In this episode, Marketing Communications and AI expert Dan Nestle joins us to discuss how businesses can apply everything we've learned about AI in content marketing to their 2025 strategies.

Dan shares insights on avoiding the dull content from over-relying on AI and discusses how to use it as a partner rather than a replacement.

We also talk about what Claude does better than ChatGPT and how Notebook LM can be an asset for podcast content.

Plus, we cover some of the implications of content audiences' changing attitudes and how that impacts opportunities to gain competitive advantages.

Whether you're a content creator, marketing leader, or business owner, join us for a conversation designed to help you incorporate AI into your content strategy in 2025.

Dan's website - Be Inquisitive

Social Media - Dan Nestle

Dan's Podcast - The Trending Communicator

Ted Lasso isn't just a heartwarming comedy series - it's packed with powerful lessons about leadership, company culture, and communication.

These factors can make or break a company's culture, content success and audience reputation.

Nick Coniglio and Marnie Stockman are successful tech entrepreneurs and big Ted Lasso fans who have written a book called Lead It Like Lasso.

It features a comprehensive dive into the show's themes of people, culture, communication and leadership and applies them to real-life settings—like your business.

For example:

• Why the "Believe" sign demonstrates how core values need more than words on a wall
• How transparent communication turns challenges into opportunities to build trust
• How to create your own Diamond Dogs as a support network
• Why different leadership styles (from Roy Kent to Rebecca Welton) can all drive success
• How authentic communication builds stronger teams and customer relationships

Even if you're not a Ted Lasso fan, you'll discover practical insights about leadership that work in any boardroom, classroom, or living room.

Get the book - Lead It Like Lasso

Visit the website - LeadItLikeLasso.com

I'm one of those guys who can incorporate pop culture references into just about anything, but today, I'll be linking them to marketing, content and audience.

Pop culture can put marketing concepts in a fresh context that resonates in unique and meaningful ways. Today's examples include:

• How Miracle of 34th Street teaches a powerful lesson about brand attitudes and consumer behavior
• How The Truman Show demonstrates the disconnect between corporate speak and human connection
• What Coming to America's Randy Watson teaches us about social media
• Why Ted Lasso's and Roy Kent's communication styles tell us about self-awareness
• What Emperor Palpatine reminds us about copywriting

Even if you haven't seen one of these movies or TV episodes, these pop culture moments offer fresh perspectives on creating content that truly connects with your audience.

Professional photos can be the deciding factor when clients choose between experts. John A. Demato, a visual storytelling expert who works with speakers, authors, and consultants, explains why authentic photos can be a real game-changing difference-maker for their business.

Today, he'll share how strategic photography builds meaningful and impactful connections with your audience.

You'll learn:

• Why stock photos and generic poses are disrupting business opportunities
• How to think strategically about photos before the camera comes out
• Why being "camera ready" matters less than you think
• The key differences between smartphone snapshots and professional event photography
• Why your everyday business moments make compelling visual stories
• Why professional photos are an investment in relationship-building, not just marketing

Even if you think your business isn't "visual enough" for professional photography, today's show reveals how professional photos can improve how potential clients perceive and connect with you.

John's website - www.JohnDemato.com

On Linkedin - John A. Demato

While finding the right language is always a challenge in content marketing, some industries get stuck using the same words. In the higher education industry, it can be words like "student-centric."

Brian Piper is the Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester and the author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education.

Today, we'll discuss the challenges and solutions around creating content that connects with today's prospective students and essential audiences, including:

• Why generic buzzwords are killing your message (and what to say instead)
• How to tap into your best marketing resource – the students already on your campus
• Smart ways to make online students feel like part of your community
• How insightful content like podcasts can change minds about higher education and reach multiple audiences
• Why playing the long game in content marketing pays off (and how to measure it)

Even if you're not a student, staff member, or university faculty member, today's show offers some excellent content marketing insights that are valuable for all content marketers.

Brian's website - www.BrianWPiper.com

Brian's Book - Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education

Brian on LinkedIn - Brian Piper

Brian's Podcast - AI for You

Hello! I was out of town last week, but I'm back now and booking guests for the rest of 2024. The next show will be in two weeks - October 23.

Cisco Talos Intelligence estimates that 150 billion emails sent globally are spam. Even marketers get a lot of spam!

So, if you're a marketer, how do you create emails that stand out from the spam, make connections, generate responses and develop long-term customer relationships?

Business consultant and author Ed Forteau helps service providers, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals build authentic relationships, and he's here to share some answers, including:

• Why personalization is more crucial than ever in cutting through the noise
• The shift from mass emailing to focused, quality connections
• Why your email strategy should align with other platforms like LinkedIn
• How to use content amplification to warm up cold leads
• The power of behavioral segmentation in boosting engagement
• Why understanding customer personas leads to more impactful communication
• How AI can enhance your email strategy without losing the human touch

Ed's website - EdForteau.com

Ed on LinkedIn - Ed Forteau

Ed's Book - No More Cringe

Ever wonder why some slogans, product names or ads stick in your head while others fade away? James I. Bond does, and he's written a book about it called Brain Glue. In today's episode, he shares:

• Why some ads make you flinch
• How a clever name can turn a copycat product into a goldmine
• Why men might want to buy a "Lawnmower" for their bathroom
• How fire helped a company boost its business
• Why rhyming, honesty and being blunt are good messaging strategies

These concepts and more stick to our brains because they connect to it where decisions really happen.

James' website - YesBrainGlue.com

James' book - Brain Glue on Amazon

James on LinkedIn - James I. Bond