Kelly johnson is a writer and culture critic whose work explores popular culture, big emotions, and the complexities of real life—especially for women who are choosing lives that don't follow traditional scripts. She writes LITTLE FREAK, a twice-weekly substack newsletter about pop music and mental health, which was named the #1 rising newsletter in its category in july 2025 and has earned praise as “the safest place on the internet” and “a letter from your wise but funny yet kind friend.”

Prior to launching LITTLE FREAK, johnson spent nearly seven years as director of marketing at cupcakes and cashmere, where she wrote dozens of personal essays between 2018 and 2023. Her writing blends warmth and wit with sharp cultural insight, often reflecting on how media—from reality tv to social trends—shapes our ideas of fulfillment, success, and identity. She is currently seeking representation for her debut novel, loosely inspired by TELL ME LIES and fueled by her undying love of taylor swift.

Johnson holds a master’s degree in marketing from the university of southern california, where she graduated as valedictorian in 2019. After more than a decade in los angeles, she left the sunshine behind and now lives in a 1970s treehouse in minneapolis–st. paul with her husband and their dog, pig. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in mental health counseling.