Star streamer Ninja goes ‘AFK’ to launch an original podcast

Tyler Blevins, the gaming star known as Ninja, is already active on six different streaming platforms. Now, he’s adding a podcast to his burgeoning media empire.

Blevins will talk to luminaries from fields like music, sports, gaming, comedy, and entertainment on AFK, an audio program that will officially launch on September 12. The 32-year-old Michigan native plans to release two new episodes per week. One installment per week will be dedicated to Blevins’ conversations with his guests. The other will serve as a rundown of the latest gaming, entertainment, internet, and creator news.

AFK is produced in collaboration with SALT and SiriusXM‘s Stitcher Studios. Guests who are lined up for the podcast include actor Matthew McConaughey, musician Steve Aoki, NFL quarterback Jared Goff, and Fortnite streamer Chica Live (real name Maria Lopez).

In a trailer for AFK, Blevins said that his fans would probably expect his podcast to have a bombastic intro, but “that’s just not happening.” (Given the tone of the statement, it may have been sarcastic.) In contrast to his streams, Blevins’ podcast is meant to showcase in-depth conversations.

“I’m hyped to finally talk about what has been in the works for a long time,” Blevins said in a statement. “I’ve always wanted to blaze new trails, and making my mark in the podcast world gives me the chance to sit on the other side of the table to dish out the questions myself.”

Blevins first rose up the streamer ranks as one of the initial stars of the Fortnite community. His blend of attitude, humor, kid-friendly delivery, and high-level gameplay have made him one of the most popular draws on Twitch, where his streams reach 18.6 million followers. He is currently represented by talent agency CAA and the law firm of Loeb & Loeb, LLP.