In this reflective solo episode of Making a Marketer, host Megan Powers shares her journey through a whirlwind of travel, professional obligations, and personal milestones. As the incoming president of the San Diego chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Megan discusses the challenges of balancing leadership roles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the podcast.

This candid conversation touches on the realities of leadership, emphasizing that it's normal not to have it all at once. Megan reflects on her commitment to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, celebrating 20 years of fundraising, and the importance of mentorship in the events industry.

Key Themes:

- Leadership Realities: Megan shares her experiences and insights on what it means to lead in a volunteer organization, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support.

- The Importance of Mentorship: Discover how every member can serve as a mentor, shaping the future of the industry and fostering a sense of belonging.

- Balancing Act: Megan discusses the challenges of juggling professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and the passion for delivering valuable content to listeners.

- Call for Engagement: Megan invites listeners to share their thoughts on leadership and suggest future guests to enhance the podcast experience.

This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder that while the path of leadership can be demanding, it is also rewarding. Join Megan as she prepares for an exciting year ahead and looks forward to bringing more inspiring content to the Making a Marketer community.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

*RE-RELEASE TIME* Episode 179 brings us back to 129 with Cass Cooper.

Our guest on this one is a repeater - her episode was the 4th most downloaded all-time at the time of publishing this (episode 88 - on personal branding)! She knows her stuff and is an absolute delight.

There is nuance in how we approach opposing views online. How we approach it with our marketing is even more nuanced.

"I think the biggest thing right now is we're in a really crazy space that we've never been in before, with everyone having access to so much information, so much misinformation, so much disinformation, that it is really, really hard for marketers to accurately and effectively not just target the group they want to speak to, but reach and break through."

We get pretty deep about how marketers should look at inclusive strategy & language, authenticity, and awareness.

Cass' Book Reco: Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In the exciting kickoff of Season 9 of Making a Marketer, we welcome back the brilliant Goldie Chan, an award-winning branding strategist and author.

This episode dives into the nuances of personal branding, especially from the perspective of introverts (which also apply to ambiverts and extroverts!). Goldie shares her insights on how to navigate the world of networking and visibility without feeling overwhelmed.

With her upcoming book, "Personal Branding for Introverts," set to release on October 28, 2025, Goldie discusses the importance of owning your narrative and providing permission to be authentic in your branding journey.

Learn About...

- Defining Personal Branding: Goldie clarifies the difference between personal branding and reputation, emphasizing the story you tell when you’re in the room versus what others say when you’re not.

- Strategies for Introverts: Discover manageable first steps for introverts to build a personal brand without feeling burn-out, including the importance of starting small and setting realistic goals.

- Networking Tips: Goldie shares effective networking strategies that introverts can use to connect authentically, including how to prepare conversation starters and the power of body language.

- Protecting Your Energy: Learn how to maintain boundaries and energy while showing up for your audience, even when feeling vulnerable.

- The Journey of a Cancer Survivor: Goldie opens up about her personal experiences and how they have shaped her approach to vulnerability and confidence in her branding.

• Scoop up her book - HERE.
• Listen to her past Making a Marketer episode - Personal Branding on LinkedIn - Episode 145 - season 7.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 178, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this final episode of Season 8(!), we welcome back the incredible Kelly Noble Mirabella, a digital marketing expert renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing. With over a decade of experience, Kelly shares her insights on the evolution of chatbots and the unique art of chatbot copywriting, emphasizing the importance of creating conversational and engaging interactions.

She has the ALL-TIME most downloads of this podcast with her first episode with us about chat marketing (by A LOT). She shares a little secret on this one... back in 2018 (yes, that's how long ago it was and it's still crushing it!), chatbots were not actually AI.

But they sure are now!

Learn About...

- The Evolution of Chat Marketing: Kelly reflects on the journey from traditional chatbots to AI-driven conversational agents, highlighting how advancements in technology have transformed customer interactions.

- Crafting Unique Chatbot Copy: Discover the key differences between chatbot copywriting and traditional copywriting, and learn how to create a conversational tone that resonates with users.

- Understanding Customer Psychology: Kelly discusses the significance of knowing your audience and tailoring chatbot conversations to meet their needs, enhancing the overall customer experience.

