Unlock your creative potential with the "Be Silly" strategy. In this interview, Tatiana Karpukhina and Jiabi Wang discuss their research showing how intentionally generating silly ideas can break cognitive fixation and lead to more innovative solutions. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful technique to boost creativity in both personal and professional settings....
May 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 362
An interview with Professor Jochen Hartmann about the use of generative AI in marketing, specifically focusing on comparing AI-generated images to human-created ones. Hartmann discusses research involving various AI models like DALL-E-3, Midjourney, and Firefly, and the surprising findings about their performance in aesthetics, realism, and effectiveness in real-world ad campaigns. The conversation highlights the rapid development of AI in marketing and its potential to create "superhuman" image...
May 01, 2025•29 min•Ep. 361
Photography expertise for personal branding and business success. In this interview, Rana Faure , a seasoned photo industry executive, shares how to select the right photographer, prepare for effective headshots, and create a compelling visual strategy for your business. Get advice on stock vs. custom photography, event coverage, and understanding image rights. Listen for practical tips for elevating your professional image....
Apr 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 360
MaryLeigh Bliss of YPulse shares insights into the latest social media trends and consumer behaviors among Gen Z and millennials. She breaks down platform usage, video content preferences, the growing popularity of Pinterest, and TikTok’s role in trend discovery and social shopping. The discussion also dives into the unique traits and spending habits of 20-somethings, highlighting how social media serves as their go-to source for both information and inspiration....
Apr 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 359
Entertainment industry leader Steve Kazanjian talks with Gabriella Mirabelli about Social Department , an AI platform transforming content libraries into social media gold. Explore how to maximize marketing ROI, reach new audiences, and leverage legacy content with cutting-edge AI technology....
Apr 10, 2025•28 min•Ep. 358
In this episode, Dr. Ana Valenzuela, Professor of Marketing at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, discusses a meta-analysis of consumer responses to artificial intelligence (AI) over the past two decades. The conversation explores the evolving attitudes toward AI, the factors influencing consumer resistance, and strategies businesses can use to build trust in AI solutions. The research reveals nuanced perspectives on how people perceive and interact with different types of AI in various context...
Apr 03, 2025•25 min•Ep. 357
In this interview, Meghan Kirsch, an Emmy and James Beard award-winning media executive, shares her experience of transitioning from B2C to B2B marketing. The conversation focuses on how to apply consumer-focused strategies to a business environment, emphasizing that at the end of the day, you're still communicating with people. Meghan stresses the importance of humanizing B2B interactions and bringing creativity to what is often perceived as a dry, corporate space....
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Ep. 356
This interview provides insights into the tween consumer market from YPulse's MaryLeigh Bliss. Learn about their tech habits, social media use (YouTube, TikTok, Fortnite), parental influence, and key trends shaping this generation. Discover how to effectively reach 8- to 12-year-olds with digital products, gaming, and diverse content.
Mar 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 355
In this interview, Brad Farris , a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience helping agencies scale their businesses to the $3-5 million range, discusses the unique challenges agencies face as they grow, particularly when trying to break through that crucial $1 million revenue mark. He offers invaluable insights into leadership, profitability, client acquisition, and team management....
Mar 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 354
Influencer marketing is huge, but how do creators balance authenticity with making money? Professor Dr. Johanna Gollnhofer discusses the "creator's dilemma" and strategies for brands to partner with creators effectively. Learn about maintaining authenticity in sponsored content and the future of social media marketing....
Mar 06, 2025•29 min•Ep. 353
Explore the difference between "earned rest" and "expansive rest" with Public Health Burnout Coach Marissa McKool . This interview explores overcoming work stress, redefining rest, and achieving sustainable work-life balance. Learn practical strategies to process emotions, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace rest without guilt, ultimately boosting creativity and well-being....
Feb 27, 2025•28 min•Ep. 352
In this interview, YPulse 's MaryLeigh Bliss discusses young consumers’ gaming and media consumption habits. Discover key insights on reaching young consumers, including their openness to in-game marketing and social media's role in driving entertainment engagement. Learn which platforms and strategies resonate most today....
Feb 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 351
Diane Schwartz , CEO of Ragan Communications , discusses the role of communications in business, the importance of aligning communication goals with business goals, and how to build and maintain a strong brand reputation. She also provides insights on working with communications firms and managing expectations....
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 350
In this interview, Emanuela Prandelli , LVMH Associate Professor of Fashion and Luxury Management at Bocconi University, discusses research she and her colleagues recently published in the IJRM. Their paper explores the role of content creators in the luxury world and the challenges luxury brands face when engaging with them. Prandelli and her colleagues' research highlights the importance of balancing control with creative autonomy, offering valuable lessons for luxury and consumer brands alike...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min•Ep. 349
Gabriella Mirabelli and guest Jenny Wall , CMO of VideoAmp , discuss the evolving landscape of entertainment, marketing, and advertising. Wall shares her insights on the power of data-driven storytelling, the importance of embracing new metrics, and the future of advertising in the digital age....
