this balance?
My show is my lifeline. It’s what keeps me going, so even though it can be stressful at times, it brings me a lot of joy. I don’t have a ton of energy. My mom has always phrased it saying that I have limited fuel, so I always try to prioritize the things I need to do, but realistically thinking about what I can do.
Can you share how interviewing celebrities impacted you personally and professionally and how does being interviewed yourself change the way that you look at your own interview style?
It doesn’t really change how I look at how I look at my own interview style. The way I see it is that I don’t want to copy someone else’s style, because everyone’s style is so different.
I find that I’m much more comfortable being the one interviewing someone rather than being the one who is interviewed. I love getting to know people and having deep conversations. I have had a lot of interviews where after it has finished, I feel like I just met my new best friend. I have never liked having the spotlight shone solely on me. I always like putting it on somebody else.
For young women aspiring to make their mark in media or any field, what advice would you offer based on your experiences?
I would tell them is to stay true to who you are. Don’t try to do what everyone else is doing. Stay true to you and do what you want.
Who inspires you?
There are several. My mom inspires me for several reasons. Watching her persevere through so many obstacles and everything she’s had to manage as my sister and I grew up, I’m constantly in awe. She and I have a very different and special bond because we’ve both been through cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation.
My twin sister, Leah, is my best friend and has always been by my side. Watching all she accomplishes as she moves through the world is amazing! Whenever the three of us are together, we’re laughing non-stop!
I’m also really inspired by Ryan Seacrest, because he helped me find my passion.
Watch The Latest with Maya on YouTube and follow her on Instagram @thelatestwithmaya.
