Épisodes

  • What is Leadership? With Megan Powers

    What is Leadership? With Megan Powers
    Nov 7 2025

    In this reflective solo episode of Making a Marketer, host Megan Powers shares her journey through a whirlwind of travel, professional obligations, and personal milestones. As the incoming president of the San Diego chapter of Meeting Professionals International, Megan discusses the challenges of balancing leadership roles while maintaining the quality and consistency of the podcast.

    This candid conversation touches on the realities of leadership, emphasizing that it's normal not to have it all at once. Megan reflects on her commitment to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, celebrating 20 years of fundraising, and the importance of mentorship in the events industry.

    Key Themes:

    - Leadership Realities: Megan shares her experiences and insights on what it means to lead in a volunteer organization, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support.

    - The Importance of Mentorship: Discover how every member can serve as a mentor, shaping the future of the industry and fostering a sense of belonging.

    - Balancing Act: Megan discusses the challenges of juggling professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and the passion for delivering valuable content to listeners.

    - Call for Engagement: Megan invites listeners to share their thoughts on leadership and suggest future guests to enhance the podcast experience.

    This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder that while the path of leadership can be demanding, it is also rewarding. Join Megan as she prepares for an exciting year ahead and looks forward to bringing more inspiring content to the Making a Marketer community.

    Our guest...Do you know me? :) The latest bio - Megan Powers is an accomplished marketing and events strategist with over two decades of experience in event production and execution. A strategic marketer and technologist, she excels in producing impactful face-to-face experiences that boost brand awareness and drive sales growth. She has been working on Oracle's Global Events team in sponsorship operations since 2023. Megan founded her business Powers of Marketing in 2013 and she hosts/facilitates digital and in-person events for her client Chief Wine Officer. She is a natural-born facilitator who puts her curious mind to work as a podcaster, hosting and producing this podcast since 2017.

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **
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    12 min
  • Marketing in the Age of Trolls with Cass Cooper

    Marketing in the Age of Trolls with Cass Cooper
    Oct 13 2025

    *RE-RELEASE TIME* Episode 179 brings us back to 129 with Cass Cooper.

    Our guest on this one is a repeater - her episode was the 4th most downloaded all-time at the time of publishing this (episode 88 - on personal branding)! She knows her stuff and is an absolute delight.

    There is nuance in how we approach opposing views online. How we approach it with our marketing is even more nuanced.

    "I think the biggest thing right now is we're in a really crazy space that we've never been in before, with everyone having access to so much information, so much misinformation, so much disinformation, that it is really, really hard for marketers to accurately and effectively not just target the group they want to speak to, but reach and break through."

    We get pretty deep about how marketers should look at inclusive strategy & language, authenticity, and awareness.

    Cass' Book Reco: Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan

    Our guest:Cass Cooper is laser focused on bringing equity and inclusion to the IT Channel and Tech by building inclusive cultures and removing bias from institutional processes. As the DEI Community Leader at The Channel Company, Cooper assists organizations as they create cultures that thrive in business because of their inclusivity. She’s an expert chaos whisperer, assisting leaders as they make sense of the cultural complexities of bias and exclusion. She builds on what teams do well, while filling in the gaps of what’s unknown to streamline processes to create healthy corporate cultures and increase a sense of belonging. Cooper knows that data-driven change management is the key to inclusion, because when organizations know better, they do better. Cooper received her BA in Women’s and Gender Studies from DePaul University, Chicago, and a Master of Human Relations, Inclusive Leadership, from the University of Oklahoma. Her 20 years as an award-winning sales, events, and hospitality professional has fueled her passion for people, processes, and organizational culture. Her superpower is making sense of what may feel like chaos, while developing business practices that put people at the center. The future of successful businesses hinges on their organizational ability to maintain a space where their members are seen, valued, respected, and protected. Cooper is an avid reader, podcast consumer, and mom to one tiny human and many plants.

