Episode 25 - Chris Alexander
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Alexander, Senior Director of Digital Communications at NYU School of Global Public Health. Chris has spent more than a decade in higher education and has experience as a podcaster, content creator and integrated marketer. Key Highlights The role internships play in finding what you want (or don't want to) do What it's like to experience different roles in a large university The value of creating a professional portfolio How integrated marketing has played a role in his career and he has helped...
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Episode 24 - Nikki Sunstrum
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Nikki Sunstrum, CCMP—a globally recognized leader who has developed and leveraged communications and engagement to create significant impact in both government and higher education. Key Highlights How her experience in government (including as an elected city council person for the city of Portland) impacted her professional perspective Why it's important to level the playing field and bring the right people to the table Her experience as an industry leader in higher education Why you should "never abandon...
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The Power of Ai - A Why I Social Special
Why I Social
In a very special episode of Why I Social, we explore the Power of AI. In three previous episodes, guests Theresa Portratz, Michael Katz and Maria Duran discussed their own unique perspectives and insights on the impact of AI. Please take a listen to their full episodes at the links below (Spotify) Links (LinkedIn Profiles) to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides...
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Episode 22 - Celeste Russell
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with who serves as social media manager for the and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role. [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared] Key Highlights What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization The value of the...
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Episode 21 - Philip Wilkerson
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, sits down with Philip Wilkerson (Podcast Producer, Employer Engagement Consultant) to discuss his podcast () and his role as Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University in Career Services. Philip's interest in connecting with people helped him develop criticial skills that allowed him to launch his podcast in 2017. This week's business topic: Building A Brand as a Practioner Key Highlights The unique challenges in developing new skills and why it is important to pursue professional growth How Philip collaborates to...
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Episode 20 - Casey Cornell
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Casey Cornell (Founder - The Pool Journals and ) to dig into the life of a consultant in the gig economy. From building brands to customer loyalty, Casey has been involved in every aspect of the marketing experience - before becoming founder of his own consulting business. Key Highlights A deep dive into the gig economy and life as a consultant The gamification of social media The importance of customer loyalty in marketing The pros, cons and challenges of start-up life The value of organic social...
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Episode 19 - Ryan Pena
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with returning guest Ryan Pena (Senior Marketing Leader, NMDP), a digital strategist and educator with a passion for helping individuals and organizations tell their stories more effectively through social media and emerging technologies. He expands upon what he's been up to since his original appearance on Why I Social - and more about his role as Senior Marketing Leader at NMDP. Key Highlights Why starting as a self-taught marketer fueled his curiosity and built the foundation for his social media expertise. Why...
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Episode 18 - Chaim Shapiro
Why I Social
On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chaim Shapiro, a career services professional, speaker, and LinkedIn strategist with a deep passion for helping others navigate their professional journeys. Chaim shares the winding road that led him into career services—despite being told not to pursue a career in education and explains why talking someone out of their passion can be one of the biggest disservices you can do. Key Highlights Why a visit to Universal Studios’ backlot tour became a surprisingly profound (and slightly depressing) moment How Chaim’s...
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Episode 17 - Chris Fitzpatrick
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with Chris Fitzpatrick (Chris Fitzpatrick Speakes). Chris shares his journey from college to becoming a sought-after speaker and HR expert, exploring the intersection of social media, talent acquisition, and mentorship. Key Highlights Chris's evolution from student government president to HR professional and public speaker The transformative power of active listening in communication and relationship-building How social media has revolutionized talent acquisition and job searching Chris also provides practical advice about: ...
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Episode 16 - Internship Roundtable (2025)
Why I Social
In this special episode of Why I Social: Listen to a live conversation with this year's 2025 Internship Class for the National Institute for Social Media. Key Discussion Points: • The challenges of wearing multiple hats in social media roles • How internships shape career paths and open unexpected doors • The importance of strategy in creating meaningful content • Why networking remains crucial for securing opportunities • The evolving landscape of social media best practices Connect with the 2025 Internship Class on LinkedIn: Alexis Barth - Cassandra...
info_outlineOn this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with returning guest Ryan Pena (Senior Marketing Leader, NMDP), a digital strategist and educator with a passion for helping individuals and organizations tell their stories more effectively through social media and emerging technologies. He expands upon what he's been up to since his original appearance on Why I Social - and more about his role as Senior Marketing Leader at NMDP.
Key Highlights
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Why starting as a self-taught marketer fueled his curiosity and built the foundation for his social media expertise.
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Why storytelling, done well, can cut through even the noisiest online spaces
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The importance of building genuine relationships, not just “connections,” online
And of course, learn why Ryan socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!
Ryan's Links:
- Learn more about Flowsend
- Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.
Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn]
About our sponsor:
The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.
Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/
The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.