Marketing Happy Hour

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Thompson, Senior Manager of Social Media at National Geographic, who leads strategy for one of the largest social ecosystems in the world—over 400 million followers across platforms. Elizabeth shares the career journey that took her from freelancer to running social for one of the most iconic storytelling brands, including how she grew Nat Geo’s Instagram from 250M to 270M and TikTok from 2.5M to 9M. We unpack how Nat Geo stays relevant in today’s cultural landscape, how her team uses UGC, storytelling, and new formats to reach global audiences, and what creators and marketers can learn from building social strategy at scale.

Key Takeaways:

// How to grow a legacy brand on social: The frameworks Nat Geo uses to stay culturally relevant while staying true to its roots.

// The power of UGC at scale: Why user-generated content fuels @NatGeoYourShot and how it drives community, not just reach.

// Building strategy for massive audiences: How Elizabeth approaches content for 400M+ followers across seven platforms.

// Career lessons for social pros: How early internships, freelancing, and experimentation shaped her career—and how creators can follow a similar path.

// Team building in social: What it takes to scale from platform manager to leading a multi-platform social team.

// The role of storytelling in modern social: How Nat Geo blends cultural moments, trends, and visual storytelling to stay top-of-feed.

Connect with Elizabeth: LinkedIn

Follow Nat Geo: NatGeoYourShot | NatGeo

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What does it take to build a brand that doesn’t just cover culture—but defines it? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Tresvant, EVP of Brand Partnerships at Complex, to unpack how the iconic media brand continues to thrive in a shifting digital landscape. From ComplexCon’s 300+ brand activations to the company’s resurgence post-acquisition, Mike shares how a challenger mindset, authentic storytelling, and cultural fluency keep Complex ahead of the curve. We talk about what brands get wrong when trying to tap into culture, the new skills every marketer needs in the next five years, and why “selling relevance” is the real metric of success in today’s attention economy.

Key Takeaways:

// Culture > Content: The future of marketing lies in creating cultural moments, not just media impressions.

// The Challenger Mindset: Complex succeeds by thinking like an underdog—staying agile, experimental, and deeply connected to youth culture.

// Earning Relevance: Brands can’t buy their way into culture—they have to show up authentically and add value.

// ComplexCon’s Blueprint: Over 300 brand partnerships prove that when commerce, content, and culture intersect, real engagement follows.

// Skills for the Future: Marketers who blend cultural intelligence with business acumen will lead the next wave of brand partnerships.

// The Power of Community: Success comes from listening to your audience and co-creating experiences that reflect their world.

Connect with Mike: LinkedIn

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In this episode, Cassie and Ally sit down to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive job market. After being laid off in early 2025, Ally found herself navigating interviews from a new perspective—and along the way, she discovered a framework that reshaped the way she communicates her strengths and value: The Three Cs—Clarity, Conviction, and Concise. Together, they break down how each “C” helps you show up as your best self in interviews, from defining your point of view to speaking with confidence and precision. Whether you’re job hunting or just want to articulate your value more effectively, this episode will help you refine how you tell your story—and get hired faster.

Key Takeaways:

// The Three Cs Framework: How clarity, conviction, and conciseness can transform your interview performance.

// Clarity: Learn how to clearly communicate your value proposition and point of view to any interviewer.

// Conviction: Why confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s an energy you project through preparation and self-awareness.

// Concise: How brevity signals competence and makes your story stick.

// Preparation Tips: The power of prep docs, rehearsal time, and gut-checking with mentors before the big day.

// Mindset Shift: Why interviews aren’t about proving yourself—they’re about showing up as your most authentic, aligned self.

Connect with Ally: LinkedIn

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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In a digital world where 85% of young adults get their news from social media but only 5% trust it, brands face an unprecedented challenge: building credibility in an algorithm-driven landscape. In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Madsen of Vayner, who breaks down insights from their latest research on the state of PR, content, and consumer trust. We discuss how “earned media” and influencer storytelling have merged, why only 29% of brand leaders feel their voice is consistently authentic, and what marketers must do to earn real attention in 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re leading a comms team or just starting your marketing career, this episode unpacks the evolving intersection of credibility, creativity, and connection in the attention economy.

Key Takeaways:

// Credibility Crisis: With only 5% of social media users fully trusting the content they see, brands must focus on transparency, consistency, and community-driven storytelling to rebuild trust.

// The Overlap of PR and Social: The walls between traditional PR and social storytelling are gone — teams must now think like creators, not just communicators.

// Authenticity Gap: Only 29% of brands believe their voice is truly consistent. The fix? Align every piece of content with your brand’s values, tone, and long-term mission.

// The Rise of Earned Attention: As paid reach declines, the brands that win will be those who earn engagement through relevance, not repetition.

// New Skills for the Modern Marketer: The next generation of communicators needs to be data-driven, platform-native, and emotionally intelligent, blending creative instinct with analytical insight.

// Career Advice for Emerging Talent: Focus on mastering storytelling, speed, and strategy — the three currencies of credibility in the modern media landscape.

Download the Report: HERE

Connect with Casey: LinkedIn

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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In this episode, Cassie reflects on six years of consulting, the evolution of marketing careers, and what it really takes to grow (without burning out) in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of AI to the importance of human connection, we’re talking about how to stay adaptable, keep learning, and find new inspiration in your work. Cassie shares her own career pivots, lessons from the Digital Summit in Philly, and the key skills that will define the next era of marketing.

Key Takeaways:

// Why marketing is still a viable — and essential — career path in a tech-driven world

// How to use AI as a creative tool to elevate, not replace, your expertise

// The difference between career burnout and a misaligned role (and how to tell which one you’re facing)

// The top skills that will future-proof your marketing career: writing, communication, adaptability, and curiosity

Connect with Cassie: LinkedIn

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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What happens when one of the most iconic nonprofits in the world reimagines its brand for a new generation? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Sabato, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ronald McDonald House, to explore the strategy and storytelling behind the organization’s bold new “Family Stays” campaign.

From evolving a legacy brand and reaching Gen Z and Millennial audiences, to crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories voiced by real families, Joanna shares how the campaign redefines what it means to connect with audiences in today’s media landscape.

Key Takeaways:

// How Ronald McDonald House evolved its brand while honoring decades of trust and legacy.

// The creative and strategic process behind the “Family Stays” campaign.

// Why authenticity and real family voices became the heart of the campaign’s storytelling.

// The importance of reaching younger audiences through emerging media and relatable narratives.

// How nonprofits can think like modern brands while staying mission-driven.

// Measuring success beyond impressions — focusing on emotional connection and impact.

// Lessons for marketers on building relevance and resonance in a fast-changing media landscape.

Connect with Joanna: LinkedIn

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House: Family Stays Campaign | LinkedIn | Website

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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Ally takes the host seat to debrief with Cassie on her recent trip to Digital Summit in Philadelphia. Digital Summit is where digital marketing leaders connect, learn and obtain resources to inspire and enable a growth mindset. We discuss Cassie’s learnings from various sessions and workshops across AI, innovation, digital marketing and culture. 

Key Takeaways:

// Create for discovery. Not your followers. Assume every viewer of your content doesn’t know your brand.

// Algorithms are rewarding relevance. Have a trend playbook to tap into ones that align with your brand.

// Stop tracking vanity metrics and start tracking depth signals. Track completion rate, saves, shares, and comments with depth insights over emojis.

// Use AI as a tool to scale various processes. AI tools are only as smart as the information we feed it with. 

Find a Digital Summit event near you. Use code ‘MHH20’ for 20% off!

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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Taylor Swift isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to market in the digital age. In this episode, Cassie and Ally unpack the marketing brilliance behind Taylor’s Eras Tour and beyond, exploring how she uses storytelling, connection, and innovation to keep her audience engaged. From live Easter eggs to building anticipation through mystery and intrigue, we break down the strategies Swift uses to create loyalty, spark excitement, and make every launch feel like an event. Whether you’re a podcaster, creator, or brand, this conversation will give you actionable ways to infuse your marketing with the same magic that keeps Taylor fans coming back for more.

Key Takeaways:

// Drive connection with your audience through storytelling in unique channels.

// Tease content live with your audience to build mystery and intrigue through emerging media types.

// The importance of giving every campaign or product launch its own unique spin.

// How to engage your audience continually, even when you’re not in the middle of a “big launch.”

// Lessons from The Life of a Showgirl and how podcasting can serve as a hero content engine.

// Strategies for blending personal brand and professional brand to connect more deeply with your audience.

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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What does it take to thrive in today’s creator economy? Kahlea Wade, CEO and Founder of Alora Society, an award-winning influencer talent agency, joins me to break down what’s working (and not working) in influencer marketing in 2025. With experience leading campaigns for brands like Meta, Nike, Amazon Prime, and Skims, Kahlea shares how brands can write better briefs, why LinkedIn is becoming a powerful platform for creators, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build confidence and resilience. Whether you’re a brand marketer, a creator, or a solopreneur, this conversation will help you better understand how to create partnerships that actually work.

Key Takeaways:

// The biggest mistakes brands still make when working with creators in 2025—and how to avoid them.

// What every strong brand brief should include (and what to leave out).

// How to use LinkedIn to build authority and expand your network as a creator or professional.

// Why confidence and persistence matter when facing rejection—and how to keep showing up.

// Tips for building a personal brand that positions you for opportunities in and outside of social media.

// What makes a brand activation or live event worth the investment for both creators and brands.

Connect with Kahlea: Instagram | Alora on Instagram

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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠

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In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Bette Ann Fialkov, Fractional Head of Influencer Marketing and Professor at Parsons, who has led influencer and celebrity partnership strategies for powerhouse brands including Google, Lyft, and Hims & Hers. With nearly 15 years of experience, Bette Ann shares the playbook for building and scaling influencer programs, the lessons she’s learned moving between brand and consultancy roles, and the secret to creating partnerships that put brands at the center of culture. Whether you’re just getting started with influencer marketing or looking to elevate your program to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away.

Key Takeaways: