How do you breathe new life into a legacy brand without losing the clinical authority that made it famous? In this episode, Blair Lancer , CMO of Lancer Skincare , pulls back the curtain on her journey from a fashion-focused career at Saks Fifth Avenue to leading the strategic evolution of her family’s dermatology-backed empire. Blair discusses the nuances of the "multigenerational" approach—balancing her father’s scientific expertise with her own relatable, digitally native voice to reach a you...
Apr 23, 2026•29 min
In this episode, we sit down with Elijah Khasabo, co-founder of Vidovo — a UGC and influencer platform connecting brands with creators — who started his entrepreneurial journey at 17, built a Discord community of 30,000 organically, and is now weeks away from graduating college while running a bootstrapped platform with 300+ brand clients and 25,000+ creators. Elijah breaks down why the creator economy has become a volume game, why creative briefs make or break campaign performance, and what bra...
Apr 16, 2026•29 min
What happens when a non-tech founder decides to stop "pushing" prompts and starts "pulling" solutions from AI? Kahlea Wade, founder of Alora Society, returns for her record-breaking third appearance to share how she is reinventing her luxury talent agency through the power of Claude and AI agents. Kahlea walks us through her "aha moment"—building a fully functional internal onboarding app from 500 pages of documentation in just a weekend—and explains why she now treats Claude as a strategic team...
Apr 09, 2026•35 min
In this episode, Cassie and Ally dive into the high-level strategies shared by Disney’s top creative and marketing leaders during a standout session at SXSW. They break down the "Disney Blueprint for Brand Relevance," exploring how a century-old icon manages to capture the hearts of Gen Z and Gen Alpha without losing its core "Purist" fans. From the "Disney Flywheel" and the hierarchy of Story > Product > Experience to the concept of leading with an "Emotional Destination," this conversati...
Apr 02, 2026•29 min
REWIND EPISODE : What happens when you stop treating marketing as a transaction and start treating it as a 24/7 conversation? Katelynn Ludwig, Director of Brand Strategy at DUDE Wipes, joins the show to break down the "Life Quakes" framework—a strategy for showing up exactly when a consumer needs you most (from potty training to the college dorms). Katelynn shares the raw details of their TikTok Shop success, where top creators are driving six-figure monthly revenues, and explains why they don't...
Mar 26, 2026•35 min
What happens when you combine a $59 Amazon printer, a vintage 2005 Toyota, and a deep desire to spend more time with your family? You get Untouched Blooms, a handmade flower and pet accessory brand that has found its way into the hands of the Kardashians, Simone Biles, and Alex Earl—all without a single dollar spent on ads or PR agencies. In this episode, founder Max Gayle Summersett breaks down the "scrappy" blueprint that allowed her to retire her father and scale a viral business from a 400-s...
Mar 19, 2026•41 min
What happens when you trade the traditional 9-to-5 ladder for a "choose your own adventure" career in the New York City media scene? In this episode, we sit down with Emma Sheehy, owner of Emma Sheehy Photography and a powerhouse freelance creator. Emma takes us through her journey from being an executive assistant in TV news to finding her creative voice through layoffs, side hustles, and a "yes first, figure it out later" mentality. We dive deep into why your Instagram is the new GPA, how to s...
Mar 12, 2026•28 min
Is partner marketing the missing link in your growth strategy? This week, we sit down with Molly Shunney, Director of Partner Marketing & Operations at CNN, to explore how she navigated a career path from scrappy tech startups to some of the world’s most iconic media brands. Molly breaks down the "startup instinct"—the ability to solve problems without a playbook—and how she uses that agility to drive digital subscriptions in a legacy corporate environment. We dive deep into the "Nucleus Eff...
Mar 05, 2026•38 min
What happens when you take a centuries-old, traditional industry and inject it with vibrant color? This week, Cassie sits down with Alice Carroll , Co-Founder of Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey , to discuss the art of strategic disruption. Alice breaks down her journey from "stealthily stealing secrets" at major whiskey multinationals to launching an independent brand that refuses to play by the rules. We explore how being the "only woman at the table" became her greatest creative advantage, the tactica...
Feb 26, 2026•33 min
After more than a decade away from the Big Game, WK Kellogg Co’s Raisin Bran made a historic—and hilarious—return for Super Bowl LX. Cassie is joined by JP Severin, Brand Manager at WK Kellogg Co, to pull back the curtain on the "Will Shat" campaign. Starring the legendary William Shatner, the campaign tackled America’s "fiber gap" by blending sci-fi nostalgia with irreverent bathroom humor. JP breaks down the decision to forgo a traditional national linear buy in favor of a tactical, streaming-...