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 179, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **
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    33 min
  • Personal Branding: Building Your Identity as an Introvert (& Extrovert!) with Goldie Chan

    Personal Branding: Building Your Identity as an Introvert (& Extrovert!) with Goldie Chan
    Sep 24 2025

    In the exciting kickoff of Season 9 of Making a Marketer, we welcome back the brilliant Goldie Chan, an award-winning branding strategist and author.

    This episode dives into the nuances of personal branding, especially from the perspective of introverts (which also apply to ambiverts and extroverts!). Goldie shares her insights on how to navigate the world of networking and visibility without feeling overwhelmed.

    With her upcoming book, "Personal Branding for Introverts," set to release on October 28, 2025, Goldie discusses the importance of owning your narrative and providing permission to be authentic in your branding journey.

    Learn About...

    - Defining Personal Branding: Goldie clarifies the difference between personal branding and reputation, emphasizing the story you tell when you’re in the room versus what others say when you’re not.

    - Strategies for Introverts: Discover manageable first steps for introverts to build a personal brand without feeling burn-out, including the importance of starting small and setting realistic goals.

    - Networking Tips: Goldie shares effective networking strategies that introverts can use to connect authentically, including how to prepare conversation starters and the power of body language.

    - Protecting Your Energy: Learn how to maintain boundaries and energy while showing up for your audience, even when feeling vulnerable.

    - The Journey of a Cancer Survivor: Goldie opens up about her personal experiences and how they have shaped her approach to vulnerability and confidence in her branding.

    Our Guest...Goldie Chan is an award-winning branding strategist, author, and speaker with over a decade of experience. Known as the "Oprah of LinkedIn" by Huffington Post, she leads strategy at Warm Robots, working with Fortune 500 executives. A recognized LinkedIn Top Voice, her content boasts over 80 million views. Goldie is a top-rated LinkedIn Learning Instructor and ex-Forbes writer, and she has penned a book: "Personal Branding for Introverts." Her past roles include digital strategist at Legendary Entertainment and being on the Board of Directors at the Producer's Guild of America. Reach out to her for speaking engagements or brand partnerships through goldiechan.com.
    • Scoop up her book - HERE.
    • Listen to her past Making a Marketer episode - Personal Branding on LinkedIn - Episode 145 - season 7.

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 178, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor

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    43 min
  • Chatbot Copywriting: Keeping It Human with Kelly Mirabella

    Chatbot Copywriting: Keeping It Human with Kelly Mirabella
    Aug 27 2025

    In this final episode of Season 8(!), we welcome back the incredible Kelly Noble Mirabella, a digital marketing expert renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing. With over a decade of experience, Kelly shares her insights on the evolution of chatbots and the unique art of chatbot copywriting, emphasizing the importance of creating conversational and engaging interactions.

    She has the ALL-TIME most downloads of this podcast with her first episode with us about chat marketing (by A LOT). She shares a little secret on this one... back in 2018 (yes, that's how long ago it was and it's still crushing it!), chatbots were not actually AI.

    But they sure are now!

    Learn About...

    - The Evolution of Chat Marketing: Kelly reflects on the journey from traditional chatbots to AI-driven conversational agents, highlighting how advancements in technology have transformed customer interactions.

    - Crafting Unique Chatbot Copy: Discover the key differences between chatbot copywriting and traditional copywriting, and learn how to create a conversational tone that resonates with users.

    - Understanding Customer Psychology: Kelly discusses the significance of knowing your audience and tailoring chatbot conversations to meet their needs, enhancing the overall customer experience.

    - The Role of Humor in Chatbots: Explore how incorporating wit and humor can elevate chatbot interactions, making them more memorable and enjoyable for users.

    - The Future of AI in Marketing: Kelly shares her excitement about emerging technologies in AI, including voice replication and image analysis, and how these innovations will shape the future of chatbot experiences.

    Prior shows:

    • Episode 23 – AI Chatbots – Conversation as a Marketing Tool – all-time most downloaded episode! By a lot.
    • Episode 82 - How to Succeed with Chat Marketing

    Our Guest...Kelly Noble Mirabella, a seasoned digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience, is the driving force behind Stellar Media Marketing. Renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing, Kelly excels at crafting content and digital marketing strategies. She co-authored "Digital Etiquette for Dummies" and collaborates with high-profile brands like Ecamm, AgoraPulse, ManyChat, and OutBoundEngine on various projects. Stellar Media Marketing offers content and social media marketing, AI chat automations, and consulting services tailored to meet client needs, helping them achieve clarity and success in their marketing endeavors.

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 177, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor

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    42 min
  • Content that Connects: The Substack Effect with Jim Fuhs

    Content that Connects: The Substack Effect with Jim Fuhs
    Aug 13 2025

    In this episode, we welcome back Jim Fuhs who has been on our show a few different times (including reunions). We dive deep into the world of Substack on this one. Join us as Jim shares his insights on how this platform can empower marketers and creators to build authentic communities and foster direct relationships with their audience (very different than other platforms!).

    Listen back to his other appearances...

    1st time on: Episode 69 (in 2020) with Tim Sohn - How to Build a Livestream Show with Tim & Kim

    2nd time on: Episode 111 (in 2022) with Chris Stone - Broadcast on Amazon Live with Chris Stone and Jim Fuhs

    Learn About...

    - The Power of Substack: Discover how Substack offers a unique direct-to-creator connection that allows users to build relationships and communities, making it a valuable tool for marketers.

    - Engaging Your Audience: Jim discusses strategies for creating two-way conversations on Substack, emphasizing the importance of interaction and feedback in building a loyal subscriber base.

    - Content Creation Strategies: Explore the various post types available on Substack, including newsletters, videos, and podcasts, and learn which formats beginners should prioritize.

    - Monetization Opportunities: Learn about the different ways to monetize your Substack, from paid subscriptions to affiliate marketing, and how to create bonus content that resonates with your audience.

    - Lessons from the Field: Jim shares valuable lessons learned from his experience in digital marketing and live streaming, highlighting the importance of adaptability and community in today's digital landscape.

    Our Guest...Jim Fuhs is a Marine Corps veteran turned digital marketing strategist. He’s the President and COO of Fuhsion Marketing, and brings over 20 years of military leadership into the fast-moving world of content creation, livestreaming, and strategy. Jim co-hosts the award-winning "Dealcasters Live" on Amazon, and he's known for combining military precision with marketing innovation to help brands grow smarter. From the battlefield to the broadcast booth — Jim’s got a playbook for building authentic communities, and on this show he has shared how Substack can be your secret weapon.

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 176, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor

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    38 min
  • Unlock NEW Secrets Behind (Ugly) Ad Development with Tony Christensen

    Unlock NEW Secrets Behind (Ugly) Ad Development with Tony Christensen
    Jul 30 2025

    In this milestone episode 175 of Making a Marketer, we are thrilled to (finally) welcome Tony Christensen, co-founder of Brick Social, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as we explore the intriguing concept of "ugly ads" and why they can outperform polished campaigns in today's market.

    Scrappy? Solo creator? It is a WHOLE new world out there and you can get creative on ads AND organic - so many amazing tips unlocked on this one with Tony.

    Learn About...

    - The Shift in Ad Targeting: Tony shares insights on the transition from traditional interest-based targeting to a broader, creative-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging content that really resonates with audiences.

    - The Power of Creative Variety: Discover how incorporating a diverse range of ad formats— from polished videos to organic-looking posts— can unlock greater success in ad campaigns.

    - The Role of AI in Marketing: Learn how AI tools can streamline the ad creation process by analyzing customer data and generating effective ad concepts, making it easier for marketers to stay ahead.

    - Balancing Brand Consistency and Experimentation: Tony discusses strategies for maintaining brand identity while embracing the need for variety and experimentation in ad creative.

    - Lessons from the Trenches: Reflecting on his experiences, Tony emphasizes the importance of standing firm on marketing strategies that work, even when faced with pushback from clients.

    Our Guest...Tony Christensen is a digital marketing expert and co-founder of Brick Social, an agency known for crafting high-impact ad campaigns that have generated hundreds of millions in sales for brands willing to break the mold. With a focus on creative innovation and data-driven strategies, Tony empowers businesses to enhance their marketing efforts and achieve remarkable results. Connect with Tony on social media at @tonydoesads and explore his work at Brick Social.


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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 175, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **
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    51 min
  • Is AI Driving Human Connection in Face-to-Face Events Dave Stevens and Tahira Endean

    Is AI Driving Human Connection in Face-to-Face Events Dave Stevens and Tahira Endean
    Jul 9 2025

    In this episode, we dive into the awesome world of events with two industry leaders, Tahira Endean and Dave Stevens. Join us as they share their insights on the intersection of AI and human connection in the event space, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital world.

    Learn About...

    - The Role of AI in Events: Discover how event organizers are integrating AI to enhance personalization and streamline operations, while still prioritizing human connection.

    - Creating Joyful Experiences: Tahira discusses her new book, "Our KPI is Joy," and shares strategies for fostering joy in events, highlighting the significance of thoughtful design and genuine human interactions.

    - The Importance of Community: Dave shares insights on building authentic communities that foster meaningful connections, contrasting them with traditional associations, and emphasizing the need for open conversations on pressing issues.

    - Measuring Success Beyond Numbers: Explore innovative ways to measure the impact of events, focusing on emotional engagement and participant happiness, rather than just financial metrics.

    - Lessons Learned: Both guests reflect on surprising lessons from the past year, emphasizing the continuous opportunity for growth and learning in the ever-evolving event landscape.

    Our Guests...Tahira Endean is a dynamic leader in the events industry, known for tackling complex challenges with skill and enthusiasm. Specializing in creating engaging and transformative experiences, she leverages over three decades of expertise in event design and strategy. Tahira holds a Master of Science in Creativity and Change Leadership, enabling her to combine technology and human connection to foster meaningful dialogue and innovation. At BCIT, she educates the next generation on event strategy, while her role at IMEX involves crafting immersive spaces for global professionals. Through The Strategy Table and the Accessible Disruption Podcast, she facilitates collaboration and amplifies voices of change. Tahira is passionate about creating environments that surprise, inspire, and transform, supported by a family that shares her commitment to impactful work.Tahira's latest book: “Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust" and her first show on the Making a Marketer podcast was called "Transformative Events: Marketing is Your Partner" - check it out (top 30 out of 174!).Dave Stevens is a transformative force in the event industry, renowned for crafting events that inspire meaningful change. As a leader at Club Ichi and Co-Founder of Olympian Meeting, he champions authentic connections and blends wellness with sustainable event strategies. His role as a founding Standards Advisor for Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) underscores his dedication to embedding wellness principles into global standards. Recognized as a 6x Fittest Male #EventProf and a Harvard-certified
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    1 h et 3 min
  • From Transaction to True Connection with Christina Garnett

    From Transaction to True Connection with Christina Garnett
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Christina Garnett, a fractional chief customer officer and CX strategist, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of marketing and customer experience. With her extensive background in community-building and emotional intelligence, Christina discusses the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI and automation.

    Learn About...

    - The Human Connection in Marketing: Discover how the push for authenticity and emotional intelligence is becoming more vital as brands navigate the complexities of AI and technology.

    - Building Community: Christina emphasizes the significance of fostering genuine connections within teams and with customers, highlighting how these relationships can drive loyalty and enhance the overall customer experience.

    - The Role of Emotional Metrics: Explore why shifting focus from traditional quantitative metrics to emotional engagement metrics can lead to deeper insights and better customer relationships.

    - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Christina shares her personal journey of writing her upcoming book, revealing how community support played a crucial role in overcoming self-doubt.

    - Strategies for Mid-Career Marketers: Learn actionable tips on how to gain buy-in for innovative strategies by aligning your ideas with the goals and values of your organization.

    Our Guest...Christina Garnett is a renowned fractional chief customer officer, CX strategist, and communications advisor who specializes in creating impactful customer experiences. With her upcoming book, "Transforming Customer Brand Relationships," set to release in September, Christina is dedicated to helping brands build meaningful connections through empathy and emotional intelligence.

    Check out her last episode with us - 71! HERE

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    Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 173, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!

    Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE

    ** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **
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    54 min