347. YPulse. Predictions for 2025.
Discover the future of youth culture as MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, reveals her predictions for 2025's top trends. From the revival of local, offline experiences to the rise of livestream shopping and newsletter influencers, get insights into how Gen Z and Millennials are shaping the future of consumerism, social media, and pop culture. Find out how brands and marketers can stay ahead of the curve and effectively engage with these influential generations.
346. Jennifer Gardner. The Art of Persuasion.
In this episode Jennifer Gardner, a trial lawyer, coach, and consultant, shares valuable insights on persuasive communication. Learn how to leverage authenticity, storytelling, and active listening to advance your ideas and become a more effective communicator, especially in high-stakes situations.
345. IJRM. Creatrepreneurs.
This interview with Simone Wies and Alexander Edeling explores the evolving creator economy, focusing on the rise of "creatrepreneurs" and their unique business models. Gain valuable insights into the factors driving success in the creator economy and learn how marketers can effectively collaborate with these entrepreneurial content creators.
344. Molly Neuman. CD Baby.
This interview with Molly Neuman, President of CD Baby, explores her journey from Riot Grrrl musician to music industry executive. Neuman discusses the music industry's evolution, the importance of representation and activism, and the challenges of balancing creativity and business. Gain insights into leadership, the democratization of music, and the ongoing struggle for equality in the industry.
343. YPulse. Social Media Monitor.
In this interview, MaryLeigh Bliss, YPulse's chief content officer, dives into the latest trends in social media usage among Gen Z and Millennials. The discussion covers the most popular platforms, key features driving engagement, and young people's views on social media's impact. Bliss also highlights the expectations these generations have for brands and influencers in social media spaces.
342. IJRM. Social Media in the Creator Economy.
In this interview w Alexander Bleier, Associate Professor of Marketing at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explores the complexities of the creator economy and its reliance on social media platforms. Key topics include the role of platforms in content discovery, creation, and monetization, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. The discussion explores the evolving relationship between creators, users, and advertisers, raising questions about the future of the creator economy as a sustainable career path.
341. YPulse. Subculture Spotlight.
YPulse’s MaryLeigh Bliss explores Gen Z and Millennial subcultures, highlighting how young consumers find community and belonging in their passions. The conversation dives into the distinctions between fandoms and subcultures, the impact of loneliness on community-seeking, and the opportunities for brands to engage authentically with these passionate groups.
340. Kelly Biderman. National Havoc Robot League.
In this interview, Havoc Robotics CEO Kelly Biderman shares how she is using her media and content background to grow the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL).
339. IJRM. The Creator Economy.
Gabriella Mirabelli interviews Professor Alina Sorescu, a chaired professor of marketing at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, about the intricacies of the creator economy. The discussion explores the nuances of authenticity in content creation, the role of social identity in fostering consumer engagement, and the impact of content length on attention spans. She also sheds light on the future trajectory of the creator economy, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to understand its complex dynamics.
338. Lior Arussy. Dare to Author!
In this insightful interview, Lior Arussy, author of "Dare to Author," shares how to craft a compelling personal narrative. Discover the power of deliberate vision, intentional humanity, and gratitude in shaping your life story and making a positive impact. Don't miss his inspiring story about choosing humanity over profit, a true testament to living your values.
337. Dan Rua. Admiral.
Join Gabriella Mirabelli as she interviews Dan Rua, CEO and co-founder of Admiral, about the future of digital advertising. Rua shares his insights on the shift from ad tech to martech, the challenges and opportunities publishers face in building direct relationships with users, and the impact of generative AI on the industry.
336. YPulse. Young Consumers and Media & Entertainment.
In this episode, YPulse's Chief Content Officer MaryLeigh Bliss dives deep into the media consumption habits of Gen Z and Millennials, revealing surprising trends in streaming, social media, and the metaverse. Discover how these generations are reshaping the entertainment landscape and what it means for brands.
335. Nick Martin. Direqt.
In this episode Gabriella Mirabelli interviews Nick Martin, co-founder of Direqt, a conversational AI platform transforming digital publishing. Martin explains how Direqt helps publishers create engaging content, expand distribution, and develop sustainable monetization strategies using AI. He also addresses key concerns like content control, brand identity, and the mitigation of AI hallucinations.
334. IJRM. B2B Sales after Dropping the Ball.
This interview with Dr. Stephanie Mangus explores the two types of unintentional mistakes B2B salespeople can make with clients – relational and sales process transgressions – and how effective communication can address these issues. Dr. Mangus emphasizes that communication format matters, and what salespeople perceive as effective isn't always aligned with customer preferences.
333. Scott Mautz. The Mentally Strong Leader.
Scott Mautz, author of The Mentally Strong Leader, reveals the 6 mental muscles that make up mental strength and how to build them. In this interview, he shares insights on habit-building, self-assessment, and the importance of mental strength in leadership, especially during challenging times.
332. YPulse. Nano Creators, Tiny Titans.
In this episode Ypulse's MaryLeigh Bliss discusses the rise of nano creators and why brands should pay attention to these tiny titans of marketing. Learn how brands can effectively engage with nano creators and leverage their authentic voices to connect with young consumers.
331. Madeline Miller. Navigating Burnout.
Madeline Miller, an executive coach, joins Up Next to discuss burnout and strategies for navigating a work environment that doesn't align with your values. Discover how to recognize signs of misalignment, take control of your career, and prioritize your well-being.
330. IJRM. Color Complexity & Social Media Engagement.
In this episode, Vamsi Kanuri, the Viola D. Hank Associate Professor of Marketing at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, discusses research he and his colleagues conducted on how color complexity in images can increase social media engagement. He also shares insights on how factors like time of day, image height, and text complexity can moderate this effect.
329. Joshua Freedman. Virtual Connection Strategies.
Gabriella Mirabelli and Joshua Freedman discuss the challenges of building authentic professional relationships in virtual environments. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing emotional intelligence, trust-building, and intentional communication to foster meaningful connections online.
328. Joshua Freedman. Beating Burnout.
In this episode Gabriella Mirabelli talks with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds, about the causes of burnout and how to manage and prevent it. They discuss the four key emotional drivers of burnout, the role of organizational culture, and strategies for navigating burnout in specific workplace scenarios. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to combat burnout and foster healthier work environments.

