Why I Social

On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris speaks with R.J. Thompson, Manager of Multimedia and Digital Strategy (Health Sciences) at University of Pittsburgh. He is a dynamic figure in higher education marketing and nonprofit leadership.  Key Highlights: - Innovative Social Media Strategy for Nonprofits: RJ shares insights from his work with Bellevue Forward, emphasizing storytelling through social media without a budget. He highlights the power of engaging local communities to amplify their narratives. - Higher Education and Teaching Philosophy: Discover RJ's belief in every moment as a learning opportunity. He discusses his graphic design background and how creativity fuels problem-solving in education. - LEGO Certifications and Community Projects: Explore RJ's LEGO certifications and his collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University. Learn how LEGO serves as both a stress reliever and a tool for engaging neurodivergent children. - Community Involvement and Leadership: RJ reflects on his motivations for

On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris speaks with Michael Katz, Founder and CEO of Flowsend. From an internship in China, learning experiences at Qualtrics to founding Flowsend - Michael has run into the fire to create new opportunities for himself personally and professionally. Learn why Michael socials on this week's episode!  Key Highlights: - - Michael Katz's Career Journey: Michael shares his experiences from an internship in China to his transformative time at Qualtrics. - AI in Content Creation: Michael discusses AI as a "thought partner," enhancing creativity and helping overcome writer's block - AI for Social Media Managers: Michael highlights how AI tools can save time and boost efficiency, allowing managers to focus on creativity and authenticity. Michael's Links:  LinkedIn Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/GsB6rhHr Read and Subscribe to

On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Growth Marketer Theresa Potratz. Teresa shares her journey from social media specialist to growth marketing director. She also discusses how AI is transforming content creation and strategy - and gives insights into her unique podcast, "Unhinged History."  Learn why Theresa socials on this week's episode!  Key Highlights: - Evolution of Social Media Marketing: Discover how AI has revolutionized the industry, shifting from manual processes to efficient, AI-assisted methods. Theresa shares insights on the balance between AI tools and human oversight. - Growth Marketing Strategies: Theresa defines growth marketing and shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of diverse skills in creating effective strategies. - "Unhinged History" Podcast: Learn about Theresa's podcast, which brings unique historical events to life, and how she leverages social media to expand its reach with a focus on Tik Tok.  Theresa's Links:  LinkedIn UnHinged

On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Tovah Kopan who shares her journey from law school to legal technology. She also shares his experience creating community - both in her community and through the Go Boldly Initiative - as well as how to balance multiple roles from career to personal life.  Highlights of the discussion include:  - From Law to Legal Tech: Tovah shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to finding her niche in legal tech, emphasizing the importance of staying "legal adjacent." - The Go Boldly Initiative: Explore Tovah's efforts in community building through her podcast and initiatives, creating spaces for connection and growth. - Social Media's Role in Community Engagement: Discover how social media transforms community engagement, especially in areas lacking traditional news sources. - Balancing Multiple Roles: Tovah discusses managing her career, podcast, and community initiatives, sharing strategies for effective time management and content creation. - Parent

On this week's episode of Why I Social: Chris Barrows sits down with Tim Sohn, a social media consultant and cancer survivor. Tim shares his inspiring journey from a decade in journalism to becoming an independent consultant. He discusses the creation of "Perspectives on Cancer," a community offering support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Highlights of the discussion include:  - From Newsrooms to Social Media: Tim's transition from journalism to social media consulting, driven by a need to educate businesses in rural Pennsylvania. - Consulting Success: Insights into client relationships and defining success in social media strategies. - Building Community: The story behind "Perspectives on Cancer" and its impact on connecting people through shared experiences. - LinkedIn's Unexpected Role: How LinkedIn became a platform for personal connections and community building. Learn why Tim socials on this week's episode!  Tim's Links:  LinkedIn Tim's Book, Perspectives On Cancer Join The Why I

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Jenny Li Fowler, Director of Social Media Strategy at MIT. Jenny has spent nearly two decades in digital marketing with more than a decade in Higher Education. Her experience in working with organic social media led to her writing "Organic Social Media - How To Build Flourishing Online Communities".   Highlights of the discussion include:  Building a career in Higher Education The power of community and organic social media The experience of writing and promoting a book Why working social media groups - work.  Learn why Jenny socials on this week's episode!  Jenny's Links:  LinkedIn Organic Social Media - How To Build Flourishing Online Communities Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/GsB6rhHr 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 indus

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Sue Serna, Founder of Serna Social. Sue began her career as a journalist and has since become an expert in social media governance, security, and risk. She also served as the head of global social media at Cargill.  With a focus on smart, safer social media - you'll learn more than a few tricks of the trade from Sue.  Highlights of the discussion include:  Recommendations on tools to keep your social media platforms safe Insights into experiences as a hiring manager for social media roles Why journalism experience translates into effective social media managers Learn why Sue socials on this week's episode!  Sue's Links:  LinkedIn 8 Takeaways from the NISM 2024 Social Media Job Study Serna Social Website Serna Social Blog Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/GsB6rhHr About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Alex Hultgren, fractional CMO and author. From Ford's leadership program to his career as a fractional CMO, Hultgren offers a wealth of knowledge that will help inspire others as they look to build their career. His book "The Three Knows" - which came out in January 2025 - distills everything you need to know down to three fundamental questions: do you know your customer, do you know yourself, and do you know your funnel (e.g. your go-to-market execution).  Highlights of the discussion include:  His experience with Ford's leadership program Developing his career growth through soft skills and why they matter How to transition from contributor to manager The benefits of working independently  The Three "Knows" of Marketing  Learn why Alex socials on this week's episode!  Dan's Links:  LinkedIn The Three Knows (Amazon) Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/GsB6rhHr About our sponsor: The National Institute for So

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with Dan LaToracca, who currently serves as Marketing Director at Zoomph. Dan's previous work includes social and leadership roles with the Carolina Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes.  Highlights of the discussion include:  Building a career in the sports media industry  What he's learned in his role as an adjunct teacher  How the sports industry has drastically changed since he began his career The expected and unexpected in content preparation The importance of data in sport's social media - and how to build multiple pieces of content from major moments  Learn why Dan socials on this week's episode!  Dan's Links:  LinkedIn Zoomph Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/GsB6rhHr 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 con

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with a three-time guest on the podcast dating back to 2015 as Casie Shimansky returns to podcast. Shimanksky's experience in social media and the digital marketing profession offers a wealth of knowledge. Highlights of the discussion include:  How to successfully manage a layoff A decade worth of social media changes  How she has raised nearly 200k for childhood cancer research  and much more... Learn why Casie socials on this week's episode!  Casie's Links:  Instagram  LinkedIn St. Baldrick's Foundation (FB) Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK 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 profes

On this week's episode of the Why I Social Podcast, Chris speaks with healthcare communications practitioner Robbie Schneider, author of "Social Media, Sanity & You."  Highlights of the discussion include:  Her career in Healthcare Communication The importance of mental health for social media professionals Her book writing journey and much more... Quotable Moment: "Changes happen constantly. When you work in the social media space, it is the biggest game of Tetris you'll ever play." Learn why Robbie socials on this week's episode!  Robbie's Links:  Purchase your copy of Social Media, Sanity & You today Kindle Edition Paperback Edition Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK 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

Chris speaks with Callie Goodwin, Founder of Sparks of Joy and Communications Manager at ZeeMee. Callie shares highlights of her career from being a team of one in Higher Education to building a small business on TikTok.  Learn why Callie socials on this week's episode!  Callie's Links:  Sparks of Joy TikTok (The LoseIt Log) Join The Why I Social Community Discord: https://discord.gg/PgHcZNfK 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. 

We're excited to announce the OFFICIAL return of the Why I Social Podcast - with full sponsorship from the National Institute for Social Media.  Hear Chris' discussion with Amy Radke, CEO of NISM, as we share what's new and what's the same - and tease the first official episode in two weeks featuring Callie Goodwin.  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. 

Chris Sully (@CSSully) is Marketing Manager at Funko. He's also the co-owner of Nerd FU. He is the host/co-host of multiple podcasts including Funko's Funkast. His journey to Funko (his number one job) is one that will inspire many to chase their dreams.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Chris on Twitter  Connect With Chris on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Alesia Hendley (@TheSmoothFactor on Twitter) is an audio-visual operator and multi-media journalist. She is a co-host for the Social Slice (learn more at socialslice.io) and has a passion for technology (especially audio-visual). Alesia was also recommended to the podcast by alum Brad Parler.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter  Connect With Amy on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Taking a break from the usual conversations taking place on Why I Social - this episode looks at the power of social media to do social good. It also calls back to the work of many of the alumni of the podcast who are doing good things and providing positive social influence to inform and educate others on important global conversations.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter  Connect With Amy on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Amy Jauman is the Chief Learning Officer at the National Institute for Social Media. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor in business and marketing at St. Catherine University and owns Remotely Smart. She has extensive experience with instruction from early-childhood education to adult education.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter  Connect With Amy on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Rob Zaleski is a Digital Content Marketer at ShippingEasy in Austin. In addition, he's the host of a new podcast, Keep Marketing Weird. Previous experiences also include time as Marketing Manager for Marketing Profs and Content Marketing Associate for Main Street Hub.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Ryan on Twitter  Connect With Ryan on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Ryan Farrell is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Purdue University. He has been working in marketing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is the also proud father of three children.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Ryan on Twitter  Connect with Ryan on Instagram Connect With Ryan on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest 

Tess Kaytmaz currently works at Cross Fit Virtuosity in Brooklyn and is one of the most passionate people I've had the pleasure of meeting through social media (and previous guests, members of #SMUN). She has a background in social media - which she most recently has used to take on the challenge of mental health awareness. She is also a photographer and you'll find her active on Instagram at username tess_michael.  [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?!  Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Tess on Twitter  Connect with Tess on Instagram Connect With Tess on LinkedIn.  If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest