Citizen Rebel

How do we survive MAGA? One year after our first conversation we invite Psychotherapist Jay Karr back to the studio to discuss.

Here's what we get into:

In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, how do we find connection and understanding?

Reflecting on the past year, Alaina, Chris and Jay dig into the evolving landscape of our emotional responses. Jay highlights a growing sentiment among his clients: while frustration and anxiety are palpable, they are also part of a shared human experience.

"We're all in the same boat. We're navigating a pull towards separation and protection, which can feel like fear, but on the other side, there’s a deep longing for connection." — Jay Karr

## Understanding Our Coping Mechanisms
Jay elaborates on how the societal pressures and personal struggles we face can often lead to an internal polarization. This conflict can create barriers to connection, making it challenging to engage with others meaningfully. 

He notes, "The greatest disservice in today's media ecosystem is the diminishing ability to dream. If we can’t envision a different reality, it will remain out of reach."

## The Importance of Connection
The conversation also delves into the duality of connection and isolation. Chris Vogel resonates with Jay's observations, admitting to the tendency to retreat into isolation as a protective mechanism. Jay reassures listeners that this is a common response, yet emphasizes the necessity of connection to foster growth and resilience.

"Our desire for connection is fundamental. It’s essential for us to come together, to dream, and to take action towards a better future," he asserts.

## Final Thoughts

As Jay concludes, he encourages us to reflect on our individual roles within the larger societal framework. The hope lies in our ability to dream of a different future, to want change, and to take action. 

Embrace the conversation. Listen to the full episode to explore these profound insights further.

Links:

Reclaim Your Path | reclaimyourpath.com

Jay Karr’s psychotherapy practice in Columbus, Ohio. Jay specializes in depth-oriented work and psychedelic therapy, working with individuals and couples working through complex trauma, relationship struggles, major life transitions, and anxiety and depression.

Jay Karr | jaykarr.com

Executive coaching and workshops for leaders and organizations. Jay spent twenty years leading technology at scale before training as a clinician, and now works where the two meet: the patterns leaders build to succeed, and how those patterns shape decisions, relationships, and culture.

To connect with Chris and Alaina visit http://www.goodisnow.com or email [email protected] 

Can AI design your logo? If you are considering designing your logo with AI – listen to this podcast episode first with an experienced brand strategist (Seth Gray), brand identity designer (Chris Vogel) and growth strategist (Alaina Shearer).
 
About this episode: 

Our guest, award-winning brand strategist, Seth Gray, joins Chris and Alaina to break down the pros and cons of designing a logo with AI. All three have decades of experience in brand identity design, and also brand strategy (ie, how to position your brand in the marketplace). 

You'll also learn more about what goes into a branding project (spoiler: it's so much more than a logo). If you're a founder or CEO considering logo and brand identity creation or a refresh, you'll find this episode incredible beneficial.

Key Takeaways: 

• The risks of designing with AI
• When to invest in a logo or wait
• Tips on what to do if you must use AI due to budget restraints
• What is a true brand identity project like when conducted by humans 
• Why are human insights key to success for a brand identity 
• The two most important things to watch out for in a new logo design (lol)

Seth Gray's Bio:

Seth works directly with founding teams to solve their toughest growth challenges. He's built revenue driving positioning strategy and GTM systems for companies most marketers struggle to operate in.

• A cloud-native telecom in a trust-hostile market.

• A B2B SaaS platform stuck in the wrong category.

• A sports SaaS company rebuilding its commercial engine mid-flight.

• An NIL marketplace in a category that didn’t exist yet.

• And I loved every minute of it all… 

Different industries. Same underlying problems. Find Seth on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgray/ or email him at [email protected] 

To work with Seth, Chris and Alaina visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

Chris is facing a midlife crisis and finding his way out of it by - spoiler - creating content. If you've been a long time listener, you know how reticent Chris was to creating content and finding his voice so Alaina is quite overjoyed at this development. Listen to find out how to overcome your own content creation fears and just hit publish. You may also be inspired to kick your bucket list for good and teach the kids how to cook and clean.

