Why I Social
Why I Social brings brings you candid conversations with folks who truly get social media - from average joe to CEO. Each podcast invites you to get to know social media professionals beyond their social media handle. Go beyond the handle with Why I Social.
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Episode 13 - Jessica Malnik
05/12/2025
Episode 13 - Jessica Malnik
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 sparring partner" for marketers. She emphasizes its potential to enhance, not replace, human creativity. - Business Ownership Mindset: Transitioning from employee to business owner requires a mindset shift. Jessica stresses the importance of taking responsibility for all business aspects. Quoteables: - "Even if you are just freelancing... you need to make that shift between nine to five employee and a business owner." And of course, learn why Jessica socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Jessica's Links: Learn more about Flowsend Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code.
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Episode 12 - RJ Thompson
04/28/2025
Episode 12 - RJ Thompson
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 as a learning opportunity. He discusses his graphic design background and how creativity fuels problem-solving in education. - LEGO Certifications and Community Projects: Explore RJ's LEGO certifications and his collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University. Learn how LEGO serves as both a stress reliever and a tool for engaging neurodivergent children. - Community Involvement and Leadership: RJ reflects on his motivations for community work and how he encourages young professionals to create impactful experiences. And of course, learn why RJ socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! RJ's Links: Learn more about Flowsend Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code.
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Episode 11 - Michael Katz
04/14/2025
Episode 11 - Michael Katz
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 overcome writer's block - AI for Social Media Managers: Michael highlights how AI tools can save time and boost efficiency, allowing managers to focus on creativity and authenticity. Michael's Links: Learn more about Flowsend Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code.
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Episode 10 - Theresa Potratz
03/31/2025
Episode 10 - Theresa Potratz
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 between AI tools and human oversight. - Growth Marketing Strategies: Theresa defines growth marketing and shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of diverse skills in creating effective strategies. - "Unhinged History" Podcast: Learn about Theresa's podcast, which brings unique historical events to life, and how she leverages social media to expand its reach with a focus on Tik Tok. Theresa's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] Did you know you can get Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 9 - Tovah Kopan
03/17/2025
Episode 9 - Tovah Kopan
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 community building through her podcast and initiatives, creating spaces for connection and growth. - Social Media's Role in Community Engagement: Discover how social media transforms community engagement, especially in areas lacking traditional news sources. - Balancing Multiple Roles: Tovah discusses managing her career, podcast, and community initiatives, sharing strategies for effective time management and content creation. - Parenting in the Digital Age: Reflect on the challenges and joys of parenting with social media, including the potential for positive educational experiences. Learn why Tovah socials on this week's episode! Tovah's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at Did you know you can get Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 8 - Tim Sohn
03/03/2025
Episode 8 - Tim Sohn
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 client relationships and defining success in social media strategies. - Building Community: The story behind "Perspectives on Cancer" and its impact on connecting people through shared experiences. - LinkedIn's Unexpected Role: How LinkedIn became a platform for personal connections and community building. Learn why Tim socials on this week's episode! Tim's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 7 - Jenny Li Fowler
02/17/2025
Episode 7 - Jenny Li Fowler
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! Jenny's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 6 - Sue Serna (Serna Social)
02/03/2025
Episode 6 - Sue Serna (Serna 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 experience translates into effective social media managers Learn why Sue socials on this week's episode! Sue's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 5 - Alex Hultgren
01/20/2025
Episode 5 - Alex Hultgren
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 with Ford's leadership program Developing his career growth through soft skills and why they matter How to transition from contributor to manager The benefits of working independently The Three "Knows" of Marketing Learn why Alex socials on this week's episode! Dan's Links: (Amazon) Join The Why I Social Community Discord: About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 4 - Dan LaToracca
01/06/2025
Episode 4 - Dan LaToracca
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 build multiple pieces of content from major moments Learn why Dan socials on this week's episode! Dan's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 3 - Casie Shimansky
12/16/2024
Episode 3 - Casie Shimansky
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with a three-time guest on the podcast dating back to 2015 as Casie Shimansky returns to podcast. Shimanksky's experience in social media and the digital marketing profession offers a wealth of knowledge. Highlights of the discussion include: How to successfully manage a layoff A decade worth of social media changes How she has raised nearly 200k for childhood cancer research and much more... Learn why Casie socials on this week's episode! Casie's Links: (FB) Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 2 - Robbie Schneider
12/02/2024
Episode 2 - Robbie Schneider
On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with healthcare communications practitioner Robbie Schneider, author of "Social Media, Sanity & You." Highlights of the discussion include: Her career in Healthcare Communication The importance of mental health for social media professionals Her book writing journey and much more... Quotable Moment: "Changes happen constantly. When you work in the social media space, it is the biggest game of Tetris you'll ever play." Learn why Robbie socials on this week's episode! Robbie's Links: Purchase your copy of Social Media, Sanity & You today Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 1 - Callie Goodwin
11/18/2024
Episode 1 - Callie Goodwin
Chris speaks with Callie Goodwin, Founder of Sparks of Joy and Communications Manager at ZeeMee. Callie shares highlights of her career from being a team of one in Higher Education to building a small business on TikTok. Learn why Callie socials on this week's episode! Callie's Links: Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 0 - The Return of Why I Social
11/04/2024
Episode 0 - The Return of Why I Social
We're excited to announce the OFFICIAL return of the Why I Social Podcast - with full sponsorship from the National Institute for Social Media. Hear Chris' discussion with Jen Radke, CEO of NISM, as we share what's new and what's the same - and tease the first official episode in two weeks featuring Callie Goodwin. About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.