- The Role of Humor in Chatbots: Explore how incorporating wit and humor can elevate chatbot interactions, making them more memorable and enjoyable for users.

- The Future of AI in Marketing: Kelly shares her excitement about emerging technologies in AI, including voice replication and image analysis, and how these innovations will shape the future of chatbot experiences.

Prior shows:

• Episode 23 – AI Chatbots – Conversation as a Marketing Tool – all-time most downloaded episode! By a lot.
• Episode 82 - How to Succeed with Chat Marketing

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 177, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we welcome back Jim Fuhs who has been on our show a few different times (including reunions). We dive deep into the world of Substack on this one. Join us as Jim shares his insights on how this platform can empower marketers and creators to build authentic communities and foster direct relationships with their audience (very different than other platforms!).

Listen back to his other appearances...

1st time on: Episode 69 (in 2020) with Tim Sohn - How to Build a Livestream Show with Tim & Kim

2nd time on: Episode 111 (in 2022) with Chris Stone - Broadcast on Amazon Live with Chris Stone and Jim Fuhs

Learn About...

- The Power of Substack: Discover how Substack offers a unique direct-to-creator connection that allows users to build relationships and communities, making it a valuable tool for marketers.

- Engaging Your Audience: Jim discusses strategies for creating two-way conversations on Substack, emphasizing the importance of interaction and feedback in building a loyal subscriber base.

- Content Creation Strategies: Explore the various post types available on Substack, including newsletters, videos, and podcasts, and learn which formats beginners should prioritize.

- Monetization Opportunities: Learn about the different ways to monetize your Substack, from paid subscriptions to affiliate marketing, and how to create bonus content that resonates with your audience.

- Lessons from the Field: Jim shares valuable lessons learned from his experience in digital marketing and live streaming, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community in today's digital landscape.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 176, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this milestone episode 175 of Making a Marketer, we are thrilled to (finally) welcome Tony Christensen, co-founder of Brick Social, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as we explore the intriguing concept of "ugly ads" and why they can outperform polished campaigns in today's market.

Scrappy? Solo creator? It is a WHOLE new world out there and you can get creative on ads AND organic - so many amazing tips unlocked on this one with Tony.

Learn About...

- The Shift in Ad Targeting: Tony shares insights on the transition from traditional interest-based targeting to a broader, creative-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging content that really resonates with audiences.

- The Power of Creative Variety: Discover how incorporating a diverse range of ad formats— from polished videos to organic-looking posts— can unlock greater success in ad campaigns.

- The Role of AI in Marketing: Learn how AI tools can streamline the ad creation process by analyzing customer data and generating effective ad concepts, making it easier for marketers to stay ahead.

- Balancing Brand Consistency and Experimentation: Tony discusses strategies for maintaining brand identity while embracing the need for variety and experimentation in ad creative.

- Lessons from the Trenches: Reflecting on his experiences, Tony emphasizes the importance of standing firm on marketing strategies that work, even when faced with pushback from clients.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 175, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we dive into the awesome world of events with two industry leaders, Tahira Endean and Dave Stevens. Join us as they share their insights on the intersection of AI and human connection in the event space, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world.

Learn About...

- The Role of AI in Events: Discover how event organizers are integrating AI to enhance personalization and streamline operations, while still prioritizing human connection.

- Creating Joyful Experiences: Tahira discusses her new book, "Our KPI is Joy," and shares strategies for fostering joy in events, highlighting the significance of thoughtful design and genuine human interactions.

- The Importance of Community: Dave shares insights on building authentic communities that foster meaningful connections, contrasting them with traditional associations, and emphasizing the need for open conversations on pressing issues.

- Measuring Success Beyond Numbers: Explore innovative ways to measure the impact of events, focusing on emotional engagement and participant happiness, rather than just financial metrics.

- Lessons Learned: Both guests reflect on surprising lessons from the past year, emphasizing the continuous opportunity for growth and learning in the ever-evolving event landscape.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 174, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Christina Garnett, a fractional chief customer officer and CX strategist, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of marketing and customer experience. With her extensive background in community-building and emotional intelligence, Christina discusses the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI and automation.

Learn About...

- The Human Connection in Marketing: Discover how the push for authenticity and emotional intelligence is becoming more vital as brands navigate the complexities of AI and technology.

