Jonathon Barbato
Digital Media Kit
Digital Media Kit
Jonathon Barbato
TV Executive • Transformational Leader • Speaker • Author • Photographer • Entrepreneur
Bio
About Him
"The stories we tell today shape the future we live tomorrow, I'm a commitment to bringing uplifting stories to millions and believe life is happening FOR us, not TO us."
Jonathon Barbato, Co-CEO of Best Ever Channels, a company with five channels in streaming media and on connected TVs (Roku, Pluto, VIZIO, LG, etc.), states his mission is to bring conscious media to the mainstream. With over 80 million potential viewers for his channels, he’s well on his way there.
Before Best Ever Channels, Barbato carved out his entertainment career from the ground up. He started as a clerk at Warner Bros., became an exec at Sony Studios, and went on to Head of Marketing at MGM TV and then STARZ movie channel. He eventually jumped corporate entertainment to become an entrepreneur, raising $45 million to build Ripe Digital Entertainment and a Digital Marketing agency, Apricot Corporation, where he advised clients like Pluto TV, Tubi and over 22 others.
But Barbato is also a creator and transformational leader. He has authored a spiritual novel, "Hacking Heaven", to be released to the public in 2026; is a frequent guest on wellness and personal development podcasts; has a growing Substack presence; is an amateur photographer; and intends to expend his wealth in his later years as a Philanthropist and Investor.
He is a regular speaker on key entertainment industry panels; has won multiple awards for his television marketing campaigns; and advises multiple companies on their media strategy and growth. He is a founding member of Jack Canfield’s Association of Transformational Leaders; a certified Law of Attraction coach; a member of OTTX, ATLAS, and other entertainment associations; is a Knight of the Orthodox Order of St. John; and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which he still practices weekly.
Barbato has two children, Anastasia (28) and Alexander (20), and he and his current wife, Dr. Cari Schaefer DACM, live in Santa Barbara, California.
Leader
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER
A Personal Development and Business Coach, trained in the Mind Movies Method, Barbato is also a thought leader in the areas of alternative health & wellness.
Bringing Insight and Intentionality to Growth and Wellness
Jonathon Barbato is a Personal Development and Business Coach whose training in the Mind Movies Method informs his grounded, practical approach to transformation. Drawing from years of leadership across the entertainment industry and his ongoing work in conscious media, he blends strategy with inner development, helping individuals and creators align their work with deeper purpose and clarity. His perspective is shaped by both his professional background and his long-standing interest in personal growth.
As a thought leader in the areas of alternative health and wellness, Jonathon brings curiosity and open-minded exploration to every conversation. He regularly engages with transformative ideas and communities, and his presence at events has placed him in the company of many well-known figures in the personal development and spiritual space—reflected in photographs of him alongside individuals such as Eckhart Tolle, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Vishen Lakhiani, Arielle Ford, Jillian Michaels, JP Sears, Zhena Muzyka, Yasmina Elkins, Lynn Kitchen, and Hilary Carr. These encounters highlight the breadth of his engagement within the wider consciousness and wellness landscape.
Through his coaching, writing, and media work, Jonathon aims to support others in pursuing growth that is authentic, sustainable, and aligned with their values. Whether guiding clients, contributing to discussions in the transformational community, or developing conscious storytelling through his media ventures, he brings a steady commitment to personal evolution and meaningful impact.
Speaker
Speaker
3/27/2025
Co-Creating with the Universe: Spirituality & Daily Practices with Jonathon Barbato
In this expansive and heart-opening episode of the Spiritual Journey Podcast, Nimesh Radia welcomes Jonathon Barbato for a rich conversation on spirituality, the Akashic Records, daily practices, co-creation, and the transformative power of positive content.
Jonathon shares his personal spiritual evolution—from a Catholic upbringing to discovering a deeper connection with Source and his guides. Together, they explore how to stay grounded during chaotic times, how to connect with your inner wisdom, and the balance between commitment and detachment.
