Bank Marketing Show
The BANK MARKETING SHOW, the podcast that engages and informs you for success in today's marketplace. It's the show that will make you a better marketer with trends, tactics and inspirations from experts and industry leaders. If you're wanting to impact your personal success and position your company as the best choice in your market, then you're in the right place!
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Ep 111 - AI Insights #2 - Where It Is Going
05/01/2026
Ep 111 - AI Insights #2 - Where It Is Going
AI isn’t going to replace your entire marketing team tomorrow. But it is going to change what you do, and how fast you’re expected to do it. It’s already reducing marketing hiring and eventually will impact team sizes. Banks and bank marketers that start learning these tools now, will get ahead of slower-moving competitors (both smaller AND larger ones) who are stuck in analysis paralysis about what to do. And, becoming the go-to AI person in your bank will help your career. This is part two of our two-part series based on the AI webinar we recently gave with our partner, Kadince. Here, we dive into the topics in more depth that we were able to cover on the webinar. But the webinar’s not a prerequisite! In this episode, we cover: · What we think AI’s impacts to bank marketing, and banking in general, will be over the next 12 months, next 3 years, and beyond · How banking itself may change as the technology advances · Five things you can do this week to start weaving AI tech into your day-to-day Resources mentioned: · Watch the full webinar at · Email us at for the full webinar deck · Subscribe to our companion newsletter at
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Ep 110 - AI Insights #1 - What You Should Be Doing Today
04/24/2026
Ep 110 - AI Insights #1 - What You Should Be Doing Today
AI can write your tagline in 5 seconds. Should it? Not in 5 seconds, because you’ll sound like every other bank. AI gives you the average of the internet, and the average community bank’s marketing is, well, average. Dan and Chris break down what bank marketers should actually be doing with AI right now – how to add your human judgment, local feel and emotional nuance to AI tools, so you get great outputs instead of average ones. This is part one of a two-part series based on the AI webinar we recently gave with our partner, Kadince. Here, we dive into the topics in more depth that we were able to cover on the webinar. But the webinar’s not a prerequisite! In this episode, we cover: · Why AI-generated content looks polished, but generic · The 80-20 rule for making AI output better · A 6-part prompting formula you can apply to any situation · Quick wins you can do this week Resources mentioned: · Watch the full webinar at · Email us at for the full webinar deck · Subscribe to our companion newsletter at
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Ep 109 - Go Niche or Go Home How Community Banks Win by Serving the Overlooked
04/13/2026
Ep 109 - Go Niche or Go Home How Community Banks Win by Serving the Overlooked
Every bank has checking accounts and loans. Every bank says they care about relationships. So when your marketing sounds like every other bank's marketing, why would anyone switch? They won't. The way to stand out isn't to shout louder — it's to get specific. In this episode, Dan and Chris make the case that narrowing your focus doesn't shrink your opportunity — it expands it. Big banks scale. Community banks specialize. And that specialization is how you show customers that you’re different. In this episode, we cover: · Why niching down gets you a bigger piece of a smaller, more loyal pie · Finding your niche from where you already have traction · Real examples from banks that found a niche hiding in plain sight · How specialization unlocks your content, your ads, and your messaging in ways that generic "financial solutions" language never will · A simple test for knowing if your message is still too broad, or just right Resources: · The Bank Marketing Show: · The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): · Contact:
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Ep 108 - What Actually Works for a New Location
03/26/2026
Ep 108 - What Actually Works for a New Location
Opening a new branch is a huge investment — a new build can run into the millions. Most banks do the demographic research, study the traffic patterns, and pick the right spot. But then when it comes to actually marketing the thing? They show up with a grill in the parking lot and call it a grand opening. In this episode, Dan and Chris break down what a real new-market launch strategy looks like — from competitive analysis before you open the doors, to turning your grand opening into a community event people actually want to attend, to the longer game of establishing your brand in a market where nobody knows you yet. In this episode, we cover: - Why your marketing research should go beyond demographics — and what a competitive messaging analysis reveals that HHI data won't – - The difference between opening a second branch in your market vs. entering a brand new one - How to turn a grand opening from a bank celebration into a real community event - What the grand opening marketing timeline should look like Resources: - The Bank Marketing Show: - The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): - Contact:
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Ep 107 - Bold with a Purpose - with Rich Jones of BankIn Minnesota
03/11/2026
Ep 107 - Bold with a Purpose - with Rich Jones of BankIn Minnesota
