Album 7 Track 22 - Crafting Content for the World w/Shaheen Samavati

In this episode of Brands, Beats & Bytes, we sit down with Shaheen Samavati, a journalist-turned-entrepreneur, to explore the fearless choices and lessons that shaped her career. From navigating early missteps in translation projects to launching her own company, Shaheen shares how saying “yes” before knowing the outcome, owning your mistakes, and staying true to your voice can create powerful opportunities. Tune in for a candid conversation about storytelling, mentorship, and building a brand with courage and clarity.

Key Takeaways: 

• Pull People In with Storytelling
• Create the World Before the Story
• Mentorship Matters
• Own Your Mistakes
• Fearlessness and Taking the Leap

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REMIX: Album 7 Track 14 - Authenticity Over Algorithm w/Jeff Crow

Brand Nerds, Brand Nerds, Brand Nerds — we are back from our summer hiatus and we missed ya'll! 
Today's guest is considered both friend and family - so you know it's a good one. Former Coca-Cola alum, Jeff Crow joins us today to share what he's learned throughout his career with details from his time working with the legendary Kobe Bryant, alongside our own DC, to his current role at TapMango. A strong episode to come back from our summer break - enjoy! 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

• Being Consumer Focused
• Learning Confidence
• Surround Yourself with Good People
• Always Prioritize Your Family & Loved Ones
• Being a Five Tool Business Person
  • Growth-Based Decision Making
  • P&L Management
  • Brand First
  • Managing in Every Direction
  • Data-Informed Decision Making

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Album 7 Track 21 - What's Poppin? Jeep…Sex and/or Family Friendly?

We are back in the virtual building with a special episode of Brands, Beats, & Bytes - What's Poppin' Edition. Today we are diving into the recent Jeep/Wagoneer marketing tactic - Sex and/or Family friendly vehicle?

We'd love to hear your thoughts - find us on social media and drop us a comment! 

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Album 7 Track 20 - Brands, Meet Humanology w/Ivan Juzang

In this thought-provoking episode of Brands, Beats & Bytes, the Brand Nerds sit down with Ivan Juzang, founder of MEE Productions, to explore how heart and humanity drive meaningful impact in marketing, storytelling, and social change.

Ivan shares lessons from his unique journey—bridging private and public sectors, blending technology with “humanology,” and using emotional connection to make brands and messages resonate deeply. From his early work crafting shareable film trailers for New Line Cinema to developing campaigns that spark authentic word-of-mouth in underserved communities, Ivan unpacks how behavior change happens in a social context—and why marketers must understand the environments their audiences live in.

Hosts Darryl “DC” Cobbin and Larry Taman reflect on key takeaways, including:

• Leading with purpose, not money.
• Building emotional connection between brands and audiences.
• Balancing data-driven strategy with empathy and integrity.
• The importance of humanology in brand and marketing

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REMIX: Album 2 Track 4 – Tim Spengler, President M1 US, Former Worldwide CEO of Magna Global, President Initiative, President of Content Marketing and Revenue, I Heart Media and overall Media Maven who has seen it all from both the agency side and the content/client side.

Hey Brand Nerds! Filled with stories and challenging the hosts like no other, you go Tim! His foundation is the wonderful encouragement provided by Tim’s Mom, Roseann Spengler (Yes, encouragement is powerful, see Album 2 Track 1 with James Brown Founder of EncouragementX for more). Not sure about the Tom Carvel bump as a kid, but wow, what a fun, informative and entertaining show! 

Please enjoy this track and learn about a variety of topics highlighted by:

• “You can only tie me in honesty, you can’t beat me”
• TV 3.0
• Changing jobs, you start over, they don’t know who you are and they don’t care- best way to handle it…
• Being a student of it all, always…
• Where you are says a lot about who you are

#timspengler #marketing #branding #advertising #media #mediamaven #m1

REMIX: Album 4 Track 19 - The Power of Community; Globally & Locally w/Bianca Blake

Brand Nerds! We have a seasoned marketer in the building today! Bianca Blake is bringing her career experience to the conversation that will make you consider how you are approaching marketing, the power of a community, and the grit and confidence it takes to make it as an entrepreneur. 
From her time in corporate America to her impact in Sub-Saharan Africa - Bianca has experienced a thing or two and she's here to share it with you. 
An episode that you don't want to miss. Check-it out! 

Album 7 Track 19 - Mentorship, Marketing, and Mastery w/Bill Pearce

Brand Nerds, welcome back to Brands, Beats, & Bytes! While LT may have met today's guest at an MLB game - he's a true Brand Nerd at heart and has brought the jew-els to today's episode.
Bill Pearce has a background of CPG, brand and marketing, and is now leading the future through education. We know you'll enjoy getting to know Bill just as much as we did! 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

• Build brand first. 
• Know your X factor. 
• Remember: less is more.
• Be a mentor who listens.
• The Importance of setting clear rules.
• Don’t confuse tactics with brand.
• Prioritize balance.
• Be bold, not lukewarm. 

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Album 7 Track 18 - The Power of Culture-Led Brands w/Tebogo Kakurupa

Brand Nerds, we are going global today and reporting live from our virtual building with guest Tebogo Kakurupa of South Africa!
Tebogo has a strong passion for culture and has brought that into each and every project he has worked on. Sharing South Africa's Heritage Day with us, Tebogo shares what he's learned from his career and what he is thinking about the future of marketing, agencies, influencer marketing, and AI. We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode - enjoy! 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

• Be culture-led.
• Too much information can be a foe.
• Don’t be led by money.
• Tech has never fallen in love and had its heart broken - remember that when it comes to AI.
• Self-belief is the core of everything you do.

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Album 7 Track 17 - Elevating Your Brand Through Music w/Jesse Kirshbaum

Brand Nerds, our guest today is a true intersection of brand, tech, and culture. Jesse Kirshbaum, Founder of NUE Agency is a true brand and music pioneer, bringing his wide range of experience and knowledge to our virtual building! 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

• Music comes in only two forms: good and bad.
• Every brand needs a soundtrack that amplifies its strategy.
• Find a trusted partner with complementary strengths.
• Embrace technology fully. Adapt, innovate, and define your lane.

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Album 7 Track 16 - Health is the True Wealth w/Scott Robinson

We have family in the building, Brand Nerds! Today's special guest is a former Coke (KO) alum and close friend and colleague of our hosts. We are getting wisdom and jew-els dropped that will inspire you and help you in your career. We know that you'll love it and can't wait to hear your thoughts and reflections! 

Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:

• Always be your authentic self
• Be Proactive - Act Accordingly
• Don't chase the money
• Lean into tech - but be knowledgable about it
• Pay it forward

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