Feb 19, 2026•22 min
Is social media a distribution channel or the heartbeat of your brand? This week, we’re joined by Eric Stark , co-founder of Slate and former NFL social leader, to unpack why most brands are fundamentally looking at social the wrong way. Eric dives into the transition from "posting for performance" to "creating for brand longevity," offering a masterclass in building creative workflows that empower teams rather than draining them. We explore how to maintain high-quality storytelling in an era of...
Feb 12, 2026•27 min
In this bonus episode, we’re joined by Nataly Kelly , CMO of Zappi , to dissect the data behind the biggest advertising night of the year: Super Bowl LX. While the rest of the world is talking about celebrity cameos and "Free Bird" soundtracks, Zappi is looking at the numbers that actually move the needle. Nataly shares exclusive insights from their testing of Budweiser’s "American Icons" ad, revealing a fascinating disconnect between Gen Z’s emotional response and their brand recall. We also ta...
Feb 06, 2026•20 min
In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour , we’re sitting down with Jackie Widmann , the SVP of Marketing and Commercial at BERO Brewing , to go behind the scenes of one of the buzziest names in the non-alcoholic space. Recorded fresh off the heels of Dry January 2026, Jackie breaks down the intensive, months-long planning required to own the "Super Bowl" of the non-alc industry. We dive deep into the transition from a high-energy brand launch to the sustainable "brand-building" phase, exploring h...
Feb 05, 2026•32 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Kendall Breitman , Community Lead at Riverside.fm , to unpack what it really takes to build meaningful community in a noisy, content-saturated world. A former reporter turned community builder, Kendall shares why trust has to come before tactics, why video is one of the most powerful tools for connection when used with intention, and how brands and creators can stop chasing reach and start building relationships that actually last. Whether you’re creating content...
Jan 29, 2026•28 min
In this episode, Ally and I break down the marketing and brand lessons hidden inside Disneyland Handcrafted , the new documentary directed by Leslie Iwerks that captures the extraordinary effort, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind the creation of Disneyland. Using never-before-seen footage and audio, the film elevates the often unnamed people who brought Walt Disney’s impossible idea to life — and offers a masterclass in legacy brand storytelling. Whether you’re a Disney fan or not, this con...
Jan 22, 2026•34 min
Laura Geller’s love of beauty began backstage on Broadway and behind the scenes with celebrities — but her true passion has always been making makeup work for real women . That belief led her to launch Laura Geller Beauty , a brand rooted in simplicity, inclusivity, and confidence at every age. In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Geller , Founder, and Sara Mitzner , VP of Marketing, to discuss how the brand continues to resonate with women 40+ while thriving in today’s fast-moving marketing l...
Jan 15, 2026•36 min
In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour , we’re officially closing out our biggest year yet and looking ahead to what’s next. We reflect on key milestones from 2025 — bringing Ally on as co-host, partnering with brands like Vayner and Digital Summit, expanding our speaking and workshop opportunities, and continuing our mission to deliver actionable insights that help you grow your marketing career. Then, we share what’s new for 2026, including our refreshed brand identity and the launch of the M...
Jan 08, 2026•33 min
In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, I’m joined by Stephanie Sandbo, Chief Revenue Officer at LTK, to break down where the creator economy is headed, and what brands need to understand to succeed in it. As AI accelerates content creation and campaign execution, Stephanie explains why trust, authenticity, and real community remain the most valuable currencies for both creators and brands. We discuss how creator marketing has evolved, what brands often get wrong when they chase speed or scale,...
Dec 18, 2025•28 min
REWIND EPISODE: In this solo episode, I dive into the three critical skills every marketer needs to develop continuously: Copywriting, Relationship-Building, and Adaptability. Inspired by a listener's question, we explore how these skills not only form the foundation for successful marketing careers but also remain vital throughout a marketer's journey. Whether you're just starting or are well into your career, this episode offers actionable insights to enhance your marketing prowess and stay ah...
Dec 11, 2025•27 min
In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, Cassie and Ally sit down with Lisa Bubbers — Chief Brand Officer at Orchestra and Co-Founder of Studs — for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s most culturally relevant brands are built. Lisa breaks down the real story behind Studs’ breakout success, the early risks that paid off, and how she now leads strategy for a portfolio of ambitious brands navigating growth and transformation. She shares how Orchestra decodes audience signals, pressur...
