🎙️ Episode 246: Beyond Andromeda: 4 Meta Ad Updates Every Marketer Needs to Know Episode Description

Everyone's talking about the Meta Andromeda update like it's the only thing that matters. But in this power-packed solo episode, Smart Marketer Agency CEO Pep Hufen breaks down four essential Meta updates that are redefining ad performance and why focusing on just one is a costly mistake.

"These aren't small changes or tweaks. They completely rebuild the ad system from the ground up." - Pep Hufen

Pep explains how each update; GEM, Lattice, Andromeda and Sequence Learning, works individually and together as one powerful AI-driven system. Whether you're an agency pro or eComm brand owner, you'll learn how to adapt your strategy now to win big in the new Meta landscape.

🚀 You Will Learn:

• Why the Meta Andromeda update is only 25% of what really matters

• How GEM gives Meta "superbrain" insights that predict user behavior

• What Meta Lattice is and how it boosts conversions with unified learning

• How Sequence Learning turns one-time buyers into loyal customers

• The tactical playbook for adapting your campaigns in 2025

• Why you're no longer competing on product, but on understanding the entire buyer journey

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Meta's Official Documentation on the 4 Updates • Meta Andromeda: Next-Gen Personalized Ads Retrieval Engine • Sequence Learning: A Paradigm Shift for Personalized Ads • Meta Lattice: AI, Ads, and Performance • Meta GEM Overview via Social Discovery Insights

• Andromeda Deep Dive Episode (Pep reference) Podcast version YouTube version

• Pep Hufen – Instagram @pep.hufen

• Omnisend Email & SMS Platform – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months

• SmartMarketer.com

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro by Anthony: 4 Updates That Are Redefining Meta Ads 02:12 – Pep's Hot Take: Why Andromeda is Only One Piece of the Puzzle 02:56 – Update 1: GEM – Meta's AI Superbrain for Prediction and Targeting 03:42 – Update 2: Lattice – Unified Learning Across Campaign Objectives 04:32 – Update 3: Andromeda – 10,000x More Targeting Power 06:00 – Update 4: Sequence Learning – Mapping the Entire Buyer's Journey 08:31 – Tactical Breakdown: How to Build for Each System 09:28 – The Shift from Product to Full-Journey Strategy 10:12 – The Playbook: What You Need to Do Now 11:07 – Outro and Engagement Reminder

📣 Your Engagement Matters

If this episode opened your eyes to what's really happening with Meta ads, do us a favor:

✅ Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share the episode and tag us with #WeOutHere 💬 Got feedback? Email us at [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 245: Smart Marketer Live 2025 Recap (with Molly Pittman and Zach Dampier) Episode Description

"We knew we wanted the best information out there in the space, that's a given, but we wanted this to feel like a family atmosphere." - Molly Pittman

In this episode, Molly and Zach Dampier take you behind the scenes of Smart Marketer Live 2025 from packed roundtables and unforgettable presentations to Denver bowling nights and real-life connections that made it all magic. Whether you were there or tuning in from afar, this recap captures the insight, energy, and community that made Smart Marketer Live 2025 unforgettable.

You Will Learn:

• Why Smart Marketer Live is unlike any other marketing event • How the roundtable sessions created powerful business breakthroughs • The smartest way to gather testimonials and social proof • What Molly learned from Meta and TikTok Shop insiders • The secret to running high-impact content collection on-site • Why this event is a must-attend for remote marketers and entrepreneurs

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Smart Marketer – https://smartmarketer.com • Mentor Table Mastermind – https://smartmarketer.com/mentor-table • Molly Pittman – https://mollypittman.com • Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – https://www.instagram.com/fieldsoffreedomrescue • Omnisend – https://smartmarketer.com/omnisend • Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months • YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@SmartMarketerYT

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Welcome and What to Expect 03:55 – Behind the Scenes: Content Creation, Testimonials, and Team Wins 07:08 – Why Live Events Still Matter (and What Made This One Special) 08:41 – Session Highlights: TikTok Shop, Meta Ads, Tactical Baby Gear 09:45 – Roundtable Strategy and Why It Was a Game-Changer 11:00 – Real Talk at the Social Media Table: Misconceptions and Wins 13:46 – The Vibe: Parties, Friendships, and Unexpected Connections 18:50 – What's Next: Tickets for 2026 and Speaker Interviews Coming Soon 20:30 – What's Next: Interviews With Speakers from SML25