Every bank says they want to stand out. But most don’t go beyond tweaking a logo, or updating colors, and continue to rely on the number of years in business to build trust. That’s important – but no longer enough to differentiate your bank against the thousands of others with a similar history. It’s time to be bold. In this episode, Rich Jones, President & CEO of BankIn Minnesota, talks about what it actually looks like to be bold with a purpose — starting with culture, not a color palette. Rich talks about the association’s approach to rebranding, and the lessons banks can learn from it. We discuss how the association's rebrand wasn't a marketing exercise — it was the result of a deeper conversation about who they are, who they serve, and what they actually stand for. And that's the lesson for every community bank thinking about brand: the boldness has to come from something real, or it doesn't land. In this episode, we cover: · Why being bold for the sake of being bold doesn't work, and what "bold with a purpose" actually means · How BankIn Minnesota's rebrand grew out of culture, not a creative brief · The difference between authority-first and relatability-first messaging · Why your people are your real brand differentiator, and how to show it · What associations and banks can learn from each other about growth mindset Resources mentioned: · Rich Jones: · BankIn Minnesota: · The Bank Marketing Show: · The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): · Contact:
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Ep 106 - The We-Tried-That Problem
03/02/2026
Ep 106 - The We-Tried-That Problem
The “We Tried That” Problem Real quotes: “We tried Google Ads and they didn’t work.” “We did SEO for a couple months and nothing happened.” “Direct mail was way too expensive for what we got out of it.” If you’ve heard, or said, any of these – this episode is for you! We break down the real reasons bank marketing tactics fail, from our experience seeing these things play out at banks across the country. Spoiler: it’s almost never the channel itself. Google Ads, SEO, and even direct mail DO work – but not if you only focus on the ad itself. In this episode: · Why banks often blame the channel · The “underdosing” trap – what happens when you run a digital ad with too little budget · How the platforms themselves are incentivized to get you to spend, not to strategize · How to match tactics to your audience instead of just copying what bigger banks do · A framework for evaluating the root cause of success or failure of a campaign Resources mentioned: · The Bank Marketing Show Website: · The Bank Marketing Minute Newsletter: · Get in touch:
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Ep 105 - Amber Murphy - The Case for Industry Specialization in Bank Marketing
02/16/2026
Ep 105 - Amber Murphy - The Case for Industry Specialization in Bank Marketing
Every community bank has checking accounts and loans. So the age-old question is, how do you stand out? First Financial Bank figured it out: they went deep in one niche, and then kept going, building many specialty lending divisions and driving massive growth. In this episode, Amber Murphy, VP and Marketing Director at First Financial Bank, shares how FFB's niching strategy transformed their marketing from generic to powerful, and why your bank doesn't need to be huge to do the same thing - something we espouse on this show all the time! In this episode, we cover: - How specializing actually expands your marketing opportunities (not limits them) - Why FFB runs 3-4 ads simultaneously for different audiences - Using blog and newsletter content to become the trusted advisor in their niches - Where community bank marketing trends need to go in the next 12-18 months Resources mentioned: - Book: Getting Things Done by David Allen - Contact Amber Murphy: - First Financial Bank: - The Bank Marketing Show: - The Bank Marketing Minute (Newsletter): - Contact:
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Ep 104 - Candie Simmons - Passion, Purpose & Communication in Community Banking
02/02/2026
Ep 104 - Candie Simmons - Passion, Purpose & Communication in Community Banking
Chris and Dan sit down with Candie Simmons, founder of CL Simmons Consulting, to talk about the people problems that slow banks down: communication breakdowns, the gap between being a great producer and being a great manager, and why marketing and compliance don't have to be at each other's throats. Candie spent 16 years in banking (including leading marketing for a top 50 institution), now runs her own consultancy, and sits on the board of a community bank in Mississippi. She's seen these issues from every angle. What we cover: - The number one problem banks call her about (hint: communication!) and how it shows up everywhere - between departments, between generations, between leadership and staff. - How to tell the story of community banks' best built-in advantage: being small enough that employees see their impact, and customers can talk still to actual decision-makers. - How banks can use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to align people's responsibilities with what they're actually good at (instead of just assigning tasks to whoever's available), for better employee satisfaction, a stronger culture, and better outcomes for customers. Resources Mentioned: - Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment (~$30, available at gallup.com) - Books: The Kind Act; A Few Kind Words by Tracey WIllis Gates Connect with Candie: : Reach out for a free consultation.
