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Ever wished you could clone yourself to handle all those repetitive business tasks? Matthew Grason of Level Up Video has made that dream a reality with revolutionary AI technology that creates digital twins indistinguishable from the real thing—in just six minutes of filming time.

As our final guest at the bustling Dig South event, Matthew shared his fascinating journey from running a traditional video production company to pioneering AI clone technology. The breakthrough came when working with time-strapped medical professionals who found even streamlined video sessions too demanding. By harnessing AI, Matthew's team can now create perfect digital doppelgängers that "fool spouses and family members" while eliminating the need for repeated filming sessions.

What sets this technology apart is its practical business application. Your AI clone can handle the tasks most professionals dread—lead generation, customer follow-ups, repetitive explanations, and consistent content creation. The clone can even be trained to become an expert in specific topics, speak different languages, and appear against any background. As Matthew perfectly summarized: "It takes the robot out of the person" by automating robotic tasks while preserving meaningful human connections. With 51 clones created since their February launch, Level Up Video is transforming how businesses communicate, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what truly matters—the creative, strategic work that machines can't replicate.

Ready to meet your digital twin? Visit LevelUpVideo.org or connect with Matthew Grason on LinkedIn to discover how six minutes of your time could forever change your approach to business communication. Could your AI clone become your most valuable team member?

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Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Nicole Farina never expected her spontaneous move to Charleston during the pandemic would transform her into one of the city's most recognized digital voices. What began as a simple notebook entry—"The Charleston Diaries: a storytelling platform"—evolved into a thriving social media presence with over 64,000 TikTok followers and 3.4 million likes.

The magic of Farina's content lies in its authenticity. While many influencers were polishing their Instagram aesthetics, Nicole was filming weekend adventures on her phone, speaking directly to her audience through casual voiceovers. "Welcome to the Charleston Diaries," she'd say before taking viewers along to local restaurants, beach walks, and everyday moments that showcase Charleston's charm. This unfiltered approach resonated deeply, attracting not just tourists but locals and potential relocators who appreciated seeing the Lowcountry through a genuine lens.

When followers began flooding her inbox asking how to make friends in Charleston, Farina recognized a community need and organized an event that sold hundreds of tickets within hours. This entrepreneurial spirit led her to expand beyond content creation into events, podcasting, and partnerships with local businesses. However, her journey hasn't been without challenges—including a cautionary tale about an influencer management company that scammed multiple Charleston creators before abruptly shutting down.

Through it all, Farina has maintained her commitment to showcasing Charleston authentically while building meaningful connections. Her experience offers valuable insights for both aspiring content creators and businesses looking to engage with influencers. As she navigates her next career chapter, Nicole remains passionate about creative direction and helping others tell their stories. Whether you're planning a Charleston visit, considering a move, or simply looking for local inspiration, following N

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Blockchain technology is completely reshaping what we thought possible with land ownership and investment. Aaron Bumgarner, CEO and founder of Outside Global Incorporated, joins us to unpack how his company is pioneering the tokenization of land—transforming physical property into liquid, tradable digital assets that anyone can buy, sell, or trade on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Aaron walks us through the revolutionary concept that's disrupting centuries-old property ownership models. By converting land deeds into fungible tokens that represent ownership stakes, landowners can now sell fractional interests of their property through platforms like Coinbase. Imagine selling just 5% of your home while retaining ownership of the rest—it's now possible. This creates unprecedented liquidity for traditionally illiquid real estate assets, democratizing access to property investment while generating new revenue streams for landowners.

The story behind Outside Global is fascinating—born from Aaron's frustration trying to efficiently monetize land in Virginia and North Carolina. After seeing companies sell virtual "pretend land" in the metaverse for hundreds of millions, he applied similar principles to real property. Now focused on the Yakin-PD River Basin, where they own 1,000 acres including critical headwaters, the company partners with notable names like Hunt Broyhill of Broyhill Furniture and Eric Church's Whiskey brand. They're leveraging these properties for diverse revenue opportunities from carbon credits to conservation initiatives, all while building a technology platform enhanced with artificial intelligence to modernize the antiquated land investment industry.

Ready to learn more about this groundbreaking intersection of blockchain and real estate? Connect with Outside Global on social media, or reach out if you're interested in their technology platform, own land that could be tokenized, or might be the strategic investor they're looking for. The future of property ownership is being rewritten—don't miss your chance to be part of it.

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Doug Hamilton is revolutionizing Charleston's tech landscape through an unexpected lens: fatherhood. As founder of Charleston Hacks, Hamilton's mission grew from a deeply personal place – creating compelling reasons for his three teenage children to build their futures in the Lowcountry. Since 2023, he's been orchestrating hackathons that bridge technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity across Charleston.

The LA transplant who arrived in 2006 brings together problem-solvers in intense, time-constrained collaborative sessions. "It's making something in whatever means necessary in a really short period of time," Hamilton explains, describing the hackathon concept that's become his organization's signature. Through partnerships with the College of Charleston, Charleston Tech Corridor, and even MIT, Charleston Hacks has launched innovative events including an AI Film Festival where participants created emotionally resonant 30-second films in just three hours.

Charleston's accessibility forms the backbone of Hamilton's success. "Maybe in Charleston it'll take me 20 emails to get something going," he notes, contrasting with larger cities where connections prove more elusive. This June, Charleston Hacks launches Innovation Engine, connecting businesses facing challenges with creative problem-solvers. Software developers, project managers, and marketers can select problem statements that intrigue them, with winners receiving substantial cash prizes.

Hamilton's balanced perspective on controversial technologies like AI reflects his philosophy: "You can't stick your head in the sand and say no, I don't like it." Instead, he advocates for hands-on experience, enabling informed opinions through direct engagement. When not running Charleston Hacks, he applies this innovative mindset at MUSC's Department of Surgery, accelerating medical technology startups.

Ready to explore Charleston's tech revolution? V

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Season three of the Charleston Marketing Podcast kicks off with a bang as hosts celebrate the show's growing success—nearly 2,500 downloads, with listeners tuning in from across the globe. What started as a local conversation has blossomed into a platform reaching marketing professionals in Singapore, Germany, and the UK, while maintaining strong listenership in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Charlotte.

The podcast landscape is changing for this new season, with exciting partnerships taking center stage. The collaboration with Dig South, the region's premier tech conference, has yielded a wealth of mini-episodes featuring conversations with tech innovators from around the world. These episodes will drop between regular bi-monthly releases, resulting in fresh content every week. "The tech industry is such a big part of marketing's future," Stephanie notes. "If you're not utilizing Ai, you've missed the train."

Perhaps most exciting is the podcast's mission to break down traditional silos between marketing organizations. In a rare move, the Charleston American Marketing Association is partnering with the American Advertising Federation to share events and resources. This collaborative spirit extends to the tech community as well, with plans to position the AMA as the go-to resource for marketing services within Charleston's thriving tech scene. Members will soon enjoy discounts to various tech platforms while gaining access to a broader network of marketing professionals and resources.

Mark your calendars for September 18th, when the podcast will livestream from the Mount Pleasant Chamber Business Expo—affectionately dubbed "the Super Bowl of networking." The team will conduct rapid-fire interviews with participating businesses, similar to their successful format at Dig South. Beyond this event, the podcast is booked with fascinating guests through October, with plans to feature founders, marketers, TEDx

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Ever wondered what happens when you build a golf brand for people who care more about the beer cooler than their scorecard? Wes Loman, founder of The Salty Golfer, joins us from Dig South to share how he's created a thriving golf lifestyle brand that puts fun first.

Founded in 2019, The Salty Golfer embodies a refreshingly casual approach to a traditionally stuffy sport. "We throw a party and golf gets in the way," Wes explains, describing how his brand appeals to golfers who might not make birdies or pars consistently but still want to look good on the links. Their most popular t-shirt bears the motto "Play fast because the ice is melting" – a nod to keeping pace so the beers stay cold, not because of any climate concerns.

The brand has expanded beyond apparel to include "The Salty," a crushable 4.2% ABV pineapple blonde beer now available at prestigious locations like Kiawah Island and The Sanctuary. But what truly sets The Salty Golfer apart is their role as trusted insiders for the 86 golf courses along Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand. Wes and his team provide real-time feedback on course conditions, answer questions about aeration schedules, and often join groups that need an extra player – creating authentic connections with their community.

Looking ahead, Wes revealed plans for an eight-episode series debunking ridiculous golf course reviews, including complaints about courses being "built backwards" because the sun gets in players' eyes. With partnerships with major equipment manufacturers and a growing presence across social media platforms, The Salty Golfer continues to redefine what golf culture can be – less uptight, more inclusive, and always ready for a good time.

Ready to embrace the laid-back golf lifestyle? Follow The Salty Golfer on all social platforms or visit TheSaltyGolfer.com to join the party that occasionally gets interrupted by golf.

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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What happens when your lifelong passion suddenly feels more like a burden? For Jennings King, the realization came in a moment of clarity while scrolling through Instagram—after 15 years of capturing wedding memories, she texted her marketing strategist: "weddings make me want to vomit." This brutally honest confession marked the beginning of a remarkable professional transformation.

In this candid conversation, Jennings reveals how she pivoted from wedding photography to founding Spacemaker Professional, a business focused on creating physical, digital, and mental clarity through professional organizing. With marketing strategist Taylor Yeun by her side, Jennings details the emotional journey of walking away from a successful career and the strategic steps that made her transition both possible and profitable.

The episode explores the surprising power of authenticity in business transitions, as Jennings managed to maintain her social media following despite completely changing her content focus. We dive deep into the emotional significance of her work, particularly in preserving family histories through digitizing photographs, slides, and even handwritten recipe cards—creating accessible digital libraries from boxes of deteriorating memories.

For anyone contemplating a career change, Jennings offers practical wisdom: delegate to professionals, find your community, and honor both your passions and market demands. Her journey reminds us that professional reinvention isn't just possible—it might be exactly what you need to reconnect with work that truly fulfills you.

Connect with Jennings on Instagram @spacemakerprofessional to learn how she can help transform your physical space or preserve your irreplaceable memories.

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Kristina Chapple has a refreshing take on startup funding that might just transform venture capital as we know it. Fresh from raising $46 million for 11 Tribes Ventures second fund, she's on a mission that extends far beyond traditional investment metrics.

While most VCs focus exclusively on financial outcomes, Kristina's team is pioneering a dual approach that places equal emphasis on what happens to the founders themselves. "What's the state of our founders' most precious relationships when they walk from their company?" she asks. "If they're married, are they still together with that spouse? If they have kids, do their kids know them? What's their health like—physical, mental, spiritual?" These questions reflect 11 Tribes' commitment to measuring and supporting what they call the "founder outcome," born from the team's personal experiences with the often devastating personal toll of entrepreneurship.

This isn't just feel-good investing—it's strategic. Kristina believes that by dedicating resources to founders' wellbeing, the financial outcomes naturally follow. Her fund targets companies positioned for exits in the $75-300 million range, deliberately seeking founders who have been "haunted by a problem" rather than those who simply spot market opportunities. And instead of concentrating in traditional tech hubs, 11 Tribes is bringing capital to overlooked ecosystems like Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, and Tulsa, where committed entrepreneurs are building solutions to problems they deeply understand.

Kristina represents what she calls "a new wave of venture capital entering the market post-2020"—one that's more aligned with founders as whole people, not just vehicles for returns. For entrepreneurs who've worried that raising capital means sacrificing everything else, her approach offers a c

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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What happens when two marketing professionals with complementary strengths join forces? In this candid conversation with Amber and Rachel of Matchstick Social, we explore the remarkable journey of a Charleston-based agency that's grown from a King Street startup to a thriving full-service marketing firm over the past 12 years.

The duo shares how their partnership began with a late-night phone call from a steakhouse bathroom and a spontaneous decision that would change both their lives. Despite facing the challenge of geographic separation when Amber moved to Oklahoma for five years, their business persevered through what they describe as "two steps forward, one step back" until reuniting in Charleston reignited their momentum.

What truly stands out is their refreshing perspective on Charleston's marketing community. Rather than viewing other agencies as competition, they celebrate collaboration, resource-sharing, and mutual support. "If you raise your rate, I can raise my rate," they explain, highlighting how elevating industry standards benefits everyone. This philosophy extends to their approach with clients—evolving from selling services to finding the right fit, creating partnerships rather than transactions.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through discussions of AI in marketing (a tool, not a replacement for creativity), balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship (five kids between them!), and why Charleston has become a hub for marketing innovation. They even weigh in on the great debate about remote work versus office culture, sharing insights from their TEDx talk on the unintended consequences of working from home.

Whether you're a marketing professional, business owner, or simply curious about Charleston's thriving creative community, this episode offers valuable insights into building successful partnerships, adapting to industry changes, and creating a business that truly re

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Have you ever wondered who actually controls the internet? Or how standards like email and web protocols come to be? The Charleston Marketing Podcast dives deep into this fascinating world with special guest Thomas McCarthy-Howe, co-author of a groundbreaking new internet standard called Virtual Conversations.

Broadcasting live from Dig South in Charleston, hosts Mike and Stephanie discover how this first-ever AI standard aims to solve one of technology's most pressing challenges: making conversation data useful for analysis while protecting individual privacy rights. Thomas explains how his work with the Internet Society—a global organization of engineers, government officials, and human rights advocates—is creating a file format that enables companies to analyze conversations while simultaneously allowing individuals to exercise their digital rights.

The conversation reveals surprising insights about the Internet Engineering Task Force, where a thousand brilliant minds from companies like Cisco, Microsoft, Google, and Mozilla collaborate as individuals, giving up their intellectual property rights for the greater good. As Thomas puts it, "The most dangerous place in tech is the microphone at an IETF conference." With equal parts technical expertise and warm humor, he demystifies how these standards are created and why they matter for everyone who uses digital technology.

Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of practical applications—from preventing deepfakes by verifying authentic conversations to enabling individuals to access, correct, and delete their data from companies. His passion for digital rights is evident as he explains why protecting biometric data like voice recordings is particularly crucial: "I can change my name, but I can't change the way I sound."

Join us for this eye-opening exploration of the invisible archi

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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Facebook
Instagram