YOUR ENGAGEMENT MATTERS

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to:

✅ Follow and review us on Apple Podcasts: Click Here 📲 Share this episode on social and tag us using #WeOutHere 💌 Got feedback? Email us at [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit. 🎉

Episode 244: The 60-Minute Email Fix for Q4 Wins

(with John Grimshaw, CMO of Smart Marketer)

Episode Description

"Email isn't dead, it's your fastest path to real profit this Q4." In this episode, John Grimshaw lays out the exact email strategies Smart Marketer is using to maximize results during the busiest time of the year. Learn how to supercharge your automations, craft high-converting messages, and prep your brand for holiday success without spending weeks rewriting flows.

You'll also hear about a game-changing new feature in ChatGPT that's set to shake up eCommerce as we know it: instant checkout. Plus, John shares the highest-performing email format Smart Marketer is using right now (spoiler: it's plain-text and insanely effective).

This is your 60-minute checklist for higher conversions, better inboxing, and more sales fast.

✅ You Will Learn:

• Why email automation is 25x more profitable than broadcasts (and most brands neglect it)

• How to update your top 3 flows in under an hour: Welcome, Cart Abandon, Product Abandon

• The new "Instant Checkout" inside ChatGPT and why you must optimize for it

• The single email style outperforming all others: the Founder Email

• How to bundle products for better margins and ChatGPT discoverability

• Why design-heavy emails can hurt your deliverability, and what to do instead

🔗 Links & Resources

• Omnisend (Email & SMS Platform) – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months

• Free Prompt: Plain-Text Founder Email See below for the full prompt shared in the episode

• Smart Marketer Blog & Resources – smartmarketer.com/blog

• Smart Marketer YouTube – Andromeda Update Video – Watch here

• Support & Feedback – [email protected]

🕒 Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Intro: What's in this episode 01:54 – "Profit leaks" in your Q4 email strategy 03:25 – Email is not dead: It's more powerful than ever 06:06 – Email = telling your best friends what to do 08:14 – Automation is 25x more profitable (and ignored) 09:13 – Where to focus first in your flows 10:38 – This Just In: Instant checkout now inside ChatGPT 13:00 – ChatGPT's impact on eCom gifting & bundles 15:43 – Optimize product feeds + create AI-friendly bundles 20:17 – Your 60-minute action plan: 3 automation updates 22:40 – Flow #1: Welcome – what to fix fast 25:48 – Flow #2: Cart Abandon – how to speed it up 28:24 – Flow #3: Product Abandon – recommendations that convert 30:01 – The "one page" traffic strategy for BFCM 32:02 – Why Smart Marketer switched to Omnisend 34:12 – The power of plain-text: Founder Email breakdown 36:35 – Real campaign results from Founder Emails 38:51 – Best practices: subject, tone, structure, CTA 39:39 – The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt (full version) 42:00 – Why hybrid email design (text + visuals) wins 43:33 – Real brand case study: doubling email revenue 45:16 – Optimize for inboxing: deliverability > design 46:03 – Full checklist: what to do in the next 60 minutes 47:32 – Closing thoughts & CTA to share the show

📄 The ChatGPT Founder Email Prompt

Plain-Text Founder Email Prompt Write a plain-text "Founder Email" for my brand during Q4. Make it sound personal, human, and conversational, like a message from the founder to a loyal customer. Keep it under 200 words, with one clear CTA and no images or fancy design.

Include:

1. A warm opening (gratitude, reflection, or behind-the-scenes note).

2. A short story or insight that builds connection.

3. A simple offer or bonus (e.g., stackable discount or early access).

4. A friendly close with light urgency ("ends soon" / "thank you for supporting us").

Tone: Authentic, human, and direct — like a Gmail message from a friend.

Goal: Drive clicks through trust and relatability, not polish or visuals.

Output Format: • Subject: [5–7 words, personal & curious] • From: [Founder Name at Brand] • Body:

Ask me any questions to help make the results stronger.

📣 Call to Action

Enjoyed this episode? Do us a favor:

• Follow & Subscribe to The Smart Marketer Show on your favorite podcast platform.