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Ep 103 - Building the Next Generation of Community Banks with Rebeca Romero Rainey - CEO of ICBA
01/19/2026
Ep 103 - Building the Next Generation of Community Banks with Rebeca Romero Rainey - CEO of ICBA
When it comes to advocating for the future of community banking, few voices carry more weight than Rebeca Romero Rainey. This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebeca, the President & CEO of the ICBA, for a candid and thoughtful conversation on where the industry is heading. Top of mind for us all is how community banks can stay strong amid competition from fintechs and non-bank players. Rebeca's vision is that the path forward isn’t about becoming someone else, but about owning what makes community banking unique. Yep, Dan & I loved hearing her sing our song about that! She didn’t hold back on the tough stuff either. We talked about regulatory clarity, the risks and rewards of adopting AI, and the challenge of attracting new talent to the industry. But through it all, Rebeca’s optimism was clear: community banks are agile, trusted, and human, and that’s their real superpower. Some of the key takeaways that we can all use: Embracing AI doesn’t mean losing your human touch. We must embrace it but approach it responsibly. Speak to the real human differentiators that community banks have in an increasingly digital world. Succession planning and leadership development must evolve and be priorities. We need to make it easier (and less costly) to start new community banks. Some of the leadership principles that Rebeca relies on most are listening and taking action. Resources: BankMarketingShow.com When it comes to advocating for the future of community banking, few voices carry more weight than Rebeca Romero Rainey. This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Rebeca, the President & CEO of the ICBA, for a candid and thoughtful conversation on where the industry is heading. Top of mind for us all is how community banks can stay strong amid competition from fintechs and non-bank players. Rebeca's vision is that the path forward isn’t about becoming someone else, but about owning what makes community banking unique. Yep, Dan & I loved hearing her sing our song about that! She didn’t hold back on the tough stuff either. We talked about regulatory clarity, the risks and rewards of adopting AI, and the challenge of attracting new talent to the industry. But through it all, Rebeca’s optimism was clear: community banks are agile, trusted, and human, and that’s their real superpower. Some of the key takeaways that we can all use: Embracing AI doesn’t mean losing your human touch. We must embrace it but approach it responsibly. Speak to the real human differentiators that community banks have in an increasingly digital world. Succession planning and leadership development must evolve and be priorities. We need to make it easier (and less costly) to start new community banks. Some of the leadership principles that Rebeca relies on most are listening and taking action. Resources: BankMarketingShow.com ICBA: Rebeca: LET (Leadership Effectiveness Training):
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Ep 102 - IT for Today's Community Banks - Scott Stevens
01/05/2026
Ep 102 - IT for Today's Community Banks - Scott Stevens
Cybersecurity, AI, and IT modernization aren’t just “IT problems” anymore — they directly impact how banks market, grow, and protect their brands. In this episode of The Bank Marketing Show, Chris and Dan sit down with Scott Stevens, Chief Information Security Officer at Integrity Technology Solutions, to break down what community should actually be thinking about when it comes to cloud infrastructure, AI usage, and cybersecurity. What We Cover Why “modernizing IT” doesn’t always mean spending more — and often means simplifying How moving files to SharePoint and OneDrive unlocks safer AI use for marketing teams The importance of Microsoft Secure Score — and why 70%+ should be the baseline Why banning AI doesn’t work (and what banks should do instead) How to create practical AI acceptable-use policies that employees will actually follow What Zero Trust architecture means for the next 5–10 years of banking technology Links & Resources Connect with Scott: Integrity Technology Solutions: Book: The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, by Robert Hunter Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 101 - Emily Schwartz - From Content to Education: Building Trust Through Financial Wellness
12/22/2025
Ep 101 - Emily Schwartz - From Content to Education: Building Trust Through Financial Wellness