10/23/2024
All good marketing starts with good relationships, and the relationships between creators, audiences, and distributors are being reshaped in today's streaming market. Our Co-CEO Jonathon Barbato talks the future of the industry at the seventh annual hashtag Future Video 24 conference.
12/17/2024
Streaming media evolves at a lightning pace, impacting everything from viewer habits to the value of legacy media channels. Join our Co-CEO Jonathon Barbato and a panel of experts as they talk FAST evolution, cable channel spinoff strategies, and more with OTT.X!
10/16/2023
Co-CEO Jonathon Barbato moderates the "Streaming FAST 2.0" panel at Streaming Connect. Watch the discussion with panelists Greg Barnard, Director Content Acquisitions (VIZIO); Matthew Durgin, Sr. Director Smart TV Partnerships (LG); Gustavo Neiva de Medeiros, CEO (TeleUp); Rema Morgan-Aluko, VP Software Engineering (Fandango); and John Wastcoat, SVP Strategic Alliances & Mktg (Zixi).
10/16/2023
Content discovery and maintaining high-reliability performance are among the top priorities for FAST providers. Our Co-CEO Jonathon Barbato discusses the challenges and solutions, and posits the future of FAST with Streaming Media Magazine.
10/16/2023
In today’s crowded streaming market, competition for eyeballs is fierce. Getting content discovered is arguably the number-one challenge facing streamers and publishers.
Recorded on August 2, 2023, this OTT.X Wednesday Webinar discussion focuses on gaining carriage and building viewership in the rapidly crowding free ad-supported streaming TV and FAST markets. The discussion is led by Wurl’s Head of Strategy, Craig Heiting and features Best Ever Channels Co-CEO Jonathon Barbato and The E.W. Scripps Company’s VP of Digital Product Management & Business Operations, Tony Brown.
12/8/2022
ITVT/TVOT is pleased to present a new episode of “Televisionation,” our video/audio podcast exploring the advanced/interactive-TV industry.
This episode features Jonathon Barbato, Co-CEO of Best Ever Channels, a company that develops and distributes original FAST and AVOD channel brands. He explains how the company finds (often unusual and underappreciated) content and then works with the owners to create streaming channels, apps and social communities for that content; discusses the types/genres of content the company targets; talks about its new deals with Witz and SPIN Magazine; casts light on its future plans, and more.
Click here to watch.
11/27/2022
Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) has been the big story of the last 2 years, but there's tension growing between streaming services and TV/OS manufacturers over who owns the viewer and how to get those viewers to the content. This panel looks at the challenges facing FAST services as they move into the future, from user experience and personalization to syndication and targeted advertising.
Moderator:
Magnus Svensson, Media Solution Specialist, Eyevinn Technology, Sweden
Speakers:
Cameron Saless, Chief Business Officer, Trusted Media Brands
Dan Turow, VP of File-Based Solutions, Evertz
Jonathon Barbato, Co-CEO, Best Ever Channels
Marisa Elizondo, Senior Director Content Strategy & Acquisition, fuboTV
Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates
11/27/2022
Press
Questions For Press
How long have you been involved in Television distribution? And what have you seen change or stay the same? Perhaps tell us a bit about your background.
I've been in TV distribution my whole career, over 25 years. I got involved in entertainment because I wanted to meet the people I'd sell my scripts to one day. Only I got involved in the business and neglected the creative, working my way up through the studio system, culminating in an appointment as Head of MGM Television, then Head of Marketing at STARZ movie channel before jumping corporate entertainment and going entrepreneur. I've seen the industry evolve from all angles, broadcast, cable, on demand, now streaming. Most of my vision for the future comes from watching the past repeat itself.
You’re the Co-CEO of Best Ever Channels. What is Best Ever Channels and does this role cap off your career to date?
Best Ever Channels is a streaming media channel creator and content aggregator, also producing original content and branded entertainment.
What is “streaming media” and why does it matter?
