Meet the woman behind Karl Stefanovic's podcast era: How media whiz is shaping TV star's career after controversial Today show exit - and her close link to wife Jasmine revealed

's departure from Today may have marked the end of an era at Nine, but behind the scenes another key figure has quietly been shaping the television veteran's next chapter.

As the former breakfast TV king builds his fast-growing podcast empire, media executive Keshnee 'Kesh' Kemp has emerged as one of the driving forces behind his reinvention, with the pair already eyeing ambitious plans beyond the digital space.

According to New Idea, insiders believe Karl's hit podcast is only the beginning of a much bigger strategy.

'If you think a hit podcast is the end game, I assure you, we've seen nothing yet,' an industry source told the publication.

The magazine reports that Kemp is helping map out the next phase of Karl's media career, with discussions understood to include expanding his brand through live events and other commercial opportunities.

It's a development that could prove significant for Nine, with Karl now free to grow his independent media business after ending his 21-year association with the network.

Kemp is far more than Karl's podcast producer.

She is the founder of digital marketing agency August One and has spent years building an impressive career across Australia's media landscape, previously holding senior editorial positions at Cosmopolitan Australia and Who magazine.

Corporate records also reveal just how closely the two families are now linked in business.

Karl owns 45 per cent of his media company, 123 Podcast Pty Ltd, while another 45 per cent is owned by August 1 Pty Ltd, the company controlled by Kemp's husband, businessman Jason Ibrahim.

The remaining 10 per cent belongs to Karl's longtime friend and business partner Anthony Bell through Bell Capital.

But Kemp's relationship with the Stefanovics stretches back much further than the launch of Karl's podcast.

She and Jasmine Stefanovic grew up together in Queensland and have remained close friends for decades.

During her time editing Cosmopolitan Australia, Kemp regularly featured Jasmine's shoe label Mara & Mine in the magazine's fashion pages.