NJ Content Studio Show

For start-ups, creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners looking to grow your business and amplify your voice, NJ Content Studio exists for you. With hosts John Bertino and Steven Picanza!

NJCS 12: Vintage New Jersey - Interview: Using Nostalgia to Build Followers with Tom Jurkowski 01/12/2026

NJCS 12: Vintage New Jersey - Interview: Using Nostalgia to Build Followers with Tom Jurkowski Five years of posting vintage photos to an audience of just his mom and brother. Then one post about ridiculous New Jersey street names like "Man Love Avenue" and "Nut Swamp Road" exploded from 20,000 views to 1.2 million overnight, changing everything. Tom Jurkowski turned his "weird, nerdy obsession" with New Jersey history into 284,000 followers by mastering what he calls "snackable history": grainy 1970s footage and then-and-now photos that trigger nostalgia across generations. In this NJ Content Studio interview, Tom reveals why hashtags still matter (controversial!), how quirky characters drive engagement, the "slot machine theory" of viral content, and why monetization remains frustratingly elusive despite massive view counts. He also shares his go-to resource for copyright-free historical footage and explains why posting about an old man who waved at traffic became one of his most polarizing and successful pieces of content. With your hosts Steven Picanza and John Bertino. Key Timestamps - Cold Open: The dopamine addiction of viral content and Tom's massive regional following - Introduction and studio tour: Naming the South, Central, and North Jersey studios - Tom's origin story: How college in New Hampshire and misconceptions about New Jersey sparked the idea - The Asbury Park inspiration: Discovering vacant buildings and starting the then-and-now obsession - Five years of persistence: Going to libraries with his phone "like a creep" and getting 5 likes from mom - The breakthrough post: Funny street names that went from 20K to 1.2 million views - The nostalgia factor: Why people engage and how it triggers memories across all age groups - "Snackable history": Why 30-60 seconds is the sweet spot in an ADD culture - Copyright navigation: The "American Archive of Public Broadcasting" resource for licensable content - Going in front of the camera: Why Tom decided to finally show his face after years - Content ideation: No keyword research, just following inspiration from boats to pine trees to Jersey Devil - The hashtag debate: Why Tom swears by them (with high volume + specificity) when others say they don't matter - Hooks and thumbnails: Using "mouth open" shock thumbnails and text overlays to stop the scroll - The waving man story: How a polarizing 1990s local legend drove over a million views - Monetization reality check: Why a million views doesn't equal a million dollars - The missing piece: Why Tom needs an email list and how creators are "renting" their social audiences - Why content flops: The social experiment of unpredictable performance and the LBI shipwreck example - Metrics that matter: Why shares (40,000+) are more valuable than likes for Tom's content - The "slot machine theory": Why you need 3-5 variables to hit at once for content to truly perform - Final advice: Don't worry what people say, post what you're passionate about, and power through the early days About Vintage New Jersey and Tom Jurkowski Tom Jurkowski is the founder and content creator behind Vintage New Jersey, a popular social media platform dedicated to preserving the Garden State's history, culture, and nostalgia through archival photos, videos, and stories. Launched in December 2014 as a side project, the account has grown to over 450,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads by sharing "snackable history" like then-and-now photos and quirky local tales. His breakthrough came with a viral post on New Jersey street names, exploding from 20,000 to 1.2 million views. Want Even More Marketing and Creator Growth Advice? • /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/39701490

NJCS 11: DarTheFoodGuru - Creator Interview: A Lesson in Charisma and Consistency 12/12/2025