Community Banks produce a lot of “educational” content, but a lot of it is thinly disguised sales material, or sounds the same as 1,000 other “how to buy your first home” blogs. In this episode, we sit down with Emily Schwartz, Director of Financial Education at MidFirst Bank, about how her team helps build real trust in her bank, by focusing on education first. If you are tired of just checking the boxes with your content, and trying to avoid “AI slop” (as you should be!), this episode is a great way to reframe how you approach financial education – no matter the size of your bank. What we cover in this episode: · The difference between truly educating your customers and prospects, versus just creating blogs · Where to find the best education topics (hint: it’s not keyword tools) · Why smaller banks don’t need big teams to start doing this well · How education can support brand, loyalty, and community impact, without feeling salesy · The results that MidFirst has seen from their efforts Links & Resources · Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: · Book: Inspired by Matt Richtel · Website: · Sign up for our newsletter: · Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 100 - 100th - Chris & Dan in the Hot Seat
12/08/2025
Ep 100 - 100th - Chris & Dan in the Hot Seat
100 episodes. Four seasons. Many dozens of conversations with bank leaders and innovators – and we’re just getting started! In this milestone episode, Chris and Dan look back at what they’ve learned from these conversations, and where they think community bank marketing is headed next. They also turn the cameras on themselves – and put each other in the hot seat with surprise questions that dig into strategy, personal best practices, and how to navigate what’s coming in 2025 and beyond. In this episode: The biggest shifts in bank marketing since the show began in early 2022 Lessons learned from dozens of interviews with industry experts What’s working right now in brand, digital, and AI-driven marketing Key themes we expect to define the next year of bank marketing A special 100th episode Hot Seat session where Dan and Chris challenge each other with unrehearsed questions Links & Resources Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 99 - The Future of AI Agents - How Community Banks Win SMB Relationships - with Jared Shulman and Jerry Shu
11/24/2025
Ep 99 - The Future of AI Agents - How Community Banks Win SMB Relationships - with Jared Shulman and Jerry Shu
AI Agents are quickly becoming the biggest competitive edge for community banks to win and serve small business customers. Chris and Dan sat down with the co-founders of Daylit, Jared Shulman (CEO) and Jerry Shu (CTO), to break down what AI agents actually are, how they work, and why banks should be thinking about building an AI Agent portfolio to stand out in the highly competitive SMB market. Daylit (formerly Lendica) is the leading AI Agent for accounts receivable for SMBs, and they share deep insight into how businesses think, how they adopt new tools, and what they will expect from their financial partners in the next few years. If you’ve been hearing the buzz about AI agents, and thinking about how they fit into your bank’s AI strategy, this is a must-listen. In this episode: What AI Agents really are, and what makes them different from just an LLM How AI Agents give SMBs enterprise-level financial intelligence, without the enterprise-level budget How community banks can use AI-enabled services to attract, retain, and grow SMB customers Why embedded fintechs and non-banks are quietly becoming competitors – and how to differentiate Practical ways banks can partner with AI technology vendors, without taking on additional regulatory or credit risk Links & Resources Launch Event! Daylit is releasing the newest version of their AI AR Agent on December 2, 2025 at 6pm ET. Register here: · Daylit: daylit.com · Follow Daylit on LinkedIn: · Follow Daylit on X: · Follow Daylit on YouTube: · Book: Zero to One · Follow Jared on LinkedIn: · Follow Jerry on LinkedIn: Connect with Chris & Dan · Website: bankmarketingshow.com · Email: contact@bankmarketingshow.com · Companion Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com or
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Ep 98 - Randy Dorn - Lessons from a Rebrand
11/10/2025
Ep 98 - Randy Dorn - Lessons from a Rebrand
What happens when a 120-year-old community bank decides to take a bold leap forward? Randy Dorn, President of My Kind of Bank (formerly First National Bank of Henning), joins Chris and Dan to share the story behind their rebrand — from internal debates to a powerful cultural transformation that united staff and energized customers. Randy reveals how a name change became more than a marketing move — it became a statement of purpose. This episode dives deep into how community banks can modernize without losing their soul, and how to turn a rebrand into a growth engine that drives engagement, loyalty, and pride. Main Topics Covered: • Why “doing nothing” is riskier than rebranding • How My Kind of Bank turned a marketing idea into a brand identity • The internal culture shift that made the brand stick • Turning employees into local heroes (and why it works better than celebrity ads) • Using digital marketing, SEO audits, and referral programs to turn a new brand into measurable growth • How to approach board conversations about risk, tradition, and change Resources & Links Mentioned: • Randy's email: • My Kind of Bank: • Website: • Sign up for our newsletter: • Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 97 - Charles LeFevre - AI, Compliance, and the Marketer’s Dilemma
10/27/2025
Ep 97 - Charles LeFevre - AI, Compliance, and the Marketer’s Dilemma
