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...
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Episode 15 - Maria Duron
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with Coach Maria Duron (Professional Trainer, Consultant and Google Coach). Maria shares her road to becoming a Google Coach and shares more information about how search has evolved - from SEO to AI. Key Highlights Maria's "squiggly" career path through rural America's marketing landscape The creation of Brand Chat on Twitter in 2009 Her role in Google's small business outreach program Maria also provides practical advice about: Adapting to AI-driven conversational search The importance of consistency over viral moments...
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Episode 14 - Nick Cicero (Mondo Metrics)
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with returning guest Nick Cicero (Founder, Mondo Metrics). Nick previously appeared on the podcast in 2015 () and has since sold his first start-up and now serves as founder of Mondo Metrics, an expert data consultancy and analytics software platform designed to transform fragmented metrics into actionable insights. Nick discusses his experiences as a founder, investing in other businesses, and the journey to creating a new company. He also breaks down the value of data, including how to optimize across multiple digital media...
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Episode 13 - Jessica Malnik
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris speaks with Jessica Malnik (JessicaMalnik.com), who works with Founders and Heads of Marketing to build messaging systems with a focus on compound revenue over time. She has a heavy focus on conversion copywriting, amongst other critical services she offers her clients. Key Highlights Conversion Copywriting: Jessica specializes in conversion copy and focuses on influencing decisions and building brand awareness through strategic messaging. - AI in Marketing: AI is a powerful tool, Jessica notes, describing it as an "incredible...
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Episode 12 - RJ Thompson
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris speaks with R.J. Thompson, Manager of Multimedia and Digital Strategy (Health Sciences) at University of Pittsburgh. He is a dynamic figure in higher education marketing and nonprofit leadership. Key Highlights: - Innovative Social Media Strategy for Nonprofits: RJ shares insights from his work with Bellevue Forward, emphasizing storytelling through social media without a budget. He highlights the power of engaging local communities to amplify their narratives. - Higher Education and Teaching Philosophy: Discover RJ's belief in every moment...
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Episode 11 - Michael Katz
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris speaks with Michael Katz, Founder and CEO of Flowsend. From an internship in China, learning experiences at Qualtrics to founding Flowsend - Michael has run into the fire to create new opportunities for himself personally and professionally. Learn why Michael socials on this week's episode! Key Highlights: - - Michael Katz's Career Journey: Michael shares his experiences from an internship in China to his transformative time at Qualtrics. - AI in Content Creation: Michael discusses AI as a "thought partner," enhancing creativity and helping...
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Episode 10 - Theresa Potratz
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Growth Marketer Theresa Potratz. Teresa shares her journey from social media specialist to growth marketing director. She also discusses how AI is transforming content creation and strategy - and gives insights into her unique podcast, "Unhinged History." Learn why Theresa socials on this week's episode! Key Highlights: - Evolution of Social Media Marketing: Discover how AI has revolutionized the industry, shifting from manual processes to efficient, AI-assisted methods. Theresa shares insights on the balance...
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Episode 9 - Tovah Kopan
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Tovah Kopan who shares her journey from law school to legal technology. She also shares his experience creating community - both in her community and through the Go Boldly Initiative - as well as how to balance multiple roles from career to personal life. Highlights of the discussion include: - From Law to Legal Tech: Tovah shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to finding her niche in legal tech, emphasizing the importance of staying "legal adjacent." - The Go Boldly Initiative: Explore Tovah's efforts in...
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Episode 8 - Tim Sohn
Why I Social
On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Tim Sohn, a social media consultant and cancer survivor. Tim shares his inspiring journey from a decade in journalism to becoming an independent consultant. He discusses the creation of "Perspectives on Cancer," a community offering support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Highlights of the discussion include: - From Newsrooms to Social Media: Tim's transition from journalism to social media consulting, driven by a need to educate businesses in rural Pennsylvania. - Consulting Success: Insights into...
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Episode 7 - Jenny Li Fowler
Why I Social
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT. Jenny has spent nearly two decades in digital marketing with more than a decade in Higher Education. Her experience in working with organic social media led to her writing "". Highlights of the discussion include: Building a career in Higher Education The power of community and organic social media The experience of writing and promoting a book Why working social media groups - work. Learn why Jenny socials on this week's episode! ...
info_outlineOn this week's episode, Amir and Chris break down what's up with this whole "Bitcoin" thing. Also, it's supersized. An extra 10 minutes just because we like you - or we had a lot to say - you decide.
This week's Five Favorites:
1. Apple's had a shockingly bad week of software problems [The Verge]
2. YouTube is launching its own take on Stories with a new video format called ‘Reels’ [TechCrunch]
3. Denver to Boulder in eight minutes? Colorado will get first test track for a Hyperloop-inspired transportation system [Denver Post]
4. How Snapchat is separating social from media [Axios]
5. (Hot Topic) All You Need to Know About Bitcoin's Rise, From $0.01 to $11,000 [Bloomberg]
Honorable Mention(s)
DISHonorable Mention(s)
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The feds want Martin Shkreli’s one-of-a-kind Wu Tang album [The Verge]
Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week
Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature). Special thanks to listener Chris Bryant for sharing this week.