NJCS 11: DarTheFoodGuru - Creator Interview: A Lesson in Charisma and Consistency The story of a food creator who slept on the floor, ditched flaky friends, and exploded from 30K to 100K followers with his wife's camera in hand, all while rejecting bots, clout-chasing, and quick cash for pure, organic joy in blowing up hole-in-the-wall spots. Dar the Food Guru ⁨shares with hosts John Bertino and Steven Picanza how his "Oh baby!" rasp and 4-second hooks crush saturated trends like cheesesteaks, turning small businesses' lives around without selling out. Creators and entrepreneurs, hit play to steal his authenticity playbook and rethink what real growth demands. Key Timestamps and Episode Moments – Emotional mission cold open Dar explains he isn’t doing this for views or fame, but to eat food he loves, blow up small-town spots, and describes organic metrics, friends turning their backs, his wife stepping in, and being “locked in” editing on work breaks. – Host cold open and vibe Explicit-language disclaimer, then John and Steven open the NJCS Creator Show, Steven botches the intro, they joke about leaving mistakes in, and set the “all organic, having fun” tone. – Studio plug and Dar’s reaction John plugs NJ Content Studio in Haddonfield, New Jersey and asks Dar what he thinks; Dar calls it beautiful, uplifting, “a vibe,” and stresses it’s not a paid plug, just genuine appreciation. – “Dare/Dar/Darth” and Vader riff Clarifying it’s “Dare” from Darian, joking about YouTube reading it as “Darth the Food Guru,” an SEO quip, and the hosts playing with “Darth” and “Vader” while mentioning wild comments. – Origin story & Adam Richman Dar shares starting about five years ago around COVID, being the guy going out when businesses were dead, and how Adam Richman/Man v. Food inspired him to change his happiness by picking up a tripod and eating food, not chasing money. – Camden roots and hidden gems He talks about growing up all over South Jersey with high school in Camden, then highlights Freddy’s and Ruthie’s as must-visit, under-the-radar Camden spots while pushing back on the city’s negative reputation. – “Not doing it for the clout” Dar contrasts himself with creators chasing trendy “clout” spots, explains his focus on hole‑in‑the‑wall small businesses, wanting to change their lives instead of pursuing stardom, and the hosts flag this as montage‑worthy. Shout out to and our convo with Mike DesMartes here: – What makes videos pop He breaks down why some videos flop and others outperform, notes pizza and cheesesteaks are saturated, and argues the intro and first 4 seconds (the hook) are the biggest drivers of whether viewers stay or swipe. – “Oh baby” and audio brand Story of evolving from “Mr. Oh Man” to “Oh baby,” people recognizing him by voice, polarizing hate on his vocal tone, and the hosts framing his catchphrase and delivery as a powerful, memorable audio brand and pattern interrupt. – Authenticity, bots, and real engagement Dar calls out creators buying bots and joining comment groups, explains how that deceives restaurants and hurts small businesses, and contrasts that with his own organic shares, cross‑platform metrics, and real foot traffic. – Hashtags, testing, and algorithm stress He describes trying heavy vs light vs no hashtags, Instagram’s “trial” feature, and his nervousness about dropping hashtags even though some no‑hashtag posts have blown up, underscoring how exhausting the algorithm game can be. – Longevity and hedging the platform risk Conversation turns to “renting” an audience on Meta, Stephen’s advice about email lists and off‑platform assets, and Dar outlining a next move into his own long‑term restaurant concept rather than a quick one‑off spot. – Changing lives for small spots Dar shares success stories like Pops Chicken Box growing from a corner setup to a full restaurant with major revenue jumps, and other spots like Henri Hot’s and Ruthie’s seeing big spikes from his coverage. – Wife’s role and emotional breakthrough He recounts being “on the floor” two years ago with nothing, friends and cameramen disappearing, his wife stepping in to film, and their growth from around 30K to ~100K followers and millions of monthly views, becoming tearful as he explains how much it means. – Faith, perspective, and doing it for love Dar talks about his faith and daily prayer, being okay with his past choices (including tattoos), reiterates that he barely takes money, pays out of pocket for food, lets his wife earn from production, and insists he does this for love, happiness, and changing others’ lives, not for stardom. Want More? /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/39377960

NJCS 10: Millions of Views: Joe Perri’s Journey from South Philly to Social Media Success 11/21/2025