Streaming media, as I'm using it, refers to the free channel eco-system. The place where more of the general public are watching TV than cable or satellite anymore. The major connected TV set manufacturers, like Samsung, LG and VIZIO all have their own offer of hundreds of linear channels. There are also a few free-standing channel aggregators you've likely heard of, like PLUTO, TUBI and ROKU.
Where do you think we’re headed with TV, YouTube, Social Media, Streaming?
It's a transitional time for television. With the advent of streaming the traditional cable gate keeper system changed forever, putting that power into the hands of the connected TV manufacturers and the aggregators like ROKU, PLUTO and TUBI. But with these changes has also come a fractionalization of the television distribution and advertising systems. Then, factoring in social media and YouTube (now claiming to be watched on more TVs than the rest), television has evolved from a few channels programmed for the masses to hundreds of channels for a price, to watching what you want, when you want, to the advent of streaming and single IP channels and the ever-expanding breadth of the television "long tail." I think the future holds to tiers of television, maybe three. The creator-based and AI tier of "quick hit" disposable TV and a premium (pay for it) tier with high production values. The device itself is likely to become a wall or any other surface and less a furniture piece itself and "TV" won't be so much about the device as the content we'll digest in only slightly different ways on multiple devices. And ask me about the studio system...with Netflix buying Warner Bros., Skydance buying Paaramount and who knows what's next with Comcast and NBC...not to mention Walmart owning VIZIO and the Amazon eco-system.
Rumor has it you wrote a book based on these principles…care to tell us more about that?
"Hacking Heaven," coming out in 2026. The story of Finn, who's having a great time in Heaven until he meets the love of his lifetimes and must face a number of challenging decisions if they are to live their next lifetime together. It explores how our life works, what's fate and free will, and a whole lot of other concepts about life and meaning.
What’s next for you? And how could our viewers/listeners find out more about what you’re up to?
Well, I have five channels as CEO of Best Ever Channels, with my Women's Wellness channel soon to be in front of 80 million monthly average viewers. As I said, my first novel is coming out in 2026 and I'm already writing the sequel. Not to mention I have been building a platform to feature all I'm up to on Substack. It's a great way for me to interact with my readers as well as discover other creators with my passion for conscious media that I can feature on my streaming channels or collaborate with in other ways. I'm a speaker in both the streaming media and conscious media spaces and I have a few courses I offer to aspiring writers and students of life. I can give your listeners links and I'm also happy to give anyone who's listening to this free access to a white paper I've written on the future of conscious media.
You say you’re committed to bringing ‘conscious media to the mainstream viewer’, how do you define “conscious media?”
I believe the stories we tell ourselves and the world are what shape our future. To me, "conscious media" are stories that explore greater depth and meaning for us in our human experience. It could be fiction with a collaborative or expansive perspective or health, wealth and wisdom content exploring alternative ways of living in order to leave a positive impact on individuals and the planet.
Why do you think it’s important for the mainstream to see this “conscious media?”
As I said, we shape our future with the stories we tell. I can't take away the overload of negative stories and content currently out there, but I can certainly do my best to give the mainstream an alternative view...content that uplifts their experience rather than brings them down. I think that's critical to us creating a better future for our children and their children's children.
What’s your background around “conscious media” – what qualifies you to be on this mission?
I've been a student of positive living since I read Norman Vincent Peale's "The Power Of Positive Thinking" in High School...leading to a number of other greats like Og Mandino"s "The Greatest Miracle In the World" or Dan Millman's "Way Of the Peaceful Warrior." That led me to becoming a founding member of Jack Canfield's Association of Transformational Leaders and meeting many of these authors firsthand, working with many of them on their digital marketing and distribution. I'm a student of life, and I think that's what I have in common with all these other leaders. Now I spend my days figuring out new ways we can all collaborate to touch more people with that message.
What’s your own philosophy about life and why we’re all here? You say you believe life is happening FOR you vs. TO you. Care to explain what you mean?
