The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Are Influencers Dying? Why Brands Are Spending Billions on the New Creator Economy

   Are Influencers Dying? Why Brands Are Spending Billions on the New Creator EconomyThe era of the influencer may be ending—but influence itself is bigger business than ever. Social media has changed dramatically, and the creators who once dominated Instagram, YouTube and TikTok are discovering that simply showing off a fabulous lifestyle isn't enough anymore.So what happened to the traditional influencer—and where did their audiences go?Social media began as a place to share photos, friends and everyday life. Then came influencers: creators who attracted enormous audiences, landed lucrative brand deals and turned online popularity into an industry worth billions.But audiences changed.Today, people increasingly want creators to teach them something, entertain them, offer expertise, build community—or be so compelling that they simply can't look away. At the same time, brands continue pouring billions into creator and influencer marketing.So is the influencer dying—or simply evolving?On today's The Karel Cast, Karel is joined by two guests who understand this transformation from very different perspectives:Andrew Selepak of the University of Florida, an expert on social media, digital culture and communication, joins the conversation to examine how influencer culture has changed and what audiences and advertisers want now.Alison Malone, a former television news journalist, podcaster and influencer, brings the perspective of someone who has worked in both traditional and digital media.Together, they explore the changing creator economy, influencer marketing, social media algorithms, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, brand partnerships and online trends—and why influence reaches far beyond the people who actually follow creators.Influencers can help drive everything from fashion and consumer purchases to major diet and fitness trends such as the explosion of interest in protein and creatine. And through partnerships with major companies, their influence can reach consumers who don't even use social media.The influencer isn't necessarily disappearing. The definition of an influencer is changing.Who wins in this new creator economy? What happens to traditional influencers? What are brands looking for now? And where does social media go next?Let's talk about it.Join the conversation in the comments. LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to The Karel Cast and SHARE it with someone who has an opinion.Support independent media and The Karel Cast on Patreon:patreon.com/reallykarelWatch and subscribe on YouTube:youtube.com/reallykarelThe Karel Cast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker and other major podcast platforms, and can also be seen on TikTok and Instagram.LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer and commentator based in Las Vegas, joined by his little service dog, Ember.#Influencers, #InfluencerMarketing, #SocialMedia, #CreatorEconomy, #SocialMediaMarketing, #ContentCreators, #InfluencerCulture, #DigitalMarketing, #TikTok, #Instagram, #YouTube, #YouTubeCreators, #SocialMediaTrends, #MarketingTrends, #CreatorMarketing, #BrandMarketing, #BrandDeals, #OnlineCulture, #DigitalCulture, #SocialMediaAlgorithm, #FutureOfSocialMedia, #InternetCulture, #MediaTrends, #Advertising, #ConsumerTrends, #ContentCreation, #Podcast, #TheKarelCast, #KarelCast, #ReallyKarelhttps://youtube.com/live/xG7qreP7OYUBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-karel-show--1368295/support.The Karel Show is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel and streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST. Available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, and all major platforms.

   September 02, 2026·1h 24min
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   Number 2: Iran Strikes, Nepal's Death, Trump's Lake, Rogue AI — Monday News Meltdown

   Monday News MeltdownIran Strikes, Nepal’s Death, Trump’s Lake, Rogue AI — Monday News MeltdownUSA attacks Iran again. Nepal’s death toll climbing to horrifying numbers. Trump pettily trying to rename a lake out of spite. Canada refusing to bow to the Orange Oligarch. And AI quietly acting on its own without anyone’s permission. Welcome to Monday.You wanted a hopeful start to your week. Instead you got America — struggling, dying, fighting, and somehow still finding time for lake-renaming pettiness. No wonder everyone’s wishing it was already Friday.PLUS: you might be hurting yourself and your family in your own kitchen without even realizing it — and we’ll show you exactly how to stop.We break down these headlines and more on today’s Karel Cast.Join the conversation in the comments, LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to The Karel Cast, and SHARE it with someone who actually has an opinion.Support independent media and The Karel Cast on Patreon: patreon.com/reallykarelWatch and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarelThe Karel Cast streams on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, and other major platforms, and is also on TikTok and Instagram.LIVE Monday–Friday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific — wait, no, Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m. Pacific.Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, and commentator based in Las Vegas, joined by his little service dog, Ember.Hashtags:#KarelCast, #TheKarelShow, #NewsCommentary, #DailyNews, #MondayNews, #PoliticalCommentary, #IranNews, #NepalDisaster, #TrumpNews, #CanadaPolitics, #AINews, #ArtificialIntelligence, #IndependentMedia, #NewsAnalysis, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticalNews, #WorldNews, #USPolitics, #KitchenSafety, #HealthTips, #NewsToday, #BreakingNews, #TalkShow, #Podcast, #DailyPodcast, #Commentary, #NewsRoundup, #PoliticalTalk, #LasVegasMedia, #LGBTQMediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-karel-show--1368295/support.The Karel Show is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel and streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST. Available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, and all major platforms.

