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About the Guest(s):

Grady Teske is the founder of Rising Tides and a seasoned fractional CMO with a solid seven-year track record in the tech industry. He specializes in building and scaling marketing systems and processes, focusing on sales, distribution, and leveraging AI for business growth. Before Rising Tides, Grady spent years establishing North American subsidiaries for multinational corporations, where he honed his skills in creating new business units within existing companies. Grady is deeply passionate about utilizing technology to maximize human interaction in business.

Episode Summary:

In this awesome episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson welcomes Grady Teske, founder of Rising Tides, to explore the intricate balance between human interaction and AI in modern marketing and sales systems. Taylor and Grady discuss how businesses can effectively integrate AI to optimize their processes while maintaining the human touch essential for customer relationships. They delve into strategies for building systems that not only increase efficiency but also foster genuine connections with customers.

This episode is packed with insights on harnessing AI tools, creating customer-centric systems, and ensuring that technology serves to enhance—not replace—the human element in business interactions. Grady shares his perspective on how businesses can maximize humanity by focusing on listening, analyzing, and iterating systems. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs through conversation and content that resonates on a personal level. Both experts contemplate the future of AI-driven marketing and what it means to stay authentic in an increasingly digital world.

Key Takeaways:

• The balance between AI and human interaction is critical; businesses should aim to maximize humanity in their systems.
• Effective systems for marketing and sales should prioritize conversation and customer alignment.
• AI can enhance processes by offering insights and structure, but human creativity remains irreplaceable.
• Overcomplicating systems can be a barrier; keeping systems simple and iterative is more effective.
• Building customer-centric systems requires a thoughtful approach to listening and customizing experiences.

Resources:

• Grady Teske on LinkedIn
• Rising Tides Website
• Weekly Invoice Newsletter

For a deeper understanding of integrating AI in your business strategy and building systems that not only perform well but also keep customer engagement high, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Talking Shizzle, where the journey to business growth and systems optimization continues. Don't miss a beat; make sure to subscribe!

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About the Guest(s):

Kathy Kempff is the founder of Nuclavis, a company that specializes in creating mobile fundraising solutions for nonprofits. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kathy has developed a keen understanding of the needs of these organizations. Her focus is on delivering custom app solutions that enhance donor engagement and community building. Kathy is known for her innovative approach to product development, taking insights from her deep industry knowledge and utilizing data to refine and improve her offerings.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson sits down with Kathy Kempff, the visionary founder of Nuclavis. They explore the journey of building and launching a mobile fundraising platform in the nonprofit sector.Packed with plenty of insights, particularly for entrepreneurs and leaders looking to take a product to market efficiently and effectively. Kathy shares her experiences and the strategies she used to build a successful company in a niche market, highlighting the significance of listening to customer needs and leveraging partnerships.

Kathy speaks about her process of taking Nuclavis from concept to a thriving business within two years. She underscores the importance of balancing data with instinct in product development and talks about the pivotal role partnerships played in scaling her business. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate product launches, refine ideas based on user feedback, and maintain brand consistency across various touchpoints. Kathy's pragmatic advice serves as a guide for startups aiming to carve out a niche in competitive industries.

Key Takeaways:

• The strategic importance of forming partnerships and how they can significantly contribute to business growth and client retention.
• The role of data and instinct in product development and how to effectively balance both to refine and enhance offerings.
• Leveraging customer feedback and market demands to shape and innovate your product features for better market fit.
• How to identify market gaps through active listening and aligning product development with customer needs.
• Bootstrapping tips for technology startups that emphasize mindful resource allocation and intentional business growth.

Resources:

• Nuclavis Website
• Contact Nuclavis at info@nuclavis.com for more information on their mobile fundraising solutions.

The episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring anecdotes that promise to guide listeners in navigating product development and market entry with confidence. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Kathy Kempff’s journey and subscribe for more episodes filled with innovative business growth strategies.

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About the Guest(s):

Jeff Hatten
Jeff Hatten is the founder of the Edutainment Studio, a company dedicated to creating engaging and humorous content that educates and entertains audiences. With a career rooted in sales and video production, Jeff brings a unique blend of humor, creativity, and business acumen to his work. Before founding the Edutainment Studio, he launched a SaaS business and has been consistently involved in creating innovative marketing content tailored to stand out in today's saturated digital environment. Jeff is known for his honest, public approach to building his business and his ability to connect with audiences through insightful and entertaining content.

Episode Summary:

Check out this fun episode of Talking Shizzle... With our host Taylor Wilson who talks with Jeff Hatten about his idea for Edutainment. Jeff is the founder behind the Edutainment Studio. Aimed at merging educational content with entertainment, Jeff's studio stands out by helping brands capture audience attention through innovative and humorous videos. As Jeff shares his journey of building in public, the episode becomes a valuable resource for those curious about the the details of modern-day content creation and business innovation.

