What do social media managers actually do? If you’ve ever been mistaken for an “influencer” or asked why social media should cost more than $12 an hour, this episode is for you.

Laney Goff is joined by Ella Gunnell to unpack the most frustrating—and funny—misconceptions about working in social media. From being left out of the marketing conversation to constantly educating clients on algorithm updates, Laney and Ella share what really goes on behind the scenes.

Whether you're a social media pro or a business leader looking to better understand the value behind the role, this episode brings both insight and laughs.

Prefer to listen while multitasking? Hit play and let’s break down the truth about one of the most misunderstood jobs in digital marketing.

Rachel Strella and Anna Dobbert explore why letting go of perfection can lead to deeper connection, better content, and a more sustainable approach to social media. If you’ve ever overthought a post or felt pressure to look flawless online, this episode will shift your mindset—and give you permission to show up as the real you. 

Ready to ditch perfection and show up as the real you? Hit play!

Feeling overwhelmed by Instagram? You're not alone. In this episode of the Untamed Social Podcast, Tara Kay and Ella break down five essential ways to build a strong foundation on Instagram, whether you're launching a new account or refreshing an existing one. 

We cover everything from the importance of a searchable username to optimizing your bio for SEO, using the right features to boost visibility, staying active with Stories, and crafting captions that actually work. Along the way, we share real-world examples, practical tips, and a few insights into what Instagram’s algorithm is really looking for.

If you've ever wondered how to give your content the best chance of being seen—or just want a clear starting point for Instagram success—this is the episode for you.

It’s time for a social media reality check. 

In this episode, Laney and Anna dive into the unskippable basics that way too many brands ignore—either out of laziness, confusion, or pure chaos. We’re calling it like it is and sharing the four foundational pillars every brand needs to master in 2025 to stand out, show up, and stop spinning their wheels.

Whether you’re DIY-ing your content or working with a team, you’ll walk away with clear steps to stop blending in and start owning your online presence.

Hit play and let’s get into it.

Negative comments are inevitable on social media—but how you handle them can make or break your brand. In this episode of Untamed Social, Tiecen Payne and Jess Boozel dive into the wild world of comment moderation.

From dealing with harsh criticism to managing client expectations, we break down the do’s and don’ts of responding to negativity. Should you delete comments? Engage in debate? Let them ride for the algorithm boost? We’ve seen it all, and we’re sharing the strategies that work.

We also get real about the emotional toll of handling backlash daily and why having a process in place is essential for social media managers and brands alike.

Tune in for practical insights, battle-tested advice, and a few stories that might just make you rethink how you approach your own comment section.

🎧 Listen now and take control of your online conversations.

What do lost pets, Duolingo, and AI all have in common? The power of storytelling.

In this episode, Rachel Strella and Tara Kay Otey dive into why storytelling is the secret sauce to making your brand unforgettable. From Rachel’s eight-month journey to find her lost cat (spoiler: social media saved the day!) to brands like Airbnb and Glossier that master the art of authentic narratives, we’re breaking down what makes a great story—and why so many businesses get it wrong.

 Inside this episode:
✔️ How storytelling builds trust, emotion, and loyalty
✔️ Examples of brands killing it with narrative-driven content
✔️ What makes a story flop (and how to avoid it)
✔️ The role of AI in storytelling—can it replace human connection?
✔️ A challenge: Are your last five posts actually telling a story?

If your brand is just posting facts, you’re missing out on the real power of social media. It’s time to shift from boring to binge-worthy.

AI is changing the game in social media marketing, but are you using it effectively? In this episode of Untamed Social, Laney Goff and Tiecen Payne dive into the power of AI-driven content creation and how marketers, social media managers, and digital strategists can leverage tools like ChatGPT to make their content stand out.

In this episode, we discuss:
✔️ How to train AI to match your brand’s voice 
✔️ Why basic prompts won’t cut it – crafting high-quality AI input 
✔️ Using AI without losing authenticity in content 
✔️ The ongoing debate: Can AI replace human creativity? 
✔️ AI-powered content strategies for teams to boost efficiency 

 Key Takeaways:

• AI isn’t replacing marketers – but those who master it will thrive.
• The best ChatGPT prompts are detailed, brand-focused, and audience-driven.
• AI should enhance your creativity, not replace it.
• Teams should collaborate with AI effectively to ensure consistency across content.

Listen now and take your AI-powered content to the next level!

In this episode of Untamed Social, Jess and Anna closely examine the latest TikTok trend for influencers to spill the tea on their deepest secrets with the looming TikTok ban.  Jess and Anna recap the influencers who finally told the truth...or did they? From influencers like Lexi Hidalgo and Scar Girl to notable brands like Duolingo, we analyze the brands that did it right and those who will suffer the repercussions. 

Let us know your thoughts on the exposed influencer secrets and be sure to hit that like button and subscribe! 

In this episode of Untamed Social, we dive into the ultimate social media showdown: TikTok vs. Instagram. With both platforms constantly evolving and introducing new features, how do brands decide where to focus their time and energy?

Joining us for her podcast debut is Tara Kay, one of our newest team members, as we debate the strengths and weaknesses of these two powerhouse platforms. From Instagram’s multifaceted features like Stories, Reels, and carousels to TikTok’s unparalleled reach and ease of going viral, we break down what makes each platform unique—and which one is best for your brand.

What we cover in this episode:

• Tara Kay’s love for Instagram and why she believes it encourages authenticity.
• Laney’s preference for TikTok, from its viral potential to its usefulness as a learning tool.
• How generational preferences shape platform usage and why these stereotypes don’t always hold up (spoiler: even Laney’s grandmother is obsessed with TikTok!).
• Instagram’s latest updates, including 3-minute Reels and the new rectangle feed layout—are they game-changers or too little, too late?
• Why brands need to tailor their content to fit the platform and focus their energy where it matters most.

Whether you’re an Instagram loyalist or a TikTok convert, this episode offers actionable insights into how to choose the right platform for your brand. We also share advice on how to test platforms, avoid burnout, and align your social strategy with your audience’s preferences.

Get ready for an honest, insightful, and fun debate about the ever-changing social media landscape. Tune in and decide for yourself: TikTok or Instagram—who gets your vote?

 Welcome to Season 2 of Untamed Social! 🎉

Join Rachel Strella and new co-host Tiecen Payne as they dive deep into authenticity on social media. In this episode, we explore the power of intentional sharing, the role of vulnerability in building trust, and how generational perspectives shape our online presence. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or simply navigating the digital world, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips. 🌟

✨ Topics Covered:

- The meaning of authenticity on social media
- How vulnerability builds trust and engagement
- Generational differences in online sharing
- Practical tips to show up authentically online