Dec 04, 2025•26 min
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Thompson , Senior Manager of Social Media at National Geographic , who leads strategy for one of the largest social ecosystems in the world—over 400 million followers across platforms. Elizabeth shares the career journey that took her from freelancer to running social for one of the most iconic storytelling brands, including how she grew Nat Geo’s Instagram from 250M to 270M and TikTok from 2.5M to 9M. We unpack how Nat Geo stays relevant in today’s cu...
Nov 20, 2025•29 min
What does it take to build a brand that doesn’t just cover culture—but defines it? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Tresvant, EVP of Brand Partnerships at Complex, to unpack how the iconic media brand continues to thrive in a shifting digital landscape. From ComplexCon’s 300+ brand activations to the company’s resurgence post-acquisition, Mike shares how a challenger mindset, authentic storytelling, and cultural fluency keep Complex ahead of the curve. We talk about what brands get wrong w...
Nov 13, 2025•41 min
In this episode, Cassie and Ally sit down to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive job market. After being laid off in early 2025, Ally found herself navigating interviews from a new perspective—and along the way, she discovered a framework that reshaped the way she communicates her strengths and value: The Three Cs—Clarity, Conviction, and Concise. Together, they break down how each “C” helps you show up as your best self in interviews, from defining your point of view...
Nov 06, 2025•19 min
In a digital world where 85% of young adults get their news from social media but only 5% trust it, brands face an unprecedented challenge: building credibility in an algorithm-driven landscape. In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Madsen of Vayner, who breaks down insights from their latest research on the state of PR, content, and consumer trust. We discuss how “earned media” and influencer storytelling have merged, why only 29% of brand leaders feel their voice is consistently authentic, an...
Oct 30, 2025•25 min
In this episode, Cassie reflects on six years of consulting, the evolution of marketing careers, and what it really takes to grow (without burning out) in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of AI to the importance of human connection, we’re talking about how to stay adaptable, keep learning, and find new inspiration in your work. Cassie shares her own career pivots, lessons from the Digital Summit in Philly, and the key skills that will define the next era of marketing. Key Takeaways: // Why marketi...
Oct 23, 2025•19 min
What happens when one of the most iconic nonprofits in the world reimagines its brand for a new generation? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Sabato, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ronald McDonald House, to explore the strategy and storytelling behind the organization’s bold new “Family Stays” campaign. From evolving a legacy brand and reaching Gen Z and Millennial audiences, to crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories voiced by real families, Joanna shares how the ...
Oct 16, 2025•24 min
Ally takes the host seat to debrief with Cassie on her recent trip to Digital Summit in Philadelphia. Digital Summit is where digital marketing leaders connect, learn and obtain resources to inspire and enable a growth mindset. We discuss Cassie’s learnings from various sessions and workshops across AI, innovation, digital marketing and culture. Key Takeaways: // Create for discovery. Not your followers. Assume every viewer of your content doesn’t know your brand. // Algorithms are rewarding rel...
Oct 09, 2025•28 min
Taylor Swift isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to market in the digital age. In this episode, Cassie and Ally unpack the marketing brilliance behind Taylor’s Eras Tour and beyond, exploring how she uses storytelling, connection, and innovation to keep her audience engaged. From live Easter eggs to building anticipation through mystery and intrigue, we break down the strategies Swift uses to create loyalty, spark excitement, and make every launch feel like an event. Wheth...
Oct 02, 2025•26 min
What does it take to thrive in today’s creator economy? Kahlea Wade, CEO and Founder of Alora Society, an award-winning influencer talent agency, joins me to break down what’s working (and not working) in influencer marketing in 2025. With experience leading campaigns for brands like Meta, Nike, Amazon Prime, and Skims, Kahlea shares how brands can write better briefs, why LinkedIn is becoming a powerful platform for creators, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build confidence a...
Sep 18, 2025•46 min
In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Bette Ann Fialkov, Fractional Head of Influencer Marketing and Professor at Parsons , who has led influencer and celebrity partnership strategies for powerhouse brands including Google, Lyft, and Hims & Hers. With nearly 15 years of experience, Bette Ann shares the playbook for building and scaling influencer programs, the lessons she’s learned moving between brand and consultancy roles, and the secret to creating partnerships that put...
Sep 12, 2025•34 min
