Episodi

  • Want to create webinars that get people fired up to buy all the things? As an avid learner, I’ve seen a ton of webinars. There are HUGE differences between the boring-ass presentations that just want to sell to me and the engaging, value-packed webinars that get me legit excited to pull out my card — and some of them may not be what you expect!

    In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I put my decade of experience in adult education to good use and reveal why your presentations haven’t gotten the results you’re looking for — and what you need to know to consistently create engaging, trust-building webinars that do what they’re supposed to do! I explore the three types of learners showing up to your presentations, how to keep them from closing Zoom before your pitch, and a super-simple, high-impact framework for creating better webinars, programs, masterclasses, and mini-courses.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    The biggest mistakes that may be costing you sales (and how to fix webinars that suck)Why you should pair your presentation with a downloadable worksheetMy simple formula for turning your webinar into a conversion machine

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Intro

    03:05 Three types of learners

    05:04 Visual, auditory & kinesthetic learners

    07:37 Reaching visual learners

    09:05 Reaching auditory learners

    10:53 Reach kinesthetic learners

    12:07 My presentation formula

    16:59 First webinar story

    19:34 Urgency, Q&A & mistakes

    22:02 Your action item

    23:29 Outro

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • We need to bust the myth that women aren’t good with money. Thanks to this BS belief, we have more trouble getting business loans and more anxiety about investing and financial planning. Here’s the thing: we’re actually better at managing money — so let’s change the narrative and take control of our financial health!

    My guest for this episode of Marketing Sucks was named one of the Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth in Canada for two years running, one of the Top 50 Advisors in Ontario, and is the #1 person I want to talk to about ANYTHING finance! As the founder and owner of BlueRidge Private Wealth, Kerry Rizzo helps people and businesses uncover their best financial goals, minimize their taxes, and make smarter investing decisions. Listen in as this award-winning Sr. Investment Advisor shares the best steps female entrepreneurs can begin taking right now to build a strong foundation for long-term financial stability.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    Why money management is less complicated than we think and how to automate our savings effortsWhat it actually looks like to work with a financial advisor (and when to work with one!)Key mistakes women make when it comes to their finances — and why we’re actually better stewards of money than men!

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Kerry Rizzo has worked for 3 of the top 5 financial institutions in Canada, receiving multiple promotions and awards. Since leaving corporate brokerage, Kerry founded BlueRidge Private Wealth, operating under the brokerage banner of Harbourfront Wealth Management. She also founded and owns Kerry Knows Money, a firm designed to empower financial education and financial independence with a focus on increasing female representation for investors and advisors.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Meet Kerry Rizzo

    05:38 Kerry’s journey

    09:54 First steps for financial stability

    13:59 Get comfortable & have the conversation

    19:47 Working with an advisor

    24:46 Key mistakes

    27:22 Start early

    30:34 Your action item

    35:18 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Kerry Rizzo

    blueridgeprivatewealth.com

    kerryknowsmoney.com

    linkedin.com/in/kerry-rizzocfp

    Instagram: @KerryKnowsMoney

    TikTok: @kerryknowsmoney6

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Episodi mancanti?

    Fai clic qui per aggiornare il feed.

  • Do you have killer organization skills in your business — but cringe at the chaos in your kitchen or living room? This episode of Marketing Sucks is for bad-ass biz owners who need a little help to get their living space as uncluttered and streamlined as their Google Workspace.

    My guest is Britt Gaudio, owner and Head Nester of wellnested Living Co. As a professional organizer and decluttering coach, she helps busy people optimize their space, so they can focus less on stuff and more on what matters. Our conversation explores why entrepreneurs struggle with organization, the parallels between decluttering and marketing, why Britt’s home edit content sets her apart from the crowd, and how she landed multiple hot collabs with some big-name influencers!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to find and maintain your right balance between function and aesthetic Your best first steps for organizing your space (and how to let go of clutter panic)Britt’s brilliant and game-changing reframe of home and workspace clutter

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Britt Gaudio is a corporate escapee turned professional organizer and decluttering coach. As the Owner and Head Nester of wellnested Living Co., she strives to help busy parents, entrepreneurs, and professionals take back their space and reclaim their calm with in-home and virtual organization services.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Meet Britt Gaudio

    04:10 Britt’s clients

    07:06 Why we struggle with organization

    08:29 Why talk about clutter?

