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...
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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...
info_outlineTess Kaytmaz currently works at Cross Fit Virtuosity in Brooklyn and is one of the most passionate people I've had the pleasure of meeting through social media (and previous guests, members of #SMUN). She has a background in social media - which she most recently has used to take on the challenge of mental health awareness. She is also a photographer and you'll find her active on Instagram at username tess_michael.
[The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.]
Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!
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If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest