We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddy Agopian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In 2009, i left my job as VP at Sony Television to become an independent contractor I created the ad sales department for Adam Carolla and his various shows. Since 2013, I’ve been working with Bill Burr, representing the Monday Morning Podcast and other shows under the All Things Comedy banner.
The big idea came to me in August 2024. As a regular listener and fan of the Rich Roll Podcast, I heard an interview with Tom Shadyac. I didn’t recognize his name at first, but I definitely knew his work—he wrote and directed many of Jim Carrey’s biggest movies in the ’90s. What really struck me, though, was his story after Hollywood. Tom gave away millions of dollars, walked away from the industry, and eventually founded Memphis Rox, a nonprofit climbing gym in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the U.S.
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment or line that shifted something in me, but that interview made me reflect deeply on my own life and purpose. How could I be a better member of society?
In recent years, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer with amazing organizations like Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, LA Abortion Coalition, and LA Works. I’ve also supported causes I care about, like the LA Mission and Doctors Without Borders. But despite all that, I felt like my efforts weren’t really making a meaningful impact.
A few days later, I shared my thoughts with a close friend, David Harte (now my partner). We started talking about how we might use our skills to support people and organizations already doing good in the world. That conversation sparked something—and Wurthee was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path has been anything but traditional—but it’s that winding road that has shaped who I am today and what sets me apart.
Back in 2009, I was working at Sony Pictures Television helping to launch The Dr. Oz Show. On paper, it was a secure, impressive job. But in reality, the long hours, stressful environment, and daily commute across the 405 were taking a toll—not just on me, but on my family. I had two young kids at the time, and the guilt of rarely being able to pick them up from school weighed heavily on me. So, I made the tough decision to leave corporate life and take a leap into the freelance world.
It wasn’t easy. I was the primary breadwinner, and my job provided our health insurance. The uncertainty was real. But I knew I needed a career that would allow me to be present for my kids. Not long after I left Sony, I was invited to help a group of friends launch Adam Carolla’s new podcast. I didn’t even know what a podcast was at the time—but I’ve always loved a challenge.
There wasn’t a monetization plan yet, so I dove into cold-calling, pitching, and digitally door-knocking. After about six months, the revenue started to come in—and not long after, it was flowing. That work led to other opportunities, and in 2013, I began representing Bill Burr and the Monday Morning Podcast, as well as shows under the All Things Comedy banner.
Along the way, I’ve learned some hard lessons—about business, integrity, and human nature. I’ve seen how money can complicate relationships and bring out the worst in people. I’ve had my ego bruised, my trust broken, and my feelings hurt. But those experiences taught me resilience, perspective, and how to navigate with both strength and grace.
What I’m most proud of now is the launch of Wurthee. It was born from a moment of deep reflection after hearing an interview with Tom Shadyac on the Rich Roll Podcast. His story—giving away his fortune and creating a nonprofit climbing gym in one of America’s poorest neighborhoods—lit something in me. It made me ask: What is my purpose? How can I contribute more meaningfully?
I believe the world needs more kindness, more community, and more conscious business. If I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem—and I’m choosing to be part of the solution.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Born and raised in LA – I have some favorite spots.

Sunrise hike up Fryman in Studio City
Brunch/lunch at Cantors Deli
Dinner at Katsuya

Beach day in Zuma
fish tacos or lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Company
Cocktails at the Sunset in Malibu/Zuma

Breakfast at Cafe on 27 in Topangna
Hike some of the Topanga Trails

Breakfast at Aroma Cafe on Tujunga in Studio City.
Day trip to Ventura including a walk on the bike path

Atwater village.
The Bauer warehouse
The Hollywood Reservoir

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tom Shadyac
David Harte
Rich Roll
My two supportive girlfriends, Safia and Wendy

Website: Wurthee.comlinkedin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddy-agopian-086a264/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.