Marko Ayling
Video Journalist • Writer • Producer • Storyteller • Media Trainer
I help writers and journalists make
click-worthy video—on camera, on deadline.
Hi, I’m Marko
In 2012 I turned my love of travel and storytelling into the YouTube show Vagabrothers, which my brother and I grew to 1.3M+ subscribers. Since then, I’ve worked as a field producer for Netflix, hosted a globally syndicated travel show with Tastemade, and founded Cuéntame Storytelling, where I currently help coach writers to take their stories from the page to the stage — on camera, on stage, and online.
[marko@markoayling.com] • [IMDb] • [LinkedIn] • [Cuéntame Storytelling] • [Instagram] • [YouTube]
Testimonials
Marko’s confidence is contagious, turning nerve-wracking performance into something you’re excited about and can’t wait to do again.
— Sairy Romero, Journalist, VenezuelaMarko gave me tools to rip out the fluff, hone my voice, and trust myself with taking risks on stage — including finally telling my story of surviving 9/11.
— Jeremiah Marble, Engineer, USAMarko has a rare ability to make people with little-to-no on-camera experience feel comfortable, authentic, and compelling under pressure.
— Gator Halpern, CEO, Coral VitaSelected Works
Vagabrothers — Executive Producer, Writer, On‑Camera Host
1
Founded and grew one of YouTube’s first major travel show to 1.3M+ subscribers & 100M+ views with 400+ field reports from 70+ countries, pioneering travel storytelling in the digital video era.
Cuéntame Storytelling — Community + Coaching
2
Facilitated bilingual storytelling shows for 70+ people, coached first-timers from idea to performace, led story labs for teams / retreats.
Netflix — Field Producer (World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals)
3
On‑Camera Host — Basic vs. Baller (Tastemade/Hulu)
4
Host of Tastemade’s #1 prime‑time show; long‑form hosting, interviewing and field segments.
More: Amazon Prime · Tastemade · IMDb
Sexico City — Live Dating Show / Social Media Limited Series
5
Ways to Work Together
On‑Camera Coaching (1:1 & small groups)
A.
Mindset + mechanics: work through fear and the on‑camera mental game; presence, pacing, emphasis, eyeline, and body language.
Digital‑first delivery: hooks and CTAs, concise VO, adapting reporting to vertical/shorts; practical checklists you can use on deadline.
Field Producing & Fixing
B.
CDMX/LATAM: location scouting, permits, local crews/gear, itineraries; manage nimble teams (≤5) end‑to‑end.
Mobile/digital‑first capture: experienced producer for dynamic situations with minimal support; lightweight, innovative, deadline‑ready.
Social‑Video Strategy
C.
Platform‑native storytelling: hooks, personality‑forward framing, titles/thumbnails, packaging and cadence.
Workflow & measurement: upload playbooks, captioning, editorial calendars, and light analytics to guide iteration. Book a Consultation
Example workshops: On‑Camera Confidence & Hook Writing for Journalists · Fieldwork with a Phone: Capturing as a Reporter · Think Like a Social Media Editor (Shorts/Reels/YouTube).
Clients and Partners
CASE STUDY
MEDIA COACHING / FIELD PRODUCING
Coral Vita (Bahamas, 2019)
Rapid-Response Story Package
Brief: When Hurricane Dorian obliterated Coral Vita’s reef-restoration facility, millions in R&D were wiped out overnight. I flew in on one of the first permitted relief planes with one videographer to capture a clear, human story from founders who had never been on camera—while they were still in shock.
What we did: Fast interview coaching; simple hooks/CTAs; concise VO; lightweight, mobile-first capture. We cut a GoFundMe video + social assets on generator power and launched while the story was still leading the news.
Outcome: Raised $200K in immediate relief; helped catalyze $2.5M in follow-on funding to rebuild operations; momentum that preceded Coral Vita winning the 2021 Earthshot Prize (Revive Our Oceans) and scaling global partnerships.
“In the aftermath of Dorian, he helped our team and affected neighbors open up and share their story during the peak news window—turning urgency into results.”
— Sam Teicher, Co-Founder, Coral Vita
[marko@markoayling.com] • [IMDb] • [LinkedIn] • [Cuéntame Storytelling] • [Instagram] • [YouTube]
I help writers and journalists make click-worthy video — on camera, on deadline.
Hiring for New York Times: Editor, Video Training (REQ-019159)?
I can pilot On-Camera Confidence or Fieldwork with a Phone at the Mexico City bureau.