Before the handle, there was the work.
Ashley “AC” Trybula is an award-winning media executive, journalist, content strategist, and creator. As Head of Content at The Shade Room, she leads social, editorial, video, and original programming for one of the world's largest social-first media brands, reaching more than 61 million monthly social users.
That's the professional introduction. The backstory is a little more interesting.
How I Got Here
One of my earliest assignments was covering Usher's 8701 Evolution Tour for The Daily Herald as a teenage music critic.
Since then, I've worked my way through radio, television, publishing, digital media, podcasting, and the social-first era. I've seen the industry change quite a bit—and helped build a few things along the way.
Urban One & Reach Media
At Urban One and Reach Media, I worked across more than 50 brands in 15 markets, helping grow digital content operations and revenue.
iHeartMedia
At iHeartMedia, I was part of the team that helped build and launch iHeartPodcasts.
The Shade Room
Today, I lead content at The Shade Room, where social, editorial, and video work together to inform, entertain, and engage one of the most influential audiences in digital culture.
Along the way, my work has earned three Webby Awards, three Shorty Awards, Digiday and Telly Awards, and recognition from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. See the accolades on The Receipts →
And while I appreciate the trophies, I'm just as proud of the teams I've developed, opportunities I've helped create, and the audiences we've built.
Why They Call Me The Plug
The nickname goes back to my radio days in Detroit.
I was connecting artists and local tastemakers with opportunities, helping people reach bigger audiences, and making things happen behind the scenes.
Eventually, people started calling me "the plug."
And, well...they weren't wrong. 😂
What started as a nickname became a pretty accurate description of what I've spent my career doing: connecting people to information, talent to opportunities, stories to audiences, and brands to communities.
These days, being The Plug extends beyond media. If I discover a great tool, an interesting place, an opportunity worth sharing, or something you really should know about, chances are I'm going to put you on.
A Few More Tabs Open
I'm a Chicago native, a longtime global digital nomad, and someone who's never been particularly good at staying in one place.
I also have a background in beauty, including cosmetology, makeup artistry, brand activations, and sales. So while media strategy might be my day job, beauty, travel, culture, and discovering new things have always been part of the picture.
Oh, and I share a September 4 birthday with Beyoncé. Just thought that deserved a mention. 😂
There's More to Explore.
This site is where I share the work, ideas, experiences, and resources I think are worth your attention.
You'll find a little bit of everything: a look behind the business of media, practical tools for creators and content teams, career highlights, and the occasional recommendation I refuse to gatekeep.
I'm also open to thoughtful collaborations, consulting, speaking opportunities, and conversations about where media and culture are headed next.