NJCS 10: Millions of Views: Joe Perri’s Journey from South Philly to Social Media Success Joe “Lil Snuff” Perri built his brand from South Philly with humor and consistency. His viral videos of throwing a pen at a car for sale caught attention. Posting three times a day at set times helped grow his audience fast. He avoids over-editing and chasing viral trends, focusing on one-take authenticity. Controversy and negative comments fuel his engagement and motivation. You will learn: How Joe built his brand with authentic content The origin and rapid growth of his podcast partnership His approach to affiliate marketing that earned significant commissions How managing direct messages builds a loyal community Joe also talks about handling workplace conflict over political content. What niche will you own by being authentic and consistent? How will you turn controversy into attention without losing your voice? Are you using social media timing and frequency to your advantage? Joe’s story offers practical steps supported by measurable results. Key Timestamps and Episode Moments - "Controversy Sells": Opening statement on why controversy draws attention, setting the tone for the episode. - Guest Welcome & Background: Joe “Lil Snuff” Perry is introduced, discussion of his Philly roots. - Growing Up in South Philly: Family history, neighborhood background, addiction and rehab journey. How Joe’s recovery shaped his career direction. - The First Funny Car Video: Creating the original "Selling Chevys for Less" clip, the famous pen throw, and early viral results - Organic Catchphrases Go Viral: The "Selling Chevys for Less" tagline sticks and gets real-world traction. - Jumping Into Affiliate Marketing: Success with Larry’s Lounge, "Chicken Man," the $15k first month. - Social Posting Consistency: Posting 3 videos daily, at set times, and the importance of discipline. - The Power of One Take: Joe’s philosophy: minimal editing, maximum authenticity ("one take Joe"). - No Desire for Viral Algorithm: Views on not chasing the algorithm, just authentic posting. - Hooks & Clip Planning: No scripting or clip planning—personal hooks happen naturally. - “Sacrilegious to Marketing”: The hosts react to Joe’s 'no-edit, no-plan' stance; humor and debate. - Embracing Negativity: Embarrassment and negative comments actually fuel content creation. - Community Building & DMs: How Joe’s team and superfans handle direct messages and negative comments. - Starting the Podcast – The Origin Story: The call from Hollywood (Kevin Connolly), “get on the plane,” pitching the show concept, and family reaction. - Dad's Sizzle Reel Moment: Joe’s father delivers the memorable “You got a home run, Joey, this is gonna blow!”—a high-energy highlight. - Dealing with Controversy (and "Donald" Mention): Reaction to blowback at work after mentioning Donald (Trump), workplace conflict follows. - Content Flops and Pops: Candid discussion about social media hits ("pops") and misses ("flops"), why some posts tank. - Breaking Balls, Banter, and Hair: Lighter segment on internal ribbing, jokes about appearance, and wild hair stories. - Behind the Scenes - "Real Snuff" Household: Insightful and humorous look at Joe’s personal life moments—bringing relatability and laughter. - Giving Back & Social Impact: How the show and brand drive charity and community projects including turkey drives and youth events. Want more? /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/39123395

NJCS 09: How This Food Blogger Went Full-Time Using SEO, Email & Connecting w/ Fans | Mangia with Michele 11/11/2025

NJCS 09: How This Food Blogger Went Full-Time Using SEO, Email & Connecting w/ Fans | Mangia with Michele Michele Di Pietro, founder of Mangia with Michele @mangiawithmichele, is a culinary professional turned full-time food blogger and content creator specializing in Italian and Italian-American cuisine. After a long career in food service and culinary direction, Michele launched her brand in 2017 on Instagram, posting recipes and engaging with the community, which quickly grew. The COVID-19 lockdown proved pivotal, as she authored her cookbook “Soupified” and later launched a well-structured website in 2021, which became her primary monetization hub. Michele emphasizes the importance of combining culinary expertise with digital marketing, SEO, and community engagement to build a sustainable brand. She shares insights on content creation, SEO strategy, email marketing, monetization via Mediavine ads, sponsored brand deals, and the challenges of balancing creative work with the technical and time-consuming aspects of blogging. Despite occasional criticism from Italian food purists, Michele’s authenticity, warm connection with her audience, and continual learning in marketing and AI tools have propelled her success. She plans to expand her video content, podcasting, and product offerings while maintaining a strong community focus. KEY PARTS OF THE CONVERSATION: - Intro "Mangia with Michele" Michele opens with her mission statement about inspiring people to cook and enjoy Italian and Italian American flavors - Formal Guest Introduction & Studio Welcome John and Steven formally introduce Michele Di Pietro to the NJ Content Studio show - Career Background: From Culinary Training to CPA Auditor Michele reveals her journey as a culinary-trained professional who transitioned into accounting and CPA auditing - NYC to New Jersey: Professional Transitions Michele discusses her five years in New York City and her career path - Transition from Operations to Content Creator Michele explains how she started in operations before pivoting to full-time content creation - Vision: Working with Brands in the Food Space Michele shares her early ambition to work with food brands and grow through collaborations - Launch Date: November 2017 Instagram & Blog Launch Michele reveals she officially launched her Instagram platform and blog in November 2017 - Authenticity vs. AI Content: Differentiating Strategy Michele discusses how authentic, original content differentiates her brand from AI-generated food content - Cookbook Launch: "First Came the Cookbook in 2020" Michele discusses her cookbook launch in 2020, which started as a lockdown project - SEO Breakthrough: Learning Keyword Research Michele's turning point—learning SEO and keyword research despite having no prior knowledge - Food Photography Process: Shooting Everything with iPhone Michele explains how all her recipe photography is shot using her iPhone - Pinterest Strategy: "Pinterest is a Huge Opportunity" Michele reveals how Pinterest became her biggest traffic driver for organic discovery - Host Question: "What About AI?" John pivots to an important topic—Michele shares her perspective on AI for content creation - AI for Food Bloggers: Course Purchase & Strategy Michele discusses purchasing an AI course specifically designed for food bloggers and how it fits her business - AI Use Case: Updating Old Blog Posts Michele explains her primary AI use case: using prompts to identify and update underperforming older blog posts - Using AI Prompts: Best Practices for Recipe Content Michele reveals how AI prompts will help her, especially with supplementary information in recipe posts - The Key Rule: "Supplement with AI, Don't Replace with AI" Michele and hosts emphasize the critical difference—AI assists but never replaces her personal, detailed approach - Monetization Milestone: Goal to Join Mediavine Michele discusses her goal and achievement of joining Mediavine for ad revenue - Building Community & Future Vision Michele emphasizes the importance of building community and shares her vision for future projects - Closing Remarks & Call to Action Final wrap-up with Michele sharing where listeners can find "Mangia with Michele" online Highlights 🍝 Michele transitioned from a culinary director to a full-time food blogger specializing in Italian cuisine 📈 Instagram was Michele’s launchpad, but her website became the primary revenue source 📚 During the COVID lockdown, she wrote and self-published the cookbook “Soupified” 🔍 SEO and keyword research play a critical role in her content strategy and discovery 💰 Monetization primarily comes from Mediavine ad management, supplemented by brand partnerships and affiliate income 📧 Growing an email list using tools like Flowdesk and Grocer’s List is key to building direct audience connections Want more? /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/38987540