    11:23 Function, aesthetics & ‘decanting’

    16:41 Keep it simple

    18:53 Home edit content

    22:59 Working with influencers

    27:49 Doing the work & being authentic

    31:14 Aligned giveaways

    33:01 First steps for organizing

    35:52 Don’t tidy for cleaners

    40:56 Action item & outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Britt Gaudio

    wellnestedliving.ca

    Instagram: @well.nested.living

    Ultimate Decluttering Checklist

    wellnestedliving.myflodesk.com/ultimatedeclutteringchecklist

    Daily Reset Checklist

    wellnestedliving.myflodesk.com/dailyresetchecklist

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Think you can build a successful, sustainable business on social media alone? While social media is an amazing tool for business growth, it’s unpredictable — and having a fabulous social presence won’t protect you from losing your audience if a platform goes down, is bought by Elon Musk, or gets banned in your country. Alongside your social strategy, you need a strong website or landing page and an email list that YOU control.

    In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I’m joined by Andrea Krones and Kelley Gibson of the women-run graphic design and website development studio Inkling Design, which specializes in customized WordPress websites. We dive into the biggest website trends businesses cannot afford to ignore right now, the trick to crafting excellent user experiences that keep visitors from leaving your site, and how to audit your website to cut out the fat, filler, and fumbly navigation.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    When to use AI tools and when to invest in the human touch in your copy and contentThe anatomy of an effective and engaging homepage (and how to avoid awkward SEO bloat)Whether you should opt for a custom-designed website or use a template

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Inkling Design is a design & web agency helping heart-centered humans with their branding, websites, and marketing materials. The agency specializes in creating custom WordPress websites for service-based businesses on a mission to do good in their communities and beyond, and empowers others to take control of their branding and website with confidence so that they can stay in their zone of genius when it comes to scaling their business.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Meet Andrea Krones & Kelley Gibson

    06:08 Reacting to social media changes

    10:24 AI tools & personal touch

    15:46 Home page experience

    17:48 User-centric design

    22:10 Website auditing

    28:16 My big website mistake

    30:21 Custom v. template

    32:47 Website price points

    36:33 Scaling your website later on

    39:31 Action item & outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Inkling Design

    inklingdesign.ca

    linkedin.com/company/inkling-design

    Instagram: @inkling.design

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Hosting a podcast is a ton of work, but a high-quality show can be one of your most powerful marketing tools — for one thing, your episodes will outlive your Instagram Reels by YEARS.

    In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the amazing Emily Decloux of The Ultimate Creative, a Toronto-based podcast production company that helps small biz owners and subject matter experts share their voices and thought leadership via audio.

    During this high-energy conversation, Emily and I dive into the REAL nitty-gritty of hosting a podcast that doesn’t suck (or make you dread plugging in your microphone). We talk about what a well-made podcast can do for your business, why AI is wildly overhyped when it comes to editing, and why you shouldn’t set out to be the next Goal Digger if that’s not your vibe.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌

    What you need to consider BEFORE you hit record on your first episodeExpert equipment recommendations that don’t break the bank Simple recording tips that’ll help you sound like a podcast rockstar

    Please rate, review, and subscribe. Full disclosure: Emily is my podcast producer and I highly recommend her!

    Guest bio: Emily Decloux created her own career path by completely ignoring her gut instincts, realizing she needed to listen to them, and then following her passions. It’s a little backwards but hey, she got here, right? Emily is the founder & CEO of podcast editing company The Ultimate Creative, 1/5th of the sketch comedy troupe Big Chick Energy, and a wedding and event producer under the banner The Joy Factor. She released a comedy music album called Take Your Life More Seriously under the name Emily Milling in 2022.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Meet Emily Decloux

