Sly Agencies

In this episode of The Sly Agencies Podcast, Andrew sits down with the brilliant and brutally honest Jessica Reyna, co-founder of Kill Your Competition, a full-service ad agency with strong values and sharper strategies.

Together, they unpack the buzz and BS around AI in marketing—especially when it comes to content creation, SEO, and outsourcing.

🔥 Highlights from the episode:

• Why AI-generated content still won’t rank well on Google (yes, even in 2025)
• How Google’s 2022 white paper laid out exactly what “original” means—and why AI can’t deliver it
• The line between using AI to enhance vs. replace human effort
• How relying on cheap labor (or cheap tech) can actually damage your brand
• The ethics of outsourcing overseas labor and why paying fair wages matters—even if you’re not talking ethics
• How Jessica’s agency uses AI productively (think: debugging code, summarizing meetings, and testing ad headlines)
• Why effort, originality, and real human connection will always win

This is an unfiltered, real-world conversation about the intersection of ethics, efficiency, and AI in the agency space—and what it actually means to do the work right in 2025.

🔗 Show Notes:

Learn more about Jessica’s agency: Kill Your Competition

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Reach out via X (Twitter) (a spam-free zone... for now)

✅ TL;DR Takeaways:

• AI is a tool, not a solution. Effort still matters.
• Cheap labor ≠ good labor. Ethical hiring also performs better.
• Google knows when content is regurgitated—and punishes it.
• You can't fake human connection.

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In this episode of The Sly Agencies Podcast, Andrew dives into an often-overlooked topic—how solid systems can actually fuel creativity—with systems strategist Caitlyn Wells of Upwell Strategies.

Caitlyn helps creative agencies streamline their operations through systems and automation without sacrificing individuality or spontaneity. If you've ever feared that organizing your work would kill your creative flow, this conversation will flip your thinking.

You’ll learn:

• Why systems don’t kill creativity—they support it
• How file organization and naming conventions can save hours a week
• The right way to use project management tools like ClickUp or Asana
• Why founders must lead by example for systems to stick
• How even simple automations (think: folder generation) can offload mental clutter
• The mindset shift required to actually embrace systems—and love them

This episode is loaded with tips for any creative entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by operational chaos. If your “systems” are sticky notes and half-finished Google Docs, this one’s for you.

🔗 Show Notes:

Learn more about Caitlyn’s services: www.upwellstrategies.com

Follow Upwell on Instagram: @upwellstrategies

Connect with Caitlyn on LinkedIn: Caitlyn Wells on LinkedIn

Watch tutorials and tips on YouTube: Upwell Strategies YouTube Channel

✅ TL;DR Takeaways:

• You don’t have to choose between systems and creativity
• Simple tweaks (like better file naming) = major clarity
• Use tools you like — not just what’s popular
• Automate your way to freedom

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In this episode of the Sly Agencies podcast, Andrew sits down with Erin, founder of Be Sociable Brand, to talk about the raw and real experience of growing an agency while raising a family—and still finding space for creativity and strategic growth.

Erin shares her journey from hotel sales director to small shop mom to brand agency owner, and how she’s scaled her business by putting people first—clients, collaborators, and her team of fellow parents. You’ll hear what it really takes to juggle personal responsibility, creative direction, and team leadership in the world of boutique branding and social media marketing.

This episode covers:

• The origin of Be Sociable Brand and Erin’s evolution as an entrepreneur
• Managing burnout as a creative and a parent
• The importance of honesty and feedback in agency-client relationships
• Why collaboration beats competition when it comes to scaling
• A sneak peek into Be Sociable Society, her upcoming influencer-brand collaboration portal
• Whether you're a solo founder, a parentpreneur, or a creative chasing sustainability over hustle, this one’s for you.

🔗 Show Notes:

Visit Erin’s agency: www.besociablebrand.com

Follow Be Sociable on Instagram: @besociablebrand

📣 If you loved this convo…

Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss the upcoming episode with Erin when she returns to talk about Be Sociable Society.

In this episode of the Sly Agencies podcast, Andrew Nazarian is joined by Angela Hill, Area Managing Partner at Chief Outsiders, to explore the Blue Ocean Strategy—a transformative approach to branding and differentiation that helps businesses break free from competition altogether.

Angela breaks down the practical steps of Blue Ocean Competitive Canvas Mapping, a method she’s used for 20+ years to help businesses—from local companies to enterprise-level brands—identify their unique position in the market and leverage it to drive revenue growth.

You'll learn:

• What Blue Ocean Strategy is and how it differs from traditional marketing approaches
• The exact framework: Reduce, Raise, Eliminate, Create
• Real-world examples (including Cirque du Soleil and a court reporting firm) that prove the power of positioning
• How small businesses can begin applying this methodology using AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT
• What to prioritize when choosing attributes to compete on—hint: it’s not about ignoring competition, it’s about owning your difference

Angela also shares her approach to voice-of-customer research, defining buyer personas, and how perception is the key to unlocking a differentiated brand.

🔗 Show Notes:

Learn more or contact Angela directly via her page on Chief Outsiders

Curious about Blue Ocean Strategy? Start with these resources:

Blue Ocean Strategy Overview (Harvard Business Review)

Blue Ocean Strategy Official Site

📣 Enjoyed the episode?

Subscribe to Sly Agencies, leave a review, and share this with anyone building a brand that deserves to stand out—not blend in.

In this episode of the Sly Agencies podcast, Andrew Nazarian sits down with Mayra Gomez Sanchez—founder and CEO of Mayra G. Sanchez Agency—to talk about the power of human-first copywriting in a world overflowing with AI-generated content.

Mayra shares why real, resonant communication can’t be faked and how the best copy starts with deep emotional insight—not a prompt. Together, they dive into brand voice, personalized messaging, and why surface-level storytelling is no longer enough to connect with today’s audience.

You’ll learn:

• Why people are craving realness more than ever—and how to give it to them
• Where AI helps (hint: it’s not where you think) and where it falls flat
• Mayra’s step-by-step process for developing a powerful brand voice
• A case study that turned a welcome email sequence into a conversion machine
• How to turn generic messaging like “authentic” or “intentional” into real, story-driven language that resonates

Whether you’re a founder writing your own emails or running creative at an agency, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice for standing out with soul.

🔗 Show Notes:

Work with Mayra or learn more about her services: https://www.mayragsanchezagency.com

Follow Mayra on Instagram: @culturalvisionaries

📣 Like this episode?

Subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a founder, marketer, or copywriter who’s still relying on “Jane the AI bot” to write their emails.

In this episode of the Sly Agencies podcast, host Andrew Nazarian sits down with Damian Dayton, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Creatably, the agency behind some of the internet’s most viral, laugh-out-loud, and performance-driven long-form ads.

Damian shares how Creatably rejected the short-form trend and instead mastered the art of 3-5 minute comedic storytelling—designed not just to entertain but to convert. We unpack their creative process, why they refuse to pitch ideas the traditional way, and how “framework over formula” has helped generate over 1 billion views and more than $250 million in sales for brands like True Classic and Owlet.

Damian also shares the creative games Creatably plays with clients, their unique “write alone, edit together” philosophy, and how they build campaigns that last 18+ months (while most UGC fizzles in 3 weeks).

If you’ve ever wanted to understand how big creative campaigns are really built—or how to develop a brand voice that people actually want to watch—this is your playbook.

🔗 Show Notes:

Visit Creatably: https://www.creatably.com

Watch their Demo Reel: Creatably on YouTube

Behind-the-Scenes with Creatably: How the Sausage is Made

“Is This Your Ad?” (Meta-Creative Campaign): Watch here

📣 Like what you hear?

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In this episode of the Sly Agencies Podcast, Andrew sits down with Kelly Bayett, Managing Partner and Executive Producer at Love Song. Kelly shares her journey from music production to founding one of the most innovative production companies in the industry. They discuss how Love Song’s rebellious spirit, collaborative approach, and mentorship model are redefining the rules of production.

Kelly delves into the origins of Love Song, her philosophy of fostering creativity, and the power of involving directors from concept to completion. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of pushing boundaries, staying true to a fearless vision, and creating work that’s both meaningful and disruptive.

Tune in for insights into Love Song’s unique culture, how collaboration drives better creative outputs, and Kelly’s vision for moving into feature films. If you’re curious about what it means to truly innovate in production, this episode is for you.

Connect with Love Song:

Website: LoveSong.tv

Email: [email protected]

Discover why Love Song is the go-to choice for brands and agencies seeking bold, artistic, and collaborative production solutions!

In this episode of the Sly Agencies Podcast, Andrew sits down with Bryce Dressler and Aaron Mills of Ailim Films to explore their creative journey and the evolution of their latest project, Batterie. This conversation dives deep into how personal experiences, collaboration, and a strong community spirit fuel creative endeavors.

Bryce and Aaron discuss the origins of Ailim Films as a co-op for filmmakers, the inception of Batterie, and the unique challenges of creating a narrative around the world of Drum Corps—a space filled with passion and intensity. They share insights on the process of storytelling, managing feedback on a deeply personal project, and building anticipation through a strategic proof of concept.

Discover how the team is blazing a trail in independent filmmaking, from their collective’s grassroots approach to their long-term vision of turning Batterie into a full-fledged TV show. Along the way, they reveal lessons learned about creating authentic connections with an audience and staying true to the heart of a story.

Connect with Ailim Films and Batterie:

Website: AilimFilms.com

Instagram: @BatterieTheShow

YouTube: Ailim Films

Email: Bryce ([email protected]) | Aaron ([email protected])

Tune in to hear how Ailim Films is redefining storytelling in the world of independent cinema!

In this inspiring episode of the Sly Agencies Podcast, host Andrew sits down with Brandon Reese, founder of Bus Driver Productions and a true creative powerhouse. Brandon shares his incredible journey from professional basketball to creative producer, weaving together tales of passion, resilience, and innovation.

From the origins of his nickname "The Bus Driver" to creating projects like the Hoop Bus and working with global brands, Brandon dives deep into the lessons he's learned about bringing big ideas to life. He shares actionable insights on how to stay vulnerable, leverage connections, and embrace creativity in its purest form.

Whether you're looking to launch your next big idea or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode is packed with value. Tune in to hear Brandon’s thoughts on building opportunities for others, balancing creativity with practicality, and staying grounded while pursuing your dreams.

Connect with Brandon Reese:

Instagram: @BrandTheRees24

Website: BusDriverProductions.com

Hoop Gallery: TheHoopGallery.com

Take a listen and join us for a journey through creativity, basketball, and bold ideas!

In this episode of The Sly Agencies Podcast, Andrew Nazarian sits down with Ira Singerman, founder of Hero Complex Entertainment and a veteran producer in the kids and family entertainment industry. With a career spanning Miramax, Warner Bros, Mattel, and Cyber Group Studios, Ira shares his journey of pivoting from live-action features to kids' animation and ultimately launching his own company.

Discover how Ira is:

• Navigating disruption in media and exploring what’s next for kids' entertainment.
• Consulting globally to help studios adapt to the evolving landscape of platforms like YouTube and Roblox.
• Building his own slate of independent projects while staying audience-focused.
• Creating engaging audio storytelling through his podcast, "Best Whatever Ever! Stories for Kids", a DIY passion project launched with his children during the pandemic.
• Addressing AI's role in storytelling and how the next generation will be AI natives.

🎧 If you’re curious about where kids’ media is heading, how storytelling can thrive across platforms, and what it takes to build engaging content for younger audiences, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Ira Singerman:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://herocomplexentertainment.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irasingerman/

Podcast: "Best Whatever Ever! Stories for Kids" https://thebestwhateverever.com/

🔔 Subscribe to the Sly Agencies Podcast for more expert conversations with creative leaders shaping the future of entertainment and marketing.