It's in everything I do. Many of us feel like life is happening TO us, that we're victims of circumstance somehow and have no control over what our life looks like. I used to feel that way too, till eventually I started looking at my life, the good times and especially the bad, and searched for how whatever was happening could be leading to something that was ultimately beneficial. Expanded me as an individual. If that's the case, if my life is happening FOR me, then it's not too far a stretch to imagine that how I view, think and act in my world has an effect over the outcomes I experience...has an effect over what I experience even. Once I started going the down the rabbit hole of what that could mean I started seeing the overlap with quantum physics, epigenetics, and a whole lot of other very interesting thoughts and beliefs. I could go on about this subject forever.
How long have you considered yourself an author…and how do you fit it in with everything else you’re up to?
Since the Seventh grade really, I was an avid reader as a child. Reading was my escape and my way to imagine my life could be better than it was. Then I started writing. In Seventh grade I almost got expelled for writing "Papion at St. James Prison Camp" featuring the nuns and teachers as the prison guards and my fellow students as the prisoners. I was a nerd before being a nerd was cool and outcast and picked on. When I wrote that story I became popular overnight and my teacher took me aside and mentored me as a writer for years to come...once I promised never to disparage the school or teachers in my future writings of course!! Her nurturing and all the books I read as a child. It's why I got into entertainment in the first place...to get my stories out there. I wasn't born into entertainment connections, so it took a lot of ingenuity and determination to build the career I have, but it's always been about telling positive stories.
Books
Author
Hacking Heaven
Written by G J Barbato
Hacking Heaven explores the meaning of fate, the source of déjà vu, the question of why some suffer while others thrive, who chooses our race, religion, sex, culture, and why. And it does it with characters readers will relate to and grow to love. Whether you agree with all it contains or question every page, it’s a compelling read with universal appeal. And, while it’s unlike any other story out there, it’s also oddly relatable and familiar.
Reviews
A word from Arielle Ford
"Filled with loving Guardian Angels and humorous guides, ‘Hacking Heaven’ explores the purpose and meaning of life, both on Earth and in Paradise (and spaces in between). This captivating book explains the magic and mystery of reincarnation and manifestation and most importantly, it’s a love story about soulmates that will appeal to all genders."
— Arielle Ford
Author, Book Publicist.
"The Soulmate Secret", "The Love Thief", "Wabi Sabi Love"
"This is a page-turner full of inspiration, wisdom and clear guidance. It is also a powerful love story. If you want to be enthralled and can't wait to see what's next afterlife… this is the book for you."
— Cynthia James, Author; Thought Leader
"An imaginative spiritual fable following two soulmates planning their upcoming lifetimes and grappling with unconditional love. As the producer of another afterlife fable 'What Dreams May Come,' I enthusiastically recommend 'Hacking Heaven."
— Barnet Bain, Author, Director, Producer
"Hacking Heaven offers a delightful and essential lesson in spiritual growth. It inspires one to ask: 'What might be missed when living on auto-pilot?' It provokes reflection on what one could create by attuning to life's lessons. Barbato has offered up an invaluable gift to all who read it."
— Julie Morely, PhD, Author, Researcher & Ornithographer
Anthologies
Trouble in Paradise: A Speculative Fiction Anthology
You might find utopia in borrowed time with loved ones; on an anniversary cruise; in vampiric immortality; or held within a perfect moment. You might find it in a bottle, on a spaceship or tropical island, in a haunted hotel, or on a first date at the end of the world.
In this collection,twenty authors bring you to Paradise in its many forms. Each thrilling, moving, and comedic tale explores how we can bring about our own versions of utopia in the actions we take - for better, or for worse.
Includes short stories by:
Alora Archer, Anastasia Barbato, G.J. Barbato, Peter Ong Cook, Adrianna Ebrahim, Erik Engman, Jessica Homami, Jason Hussong, Laura M. Jue, Liviera Leebong, Sage Allene Lowry, Marcy Dewey Mahoney, Tara Mann, Lance Menthe, Heather Oxley, Bud Robertson, Katariina, Ruuska, Rowan Ryder, Alex Whitover
Journeys to Uncharted Lands: Sixth Annual Los Angeles NaNo Anthology
Welcome to the sixth annual Los Angeles NaNo Anthology! In support of the National Novel Writing Month, our editors selected the best short stories submitted from writers across the globe.
