Ashley Matheson went from being a college dropout and pizza shop worker to becoming a prominent digital content creator and businesswoman. 

At just 23, this Canadian-born model and media personality has amassed millions of followers across social platforms, transforming a viral TikTok video into a thriving career.

But Ashley isn’t content with her success alone. Through her podcast, “Hotter Ones,” she’s leveraging her influence to empower fellow creators, particularly women in adult content. 

This candid show provides a safe, supportive platform for digital creators to share their stories, challenge industry stereotypes, and build community.

Ashley’s story is one of grit, innovation, and personality. She opens up about her unexpected rise to fame, the subsequent challenges, and her vision for the future of content creation.

Risking It All and Smiling Through the Storm

While working at a pizza shop and pursuing a degree in interior design, she posted a video on TikTok that went viral in October 2020. That video changed her life overnight, catapulting her from roughly a million TikTok followers to over 6 million within two months.

The sudden success led to a pivotal moment in her career. Soon afterward, she secured a deal with the agency that still represents her.

“In my first month with [my social media managers], I made a little over five figures,” she says. “At that point, that was the most money I’d ever seen in my bank account in my entire life.”

This financial breakthrough prompted Ashley to make a bold decision: quit her pizza job, drop out of school, and relocate to Los Angeles.

However, the transition was challenging. Ashley had to quickly adapt to the business side of being a content creator. 

“When it comes to being financially comfortable, there are many other things that come along, like paying taxes,” she notes. 

The aspiring model also faced backlash in the comments. “There were many comments on my appearance or how people felt about the content that I was making,” she shares. “But nobody who commented had ever sat down and had a conversation with me or gotten to know me.” 

Nevertheless, Ashley has remained optimistic about her chosen career path despite the steep learning curve and online negativity that had befallen her. 

“I would rather take a couple of hateful comments than have a laborious job or a job that I need to be hyper-attentive to,” she tells us. “I really can’t complain, so I take it with a smile.”

The “Hotter Ones” Podcast

Ashley’s popular podcast “Hotter Ones” is entering its second season. The show aims to provide a platform for female digital creators, particularly those in the adult content space, to share their stories and perspectives in a supportive environment.

Ashley’s inspiration for the podcast stemmed from her observations of existing content in the space. 

“If you search up a podcast about girls that do OnlyFans, you are met with a lot of these panel style podcasts where these anti-feminist men bring them on and then shame them over and over again,” she explains. 

Recognizing the need for a more positive platform, Ashley created “Hotter Ones” to showcase her peers’ intelligence and business acumen.

The podcast features an all-female production team, creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests. 

“We pre-plan much of it to ensure these girls are as comfortable as possible,” Ashley states. “They’re very included with the directing and what we’re going to discuss.” 

Unlike many industry podcasts, “Hotter Ones” compensates its guests, highlighting Ashley’s commitment to supporting her fellow creators.

For the second season, Ashley has incorporated feedback from listeners to refine the show’s content. 

“This season, for sure, the guests that I have invited are a lot more comfortable when it comes to being playful with each other and flirty,” she notes. 

The new episodes will balance entertaining content with substantive discussions about the creators’ journeys and experiences in the industry. The first special guest was Avery.

“Hotter Ones” is available on multiple platforms to reach a broad audience. The podcast is hosted on Patreon and OnlyFans, and a short-form version is on YouTube. 

Ashley believes the multi-platform presence allows her to engage with subscribers meaningfully and develop a deeper connection with her audience.

Behind the Scenes

“Hotter Ones” operates on a well-structured production schedule, balancing efficiency with creating a safe, positive environment for guests. 

The show releases new episodes every Friday at noon, with each season consisting of ten episodes.

Ashley credits her team, including producers David and Megan, for handling the behind-the-scenes work. 

“I have to start by giving credit,” she says. “I have a wonderful team behind me.” 

The production process involves reaching out to potential guests, setting dates, and signing contracts. On a typical filming day, Ashley and her team shoot two episodes, each taking about two hours. The shoot includes an interview, interactive segments, and a collaborative photo shoot.

Ashley’s all-female environment and comfortable atmosphere have positively affected her and her guests. “Doing this podcast has helped with my mental health and showed me that I’m super not alone,” she reflects. 

Through open conversations about shared experiences, “Hotter Ones” provides a platform for creators to feel “more heard, more seen, less alone.”

The Blueprint for Creator Success

Ashley advises up-and-coming creators to “be themselves.”

“It is really easy to feel you have to put on this persona the way you do in short-form content creation,” she notes. “But I think nothing more refreshing than hearing somebody be their authentic self.”

The seasoned host stresses the importance of a safe work environment for creators in the adult content industry. 

“Stick to the girl zones,” she recommends. “Don’t let anybody make you do something you’re uncomfortable with, and be yourself.” 

Ashley highlights the empowering nature of platforms like OnlyFans, which allow women to set their own terms.

Eyes set on the horizon, Ashley is committed to the longevity of “Hotter Ones.” 

“As long as I am not losing any money, even if I’m breaking even, it’s something that I’m passionate about,” she states. Her goal is to continue the podcast for the next decade, building a loyal fan base that transcends the typical constraints of the entertainment industry.

Ashley’s definition of success has changed since she began creating content. “My idea of success at this moment is being surrounded by people I love and trust,” she reflects. 

This shift in perspective came after she realized that focusing solely on numbers and income was unfulfilling. “Money isn’t everything,” Ashley notes, indicating that having a supportive network is more important.

Closing with a message of resilience, Ashley shares, “Life gets hard sometimes, but it always gets better.”