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode on social and tag us @smartmarketer using #WeOutHere

• Send your founder email draft to [email protected] for feedback

🚀 Email isn't dead, it just needs your attention. Take 60 minutes, follow the plan, and set yourself up for the best Q4 yet.

Episode 243: From Intern to Content Leader - Zach Dampier on Growth, Grit, and Working with Family Episode Description

What does it take to go from intern to indispensable? In this episode, Smart Marketer CEO Molly Pittman interviews Content Coordinator Zach Dampier; her cousin and long-time teammate about his inspiring journey from college intern to running all of Smart Marketer's organic content.

Zach shares what he's learned along the way about content strategy, working in customer support, building a career with no roadmap, and navigating family dynamics inside a fast-paced business.

"A marketing degree is nice, but it's definitely not needed for this industry." - Zach Dampier

Whether you're building a team or building your own career, this episode is full of honest insights, practical advice, and a refreshing look at what it means to grow with a company over time.

You Will Learn:

• How to spot and nurture long-term team members with high potential

• Why starting in customer support is the smartest entry point into any business

• How Zach transitioned from intern to leader without formal job titles

• The pros (and real talk) about working with family

• Why managing content across multiple platforms is about more than just volume

• A fresh take on hiring: when to invest in experience vs. potential

Links & Resources:

• Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com

• Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com

• Instagram – @smartmarketer

• Instagram – @mollypittmandigital

• Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue – fofdogrescue.com

• Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use coupon code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months)

Timestamps (Chapters):

00:00 – Intro from Anthony + Why This Episode Matters 02:04 – Meet Zach: From Intern to Key Team Member 06:00 – How a High School Elective Sparked a Marketing Career 08:35 – Zach's Early Intern Tasks: Ads, Reports & Client Research 11:33 – Why Starting in Support Built Zach's Foundation 17:42 – Transitioning to Content & Social Media Strategy 21:40 – The Power of Hiring for Potential, Not Just Experience 24:32 – Working with Family: Real Talk & Lessons Learned 28:52 – What It's Like to Work with Your Spouse 31:56 – Reflecting on Smart Marketer's Growth (2019–2025) 34:58 – What's Next: Scaling YouTube and Mentoring Interns 36:55 – Decoding Gen Z Slang for the Workplace 38:10 – Zach's Final Thoughts & Smart Marketer Live Shout-Out

Your Engagement Matters!

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please support the show:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts

• 📲 Share this episode on social media and tag us @smartmarketer

• 💬 Have feedback? Email us at [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit.

Episode 242: The Truth About Creative Volume, Meta's Shift, and What Still Works (Part 2 with Ben Bennett) Episode Description

In this second part of their deep-dive conversation, Molly Pittman sits down with Smart Marketer's Creative Director Ben Bennett to map out the exact creative systems used to produce dozens of high-performing ads every single month.

From team structure to tooling to hook variation strategies, Ben shares how Smart Marketer builds volume without sacrificing quality. You'll hear how they hire and test for the Creative Strategist role, why UGC needs a better incentive model, and how tools like ClickUp help make the whole system run.

"We've figured out how to multiply creative without multiplying chaos and this is how we do it." – Molly Pittman

You Will Learn:

• Why your team could need a Creative Operations Manager

• The 3 creative styles we use: Snack, Impact, Tailored

• How AI is supporting (but not replacing) production

• How to multiply a single hook into 24+ ad variations

• Why ClickUp is the backbone of our creative ops

• How we test and hire for Creative Strategist roles

• Why incentivizing UGC creators is the next big opportunity

Links & Resources

• Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com

• Smart Marketer Agency – smartmarketeragency.com

• Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com

• Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend Use code: SMART for 50% off your first 3 months

• Alexander's Talent Agency – gottlnt.com

• Past Episodes Featuring Ben Bennett: • The Truth About Creative Volume, Meta's Shift, and What Still Works • Winning Ad Creative: What Works Now & How to Measure It • How to Make High-Converting UGC Ads • How to Get the Best Possible Creative Help for Your Business • How Flexible Use Content Can Help You With Your Creatives

• ClickUp – clickup.com

• Instagram – @smartmarketer | @mollypittmandigital

Timestamps

00:00 – Anthony intro + Omnisend offer 01:59 – Why creative volume is today's biggest question 03:36 – The underrated role: Creative Operations Manager 07:07 – Step 1: Research and why it still matters 10:29 – What we look for in Creative Strategists (and how we test them) 12:18 – Hiring success through Alexander's Talent Agency 14:02 – The "Creative Prism" framework explained 17:12 – Using AI to expand from 4 to 24 variations 21:07 – Snack, Impact, and Tailored: the 3 styles that work 25:48 – How we use ClickUp to manage high-volume production 31:21 – Reviewing performance data and planning the next round 40:11 – What's next: Creator incentives, agency collaboration, and scaling systems

Your Engagement Matters

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love your support:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts

• Share it on social and tag us with #SmartMarketerPodcast

• Have questions or feedback? Email us at: [email protected]

Serve the world unselfishly and profit.

