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! ...
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Episode 6 - Sue Serna (Serna Social)
Why I Social
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Sue Serna, Founder of Serna Social. Sue began her career as a journalist and has since become an expert in social media governance, security, and risk. She also served as the head of global social media at Cargill. With a focus on smart, safer social media - you'll learn more than a few tricks of the trade from Sue. Highlights of the discussion include: Recommendations on tools to keep your social media platforms safe Insights into experiences as a hiring manager for social media roles Why journalism...
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Episode 5 - Alex Hultgren
Why I Social
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Alex Hultgren, fractional CMO and author. From Ford's leadership program to his career as a fractional CMO, Hultgren offers a wealth of knowledge that will help inspire others as they look to build their career. His book "The Three Knows" - which came out in January 2025 - distills everything you need to know down to three fundamental questions: do you know your customer, do you know yourself, and do you know your funnel (e.g. your go-to-market execution). Highlights of the discussion include: His experience...
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Episode 4 - Dan LaToracca
Why I Social
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Dan LaToracca, who currently serves as Marketing Director at Zoomph. Dan's previous work includes social and leadership roles with the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Highlights of the discussion include: Building a career in the sports media industry What he's learned in his role as an adjunct teacher How the sports industry has drastically changed since he began his career The expected and unexpected in content preparation The importance of data in sport's social media - and how to...
info_outlineRyan Farrell is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Purdue University. He has been working in marketing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is the also proud father of three children.
[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 his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!
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