Jeff who is also a seasoned sales professional with a knack for humor, unveils his strategy for crafting content that not only educates but also entertains. The discussion covers the challenges of launching a business with transparency, sharing his past experience with a SaaS company as a lesson in adaptability and community engagement. Jeff's unique approach, which he dubs "edutainment," demonstrates the power of blending humor with marketing to rise above the content noise. As Taylor and Jeff explore companies successfully utilizing these strategies, such as Tom Boston and ClickUp, listeners gain insights into effective marketing and the courage it takes to redefine traditional business narratives.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Humor in Marketing: Jeff emphasizes using humor to distinguish brand content in the crowded digital landscape.
• Building in Public: Jeff advocates for transparency, documenting his business-building process to foster community engagement and feedback.
• Edutainment Explained: The concept of edutainment combines educational messaging with entertainment, making content more engaging and effective.
• Lessons in Adaptability: Jeff reflects on his past experience with a SaaS startup, highlighting the importance of being flexible and open to change.
• Inspiring Success Stories: The episode highlights successful edutainment examples like Tom Boston's work for Sales Loft and ClickUp's creative content strategies.

Resources:

• Jeff Hatten on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile (not mentioned explicitly, but implied as a resource)
• The Edutainment Studio: Linkedin

Listeners are encouraged to dive into this episode to better understand how humor can revolutionize brand messaging in today's saturated market. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Talking Shizzle!

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Josh Reyes is a seasoned graphic designer with over ten years of experience in the marketing and creative industries. Beginning his career with Warner Music, he has worked with major brands like PacSun and Live Nation, crossing sectors from entertainment and fashion to finance. Recently, Josh took a leap into entrepreneurship by founding his own agency, Asymtry Studio, where he combines his extensive in-house experience with his passion for helping brands find their visual identity.

Joseph Cornell is a film production veteran with a background in documentary and television storytelling. He has a keen interest in showcasing the human elements of brands through video. Joseph founded Traveling Tribe Media, a creative agency that leverages his decade-long experience to help businesses use video to tell their stories and authentically connect with audiences. He has worked on documentaries like "Humans and Other Animals," showcasing the similarities between humans and animals.

Episode Summary:

Join host Taylor Wilson as she dives into the dynamic world of branding and visual design with new agency owners, Josh Reyes of Asymtry Studio and Joseph Cornell of Traveling Tribe Media. This fast action and packed episode uncovers how these creative professionals are navigating their new entrepreneurial ventures while leveraging their vast experience in graphic design and video production. As they share their personal journeys, they explore the integration of AI in creative work, discuss trends like modern retro in design, and the rising demand for authenticity in branding strategies.

In this super info-packed episode of Talking Shizzle, Taylor Wilson leads an insightful chat on brand differentiation through visual identity and storytelling. Josh Reyes emphasizes the importance of core values in developing a brand's visual identity, while Joseph Cornell goes into the art of storytelling to build a connection with audiences. Together, they address the evolving landscape of creative work in 2025, highlighting how small businesses can leverage design and video to cut through market noise.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Change: Both guests highlight the necessity of adapting to AI as a powerful tool for creatives, providing both opportunities and challenges.
• Core Values First: Josh Reyes notes that a brand's essence and core values should precede visual identity to truly differentiate in a crowded market.
• Human Connection: Joseph Cornell stresses storytelling as a way for brands to express their human side, making their core values resonate with audiences.
• Authenticity Matters: The discussion reveals a trend toward authenticity, with businesses favoring genuine content that reflects true brand personas over highly polished productions.
• Modern Retro Trends: Josh Reyes identifies the resurgence of 90s and Y2K design influences, reimagined through a contemporary lens for today's market.

Resources:

• Asymtry Studio Instagram
• Traveling Tribe Media Instagram
• Creative Shizzle Website

Stay tuned for more inspired discussions and innovative pe

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About the Guest(s):

Ryan O'Hara: Ryan is the co-founder of Pitchfire, a forward-thinking company revolutionizing sales prospecting through their innovative "paid prospecting" model. With a strong background as the former VP of Marketing and Growth at Lead IQ, Ryan has significant experience in sales, marketing, and category creation. His expertise in building marketplaces and go-to-market strategies has made him a respected name in the B2B sphere. He is known for his engaging content on LinkedIn and is deeply passionate about enhancing both prospecting effectiveness and creativity within the sales process.

Episode Summary:

What up What up - join Taylor Wilson on this episode of the Talking Shizzle podcast as she chats with Ryan O'Hara, co-founder of Pitchfire, about the future of sales and marketing. The episode is packed with insights into Pitchfire's innovative approach to sales through their paid prospecting model, aiming to reshape interactions between buyers and sellers in the B2B space. Ryan's expertise in category creation, coupled with his creative strategies for engaging content, make this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and marketers seeking fresh ideas.

Delving deeper into the discussion, Ryan shares how companies can significantly improve their prospecting efficiency by adopting a paid response strategy rather than traditional methods. He explains how Pitchfire's platform allows companies to seamlessly integrate paid prospecting into their go-to-market strategies, essentially creating a new channel alongside outbound prospecting and paid marketing. The concept addresses issues with traditional prospecting methods, offering a solution that benefits both sellers seeking strategic insights and buyers receiving a token of appreciation for their time.

Additionally, Ryan discusses the broader challenges and changes on the horizon for marketing and sales, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence as a creative and efficiency partner. He also touches on the concept of category creation, offering practical advice for companies looking to differentiate themselves in crowded markets. Listen in to discover how Pitchfire’s innovative solutions and Ryan's marketing wisdom can provide a blueprint for success in the evolving B2B landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Paid Prospecting as a New Channel: Ryan discusses how Pitchfire introduces paid prospecting, allowing businesses to pay for responses instead of meetings, enhancing engagement with potential clients.
• Category Creation Insights: The episode highlights strategies about defining a new category within your industry to distinguish your product and drive market presence.
• Efficiency and Creativity in AI: Ryan views AI as a tool for creative enhancement and improving efficiency in content creation, bridging the gap between imagination and execution.
• The Evolution of Sales and Marketing: Dive into Ryan’s predictions on the sales and marketing landscape by 2025, focusing on the growing importance of innovative engagement strategies.
• Practical Advice for Startups: From updating domains to effective pitching, Ryan shares personal anecdotes and actionable advice to streamline startup operations.

Resources:

• Ryan O'Hara's LinkedIn

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About the Guest(s):

Adam Reed is the Vice President of Marketing at Dilla's Quesadillas, a creative force within the fast-casual dining industry. With an impressive career spanning roles at major food chains, Adam begun his professional journey in marketing at Chipotle before spearheading marketing efforts at Raising Cane's. Over his tenure, Adam has successfully navigated businesses through expansive growth, pivoted strategic marketing initiatives, and consistently driven brand innovation. His expertise in restaurant marketing is recognized industry-wide, making him a sought-after leader and advisor in the field.

Episode Summary:

In this brand new poppin' episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson goes into the culinary world with Adam Reed, VP of Marketing at Dilla's Quesadillas. The discussion spans Adam's extensive career in marketing within the fast-casual and restaurant industry, sharing his journey from IBM to successful roles at Chipotle and Raising Cane's before landing at Dilla's. Listeners are offered a peek into the operational intricacies of these giants in the dining sector and how core values and consistency in messaging have driven significant growth and consumer loyalty.

This episode explores the nuances of brand authenticity and market differentiation amidst a saturated food market landscape. Adam Reed's insights into how Dilla's is positioning itself in the fast-casual industry highlight the importance of community involvement and customer-centric approaches. He emphasizes the intersection of data and intuition in developing impactful marketing strategies. Reed's engaging anecdotes, coupled with strategic advice, paint a vivid picture of the modern challenges — and opportunities — in restaurant marketing, making this episode a must-listen for those in the industry or anyone interested in brand marketing dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Successful restaurant marketing is a blend of operational excellence, consistent product quality, and authentic messaging.
• Fast-casual brands like Chipotle and Raising Cane's thrived by focusing on specific core offerings and avoiding market distractions.
• Adam emphasizes the importance of aligning brand strategies with authentic community engagement to resonate with target audiences.
• Marketing strategies should balance data analysis with gut instinct to create genuine connections with consumers.
• Brand differentiation in a crowded market relies on clarity of message and strategic positioning, rather than simply mimicking competitors.

Resources:

• Visit Dilla's Quesadillas for more on Adam Reed's current workplace.
• Connect with Adam Reed on LinkedIn.

For those looking to delve deeper into the intricacies of restaurant marketing and branding, this episode offers invaluable insights and strategic foresight directly from a seasoned expert. Tune in and gain access to the exclusive wisdom shared, ensuring you stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of fast-casual dining and brand marketing. Don't forget to subscribe to the Talking Shizzle podcast for more thought-provoking content and industry insights.

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About the Guest(s):

Kristin Jackson is the CEO and co-founder of Free Spoke, a pioneering search engine that is dedicated to user privacy and presenting balanced viewpoints. With a robust professional history in technology and entrepreneurship, Kristin has collaborated with her co-founder Todd Ricketts to establish a platform that offers unique search solutions. Her work focuses on challenging the conventional models of internet search by fostering transparency and integrity in the digital age.

Episode Summary:

In this fabulous episode of Talking Shizzle, host Taylor Wilson interviews Kristin Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Free Spoke, a revolutionary search engine that offers privacy-focused solutions and balanced viewpoints. As they dive into Kristin's journey of creating a search engine to compete against the Goliath that is Google, Kristin explains the fundamental differences that Free Spoke brings to the world of digital search. Emphasizing their steadfast commitment to user privacy, showing diverse perspectives, and offering a pornography-free environment, Kristin highlights the significance of integrity in today's technological landscape.

The conversation with Kristin Jackson explores the entrepreneurial venture of building a search engine that contrasts with major players like Google and DuckDuckGo. Drawing on insights into AI and emerging trends in search technologies, Kristin underscores Free Spoke's dedication to provide a more ethical and user-centric internet experience. The episode also delves into their future initiatives, including a kid-specific browser to protect young users. Throughout the dialogue, Kristin sheds light on how Free Spoke navigates the complexities of the tech industry by adhering strictly to privacy and unbiased content, reiterating the importance of genuine debate and diverse opinions in shaping a well-informed public.

Key Takeaways:

• Free Spoke is committed to protecting user privacy, ensuring anonymity in searches and never selling user data.
• The platform distinguishes itself by showing both left and right perspectives on search topics, helping users avoid echo chambers.
• Free Spoke offers a pornography-free search environment, acknowledging the impact of such content on societal issues like sex trafficking and child protection.
• The discussion includes insights into the evolving role of AI in search engines and how Free Spoke plans to integrate these technologies while maintaining its core principles.
• Kristin Jackson emphasizes the importance of this debate for personal and societal growth, drawing from historical examples and applying these insights to present-day digital challenges.

Resources:

• Free Spoke Website: freespoke.com
• Contact Kristin Jackson: kristin@freespoke.com

Discover an insightful conversation that delves into the complexities of the modern digital information space. The episode encourages listeners to think critically about the platforms they use and urges them to explore Free Spoke for a balanced search experience. Be sure to tune in for more discussions that challenge the status quo and champion innovative thinking on the Talking Shizzle podcast.

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About the Guest(s):

Kanika Sharma is a conversion copywriter specializing in LinkedIn ghostwriting. With more than five years of experience in the sphere of product and growth marketing for early-stage startups, she has honed her skills in crafting compelling web copy, ads, and video scripts. Kanika's journey into LinkedIn optimization began as she discovered the potential of turning profiles into conversion-focused landing pages. Her work aims to transform these digital footprints into effective business assets, helping professionals and entrepreneurs convert profile views into meaningful connections and clients.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Talking Shizzle podcast, hosted by Taylor Wilson, founder of Creative Shizzle, Kanika Sharma talks about the art and science of optimizing LinkedIn profiles for maximum impact. The conversation unpacks how LinkedIn serves as a first impression in the business world, akin to a quality website, making the optimization of its various sections crucial for attracting and converting prospects. Kanika shares her journey from a conversion copywriter to a specialist in LinkedIn ghostwriting, illuminating her process for turning LinkedIn profiles into actionable tools for business growth.

The discussion is rich with insights on converting a LinkedIn profile into a landing page that reflects a personal brand while effectively addressing client pain points. Key strategies explored include using the cover picture, headline, and about section with laser-focus on addressing user pain points and showcasing ROI. Also covered are valuable techniques for utilizing LinkedIn’s features such as the Featured Section and Experience Section, complemented with content strategies aligning with top, middle, and bottom funnel objectives. This episode provides both high-level perspectives and practical tips for anyone looking to leverage LinkedIn as a powerful business tool.

Key Takeaways:

• Treat your LinkedIn profile like a strategic landing page by addressing pain points and highlighting your unique value proposition.
• Optimize your cover picture with concise messaging that answers the biggest pain points of your audience.
• Use the Featured Section strategically with top, middle, and bottom funnel content to guide prospects through a conversion journey.
• Experiment and iterate regularly with profile updates to discover what resonates most with your audience.
• Leverage specific LinkedIn features like slideshows and UTM links for effective engagement tracking and audience connection.

Resources:

• LinkedIn Profiles to Follow: Jake Ward, Vincent Puri
• Improve your LinkedIn Profile by visiting fixmylinkin.com

Check out this enriching episode for a transformative approach to LinkedIn marketing and stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the Talking Shizzle podcast.

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