Episode 241: The Truth About Creative Volume, Meta's Shift, and What Still Works Episode Description

Everyone's talking about creative volume but more doesn't always mean better. In this honest, behind-the-scenes conversation, Molly Pittman and Smart Marketer's Creative Director Ben Bennett unpack the current state of paid creative in a post-Andromeda world.

From team leadership to what Meta is really optimizing for, this is the high-level conversation marketers need right now.

"You're never going to put the wrong image in front of the right person and get a conversion." – Ben Bennett

You'll learn why more assets don't equal better performance and how to feed the algorithm with the signals it actually needs.

You Will Learn

• Why creative volume is being misunderstood in the current media landscape

• What Meta actually wants from your assets (and what it ignores)

• Why the wrong kind of testing can kill your ROAS

• The myth of "scaling through background color changes"

• How to structure a creative team that can adapt and win

• Why the best creative still comes down to fundamentals of persuasion

• How Smart Marketer is evolving its agency model for better performance

Links & Resources

• Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com

• Smart Marketer Agency - smartmarketeragency.com/

• Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com

• Instagram – @smartmarketer | @mollypittmandigital

• Omnisend – smartmarketer.com/omnisend (Use code SMART for 50% off)

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome from Anthony: New two-part series with Molly & Ben 01:12 – Ezra shares why he trusts Omnisend for email & SMS 02:15 – Live from Danville: Meet Ben Bennett & his creative journey 04:04 – From Spanish degree to Smart Marketer: Ben's origin story 07:21 – Why understanding media buying makes better creatives 08:48 – How Meta's shift toward AI impacts your creative strategy 10:26 – The "hungry machine" problem: Feeding Meta with meaning 12:22 – The high cost of low-quality volume 14:22 – Creative testing ≠ slapping on a new background color 17:53 – What Meta actually needs: Real variation & signal 20:34 – How Ben leads his team through creative pressure & change 23:29 – Stop chasing "perfect"—start getting adaptive 25:55 – Why creative is now the currency of performance 27:59 – Integrating creative into the media buying process 30:26 – Final thoughts: Trust the fundamentals, stay fluid

Your Engagement Matters

Thank you for listening! Your support helps this podcast thrive. If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts → Click here

• Share this episode on social and tag us using #WeOutHere

• Email feedback or questions to [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit.

Episode 240: The Meta Andromeda Update - Why Your Facebook Ads Stopped Working (And What To Do Instead)

Meta just launched its biggest algorithm update in years! If your ads started tanking in August, Andromeda could be the reason. In this game-changing episode, Smart Marketer's agency director, Pep Hufen, reveals how Andromeda is reshaping the ad platform from the ground up and what you must do to stay ahead.

"Think of it as Meta completely rebuilding the engine of a car while you are still driving it." – Pep Hufen

Episode Description

Are your Meta ads underperforming lately? You're not alone.

In this episode, Pep Hufen breaks down Meta's new Andromeda update; an overhaul of the Facebook Ads engine that's leaving many advertisers behind. From collapsing campaign structures to rethinking creative strategy, this episode gives you the exact playbook Smart Marketer is using to help clients thrive in the new landscape.

With millions in monthly ad spend under management, Pep shares real case studies, what's actually working post-Andromeda, and the critical mistakes to avoid if you want to keep acquiring new customers in 2025.

