The Profile: Harvey Weinstein’s publicist & the founder of a cult baby formula company

This edition of The Profile features Laura Modi, Michael B. Jordan, Miley Cyrus, and others.

Good morning, friends!

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Want to know how I choose subjects, structure a narrative, or draw out the things they prefer to hide?

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THE DETAILS:

WHAT: AMA with Polina
WHEN: Tuesday, June 10 at 12pm EST
WHERE: Substack Live at this link

Looking forward to seeing you there!

— Polina

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PROFILES.

— The founder who built a cult baby formula company
— Harvey Weinstein’s publicist
— The movie star redefining stardom
— The former child star learning to ‘mother herself’
— The streaming platform coming for Hollywood [**HIGHLY RECOMMEND**]

PEOPLE TO KNOW.

The founder who built a cult baby formula company: When Bobbie baby formula founder Laura Modi appeared with RFK Jr., fans were divided — some praised her presence, others saw it as a betrayal of the brand’s values. Modi says real change to infant nutrition standards requires being “in the room,” even with controversial figures. Her brand, built on clean ingredients and advocacy, grew during the 2022 formula shortage and now holds 4% of the U.S. market. Critics worry the move undermines Bobbie’s outsider image, but Modi insists infant health should rise above politics. (The New York Times; alternate link)

“If what it takes to update nutritional standards is a certain administration, certain voices to create that change, I’m all here for it.”

Harvey Weinstein’s publicist: Juda Engelmayer, once a bagel shop owner, is now the go-to PR fixer for some of the most controversial figures in America — including Harvey Weinstein, Anna Sorokin, and Nicole Daedone. He built a niche by taking on clients no one else would touch, using blunt strategy, moral compartmentalization, and media savvy to control the narrative. Critics call his work enabling; he calls it realism. Though he’s no Hollywood insider, Engelmayer has become an unlikely power player, navigating courtrooms and crisis headlines with a mix of cynicism and grit. He says, “I try to keep myself morally centered while I help other people who are not.” (The New York Times; alternate link)

“One of the reasons wokeism isn’t something I adhere to is because you can’t look at someone and say they’re awful because of one thing.”

The movie star redefining stardom: Michael B. Jordan is redefining modern stardom — directing, producing, and headlining bold originals like Sinners, a $341M vampire thriller with cultural bite. Despite blockbuster success, he’s often left out of “next great actor” conversations. Now, he’s building his own empire with Outlier Society and upcoming projects like The Thomas Crown Affair. Strategic, guarded, and relentlessly driven, Jordan is playing the long game — not just to be a star, but to own the board. (New York Magazine; alternate link)

“I’ve missed out on a lot of life. I’m not complaining — but that balance is something I’ve always struggled with, of the personal and professional stuff.”

The former child star learning to ‘mother herself:’ In this wide-ranging interview, Miley Cyrus reflects on growing up in the spotlight, finally feeling validated after her first Grammy win for “Flowers.” Her new album Something Beautiful explores grief, rage, and redefining beauty. She’s found strength through therapy, healing family rifts, and learning to “mother herself.” Now 33, Cyrus is focused less on fame and more on creative freedom and emotional clarity. (The New York Times; alternative link)

“I’ve given myself a mantra: Don’t run. I don’t want to leave situations that make me uncomfortable, because that’s what life is.”

COMPANIES TO WATCH.

The streaming platform coming for Hollywood: YouTube has gone from a “slopfest” of user content to a dominant force in the living room, outpacing Disney and rival streamers in TV viewership. Its ad sales have doubled in five years, driven by creators like MrBeast and Alan Chikin Chow, who are producing sitcom-style shows with mass appeal. Scripted series from creators like Chow and Dhar Mann are redefining what counts as quality, even if Hollywood still looks down on them. YouTube’s lower costs, massive reach, and cultural influence are drawing advertisers and blurring the line between Silicon Valley and Hollywood. As one exec put it: The Game of Thrones of YouTube is coming, it just won’t cost $100 million an episode. (Bloomberg; alternate link)

“Young people don’t watch cable; they watch YouTube.”

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