Why I Social

There's a cool new kat on the street these days and it goes by the name of Meerkat. The app took SXSW by storm and the man behind Meerkat joined Why I Social to give us a chance to get to know 27 year old entrepreneur (and of course, talk a little bit about Meerkat). This week's episode is a bit different than previous episodes as it also was a live Meerkat recording - so it's raw, real and unedited. Take a listen and get to know Ben Rubin, learn about his SXSW experience and how he got where he is today with Meerkat!

Connect with Ben on Twitter: @Benrbn

As always, share YOUR thoughts on the latest episode using #WhyISocial. Of course, you're also invited to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio if you'd like to get updates when the latest episode is live. You can also follow the podcast on Twitter at @WhyISocial.

Thank you to BenjoBeats (@BenjoBeats) and Jeff Januszek (@JeffJanuszek) for their contributions (music and voiceover) to the podcast.

Dave Kerpen is an author, entrepreneur as well as a former reality television star (Paradise Hotel). His story is a unique one - as the story of his business begins with a marriage - to his wife and current Likeable Media CEO Carrie Kerpen. If I were to describe Dave in one word, it's quite simple. Likeable.

Get to know Dave as we discuss starting Likeable Media, the New York Mets and how being on reality tv helped shaped him as a CEO.

Connect with Dave on Twitter: @DaveKerpen

As always, share YOUR thoughts on the latest episode using #WhyISocial. Of course, you're also invited to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio if you'd like to get updates when the latest episode is live.

Thank you to BenjoBeats (@BenjoBeats) and Jeff Januszek (@JeffJanuszek) for their contributions (music and voiceover) to the podcast.

Early on in Why I Social's episode collection is a spur of the moment episode (titled episode 3.5) and it was made around Community Manager Appreciation day. That episode was inspired by an idea suggested by this week's guest, Matt Black.

This week's episode with Matt Black who works in the sports and entertainment industry. Matt is a member of the social beards and has been working to develop his own digital identity. He's a great example that you don't need to have a social media focused career to truly find the value of social media (and do it right).

Get to know Matt as we discuss working in sports, crafting one's digital identity and Breaking Bad.

Connect with Matt on Twitter: @MattBlackInk

As always, share YOUR thoughts on the latest episode using #WhyISocial. Of course, you're also invited to subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio if you'd like to get updates when the latest episode is live.

Last week I was excited to bring in someone who was well-versed in the world of content and content strategty. It's safe to say I can say the same thing again this week.This week's episode with Ira Haberman, Director of Marketing at Atomic Reach, features an individual who has crafted his own success. Not only has he actually accomplished his dream job - something so few of us get to do in our lives - but has done it the right way. So, I invite you...Get to know Ira as we discuss the importance of storytelling, the growth of mobile technology and of course, the Grateful Dead! As always, share your thoughts on the latest episode after you listen using #WhyISocial. I also invite you to subscribe so you can get the latest episode as soon as it's available!

For the next two episodes, I'm excited to bring in some people who really get the idea of creating content. This week's episode with Erika Heald, a content marketer and social strategist, is no exception. Erika's unique background has seen her grow from freelancer to her current role as Head of Social Media and Content Marketing. Get to know Erika as she talks living in San Fran, being a foodie, time management and World of Warcraft. Yep, you heard right - we get a bit of our geek on in this one! As always, share your thoughts on the latest episode after you listen using #WhyISocial. I also invite you to subscribe so you can get the latest episode as soon as it's available!

You name the conference, there's a good chance that Sid Hassim has covered it. Sid is a blogger, a social media strategist and a community manager. He's also one of the most authentic people I've ever had a chance to meet and one of the most fun guests the podcast has had to-date.

Get to know Sid as he discusses social trends, what it means to be a disruptor, tells us a bit more about SMUN (Social Media United Nations) and how we met at Social Media Week in New York City last year (just in time for THIS year's events).

The world of career services, recruiting and personal branding is a tricky one. No one knows that better than Mark Babbitt, CEO of YouTern. His journey to the role of CEO hasn't been an easy one and it's a story worth hearing. We also debate the stigma around the term "personal branding". Get to know Mark as he shares the origins of YouTern, great tips for building your personal brand and talks about the power of authenticity.

There's more! Listeners will have an opportunity to win a copy of his and Ted Coine's book "A World Gone Social". How? Simple - listen to the podcast and you'll find out! Also, I make an announcement about an additional Why I Social project coming to a (video) channel near you! As always, share YOUR thoughts on the latest episode using #WhyISocial. Note: Contest winner will be selected 7 days after the release of the podcast.

Hailing from the Windy City, Sarah Nagel (Sprout_Sarah) is a Social Marketing Specialist at Sprout Social. She is also the creator and host of #SproutChat which takes place every Wednesday at 2 p.m. CST.

Get to know Sarah as we talk all things Sprout life in Chicago and discusses the art that is the handwritten note.

From Okinawa to Fort Worth, Christin Kardos offers years of experience in the social media and human resources world. She currently serves as Director of Social Media at Bay Leaf Digital. She was recently featured in a segment of the #AskGaryVee show. Get to know Christin as we talk Community Manager Appreciation Day, the challenges of changing countries, collaboration and Gary Vaynerchuk.

On This Episode of Why I Social Tim McDonald currently serves as Purveyor of Purpose at Be The Change Revolutions. He has previously served as Director of Community at the Huffington Post and is the founder of My Community Manager. Get to know Tim, whether he prefers Chicago or New York style pizza and learn about what No Kid Hungry is all about in Episode 4 of Why I Social.