This year we requested stories with a theme of exploration and the unknown. Inside you’ll find tales taking you from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of space, from lush forests to deserts without a drop of water to spare.
Join us on a journey to these uncharted lands. They’re all only minutes away.
Shadowed Doorways: Fifth Annual NaNo Los Angeles Anthology
A shape-shifting detective hunts a homicidal arsonist. A jungle exploration goes horribly wrong. A child’s discovery has life-changing consequences. A deadly plague spreads across the countryside.
These stories and twenty-two more comprise our fifth edition of the Los Angeles NaNo Anthology. NaNoWriMo participants across the globe submitted short stories involving elements of darkness and concealment. This year’s diverse collection includes the most powerful and fascinating entries we received.
So open that door and take a step into the shadows beyond. Who knows what might be waiting for you inside?
Believe Me Not: An Unreliable Anthology
Have I Got a Story for You... Did Orion find love in the Everglades? Will a young lemur become the world’s greatest guilt monkey? What actually happened between Gretel and Hansel? What terrible secret is hiding at Graceline Industries? Can an android feel love? Who is the mysterious figure stalking a family through the Amazon? And what is going on with all these cuticles and why are they in space stations?
Some–but not all–of these questions are answered within, as forty-eight new and intriguing writers of all ages explore the concept of the Unreliable Narrator. Proceed with caution and believe at your own risk. You won’t believe what happens next. 100% of the proceeds from this anthology benefit National Novel Writing Month and its Young Writer’s Program.
Photography
Photographer
To me, photography is nothing more (or less) than captured moments in time, where a picture is worth 1000 words and an emotion is drawn.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
What services do you offer?
We offer 1:1 coaching, group programs, clarity sessions, and personalized growth plans designed to help you move forward with purpose.
How do I get started?
Start by booking a free discovery call. We’ll explore your goals and see if our coaching is the right fit for you.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes! All coaching sessions are held virtually via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in the world.
How often do sessions take place?
Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, depending on their goals and coaching plan. We’ll decide what cadence works best for you.
How long is each session?
Sessions typically last 60 minutes, allowing time for deep conversation, reflection, and action planning.
Is coaching confidential?
Absolutely. Everything shared during coaching is kept private and confidential in a safe, judgment-free space.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — we offer flexible payment options for coaching packages to make support accessible and stress-free.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24-hour notice for any rescheduling. Missed or late-cancelled sessions may be charged depending on your plan.
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Connections
Connections
Testimonials
Testimonals
“I absolutely LOVE Jonathon, He shows up with real presence and commitment. He's a student of life and pleasure to be with, committed to make impact that matters.”
- Kellan Fluckiger
Founder Ultimate Life University
Create YOUR Ultimate Life
"Jonathon Barbato has been a 15-year friend, colleague, resource, and an industry visionary in the ever-evolving world of digital media."
- Mitch Berman, Fractional Media & Tech Executive | Strategic Advisor | Board Member
"Jonathon is one of those authors in the self-growth and mastery space who can seamlessly translate the deep wisdom of his own journey into writing that is this delightful, clear, and easy to absorb."
- Vlad Sovetski, Fortune 500 Marketing Consultant (solovetski.com) | Executive & Crisis Management Coach (crisisfreedom.com)
"Jonathon Barbato has been coaching in my USM community for eight years, and his ability to inspire, guide, and elevate our students is truly remarkable. He is an invaluable part of our transformational family and a stellar human being."
- Natalie Ledwell
Best Selling Author & Co-Founder of Mind Movies.
" Jonathon Barbato’s experience and integrity in the television and streaming world are unmatched. His clear insight, guidance, and deep understanding of audiences have been pivotal as I return to launch a new show, and I’m truly grateful to be creating with him."
- Dan Vega
Entrepreneur, Speaker, Advisor, Talk-Show Host, Investor, Philanthropist
Contact
Contact
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