NJCS 08: Philly's #1 Fan: Going Viral and Growing a Content Creator Business All for the Love of the Game 10/09/2025

NJCS 08: Philly's #1 Fan: Going Viral and Growing a Content Creator Business All for the Love of the Game From rowdy tailgates to viral street interviews, Philly Sports Guy has become one of the loudest and proudest voices in Philadelphia sports culture. In this energy-packed episode (the video version is broken into two parts but this audio version is all in one), hosts John and Steven sit down with the man behind the painted face to talk rivalries, rituals, and why his booming passion resonates far beyond the stadium. You’ll hear how dressing up for one Eagles game snowballed into a full-blown persona, the behind-the-scenes grind of keeping that energy alive week after week, and what it’s really like to go toe to toe with rival fans on camera. Along the way, Jamie Pagliei opens up about the highs of going viral, the lows of dealing with critics, and the deeper sense of community that fuels his love for Philly. Expect laughs, wild stories from the stands, and an unfiltered look at what it means to live and breathe your city’s sports 24/7, win or lose. Becoming a Professional Fan and Content Creator - Part 1 Key Topics Covered (Timestamps correspond to the ) — Intro – teaser sizzle reel on who the Philly Sports Guy is — Family at the Spectrum (childhood roots) — Nostalgic/fan memory — Starting chimney & masonry company — Rapid-fire jobs list (Sizzler, etc.) — Ticketmaster line hustle — Production studio enters; persona begins to form — Shoulder pads & football pants — first full costume — Viral cheer; Barstool’s “most sophisticated man in Philadelphia” — The ‘elbow’ clip goes ultra-viral — Securing the ‘Philly Sports Guy’ name/handles — Decision to go full-time (2019) — Mom’s hospital moment & motivation — Influences: becoming a student of Gary Vee Philly Sports Guy - Strategy, Systems & Monetization - Part 2 Key Topics Covered (timestamps correspond to the ) — Cold open: Recap on where we left off from Part 1 (on the NJCS Business channel): going full-time → COVID → testing show ideas — Show concept: Philly Fan Caves (man-cave series) — What COVID taught me (back to marketing roots) — Marketing rule: never assume; always introduce yourself — Signature sign-off: “Go Birds” (ending cadence) — Three rules of the Philly Sports Guy (“I don’t sit… I don’t shut up…”) — Terabytes of footage; needs a team — Viral on a mistake + mea culpa; stitched on TikTok — Stadium Wi-Fi throttling & in-moment posting — One-take posting rule — Security run-ins become content — Has an agent; brand deals pipeline (picked up ~2 years ago) — Monetization: Instagram pays best; TikTok policy hurts — “Most photographed person” story — Fan trips with sponsors (away games) Get ready for big laughs, wild fan stories, and a behind the scenes look at how one man’s passion turned into a city wide phenomenon. This episode is a must listen for die hard sports fans, content creators, and anyone who knows what it means to bleed green. Want more? /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/38526980