You Will Learn:

• What the Andromeda update is (in plain English)

• Why your old campaign structure no longer works

• How creative portfolios, not single ads, are now key

• The new rule for campaign consolidation (and why it works)

• Why broad targeting and data density matter more than ever

• How to prevent Meta from wasting budget on repeat customers

• Four action steps to future-proof your Meta ad strategy

Links & Resources

• Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com

• Smart Marketer Courses – smartmarketer.com/courses

• Omnisend Email & SMS platform we recommend - (Use code SMART for 50% off first 3 months)

• Follow Pep on Instagram – @pep_hufen

• Want help implementing? Contact Smart Marketer Agency

Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Pep & The Meta Shake-Up 02:12 – What Is Andromeda? Meta's New Ads Retrieval System 03:58 – Advantage+ Is Now Default: Autopilot Mode Activated 04:46 – Creative Portfolios > Ad Variations 05:41 – Campaign Structure Overhaul: One Campaign Per Offer 06:39 – Why Consolidation Is King & ABOs Are Out 07:27 – Case Study: How Clean East Dropped CPAs by 35% 08:23 – Caution: Andromeda May Kill Your New Customer Acquisition 09:13 – The Fix: Add Exclusions for Site Visitors & Customers 10:03 – Four Things You Must Do Now (Creative, Structure, Backend) 11:00 – Final Thoughts: Volume, Variety, and Velocity Win in 2025 11:59 – Outro: Subscribe, Share, and Serve the World Unselfishly

Your Engagement Matters

Thank you for tuning in! This podcast thrives because of your support. If you got value from today's episode, please:

• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts – Click Here

• Share this episode on social and tag us with #WeOutHere

• Got feedback? Email us at [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

Ep. 239: Protecting Your Brand in 2025 – SMS Compliance, Copycat Stores & Strategic Defense Episode Description

What happens when a new law could cost you $10K… or worse, someone clones your website and starts stealing your customers?

In this exclusive Mentor Table session, John Grimshaw and Molly Pittman tackle two major challenges facing DTC brands in 2025: new SMS compliance laws in Texas and a real-world case study of how Antler Rings shut down a full-blown copycat website.

This episode gives you practical tools, mindset shifts, and proactive strategies to protect your brand—and your bottom line.

"We're going to have to play more defense in general. It's just easier for people to shortcut this stuff." – John Grimshaw

You Will Learn:

• What the Texas SMS law means for marketers

• How to register for compliance and avoid fines

• What to do when someone copies your website, product, or brand

• The legal and technical steps Antler Rings used to shut down a scammer

• Why branded keyword bidding is non-negotiable in 2025

• How to use alerts and paid search to monitor your brand

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Omnisend SMS & Email Tool – Get 50% Off

• Smart Marketer

• Mentor Table Mastermind

• Antler Rings

• Molly Pittman – mollypittman.com

• Instagram – @smartmarketer

• Instagram – @mollypittmandigital

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome: Mentor Table Exclusive + Omnisend SMS Promo 02:18 – Texas SMS Compliance: What's Changed & What To Do 04:39 – Bond Costs, Registration Forms, and Legal Risk 07:55 – Should You Exclude Texas Prospects? A Cost-Benefit Breakdown 10:17 – Case Study: Antler Rings Discovers a Fake Store 11:43 – Steps to Take: Domain Hosts, Payment Processors, Google & More 13:57 – Boom by Cindy Joseph Faced This Too—What They Learned 16:39 – Copycat Site Takedown Success: Fast Results 18:17 – Bid on Your Branded Keywords—Here's Why 20:31 – Set Up Alerts to Monitor Brand Mentions Automatically 21:22 – Playing Defense in 2025: AI, Fraud & Scam Prevention 21:52 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

Your Engagement Matters!

Thanks for listening! If this episode helped you, we'd love your support:

⭐️ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 🔁 Share this episode with a friend or tag @smartmarketer on social 📥 Questions or feedback? Email us: [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit! 🚀

Episode 238: The 2025 Black Friday Cyber Monday Playbook with John Grimshaw & Ezra Firestone Episode Description

Want to crush Q4 this year? 💥 In this special webinar replay, John Grimshaw (Smart Marketer CMO), Ezra Firestone, and Greg from Omnisend reveal their proven 2025 Black Friday Cyber Monday Playbook.

From offer structures that boost cart value to ad strategies that cut through the noise to automation tweaks that unlock hidden revenue, this is the exact system Smart Marketer clients and brands are using to maximize profits this holiday season.

"The truth is if you just focus like a laser on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you are leaving more than 80% of the money on the table." – John Grimshaw

You Will Learn

• Why Black Friday/Cyber Monday is just 16% of Q4 revenue—and how to win the other 84%.

