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.

Episode 21 - Philip Wilkerson 09/08/2025

Episode 20 - Casey Cornell 08/25/2025

Episode 19 - Ryan Pena 08/11/2025

Episode 18 - Chaim Shapiro 07/28/2025

Episode 18 - Chaim Shapiro On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chaim Shapiro, a career services professional, speaker, and LinkedIn strategist with a deep passion for helping others navigate their professional journeys. Chaim shares the winding road that led him into career services—despite being told not to pursue a career in education and explains why talking someone out of their passion can be one of the biggest disservices you can do. Key Highlights Why a visit to Universal Studios’ backlot tour became a surprisingly profound (and slightly depressing) moment How Chaim’s early love for sports didn’t translate into a career—but helped shape how he helps others explore overlooked opportunities The importance of helping people create new opportunities—even in industries and roles that don’t exist yet How adaptability has been key to his work in career development and higher education Chaim also provides practical advice about: Using LinkedIn effectively and what changes he loves (and a few he doesn't) Why mentorship and curiosity are foundational to building a meaningful career The most rewarding aspects of working in career services and the impact of truly seeing a student’s potential And of course, learn why Chaim socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links Learn more about Flowsend Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. 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 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/37580345

Episode 17 - Chris Fitzpatrick 07/14/2025

Episode 17 - Chris Fitzpatrick On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with Chris Fitzpatrick (Chris Fitzpatrick Speakes). Chris shares his journey from college to becoming a sought-after speaker and HR expert, exploring the intersection of social media, talent acquisition, and mentorship. Key Highlights Chris's evolution from student government president to HR professional and public speaker The transformative power of active listening in communication and relationship-building How social media has revolutionized talent acquisition and job searching Chris also provides practical advice about: Leveraging social media effectively in your job search and career development The importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth Owning your career and treating yourself as the CEO of your personal brand Quoteables: On The Value of Mentorship "Mentorship can change somebody's life. We can all be mentors and we can all be mentored. I've never met anybody who has so much experience that they could never benefit from being mentored by another human being." And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links Learn more about Flowsend Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. 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 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/37400070

Episode 16 - Internship Roundtable (2025) 07/01/2025

Episode 15 - Maria Duron 06/16/2025

Episode 15 - Maria Duron On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with Coach Maria Duron (Professional Trainer, Consultant and Google Coach). Maria shares her road to becoming a Google Coach and shares more information about how search has evolved - from SEO to AI. Key Highlights Maria's "squiggly" career path through rural America's marketing landscape The creation of Brand Chat on Twitter in 2009 Her role in Google's small business outreach program Maria also provides practical advice about: Adapting to AI-driven conversational search The importance of consistency over viral moments in marketing How AI is transforming content visibility and credibility Why "hope is wonderful to have, but it's a poor strategy" in business Quoteables: On Consistency in Marketing "That is the boring part of marketing that people don't understand. They want the sexy silver bullet, what can I do to fix this and get that flash and excitement and become viral? Well, as everybody knows here who's done any training in social media, those viral moments are rare. They're not something that are common." And of course, learn why Maria socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Maria'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 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/37031080

Episode 14 - Nick Cicero (Mondo Metrics) 06/02/2025

Episode 14 - Nick Cicero (Mondo Metrics) On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with returning guest Nick Cicero (Founder, Mondo Metrics). Nick previously appeared on the podcast in 2015 () and has since sold his first start-up and now serves as founder of Mondo Metrics, an expert data consultancy and analytics software platform designed to transform fragmented metrics into actionable insights. Nick discusses his experiences as a founder, investing in other businesses, and the journey to creating a new company. He also breaks down the value of data, including how to optimize across multiple digital media platforms. Key Highlights The Evolution of Content Distribution The Power of Consolidated Analytics Rethinking Monetization Strategies Nick also provides practical advice about: Overcoming Data Fragmentation Adapting Content for Different Platform Leveraging Data for Monetization Quoteables: "You're never too big to pick up a broom. And that is one of the things that has always stuck with me. In every role that I bring. And that means that you got to be able to talk to the guys that are the lowest guys on the job site, the guys that are sweeping up the floors, that are taking out the garbage, that are doing those things. But then you got to be able to walk right in and talk to the executive, talk to the CEO, talk to the project manager." And of course, learn why Nick socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Jessica's Links: on Why I Social (Ep. 53, S1) on Spotify 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. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/36823340

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. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/36539225

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. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/36331385

Episode 11 - Michael Katz 04/14/2025

Episode 10 - Theresa Potratz 03/31/2025

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. /episode/index/show/whyisocial/id/35724075