Episodes

This episode explores how the words we use—in emails, employee advocacy, and content strategy reveal patterns that fail to resonate and create disconnection. Plus, while AI wants to please, that's not always a good thing.

This episode challenges us to step back and examine whether our content challenges stem from marketing problems or from human behavior patterns that affect everything we do.

There will be no new episode this week, but the next episode is scheduled for October 8th.

This episode is all about breaking out of old habits for the better of your business and your audience. Sometimes you just need to tweak it. Other times, you may need to scrap the whole thing!

This week’s briefing examines the issue of templated thinking, ranging from copy-and-paste posts on LinkedIn to the striking example of 7,000 white papers that were almost entirely unread. Both highlight what happens when marketers repeat tactics without critical thought.

This week, we break down a real example of transforming generic marketing language into meaningful content, explore how gated content barriers have spread beyond contact forms, and I share an AI mistake I made that others can learn from. You'll hear: A step-by-step transformation from generic marketing language to meaningful language using a fake company and product - but a real audience. How gated content hurts connection and why this barrier mentality has spread into uncomfortable sa...

This week, we examine how templated language can dehumanize LinkedIn DMs, the tendency to overthink our video content, the benefits of trying out Instagram, and how to transform a mobile experience into a Disney ride.

This week: robotic “human” messaging, a surprising look at marketers’ priorities, a smart take on what real conversation looks like in content, how AI is helping and hurting business, and whether it might actually boost emotional intelligence.

Just touching base with you about what's been going on and what to expect next!

Shira Abel is the CEO and Founder of Hunter & Bard and creator of The Perception Formula. She's here to help consider the ways company attitudes about audiences inevitably shape the content we create. She'll add much-needed depth and context to...

This week, we're revisiting the episode featuring Marcus Sheridan. The show is back with a new episode on April 2nd. Sometimes, the simplest changes in a mindset or approach can make the biggest difference in improving your content strategies....

Matt Locke, Director at StoryThings, joins us to discuss the epidemic of uninspired content marketing and how businesses can create truly distinctive thought leadership. Matt brings decades of experience from his BBC and Channel 4 background to...

In this episode, book coach and business advisor Jackie Lane reveals why writers shouldn't fear AI but should instead take agency over how they use it. As the founder of the HII (Human Intelligence and Imagination) Project, Jackie shares insights from...

Do you think social media can't really be "social" because people won't care or you don't work for a sexy brand? In this episode, John Gonzalez from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District shares how his team transformed their utility's social...

We know that internal communication can impact external communication (content marketing), but can content strategies improve internal communication and company culture? Communications expert and strategist Kristin Quiroz Bayona is here to explain how...

In this episode, Marketing Communications and AI expert Dan Nestle joins us to discuss how businesses can apply everything we've learned about AI in content marketing to their 2025 strategies.  Dan shares insights on avoiding the dull content...

Ted Lasso isn't just a heartwarming comedy series - it's packed with powerful lessons about leadership, company culture, and communication.  These factors can make or break a company's culture, content success and audience reputation. Nick...

I'm one of those guys who can incorporate pop culture references into just about anything, but today, I'll be linking them to marketing, content and audience. Pop culture can put marketing concepts in a fresh context that resonates in unique and...

Professional photos can be the deciding factor when clients choose between experts. John A. Demato, a visual storytelling expert who works with speakers, authors, and consultants, explains why authentic photos can be a real game-changing...

While finding the right language is always a challenge in content marketing, some industries get stuck using the same words. In the higher education industry, it can be words like "student-centric." Brian Piper is the Director of Content Strategy and...

Hello! I was out of town last week, but I'm back now and booking guests for the rest of 2024. The next show will be in two weeks - October 23.

Cisco Talos Intelligence estimates that 150 billion emails sent globally are spam. Even marketers get a lot of spam! So, if you're a marketer, how do you create emails that stand out from the spam, make connections, generate responses and develop...

Ever wonder why some slogans, product names or ads stick in your head while others fade away? James I. Bond does, and he's written a book about it called Brain Glue. In today's episode, he shares: Why some ads make you flinch How a clever name can...

After a short break (holiday weekend) - the show will be back next week!