Picking a Platform

In this episode, Mike and Eric interview Jake Brown, author of Leadershit: Tales & Tools to Survive a Bad Boss & Have Fun at Work. Jake shares his journey of escaping a toxic job and how 200 conversations with friends dealing with less than ideal bosses inspired his book, which breaks down the four roles we play in bad workplaces. With humor and insight, Jake reflects on both the absurdities of office life, and the power of sharing stories to survive and thrive in tough work environments.

In this episode, we explore the power of the word "just" and how it can oversimplify complex tasks, especially for marketers. From "just build a website" to "just send an email," we'll discuss how language evolves and how certain phrases can unintentionally create misunderstandings between leadership and teams. (And yes, grunts might make a comeback.)

In this episode, Eric catches up with Calvina, President and CEO of YourBrandSpark, and longtime friend. Calvina opens up about her passion for helping small, heart-driven businesses that are working to make the world a better place—from empowering artisans to supporting social enterprises with big dreams and tiny teams.

In this episode, Eric goes full vacation mode, thinking AI’s got his workload covered. But Mike quickly reminds him of AI's limitations. They discuss the fantasy of full automation, noting that while AI is useful, it’s not ready to replace human jobs or creativity just yet. Permanent beach mode? Not today, Eric.

In Episode 10, Mike chats with Jill Felty, a StoryBrand Certified Guide who turns ordinary copy into vibrant, personality-driven messaging. Jill shares her journey from nonprofit copywriting to helping small businesses find their unique brand voice. Tune in as she talks about the ups and downs of social media, the power of storytelling, and why brand personality is key to winning over customers.

In this episode, Mike and Eric tackle the art of giving and receiving feedback—because who doesn't love a good critique? They share tips on navigating these sessions where opinions can clash, all while keeping your cool. Tune in to learn how to keep feedback constructive, avoid creative meltdowns, and get everyone on the same page—even if it's an awkward shade of purple.

Wordpress is the most popular website platform on the planet, but Mike isn’t buying into the hype anymore. In Episode 8, the guys discuss why Mike has moved on after building WordPress sites for over 12 years, the true cost of ownership of a WordPress site, and some things to consider when owning a WordPress site.

Guest Erika Fatula from River City Food Bank touches on the challenges of being a solo marketer in the non-profit space. As Director of Development and Marketing, she shares how focusing on the stories of those they serve has helped the organization reach both guests and supporters effectively.

If you have ever struggled with fuzzy ads or played file ping-pong with a designer or printer, this is the episode for you. In Episode 6, Eric gives a masterclass on all the things to consider to set yourself up for success. His tips will help you save time and improve the quality of your final work.

In this episode, Eric and Mike dive into the crucial intersection of money and marketing, discussing how budget commitment can make a significant difference in the workload.

In this episode, Eric and Mike discuss the ways organizations can unknowingly sabotage their brand and offer some tips to help your team build more consistency in your efforts. We also discover a surefire way to keep Eric from trying out a new restaurant.

Mike and Eric explore balancing the sometimes competing demands of marketing campaigns, revisit Eric's cereal box marketing days, and emphasize the critical importance of setting clear, measurable goals.

Mike and Eric debate the practicalities and pitfalls of using PDFs in our digital age. While Eric champions the format for its flexibility, Mike argues it's overused and impractical on mobile devices.

Join Eric and Mike as they dive into the unique challenges solo marketers face, blending humor with expert insights. This episode kicks off with a lively debate sparked by Mike’s vow to banish the term "funnel." They explore fresh perspectives on marketing, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement and effective strategies beyond traditional methods.