Compliance and marketing don’t have to be enemies, especially in the age of AI. In this episode, Charles LeFevre, Director of Compliance Operations at Kadince (and self-proclaimed “Taylor Swift of Compliance”), joins us to break down how these two sides can work together to move faster, stay compliant, and even have a little fun doing it. You’ll hear how AI is reshaping the marketer–compliance relationship, and where there are opportunities for smarter collaboration, fewer bottlenecks, and better outcomes for everyone. In this episode: Why “best practices” can actually kill creativity How to build realistic AI usage policies that empower your team The right balance between guardrails and innovation when using AI How smaller banks can use AI to leap ahead of big institutions Charles’s three-lines-of-defense model for marketing + compliance collaboration Links & Resources: Charles’s LinkedIn: 🌐 📰 Sign up for our newsletter: 📩 Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 96 - Crucial Considerations for your 2026 Marketing Strategy
10/13/2025
Ep 96 - Crucial Considerations for your 2026 Marketing Strategy
If your 2026 plan looks like 2025's...you may not be adapting to all the technology- and user behavior-driven changes that have happened this year. In this episode, Chris and Dan chat about all these changes, and lay out a simple checklist to use as your 2026 strategy comes together - including adjusting budgets, getting found with GEO and SEO, and speaking directly to customer problems. Key topics: - Why you should audit your digital visibility as the first input to your strategic plan - How allocating budget should be different than last year - Building initiatives around specific customer problems/niches Links and resources: - Website: bankmarketingshow.com - Newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com - Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 95 - AI Search - How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
09/29/2025
Ep 95 - AI Search - How to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Is SEO really dead—or is AI search just the new shiny object? In this episode, Chris and Dan break down the buzz around Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and what it actually means for community banks. (spoiler: SEO isn’t going anywhere, but banks that act now have a huge opportunity to get ahead while everyone else is still watching from the sidelines) What we cover in this episode: Why “SEO is dead” headlines are misleading—and what’s really happening How SEO and GEO overlap and where they differ Why customer reviews and human “proof” matter more than ever in AI search How to structure your content for conversational, AI-driven results Quick, practical steps any community bank can start on today Why now is the easiest time to outrun your competition in search Links & Resources: Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 94 - Sharveen Kumar - How Banks Can Adopt AI While Adding To Their Personal Touch
09/15/2025
Ep 94 - Sharveen Kumar - How Banks Can Adopt AI While Adding To Their Personal Touch
There’s lots of hype in the marketplace about how AI is taking over – and while the promise is that AI can help personalize customer experiences at scale, community banks are worried that it will actually make customer service feel more generic and less personal. This week, Chris and Dan talk with Sharveen Kumar, former NVIDIA-backed founder and ex-marketing leader at Amex, about the opportunity for banks to use AI to gain more personal touch with AI. By using AI in the right ways, it takes the mundane, repeatable tasks off your plate and actually creates more opportunities for you to do what you do best: build customer relationships. Main Topics Covered · Personalization is the differentiator: banks have rare, long-term 1:1 relationships—most banks focus on protecting and scaling that edge. · Start with data, not tools: CRM usage, clean legacy data, and connected sources are the foundation for any AI win. · Beware shiny objects: many enterprise AI POCs fail; map processes and decide where AI should (and shouldn’t) play. · Where AI actually helps: automate the 30–40% “one-liner” service requests so teams can focus on deeper conversations. · Practical workflow moves: capture conversation notes, let AI surface opportunities, and free humans for high-value outreach. · Tiered experiences without losing the human touch: segment service levels thoughtfully, then invest saved time into relationship banking. Books Mentioned · On the Road — Jack Kerouac · Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art — James Nestor Guest Bio Sharveen is a former NVIDIA-backed AI startup founder, now pioneering multi-agent solutions for finance and technology enterprises. He previously led marketing at global powerhouses including Singapore Airlines, American Express, LinkedIn, and The Trade Desk. Beyond building companies, Sharveen invests in emerging ventures and mentors the next generation of professionals. Links & Resources Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 93 - Use AI to Build a 90-Day Content Calendar (in Real Time!)
09/01/2025
Ep 93 - Use AI to Build a 90-Day Content Calendar (in Real Time!)
EP 93: Use AI to Build a 90-Day Content Calendar (in Real Time) In this second hands-on demo (see Ep 89: AI Starter Kit for the first one), Dan shares his screen to walk through a real example: how a custom GPT can take just three real customer questions and instantly generate 90 days of social posts, blog topics, and image suggestions—all formatted and ready to use. If you've been using ChatGPT or another LLM, but haven't started building repeatable processes yet, this episode will get you started. Here, we talk about content creation - but there's so much more you can do with custom GPTs. ***Haven’t subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? This is a great episode to watch there!*** What We Cover: - Why good prompts still matter (even with automation) - How to build a reusable, branded custom GPT - Generating a full 90-day content calendar from 3 questions - Downloadable CSVs, stock images, and blog ideas—all prepped for execution - Tips for keeping your content local, human, and brand-consistent - Bonus: how to turn this into a repeatable quarterly process Want access to the exact GPT we used in this episode? Email us at contact@bankmarketingshow.com with subject line "Content Calendar GPT" and we’ll send you the link. Links & Resources: · Website: bankmarketingshow.com · Sign up for the companion newsletter: bankmarketingminute.com · Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 92 - Justin Stayrook – The Opportunities of AI Beyond LLMs
08/18/2025
Ep 92 - Justin Stayrook – The Opportunities of AI Beyond LLMs
AI isn’t just for the big players—it might be your small bank’s biggest advantage. In this episode, Chris and Dan interview Justin Stayrook, Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE, about how AI is transforming operations for lean marketing teams in community banks and credit unions. From cutting project timelines to boosting output without increasing staff, Justin shares why now is the time to act. What we cover: · Why AI adoption is moving faster than any technology shift before it · How small marketing teams can outperform larger competitors with AI tools · Quality vs. speed: why AI can actually improve both · The “AI as an operating system” approach to business processes · Why your agency partners should have a clear AI plan—and how to start that conversation · Real examples of community financial institutions using AI to lead innovation About Justin Justin Stayrook is a growth-focused executive and AI strategist who helps companies scale profitably in the age of GenAI. With a track record of driving transformation from early-stage ventures to large enterprises, Justin blends deep experience in private equity, customer experience, and digital commerce. As Chief Growth Officer at EYEMAGINE and founder of Joint Journeys, he advises firms on how to modernize their go-to-market strategy, optimize operations, and compete with intelligence. His leadership has shaped partnerships and earned him recognition for innovation and revenue growth. Links & Resources: Justin’s Email: Justin’s LinkedIn: Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 91 - Autumn Jose – Creating Social Stars for Marketing Success
08/04/2025
Ep 91 - Autumn Jose – Creating Social Stars for Marketing Success
Can your employees become your most powerful marketing tool? In this episode, we sit down with Autumn Jose, AVP and Brand Marketing Coordinator of Civista Bank to talk about how she turned a simple idea into a thriving employee advocacy program—and what it takes to grow a brand from the inside out. Autumn shares how she created Civista’s “Social Stars” initiative to drive social media engagement for the brand, what worked (and didn’t), and how banks of any size can replicate it. What we cover in this episode: · Why traditional marketing no longer cuts it—and what’s replaced it · The origin story of Civista Bank’s “Social Stars” program · How to empower employees to become brand ambassadors on social media · Tools and processes to keep compliance teams happy · The surprising ROI and engagement metrics they’ve seen · Tips for scaling employee advocacy across branch locations This is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their bank’s social media engagement. Links & Resources: Autumn’s LinkedIn: Favorite Book: Be Where Your Feet Are, by Scott O’Neil Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan:
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Ep 90 - The Power of Connection with Neil Stevens (RERUN Ep 38)
07/21/2025
Ep 90 - The Power of Connection with Neil Stevens (RERUN Ep 38)
The Power of Connection with Neil Stevens Connection – with your team, your bank, your customers, and your own self - is the key to great leadership and to creating a truly engaged team. It starts at the top. Your bank’s leadership needs to feel confident in and connected with the values, vision, and mission of your institution. When this happens, and you hire people whose personal visions are already aligned with yours, you start building a great company culture, too. In this episode, Dan Novalis, Chris Bates, and Neil Stevens discuss what goes into connected teams. Neil shares his LEAD methodology for creating stronger connections: Love, Equip, Affirm, and Develop others. Being a better and connected leader starts with prioritizing yourself and your emotional and mental health. When you treat yourself right, you can encourage a better performance from your team. Topics Include: ● Why connection