• The secret to tiered discounting (and why it increases average order value).

• The "evergreen holiday page" strategy that makes ad costs cheaper all season long.

• Ezra's campaign phases (including the overlooked "Countdown to New Year's Sale").

• How to use content marketing + merchandising together for maximum conversions.

• Greg's top 3 email automations to optimize before BFCM for easy, compounding sales.

• Why cart abandonment flows, welcome offers, and product browse emails are goldmines.

Links & Resources

• 🎁 Get the full Holiday Marketing Toolkit (slides + swipe file): smartmarketer.com/toolkit

• Omnisend (Email & SMS Platform) – https://omnisend.com/smart (Use code SMART for 50% off your first 3 months)

• Smart Marketer – smartmarketer.com

• Ezra Firestone – @ezrafirestone

• John Grimshaw – @johngrimshawdigita

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Why Q4 Planning Matters 06:39 – BFCM Is Just 16% of Q4 Revenue (The 80% You're Missing) 10:19 – The Power of Tiered Discounting 14:31 – Evergreen Holiday Landing Pages Strategy 20:05 – Campaign Phases & Scarcity Done Right 29:02 – Ezra's Holiday Framework: From Prime Day to New Year's 38:31 – Content + Merchandising: How to Sell Without Just "Selling" 53:45 – Ezra's 2x Buyer Flow (The Fastest Way to Unlock More Revenue) 56:06 – Greg's Top 3 Email Automations for Q4 Wins 01:21:19 – Why Email Still Drives 50–60% of BFCM Revenue

Your Engagement Matters 🚀

Thanks for tuning in! Your support keeps this podcast thriving. If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts

• 📲 Share this episode with your network and tag us using #WeOutHere

• 💌 Send feedback or questions to [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!

🎙 Episode 237: Haunted Houses, Taylor Swift & Trivia Nights: Paul Kalnitzky's Unexpected Journey to Smart Marketer Episode Description

What do haunted houses, radio gigs, trivia nights, and Taylor Swift have in common? Paul Kalnitzky. In this raw and hilarious episode, Molly Pittman sits down with Smart Marketer's very own product and community manager to unpack his unexpected journey—from flipping golf carts at a haunted house to becoming the heart of Smart Marketer's mastermind.

This is more than a career story, it's a masterclass in authenticity, creative problem-solving, and following your weird (even if it involves skeletons puking green slime).

"If you just keep showing up as who you really are, eventually someone's going to notice." – Paul Kalnitzky

You Will Learn:

• Why showing up authentically is the ultimate career hack • How Paul's haunted house job sparked a career in creative media • What working in toxic vs. supportive work cultures really feels like • The leadership moment that made Paul a lifelong Taylor Swift fan • How trivia nights & community building led him to his dream role • Why embracing your quirks attracts the right opportunities

📌 Links & Resources:

• Smart Marketer

• Molly Pittman

• Fields of Freedom Dog Rescue

• Follow Smart Marketer on Instagram

• Follow Molly on Instagram

• Follow Paul Kalnitzky on Instagram

⏱ Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Welcome: Haunted Houses, Taylor Swift & Trivia?! 03:13 – Meet Paul Kalnitzky: Jack of All Trades (and Halloween Lover) 07:54 – How a Haunted House Changed Everything 19:37 – From Theater Rejection to Radio Stardom 25:28 – Programming a College Radio Station Like a Pro 31:19 – The Night Paul Met Taylor Swift (and Everything Changed) 38:02 – From Laid Off to Trivia Entrepreneur 47:02 – Toxic Workplaces, Misfit Kids & The Power of Chosen Family 51:13 – Entering the World of Smart Marketer 58:03 – Culture Shock: From Burnout to Belonging 1:02:58 – Trivia Nights, Wu-Tang, & Becoming a Community Leader 1:07:36 – Paul's Advice: Show Up Authentically (What That Really Means) 1:12:11 – Final Thoughts: What's Next for Paul & Smart Marketer

💬 Call to Action

If you laughed, cried, or nodded along with Paul's story, do us a favor:

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts 📲 Share this episode and tag us on social @smartmarketerig using #WeOutHere 📩 Got feedback or want to connect? Email us at [email protected]

Serve the World Unselfishly and Profit!