NJCS 07: How To Go Viral With Philly Eats 09/11/2025

NJCS 07: How To Go Viral With Philly Eats From oversized hot dogs to viral cheesesteaks, David Wesolowski has turned everyday meals into millions of views. In this flavorful episode, John and Steven sit down with Wez, the creator behind some of TikTok’s funniest and most relatable food videos. Whether it’s mispronouncing words just to spark conversation or filming late-night snack runs, Wez has built a community that thrives on humor, honesty, and a shared love of food. You’ll hear how a three-pound hot dog catapulted his content into the spotlight, why cheesesteaks are a guaranteed debate starter, and what it really takes to post three to four meals a day without burning out. Along the way, Wez reflects on the dopamine rush of likes, the challenge of staying authentic, and the secret tricks that keep his audience coming back for more. Expect laughs, behind-the-scenes stories from viral posts, and a candid look at how leaning into quirks (and even mistakes) can be the key ingredient to creative growth. Key Topics Covered - Viral Meat Globe vs. 3-Pound Hot Dog: What Really Gets Views? - How Feeding Time TV Grew from Pandemic Hobby to Food Brand - Reddit Love & Viral Hits: Reading Terminal + $1M Hot Dog - Slumps & Standards: How He Bounces Back and Handles Bad Food - From Home Cook to Informed Critic: How He Vets Chefs with Real Questions - Tricks for Views: Mispronouncing Words to Spark Comments - Orders a Lot: How Variety Makes His Reviews Stand Out - Sponsored = Fewer Views: Why He Always Discloses Paid Content - Inside the Brand Deals: Wawa, Taco Bell & How Sponsorships Work - No “Philly” in the Name: Leaving Room to Grow Beyond Local - His Podcast: Behind the Mic of Delicious City Philly - The Tasties: Creating Philly’s First Food Awards Show - Underrated Eats: Hidden Gem Restaurant Picks in South Philly Ready to laugh, get hungry, and pick up practical tips for creating content that connects? This episode serves up behind-the-scenes stories, creative hacks, and plenty of flavor—perfect for food lovers, creators, and anyone curious about turning everyday moments into viral hits. Want more? /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/38180375

NJCS 06: From Memes to Millions of Views with Andrew and Rich from Two Guys on a Plane 08/20/2025

NJCS 05: Philadelphia Entrepreneurs Share Their Journey from the Streets to Successful Businesses with P. Michael and Lenny the Boss 08/07/2025

NJCS 04: Going Viral on TikTok and YouTube in the Wedding Industry with Adriana Brauckmann 07/23/2025

NJCS 04: Going Viral on TikTok and YouTube in the Wedding Industry with Adriana Brauckmann What does it take for a wedding content creator to go from zero to over 50,000 loyal followers—and rack up half a million views on a TikTok video about bridal shower dresses? In this lively, unscripted episode, Adriana Brauckmann, founder of The Pre-Nup podcast and a seasoned wedding industry insider, dishes on her unfiltered journey from filming solo tips on her iPhone to joining forces with major players like Love Stories TV and David’s Bridal. Expect surprising confessions about what really works on TikTok, why the best-performing videos sometimes have zero talking, and how authenticity, consistency, and a touch of chaos fuel her content success. You’ll also hear insider details on how Love Stories TV became the biggest wedding video platform—and why David’s Bridal is betting big by acquiring media brands to build a community, not just sell dresses. If you want practical tips, honest stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of wedding content, this is your episode. 📝 Key Topics Covered 📝 How "The Pre-Nup" started: wedding industry roots, podcast launch Building a platform: TikTok beginnings, Instagram hesitations Viral breakthrough: 500,000+ views for a dress montage Growing a following: Reaching 10K fans, then 50K+ Production value: Why the shift to pro studio skyrocketed results Short vs. long form: Why short clips feed podcast growth Hooks, tactics, and audience-first strategy David’s Bridal acquisition: Building community & launching Pearl Content as CRM: Moving audiences through the wedding journey SEO for creators: Challenges & tips for wedding industry brands Behind the scenes: Planning, prepping, and the value of guests Authentic camera setups & DIY production hacks CapCut, editing, and learning the tools vs. hiring out Big-picture goals: Building “the go-to” wedding podcast Fun afterparty: favorite honeymoon spots, cocktails, and hot dog debates Ready to be inspired, entertained, and pick up tactical tips? Jump in—this episode is for wedding industry creatives, marketers, and anyone who loves a smart business (and content!) comeback story. 🚨 WANT MORE? 🚨 • /episode/index/show/966b83d5-8a7e-467a-9ab2-9bd095f2ffae/id/37511740

NJCS 03: From Felon to Founder: The Rise of the Growfather, George Martorano 06/20/2025

NJCS 02: Growing a Foodie Content Creator Account on Social Media with Mike Desmarets from Two Chomp 06/07/2025

NJCS 01: Get Millions of Views By Decoding the YouTube Algorithm with Mike Desmarets from Evolve Ink - Part 1 05/06/2025

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