Links we think you'll find handy:

Chris and Alaina's ad agency - Good Now
Chris' YouTube Channel - Watch Here 

One year later... Alaina and Chris kick off Season 2 with Trevor Silva of My Cluck Hut to find out how he's been doing since Season 1. 

How is My Cluck Hut's business since taking a stand against fascism? Have they lost business or grown? And how does Co-Founder and Content Creator Trevor Silva feel about it all? They discuss lessons learned, how Trevor is doubling down on even more values-driven content, and how My Cluck Hut has grown since November of 2024 when he posted his first "controversial" post. 

Plus, Trevor clues Alaina & Chris into an unbelievable scoop - they're the first to hear about Trevor's newest product with a jaw dropping angle and a celebrity partnership that will have you laughing, cheering him on and hopefully, very inspired to find the symmetry between your branding and your values. 

Follow Trevor on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/mycluckhut

To find out more about Good Now, Alaina & Chris' brand strategy agency visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

In this episode Alaina & Chris unpack how Citizen Rebel came to be, how the show and their partnership has evolved over the past year, and they review consumer protest against brands in 2025 and highlight celebrities who are speaking out. 

Find Alaina & Chris at their branding and marketing agency, Good Now, for purpose-driven brands at http://www.goodisnow.com 

Season 2 is coming in January 2026! 

Alaina & Chris talk to Kenda Kistenmacher, founder or Kinda Kist Jewelry. Her political statement pieces: an IUD necklace, uterus necklace and safety pin necklace, have attract influencers to her brand while also raising money for their causes. She walks us through how she made the pivot into the political, and why. The episode also dives into marketing strategies to bring the political to life, while balancing the non-political messaging from your brand. 

Shop Kenda's Jewelry: http://www.kendakist.com 
Follow Kenda Kist Jewelry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendakistjewelry/

To connect with Alaina & Chris about their branding and marketing agency, or to see our brand archetype decks and Find Your Voice Cohorts visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

What if brands like McDonald's or Disney actually stood up for their values? Alaina and Chris go down a rabbit hole of imagining a world in which values trumped profits. And, Alaina updates Chris on the Portland Frog and new symbols for the movement that have emerged since their popular flag episode. 

Need branding or marketing? Visit Alaina & Chris' agency, Good Now: http://www.goodisnow.com
To join a Find Your Voice Cohort visit: http://www.goodisnow.com/classes

Connect with Alaina on LinkedIn
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

This episode unpacks Chris' very first viral post and the trolls that followed. Alaina has trolls of her own, and one actually got to her this time. 

Listen if you'd like to learn how to manage viral posts and handle trolls with grace. 

Follow Alaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/
Follow Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/
Learn more about Alaina & Chris' agency - Good Now - at http://www.goodisnow.com 

Every one of us has a role to play in the movement against fascism and hatred. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Beth Mathews, a graphic designer and activist who has been taking a stand for years.  

Beth shares her experiences working with refugees, her passion for vintage design, and her impactful projects like the Mom Bag initiative. We also explore how designers can use their skills for activism and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Join us for a conversation filled with creativity, courage, and community engagement.

Visit Beth at her website: http://www.bethmathews.com 

Subscribe to Beth's Substack: https://bethmathews.substack.com/

To find Alaina & Chris visit http://www.goodisnow.com 

Only 33% of Americans actually voted for Trump, an even smaller number are die hard MAGA supporters. So, how do you find customers who are staunchly anti-fascist and then attract them to your business? Turns out it's incredibly easy to do so with SparkToro. 
 
Join us for an insightful conversation with Rand Fishkin, the visionary behind SparkToro, a ground breaking audience research tool. During this episode we'll also explore the challenges and benefits of businesses taking a public stand. Drawing from his own experiences, Rand shares how authenticity and transparency can transform brand perception and foster deeper connections with audiences. Discover the delicate balance between risk and reward, and learn how Rand's approach to public discourse has shaped his journey in the business world. 

Connect with Rand Fishkin: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/
SparkToro: https://www.sparktoro.com

Connect with Alaina & Chris: 

Alaina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainashearer/
Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervogel/
Good Now, Branding & Marketing Agency: http://www.goodisnow.com
Find Your Voice Cohorts: http://www.goodisnow.com/cohorts