In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, it’s time to put a name and face to one of YouTube’s most influential voices in digital commentary: Kristi Cook, the creator of Spill Sesh. With over 445 million views, Kristi has turned her once-anonymous channel into the destination for smart, nuanced takes on the internet’s most talked-about scandals—and she’s done it all solo.
A former journalist and proud member of the AAPI community, Kristi isn’t your typical “tea” channel host. Instead of clickbait and chaos, she brings sharp analysis, ethical storytelling, and real-world context to a genre often ruled by outrage and drama. Since revealing her identity in The New York Times, Kristi has stepped fully into the spotlight—still spilling tea, but now doing so as a public voice for accountability, representation, and integrity in digital media.
This AAPI Heritage Month, Kristi is reflecting on her journey from anonymous commentator to trailblazing content creator. She’s breaking down what it means to be an Asian American woman navigating a space rarely built with people like her in mind—and why diversity in gossip, pop culture, and internet commentary isn’t just important, it’s essential.
Stay tuned as Kristi continues to expand her digital empire across platforms—proving that even in the world of influencer drama, truth, clarity, and representation will always trend.
You started Spill Sesh anonymously and built it into one of the most trusted voices in digital commentary. What motivated you to finally step into the spotlight and reveal your identity?
I was really comfortable and happy making my YouTube videos anonymously, but I knew I wanted to grow beyond that. Revealing my identity wasn’t about changing what I do, it was about expanding what I could do. Being more front-facing opened the door to new opportunities.
As an AAPI creator in a space often driven by sensationalism and clickbait, how have you navigated bringing a more ethical and thoughtful approach to internet drama?
It’s definitely something I’ve always been mindful of. I feel a responsibility to approach stories with care and integrity. I want to make sure I’m giving everyone all the sides of a story and leaving it up to the audience to decide how they feel after hearing everything. That means fact-checking, being mindful of tone, and thinking about the real people behind the headlines. Drama doesn’t have to mean dragging people, it can still be engaging while being fair.
Your background in journalism clearly informs your content. How do you balance storytelling with accuracy when covering topics that are often emotionally charged or controversial?
My background in journalism definitely shaped how I cover stories, I always want to lead with facts, then build a narrative around that. With more controversial stories I try to slow down and make sure I’m being fair to everyone involved. It’s about telling the full story, not just the most shocking part.
Spill Sesh has over 445 million views—a staggering number. What do you think resonates so deeply with your audience?
I want my audience to feel like we’re all just on FaceTime together, that this is a space where we’re casually chatting about what’s going on online, like you’re hearing a story from a friend. I think that approach makes even the heavier or more complicated stories easier to digest. It creates space for conversation, and I think that it helps people feel more connected and open to different perspectives.
Representation in digital media is evolving, but there’s still a long way to go. What does it mean to you to be a visible AAPI voice in commentary culture?
It means a lot to me. To be in a position where I can be that representation for someone else is really meaningful. Being a visible AAPI voice in this space isn’t just about identity, it’s about bringing a different perspective, one that’s thoughtful, informed, and hopefully opens the door for more voices to be heard.
Many creators rely on teams, yet you built Spill Sesh solo. What were some of the biggest challenges—and rewards—of managing it all yourself?
One of the biggest challenges was definitely time management and making sure I didn’t burn out. That’s always a concern in this space, but I’ve worked hard to maintain a solid work-life balance. It’s been really rewarding to go on this journey with myself, growing, learning, and figuring it out along the way.
In what ways do you think being part of the AAPI community has shaped your perspective on online accountability and influencer culture?
Being part of the AAPI community has definitely shaped the way I view accountability and influencer culture. There’s this understanding, sometimes unspoken, of the importance of respect, responsibility, and how your actions reflect on the larger community. I think that’s made me more mindful of how I approach stories. I try to hold people accountable without being cruel, and I’m always thinking about the bigger picture. It’s not just about calling someone out, it’s about why it matters and what we can learn from it
We’re seeing more creators push for transparency and responsibility in the influencer world. How do you hope your platform continues to contribute to that shift?
I’ve always wanted Spill Sesh to be part of the shift toward more transparency and accountability in the influencer space. Audiences have been asking for that for years, and it’s clear they value creators who are open and honest. You can see it in who they support, they reward authenticity.
How do you protect your mental health while covering the internet’s most chaotic and dramatic moments?
Protecting my mental health is something I’ve had to be really intentional about, especially when I’m constantly immersed in internet drama. I set boundaries with how much I consume and remind myself to disconnect when I need to. Not every story needs an immediate reaction, and it’s okay to take a beat. Having a good support system and keeping a balance outside of work has also been key.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you and the Spill Sesh brand? Are there new projects, platforms, or collaborations we should be excited about?
I’m so excited about what’s next for Spill Sesh. I’ve been working on expanding the brand beyond YouTube into new platforms, new formats, and even some collaborations I can’t wait to share. The goal has always been to grow while staying true to the voice and community that made Spill Sesh what it is. Whether that’s through interviews, live events, or new shows, I’m just excited to keep evolving and finding new ways to connect with my audience