is so important for bankers ● How to develop a company culture that makes sense for your organization ● Why you need strong leadership to lead your company culture ● Why leaders need to prioritize themselves and their emotional/mental health ● How to encourage better performance in your team Neil Stevens is an accomplished banker, speaker, community leader, brand strategist, and fitness enthusiast. As President & CEO of Oconee State Bank in Watkinsville, Georgia, his visionary perspective inspires growth, drives direction, and helps clear obstacles for team members to achieve their personal and professional goals. Happiest when surrounded by his family, Neil’s passion is to create a positive impact on others through servant leadership. Resources Mentioned: ● Website: ● The Remarkable Foundation: ● Make Your Remarkable Podcast: ● Book: Love Works by Joel Manby: ● Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins ● Book: The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath ● LinkedIn: ● Email:
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Ep 89 - AI Starter Kit for Community Bank Marketers
07/07/2025
Ep 89 - AI Starter Kit for Community Bank Marketers
Feeling stuck when it comes to using AI in your bank’s marketing? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dan and Chris walk through five simple and safe ways to start using Gen AI—without tripping compliance alarms or sacrificing your brand voice. In this episode, we don’t just talk about it—we do it. You’ll see real prompts, live demos, and practical tips you can implement today. - Drafting Blog Posts - without the blank-page anxiety - Creating Social Media Posts – from those blogs - Doing Competitor Research – in seconds - Using Meeting Transcripts to extract action items, ideas, and plans (so you don’t have to take notes) - Generating Images – for social media and blog posts, that don’t look AI-generated - Why prompting skills matter more than ever (and how to build them) Links & Resources: - Website: - Sign up for our newsletter: - For a copy of the exact prompts we used in this episode, email us at: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 88 - Skill Building In The Age of AI
06/23/2025
Ep 88 - Skill Building In The Age of AI
In this episode, Dan and Chris explore how AI is reshaping the bank marketing world— and what marketing professionals need to do to stay ahead. From prompting effectively in ChatGPT to building efficient workflows and bringing human insight to the table, this episode outlines the skills that will define the next generation of marketing leaders. You’ll hear how to shift from tactical task execution to strategic input, and how banks can stand out in a sea of generic AI content by focusing on what makes them truly different. Key Topics Covered: Why AI won't replace marketers—but it will replace generic marketing The shift from doing to guiding: what the new marketing role looks like How to “prompt like a pro” and avoid generic, average results Turning your frontline staff and community events into rich AI inputs The power of systems thinking and creating reusable prompt workflows How brand voice, customer stories, and strategic judgment remain essential The emerging opportunity to differentiate as others automate generically Resources Mentioned: Bank Marketing Show website: https://bankmarketingshow.com Subscribe to the Bank Marketing Minute for deeper dives after each episode YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bankmarketingshow Call to Action: Want help developing your AI workflows or improving how your team uses tools like ChatGPT? Reach out to Dan or Chris through https://bankmarketingshow.com — we’re here to help.
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Ep 87 - Essential Website Strategy Insights with Brent Feldman
06/09/2025
Ep 87 - Essential Website Strategy Insights with Brent Feldman
Ep 87 – Essential Website Strategy Insights with Brent Feldman Many community banks don’t hesitate to invest hundreds of thousands, or even millions, in a new brick and mortar branch—but balk at the cost of a new website. In this episode, we dive into why that mindset needs to change—and what a modern bank website should actually do. Brent Feldman, CEO of Matchbox Design Group, joins us to unpack what makes a website work for banks, how to shift your team's mindset, and the most common traps banks fall into when building or rebuilding their sites. Topics we cover: · Why your website is more important than any physical branch · The mindset banks need before starting a web project · Common content mistakes (and how to fix them) · Why residential lending ≠ mortgages · WordPress vs. core CMS platforms · Creating a digital branch that actually reflects your brand Brent Feldman is the CEO of Matchbox Design Group, a website and marketing company focused on banks and credit unions based in St. Louis, Missouri. Brent leads digital strategy initiatives for the organization and is also the host of the Mix & Matchbox Podcast. Links & Resources: · Brent Feldman on LinkedIn: · Matchbox Design Group: · Brent’s Podcast: Mix & Matchbox – featuring a banking series - https://matchboxdesigngroup.com/about/mix-matchbox-podcast-digital-marketing/ · Recommended Book: Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz Learn more: Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 86 - Banking on Knowledge: How Teaching Builds Trust
05/26/2025
Ep 86 - Banking on Knowledge: How Teaching Builds Trust