- Building Community: Christina emphasizes the significance of fostering genuine connections within teams and with customers, highlighting how these relationships can drive loyalty and enhance the overall customer experience.

- The Role of Emotional Metrics: Explore why shifting focus from traditional quantitative metrics to emotional engagement metrics can lead to deeper insights and better customer relationships.

- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Christina shares her personal journey of writing her upcoming book, revealing how community support played a crucial role in overcoming self-doubt.

- Strategies for Mid-Career Marketers: Learn actionable tips on how to gain buy-in for innovative strategies by aligning your ideas with the goals and values of your organization.

Check out her last episode with us - 71! HERE

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 173, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we are excited to welcome a digital marketing expert to share her insights on leveraging YouTube for business growth. As the founder and fractional CMO of The Kast Agency, Desiree has a wealth of knowledge on creating effective marketing strategies that resonate with audiences and drive measurable results.

Learn About...

- The Evolution of Video Marketing: Discover how Desiree transitioned from traditional marketing to focusing on YouTube and the lessons learned along the way.

- Long Form vs. Short Form Content: Understand the differences between long-form videos and shorts on YouTube, and how to effectively integrate both into your content strategy.

- The Importance of Thumbnails: Learn how to create impactful thumbnails that capture attention and improve click-through rates, ultimately leading to greater engagement.

- Building an Authentic Online Presence: Desiree emphasizes the need for marketers to share their authentic journeys, including both successes and challenges, to connect with their audience.

- Patience in Marketing: Gain insights on the importance of commitment and patience when it comes to building a successful YouTube channel and overall marketing strategy.

Our Guest...

Desiree Martinez is a renowned digital marketing expert with more than 15 years of experience in merging strategy with execution to help businesses thrive in the digital realm. As Founder and Fractional Chief Marketing Officer of The Kast Agency, she crafts integrated marketing strategies that align with business goals, optimize online presence, and yield measurable results.

Desiree is an expert in uniting platforms and creators, building trust, and launching creator programs that dovetail seamlessly with expansive content ecosystems. Her collaborations with industry leaders like Adobe, TubeBuddy, and VidIQ highlight her dual role as a brand partner and educator, enhancing creator empowerment and brand trust.

Her expertise lies in constructing cohesive marketing systems that ensure efficient result-tracking and sustained growth. Desiree's credentials include founding Women in Video (2019-2024), hosting "The Funded YouTuber" podcast (2024-2025), and being an integral member of Women in Influencer Marketing (WIIM). Her philosophy emphasizes smarter marketing strategies that forge meaningful connections with audiences.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 172, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we were pumped to welcome ConRoy Smith! An absolute multi-hyphenate, he's a multi-talented actor, musician, and veteran fitness coach who shared his inspiring journey from professional athlete to the entertainment industry. With an extensive background in rugby and coaching, ConRoy shares how the discipline and resilience he cultivated in sports have shaped his approach to his acting career and the personal branding around all of it.

Learn About...

- The Transition from Sports to Acting: Discover how ConRoy made the leap from professional rugby to pursuing his passion for storytelling through acting, and the pivotal moments that guided his journey.

- Embracing Your Personal Brand: Understand the importance of recognizing yourself as a brand, and how to cultivate an authentic presence in the entertainment industry.

- The Role of Discipline: ConRoy shares insights on maintaining consistency and discipline amidst the unpredictable nature of acting, and how his athletic background supports his creative endeavors.

- The Power of Relationships: Learn how building genuine connections and being a good human can open doors and create opportunities in both acting and marketing (ourselves).

- Creative Collaboration: Explore how ConRoy and his peers are taking charge of their careers by creating their own projects and fostering a supportive artistic community.

Our Guest...

ConRoy Smith is a working actor, musician, and veteran fitness coach based in San Diego/Los Angeles. A former professional rugby player and collegiate track athlete, he brings high-level discipline and presence to every role he plays whether that’s on camera, on stage, or leading a workout.

With more than a decade of coaching experience, ConRoy knows what it means to show up for people and for himself. His background in sports and wellness gave him the foundation to pursue his passion for storytelling through acting. Known for being reliable, fun to work with, and consistent, ConRoy is intentional about building a creative career that inspires others to lean into their own version of excellence.

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Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 171, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **