In this episode, podcast host Dr. Misha Kouzeh and guest Freddy Tran Nager discuss what it really means to have influence on social media, emphasizing trust and connection over follower counts. Freddy shares lessons from his career and analyzes real-world campaigns, pointing to Budweiser’s emotionally resonant Super Bowl ad and Duolingo’s clever use of its owl mascot as examples of brands that connect meaningfully with audiences.

The conversation also covers cautionary tales, such as Pepsi’s failed “Refresh” campaign and Toyota Prius’s over-the-top environmental messaging, illustrating how brands can miss the mark when their actions don’t align with their image. On the positive side, Patagonia is highlighted for its genuine commitment to environmental causes.

The episode offers practical advice for brands and influencers, and ends with an optimistic look at how social media and new tools can help amplify voices and drive real change.

To explore Freddy’s transformative insights further, visit his website.

Check out his book: Copyediting With An Attitude: How To Proof And Edit Ads And Other Marketing Copy.

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In this episode of 'Social Media for Social Impact,' Dr. Misha debunks five common myths surrounding social media use and impact. Covering misconceptions such as the decline of social media users, the exclusive association of social impact with nonprofits, the necessity for large budgets and multiple platforms, and the dominance of AI over human teams, Dr. Misha provides real-world examples and strategies to guide organizations toward effective and authentic social media engagement. Each myth is broken down with data and case studies, offering practical insights to help listeners navigate the evolving digital landscape and create meaningful social impact.

00:00 Welcome to Social Media for Social Impact

01:07 Myth 1: Everyone's Off Social Media

02:56 Myth 2: Social Impact is Only for Nonprofits

04:49 Myth 3: Big Budgets Are Necessary for Impact

06:11 Myth 4: You Need to Be on Every Platform

07:24 Myth 5: AI Runs Social Media

08:44 Conclusion and Recap

Connect with Dr. Misha Kouzeh on www.linkedin.com/in/mkouzeh.

Welcome to Social Media for Social Impact— the podcast where we explore how clicks, shares, and stories aren’t just shaping culture, but driving real change. I’m your host, Misha Kouzeh, and together we’ll uncover the strategies, tools, and lessons behind campaigns that move people — and move the needle for business too.

Now, let’s be honest. Social media can feel like a noisy, crowded place. But when used intentionally, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for creating impact at scale. From viral campaigns that spark conversations worldwide, to small grassroots movements that start with a single post, we’ll dive into what works, what doesn’t, and how use social media as a force for good.

Along the way, I’ll be joined by leaders in business, marketing, tech, higher education, and more. We’ll talk about how to measure the ROI of doing good, why purpose is the new brand currency, and how AI is reshaping influence in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

So whether you’re a marketer, a business leader, social entrepreneur, or someone who just believes social media can be more than doomscrolling — this podcast is for you.