   August 31, 2026·1h 3min
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   Number 3: Democrats Need to Figure It Out, Fast

   Democrats Need to Figure It Out, FastYesterdayTrump Tanks But Democrats Don't Soar in America—Can They Turn It Around Before It’s Too Late?Donald Trump’s approval ratings are falling—but Democrats shouldn’t celebrate yet. Many polls suggest the Democratic Party is struggling to win over voters, build enthusiasm, and present a compelling alternative.In this episode of The Karel Cast, Karel asks why a party that claims to champion working families, civil rights, healthcare, and democracy continues to lose public confidence. Why are so many voters attracted to the very politicians whose policies may work against their interests?The uncomfortable truth may be that America isn’t looking for “nice.” Voters want strength, clarity, confidence, and decisive leadership. Can Democrats stop playing defense, communicate a bold vision, and prove they’re prepared to lead?If they can’t figure it out—and fast—what happens in the next election? More importantly, what happens to American democracy?Watch now, share your opinion in the comments, and subscribe for independent political commentary from The Karel Cast.Support The Karel Cast:patreon.com/reallykarelWatch, like, and subscribe:youtube.com/reallykarelThe Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on YouTube, Apple Music, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram, and other major platforms.Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.#Democrats, #DemocraticParty, #DonaldTrump, #Trump, #TrumpApprovalRating, #USPolitics, #AmericanPolitics, #PoliticalNews, #PoliticalCommentary, #BreakingPolitics, #CurrentEvents, #ElectionNews, #MidtermElections, #PresidentialElection, #AmericanDemocracy, #Democracy, #Congress, #Progressives, #Liberals, #IndependentVoters, #WorkingClass, #VoterOutreach, #PoliticalStrategy, #DemocraticLeadership, #ElectionStrategy, #NewsAnalysis, #TheKarelCast, #KarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #LasVegashttps://youtube.com/live/0AM6qr-bO1UBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-karel-show--1368295/support.The Karel Show is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel and streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST. Available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, and all major platforms.

   August 25, 2026·1h 3min
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   Number 4: Is the West Running Out of Water? Las Vegas, Trump & a Congress in Hiding

   Is the West Running Out of Water? Las Vegas, Trump & a Congress in HidingLake Powell is approaching record-low territory, the Colorado River crisis is intensifying—and the American West is running out of time. When will our leaders finally treat this like the emergency it is?Karel examines a frightening New York Times report about the future of Lake Powell and what it could mean for Las Vegas, Lake Mead and millions of people across the West. Could Southern Nevada eventually enforce its annual residential water-use cap? What would a limit of roughly 460 gallons per household per day actually mean for Las Vegas residents?Then, Karel turns to Washington: Donald Trump’s conduct, questions about his mental fitness, rising prices and the possibility of another unwinnable, open-ended conflict. Are Americans truly stuck waiting for the midterm elections—or does Congress have the power and responsibility to intervene now?History may not judge congressional Republicans kindly. And one question demands an answer: Where the hell is Mitch McConnell?Plus, Karel discusses The End of Oak Street—and why its real horror has nothing to do with dinosaurs.Read the New York Times report:https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/climate/lake-powell-record-low-colorado.htmlSupport The Karel Cast:https://patreon.com/reallykarelWatch, like and subscribe:https://youtube.com/reallykarelThe Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available through Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram.Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.#KarelCast, #WesternWaterCrisis, #LakePowell, #LakeMead, #ColoradoRiver, #LasVegas, #Nevada, #WaterShortage, #Drought, #ClimateCrisis, #AmericanWest, #WaterConservation, #Trump, #DonaldTrump, #TrumpNews, #USPolitics, #AmericanPolitics, #PoliticalCommentary, #PoliticalPodcast, #Congress, #Republicans, #GOP, #MitchMcConnell, #Midterms, #CostOfLiving, #ForeignPolicy, #CurrentEvents, #TheEndOfOakStreet, #MovieReview, #ReallyKarelhttps://youtube.com/live/k7piy4SjPdgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-karel-show--1368295/support.The Karel Show is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel and streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST. Available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, and all major platforms.

   August 18, 2026·1h 3min
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   Number 5: Why Americans Defend the Indefensible: Trump, Billionaires & Corporate Power

   Why Americans Defend the Indefensible: Trump, Billionaires & Corporate PowerWhy do so many Americans defend corporations, billionaires and political leaders whose actions may work against their own interests?After discussing how corporate power is damaging everyday life in America, Karel was stunned to see viewers rush to defend the corporations. California remains deeply divided over taxing billionaires. Donald Trump repeatedly crosses boundaries that once seemed politically disqualifying—yet his supporters continue to defend him.Have we reached a point where no action is beyond defense? And why do people increasingly attack proposed solutions, the people offering them and even their motivations?Karel also examines America’s literacy crisis. According to the 2023 PIAAC assessment, approximately 56% of U.S. adults ages 16–65 scored at Level 2 or below, while 28% scored in the lowest category. These proficiency levels do not translate directly into school-grade reading levels, but the results still raise serious questions about education, critical thinking, media literacy and political decision-making.Are powerful interests manipulating an uninformed public—or have Americans become willing participants in their own exploitation?Support The Karel Cast:https://patreon.com/reallykarelWatch, like and subscribe:https://youtube.com/reallykarelThe Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram.Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas alongside his service dog, Ember.#TheKarelCast, #Karel, #DefendingTheIndefensible, #DonaldTrump, #TrumpNews, #TrumpSupporters, #CorporateAmerica, #CorporateGreed, #Billionaires, #TaxTheRich, #WealthInequality, #AmericanPolitics, #USPolitics, #PoliticalCommentary, #PoliticalPodcast, #ProgressivePolitics, #CurrentEvents, #BreakingPolitics, #MediaLiteracy, #AdultLiteracy, #EducationCrisis, #CriticalThinking, #EconomicInequality, #CorporatePower, #Democracy, #AmericanSociety, #PoliticalAnalysis, #SocialCommentary, #LasVegas, #ReallyKarelhttps://youtube.com/live/BAkDhg_xY6YBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-karel-show--1368295/support.The Karel Show is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel and streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST. Available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Music, Spotify, iHeart Media, Spreaker, and all major platforms.

   August 17, 2026·1h 3min
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