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Episode 162 - Chris "Sully" Sully (@CSSully)
07/03/2018
Episode 162 - Chris "Sully" Sully (@CSSully)
Chris Sully (@CSSully) is Marketing Manager at Funko. He's also the co-owner of Nerd FU. He is the host/co-host of multiple podcasts including Funko's Funkast. His journey to Funko (his number one job) is one that will inspire many to chase their dreams.
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Episode 161 - Alesia Hendley (@TheSmoothFactor)
06/19/2018
Episode 161 - Alesia Hendley (@TheSmoothFactor)
Alesia Hendley (@TheSmoothFactor on Twitter) is an audio-visual operator and multi-media journalist. She is a co-host for the Social Slice (learn more at socialslice.io) and has a passion for technology (especially audio-visual). Alesia was also recommended to the podcast by alum Brad Parler.
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Episode 160 - Social Good and Influence for Good (Special Episode)
06/05/2018
Episode 160 - Social Good and Influence for Good (Special Episode)
Taking a break from the usual conversations taking place on Why I Social - this episode looks at the power of social media to do social good. It also calls back to the work of many of the alumni of the podcast who are doing good things and providing positive social influence to inform and educate others on important global conversations.
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Episode 159 - Amy Jauman (@Amyjauman)
05/22/2018
Episode 159 - Amy Jauman (@Amyjauman)
Amy Jauman is the Chief Learning Officer at the National Institute for Social Media. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor in business and marketing at St. Catherine University and owns Remotely Smart. She has extensive experience with instruction from early-childhood education to adult education.
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Episode 158 - Rob Zaleski (@Robzie_)
05/08/2018
Episode 158 - Rob Zaleski (@Robzie_)
Rob Zaleski is a Digital Content Marketer at ShippingEasy in Austin. In addition, he's the host of a new podcast, Keep Marketing Weird. Previous experiences also include time as Marketing Manager for Marketing Profs and Content Marketing Associate for Main Street Hub.
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Episode 157 - Ryan Farrell (@Ryan_Farrell6)
04/17/2018
Episode 157 - Ryan Farrell (@Ryan_Farrell6)
Ryan 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.
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Episode 156 - Tess Kaytmaz (@tessmeonit)
04/03/2018
Episode 156 - Tess Kaytmaz (@tessmeonit)
Tess 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.
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Episode 155 - Casie Shimansky Returns (@TheNameisCasie)
03/20/2018
Episode 155 - Casie Shimansky Returns (@TheNameisCasie)
Casie Shimansky is an award-winning social media strategist for Cisco's talent brand team. She is a previous guest on the show and the first to return as an alum for a regular episode of the podcast. It's also possible you follow her dog on Instagram.
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Episode 154 - Katie Santo (@HeyJustKatie)
03/06/2018
Episode 154 - Katie Santo (@HeyJustKatie)
Katie Santo is Web Training and Content Support Specialist at New York University. She has previously worked at Apple as an in-store guest/trainer expert. She joins the show with an engaging Twitter presence that is both educational and embraces pop culture.
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Sessions - Episode 8 (Twitter's New Bookmark Feature)
02/28/2018
Sessions - Episode 8 (Twitter's New Bookmark Feature)
Welcome to the eighth episode of Why I Social Sessions - where we bring you short discussions focused on one singular topic. This is not your standard Why I Social episode where we learn about a guest - but instead - we focus on important topics impacting the social media space today.
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Episode 153 - Willis Williams (@Social_Chef)
02/20/2018
Episode 153 - Willis Williams (@Social_Chef)
Willis Williams is Digital Strategist for Dealer Authority. Originally from the Bronx, Williams currently lives in upstate New York and is active in the community volunteering at the Woodstock Film Festival. He is also an ambassador for Hootsuite.
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Episode 152 - Justin Gatewood (@lightjump)
02/06/2018
Episode 152 - Justin Gatewood (@lightjump)
Justin Gatewood (@lightjump) is Web, SharePoint and Cloud Systems Administrator at Victor Valley College. He served as a member of the United States Navy from 1990 through 1995 as a Cryptologic Technician receiving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.
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Special Announcement: New Sponsor for Why I Social
02/06/2018
Special Announcement: New Sponsor for Why I Social
Before releasing the next episode of Why I Social - episode 152 - host Chris Barrows has a special announcement to make regarding the new sponsor of the podcast.
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Episode 151 - Jessica Matthews (@purelyjess)
01/23/2018
Episode 151 - Jessica Matthews (@purelyjess)
Jessica Matthews is the Digital Media Director for the First Lady of New York City. Her previous experience includes the New York Times and New York University. She also interned at Google before beginning her full-time career as a social media and digital marketing professional.
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Episode 72 - The One With Ikea Babies
01/15/2018
Episode 72 - The One With Ikea Babies
On this week's episode, our hosts discover Ikea's new line of products - pregnancy tests. Also, GoPro is more like "oh no".
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Episode 150 - Dr. Josie Ahlquist (@josieahlquist)
01/09/2018
Episode 150 - Dr. Josie Ahlquist (@josieahlquist)
Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a digital leadership educator (josieahlquist.com), teacher and speaker. She has been in education since 2003 including 12 years working at the university level. She currently serves as Research Associate and Instructor at Florida State University and has been named the "Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology blog" by Ed Tech Magazine three times since 2013.
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