Financial education isn't just about blogging — it’s one of the most powerful tools a community bank can use to connect with its audience, build trust, and drive long-term growth. And, it’s one that many customers are requesting – information and education from an institution they already trust. In this episode, Dan and Chris unpack the real “why” behind financial education and dive deep into practical ways banks can use it to boost engagement and loyalty. We discuss: *Why financial education works better than promotional fluff *Real-world delivery formats: blogs, workshops, bite-size videos, and more *How to tailor your content for local relevance (and stand out from national competitors) *The ROI of financial education—even when results take time Resources mentioned: - Bankmarketingshow.com - For more on this topic, check out our newsletter at bankmarketingminute.com - 90-Day Checklist – email us at
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Ep 85 - Turning Stories Into Strategy - Humanize Your Brand
05/12/2025
Ep 85 - Turning Stories Into Strategy - Humanize Your Brand
Turning Stories Into Strategy: Humanizing Your Brand Think you need a massive ad budget to stand out? Think again. This episode is all about how community banks can turn everyday staff and customer stories into powerful, memorable marketing—while keeping spend to a minimum. If your team’s struggling with content ideas, this is your playbook. In this episode, Chris and Dan cover: Why stories beat stock photos every time How to encourage employees to share small, real moments Turning everyday experiences into community trust Mixing personal + professional for maximum impact Campaign ideas that make your bank feel more human How to systematize story collection for social media gold Links & Resources: Website: Newsletter: Contact:
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Ep 84 - Guerrilla Marketing - High-Impact Engagement & Tactics
04/28/2025
Ep 84 - Guerrilla Marketing - High-Impact Engagement & Tactics
Forget billboards and banner ads — this episode is all about unexpected, low-cost, high-impact marketing moves that big banks simply can’t pull off. Chris and Dan share real-life guerrilla marketing campaigns from community banks that sparked attention, built goodwill, and drove serious local engagement. In this episode: What guerrilla marketing is (and why it works for banks) How surprise and delight builds brand loyalty Real examples: food trucks, cookbooks, classroom giveaways & more Ways to turn offline buzz into social media momentum Compliance watch-outs and how to stay inclusive Tips for measuring success and repeating what works Links & Resources: Website: Sign up for our newsletter: Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 83 - The Future of Community Bank Marketing with Caleb Stevens
04/14/2025
Ep 83 - The Future of Community Bank Marketing with Caleb Stevens
Podcasting isn’t just for influencers anymore—banks are getting in the game. In this episode, Chris and Dan sit down with Caleb Stevens, VP of Marketing at SouthState Bank’s Capital Markets Division and host of the Community Bank Podcast. From demand generation to practical AI use, Caleb breaks down how banks can modernize without losing sight of what really matters. In this episode, we cover: - The rise of podcasting as a bank marketing tool - How digital lead gen is changing—and how demand creation is in - How to use AI in practical, low-risk ways inside your bank - Caleb’s “3Ms framework”: Message, Methods, and Metrics - Real-world examples of alignment between marketing and lending teams that actually drove results - Why the simplest marketing ideas might be your most powerful About Caleb: Caleb serves as the VP of Marketing for SouthState Bank’s Capital Markets Division, serving over 1,000 community banks across the nation through a variety of banking products and services. He is also the host of The Community Bank Podcast and the co-author of the book Collegiate: 7 Big Ideas to Make College Awesome. He lives in Athens, Georgia with his wife Grace and two young sons. Links & Resources: - SouthState Bank podcast: - Community Bank Podcast: - Contact Caleb: - Favorite Book: - David Salyers & Dr. Randy Ross - Resource for brand messaging: - LEAD - Neil Stevens: - Website: - Sign up for our newsletter: - Contact Chris and Dan: contact@bankmarketingshow.com
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Ep 82 - Building an Army of Brand Ambassadors
03/31/2025
Ep 82 - Building an Army of Brand Ambassadors
How do you grow your bank’s social media presence without relying on your bank's own profiles? Most banks don't - but in this episode, Chris and Dan explore a different strategy: using your own staff as influencers and brand ambassadors. You’ll learn why employee-led content consistently outperforms corporate posts—and how to turn your team into your most powerful marketing channel. Here’s what we cover: - Why your employees’ social media reach outperforms bank official pages - Creating a culture of brand ambassadorship, not just marketing - Balancing compliance with creativity in employee posts - How to run a successful internal workshop to train social media ambassadors - The secret to making these programs sustainable over time - Why storytelling (not promotion) should be at the heart of your content Links & Resources: - Website: - Sign up for our LinkedIn newsletter: - Contact Chris and Dan:
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