Awsomology

In this episode, Ben and Sue talk about the impact of algorithms on online reach and the importance of authenticity in marketing. How can you strike a balance between creating content for the algorithm and authentic messaging to foster meaningful connections with your audience?

Useful Links:

Reach vs. impressions vs. engagement: What’s the difference?

Why Authenticity Beats Trends in 2025 Marketing

Brand authenticity and forgiveness

In this episode of Awsomology, hosts Sue and Ben welcome Andrew Weisz, CEO of Finden Marketing, who shares his journey from a tech background to founding a marketing agency during the pandemic. They discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face in marketing and how agencies can help them succeed AND stay on budget.

If you’re in the Duluth, MN area, check out:

Chilly Billy's Frozen Yogurt

Madhouse Burgers

For your next event, staff, or client gift:

Duluth Candy Co.

Northshore Charcuterie

Our Recommendations:

Tailspin, John Armbruster

Stick, on Apple TV

Purple Cow, Seth Godin

American Players Theater

In this episode, Ben and Sue welcome Dr. Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University. Learn about Dr. Kyte's journey into the study of Ethics, his work on the importance of 'third places', his wise advice for more ethical marketing, and much more.

Some Awesome Things:

K-pop Demon Hunters

Perfect Days

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays

The Ethical Life Podcast

Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)

RichardKyte.net

Never Forgotten Honor Flight

What do these words even mean? Sue and Ben list the top 5 Marketing words they use way too often, give suggestions for words you can use instead, and then remind themselves that the most important thing is to use the right word at the right time, every time.

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

In the latest episode, Ben and Sue talk about the transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on marketing strategies and how the speed of that transformation is increasing. From the shift in how consumers search for information, with many opting for ChatGPT over traditional search engines, to the importance of creating relatable and context-driven content, they lay out almost everything AI that is on their minds and impacting their daily work.

Useful Links:

Top Generative AI Chatbots by Market Share – July 2025

Goodbye Google?

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

Sue and Ben welcome Zach Zellner, an outdoor therapist and cofounder of LiveLife Leadership. Zach shares his journey from coaching to mental health counseling and how he created a unique practice that combines movement and nature to help guide his clients on the path (both literally and figuratively) to healing.

Some Awesome Things:

Zach's Website

Omaha!

Visit Door County and don’t miss Potawatomi State Park or Whitefish Dunes State Park

Gen Z is turning to ChatGPT for therapy

If you've ever felt like your business was falling behind, you and your team are overwhelmed, and you're not sure when relief will come, this is the episode of Awsomology for you!

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

In this episode of Awsomology, hosts Sue and Ben join guests Kristin Hubbard Dostel, Ryan Branwell, and Garrett Katerzynske in their studio to talk about the evolution of CREATE Portage County, an organization focused on creativity and community collaboration. They touch on the significance of inclusivity and fostering connections through community events.

A quick show note: in this audio, you will hear a great group of people having so much fun talking that they sometimes forget they're sharing microphones. The audio has been edited and enhanced in some places to correct for that.

Some Awesome Things for this episode:

We’re close to translating animal languages – what happens then?

10 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Season

Stevens Point Pride

Bound to Happen Books

Points Punks on Instagram

Everything is Tuberculosis, John Green

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

In this episode, Ben and Sue talk to Cathy Statz, a Cooperative Educator, to learn how she grew up in the cooperative movement, how co-ops play a vital role in local economies, and why it's so important, especially for the next generation, to

make sure co-ops thrive.

Awesome Things to Share:

Sneaker Impact

Co-ops you can support with your snacking

Harriet Tubman Live in Concert, Bob the Drag Queen

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

In this episode, Sue and Ben explore the unique challenges and advantages of working in a small marketing agency. From wearing multiple hats to ambition and burnout, the conversation emphasizes the importance of creative freedom and authentic leadership in everything we do.

The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.