Jan 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 348
Discover the future of youth culture as MaryLeigh Bliss , Chief Content Officer at YPulse , reveals her predictions for 2025's top trends. From the revival of local, offline experiences to the rise of livestream shopping and newsletter influencers, get insights into how Gen Z and Millennials are shaping the future of consumerism, social media, and pop culture. Find out how brands and marketers can stay ahead of the curve and effectively engage with these influential generations....
Jan 23, 2025•30 min•Ep. 347
In this episode Jennifer Gardner , a trial lawyer, coach, and consultant, shares valuable insights on persuasive communication. Learn how to leverage authenticity, storytelling, and active listening to advance your ideas and become a more effective communicator, especially in high-stakes situations....
Jan 16, 2025•29 min•Ep. 346
This interview with Simone Wies and Alexander Edeling explores the evolving creator economy, focusing on the rise of "creatrepreneurs" and their unique business models. Gain valuable insights into the factors driving success in the creator economy and learn how marketers can effectively collaborate with these entrepreneurial content creators....
Jan 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 345
This interview with Molly Neuman , President of CD Baby , explores her journey from Riot Grrrl musician to music industry executive. Neuman discusses the music industry's evolution, the importance of representation and activism, and the challenges of balancing creativity and business. Gain insights into leadership, the democratization of music, and the ongoing struggle for equality in the industry....
Dec 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 344
In this interview, MaryLeigh Bliss, YPulse's chief content officer, dives into the latest trends in social media usage among Gen Z and Millennials. The discussion covers the most popular platforms, key features driving engagement, and young people's views on social media's impact. Bliss also highlights the expectations these generations have for brands and influencers in social media spaces....
Dec 12, 2024•27 min•Ep. 343
This interview with Alexander Bleier , Associate Professor of Marketing at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explores the complexities of the creator economy and its reliance on social media platforms. Key topics include the role of platforms in content discovery, creation, and monetization, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. The discussion explores the evolving relationship between creators, users, and advertisers, raising quest...
Dec 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 342
In this interview YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss explores Gen Z and Millennial subcultures, highlighting how young consumers find community and belonging in their passions. The conversation dives into the distinctions between fandoms and subcultures, the impact of loneliness on community-seeking, and the opportunities for brands to engage authentically with these passionate groups....
Nov 21, 2024•28 min•Ep. 341
In this interview, Havoc Robotics CEO Kelly Biderman shares how she uses her media and content background to grow the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL). She sees robot fighting as more than just competition; it's a way to engage a diverse audience and inspire interest in STEM. By focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and compelling content, NHRL is moving robot fighting more mainstream. Biderman's success demonstrates how digital marketing strategies from entertainment and publishing can be e...
Nov 14, 2024•29 min•Ep. 340
In this interview, Professor Alina Sorescu , a chaired professor of marketing at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, delves into the intricacies of the creator economy. The discussion explores the nuances of authenticity in content creation, the role of social identity in fostering consumer engagement, and the impact of content length on attention spans. She also sheds light on the future trajectory of the creator economy, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to understand its compl...
Nov 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 339
In today’s episode, Lior Arussy , author of " Dare to Author! ," shares insights on building and owning your personal narrative. The interview provides valuable insights on how to craft a fulfilling personal narrative and make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on deliberate vision, intentional humanity, gratitude, and authenticity, we can empower ourselves to become the authors of our own stories....
Oct 31, 2024•29 min•Ep. 338
In this episode, we sit down with Dan Rua , the CEO and co-founder of Admiral , a visitor relationship management company. With a background in venture capital and tech industry leadership, Rua offers valuable insights into the evolving digital landscape. Throughout the interview, Rua underscores the importance of sustainable business practices and building meaningful relationships with users. He sees Admiral playing a key role in helping publishers adapt to the changing digital landscape and th...
Oct 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 337
In this interview, YPulse 's Chief Content Officer, MaryLeigh Bliss , shares valuable insights into the media consumption habits of Gen Z and Millennials. The data, drawn from extensive surveys conducted by YPulse, reveals how these younger generations are reshaping the entertainment landscape. The insights shared underscore the dynamic nature of the media landscape and young consumers’ evolving preferences....
Oct 17, 2024•27 min•Ep. 336
In this episode host Gabriella Mirabelli interviews Nick Martin , co-founder of Direqt , a conversational AI platform utilized by major brands like ESPN, Cosmopolitan, and The Sun. In the interview, Martin explains how Direqt helps publishers create engaging content, expand distribution, and develop sustainable monetization strategies using AI....
Oct 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 335
Knowing how to repair things after "dropping the ball" in B2B sales is crucial because it helps rebuild trust and maintain long-term relationships with clients. In today’s episode, we speak with Dr. Stephanie Mangus, an associate professor of marketing at Baylor University, who specializes in sales, about Dr. Mangus's research on how B2B salespeople can recover after they "drop the ball" with their clients....
Oct 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 334
Scott Mautz , author of The Mentally Strong Leader , reveals the 6 mental muscles that make up mental strength and how to build them. In this interview, he shares insights on habit-building, self-assessment, and the importance of mental strength in leadership, especially during challenging times....
Sep 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 333