On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Mark S Babbitt (Co-Author of "Good Comes First" and "A World Gone Social"). Key Highlights

• Discussing writing "A World Gone Social" and "Good Comes First"
• The evolution of his experience as an author and the "why" behind "Good Comes First"
• Stories and lessons for executive leadership
• Why workplace culture remains an important topic

Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Workplace Culture - You'll also learn more about his new podcast, "Mastering Workplace Culture."

And of course, learn why Mark socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Mark's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Author Page (Amazon)
• Podcast (Mastering Workplace Culture)

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials, and to foster a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Mike Evans (Founder, Fan Day Nation). Mike breaks down how he's tackled leading a start-up in Fan Day Nation and the way his military background has played a criticial part in his role as a leader. He also discusses the greatest challenges and rewards of working in a start-up. Key Highlights

• The role his time in the military has played in his professional life
• How he began his career in sales
• The origins behind his work with Mile High Huddle and Sports Illustrated
• Why he chose to start Fan Day Nation

Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: The important role social media plays for young athletes

And of course, learn why Mike socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Mike's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Fan Day Nation Website

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Carrie Meconis (Leadership Coach and Staff at New York University). From a career that began in theatre both on the stage and as a stage manager to her journey to becoming a leadership coach, Carrie offers invaluable insights to take you into 2026 and beyond. Key Highlights

• The connection between stage management and organizational skills
• The personal and mental health benefits of running
• How Carrie began to work on leadership training
• The importance of self-awareness and why it's an anchor for leadership

Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Setting Goals and Planning Reflection

And of course, learn why Carrie socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Carrie's Links:

• LinkedIn

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Lasheen Williams (Tchallasheen, IG - Cosplayer). Lasheen recounts his journey to becoming a cosplayer. You'll also learn how he has created a community of content creation opportunities from his experience as a cosplayer - and the opportunities cosplay has since afforded him.

Key Highlights

• What is a cosplayer, and how did he got started
• The process of content creation and collaboration
• How he dealt with challenges coming with cosplay
• How he uses cosplay to inspire his community
• Building his brand on social media
• The importance of education on social media (and why it can work)

And of course, learn why Lasheen socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Lasheen's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram (Tchallasheen)

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Porter (Creative Director and Board Game Designer/Publisher for Chris Couch Games). Porter breaks down his journey to becoming a Creative Director and finding the best way for him - including his experience from both corporate to entreprenurial settings.

Key Highlights

• How he began his path to a career of a creative designer
• Becoming a board game designer and publisher
• Managing the time between his work as a creative designer and a publisher
• What role failure has played in his life - and how it's helped him find success
• Why building community is incredibly important
• The power of hello and acknowledging others
• How to create a great Kickstarter experience through customer service
• The difference between honesty and transparency

And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Chris' Links:

• LinkedIn
• Chris Couch Games

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Alexander, Senior Director of Digital Communications at NYU School of Global Public Health. Chris has spent more than a decade in higher education and has experience as a podcaster, content creator and integrated marketer.

Key Highlights

• The role internships play in finding what you want (or don't want to) do
• What it's like to experience different roles in a large university
• The value of creating a professional portfolio
• How integrated marketing has played a role in his career and he has helped build brand(s)

And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Chris' Links:

• LinkedIn

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Nikki Sunstrum, CCMP—a globally recognized leader who has developed and leveraged communications and engagement to create significant impact in both government and higher education.

Key Highlights

• How her experience in government (including as an elected city council person for the city of Portland) impacted her professional perspective

• Why it's important to level the playing field and bring the right people to the table

• Her experience as an industry leader in higher education

• Why you should "never abandon strategy" and how "content" has evolved since she began her career

And of course, learn why Nikki socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Nikki's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

In a very special episode of Why I Social, we explore the Power of AI. In three previous episodes, guests Theresa Portratz, Michael Katz and Maria Duran discussed their own unique perspectives and insights on the impact of AI. Please take a listen to their full episodes at the links below (Spotify) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz Maria Duron

Links (LinkedIn Profiles)

• Theresa Potratz
• Michael Katz
• Maria Duron

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS), who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role. [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared]

Key Highlights

• What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization

• The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program

• Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer

And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Celeste's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS) who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role.  [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared] 

Key Highlights

• What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization

• The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program

• Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer 

And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Celeste's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend 
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.