    03:18 Working with a newborn

    06:27 Boundaries

    10:56 What to consider before launching

    16:05 Authenticity & energy

    18:00 Prep, lead gen & listens

    21:08 Putting in the work

    26:16 Recording, equipment & tech tips

    35:36 Ideal episode length & content

    40:37 Interview & edit tips

    45:18 Ditch the script

    46:37 Podcasting trends

    50:10 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌

    theultimatecreative.com

    Instagram: @emily.decloux

    Marketing Sucks: The Anatomy of a Perfect Marketing Email

    buzzsprout.com/2296686/episodes/16393762

    Yeti X Mic Pop Filter

    amazon.ca/Yeti-Mic-Filter-Foam-Winscreen/dp/B08F24HGKH

    Blue Yeti mic set-up

    youtube.com/watch?v=gjNf94cwCsk&t=1s

    Riverside

    riverside.fm

    Descript

    descript.com

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Has the pandemic shift to doing EVERYTHING online left you feeling starved for IRL community? If unplugging from the digital world is on your to-do list, you’ll want to listen to this episode of Marketing Sucks. My guest Palak Dave, known as the ‘Queen of IRL,’ is the founder of the Embiria Social Club and an experience expert who has curated and hosted over 350 super-memorable community and media events.

    Palak is championing a movement towards everyday fulfillment and joy, and encouraging others to prioritize IRL moments and human connection over digital distractions. During our conversation, you’ll learn what to expect from Palak’s events (and why you NEED to check them out), how she hits the sweet spot when it comes to community-building and monetization, and why she’s so driven to help other people live their lives fully.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    Palak’s signature 5-sensory approach to curating memorable and meaningful events Why adults often struggle to make connections — and how to open back up! How to build intentional everyday moments into your day (no matter how packed your schedule is)

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Palak Dave is a mission-driven entrepreneur, experience expert, speaker, and author of Beautiful Everydays: A Guide to Living in the Here and Now. Formerly an award-winning marketer at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival and Indigo Books and Music Inc., she began her entrepreneurial journey in 2017 by founding Embiria (meaning experience), which has evolved to Embiria Social Club — a community helping women feel more fulfilled in their everyday lives.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Meet Palak Dave

    02:51 Palak’s journey

    05:52 Palak’s events

    09:52 Make an impression with intention

    11:04 Struggling with connection

    13:38 Drive for more connection

    17:16 After loss

    20:54 Everyday moments

    27:59 Sustainable success & mental health

    33:57 Attending events as a shy person

    39:40 Action item & outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Palak Dave

    embiria.ca

    Instagram: @paldave, @embiria

    7 Levels Deep

    7levelsdeep.com

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • When you’re a mom and a business owner, it’s easy to feel stretched thin 24/7. If you spend your days juggling family, business goals, and self care (if you’re lucky), it can feel like you’re constantly falling behind and even failing. As a mom of two and entrepreneur of 20 years, I’ve done it all… and had the burnout to prove it.

    In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I explain why the perfect work-life balance is BS — and how to make it all work anyway. Tune in as I share a few of my hottest hacks and strategies for boosting your productivity, handling your calendar, and setting solid boundaries, so you can take back control of your life.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    What we tend to neglect when we start to feel overwhelmed — and how to put some non-negotiables in placeA simple trick for scheduling meetings that won’t waste your time (and getting rid of the ones that do)3 different boundaries you should be setting in your business

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    01:26 No perfect balance

    03:30 Mom guilt

    04:49 Business with babies

    06:51 Setting your non-negotiables

    11:35 Time for yourself

    13:07 Scheduling meetings

    14:44 Blocking off your calendar

    17:07 Setting boundaries

    22:04 Involving your family

    24:07 Impact over perfection

    26:17 Your action items

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Have you ever dreamed about building a brand that’s bigger than you? In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with the amazing Jessica Sennet, CEO of Mighty Mom, a fitness company that helps prenatal and postpartum women get strong and comfortable in their own skin. Jessica not only helps moms build new muscles, endurance, and confidence, she’s also built a kick-ass franchising empire.

    In this no-holds-barred conversation, Jessica shares the accidental, non-linear entrepreneurial journey that took her from New York City acting auditions to boot camps in Toronto parks. We talk about how she made the shift from a personal brand to a scalable fitness biz with MAJOR franchise potential, the mindset challenge that almost knocked her off-course, and the business boot camp that made a huge difference.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How Jessica survived the Dragon’s Den and turned rejection into strengthHow she grew and scaled Mighty Moms on her own terms Her secret weapon for moving through the franchising process with more ease

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Jessica Sennet is a CPT, Fit for Birth Corrective Exercise Specialist, Oh BABY Fitness Instructor, CORE + DRA Expert, and a graduate of many specialized workshops and seminars in Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:13 Intro

    01:16 Meet Jessica Sennet

    03:21 Accidental entrepreneurship

    07:38 Shift to Mighty Mom

    09:56 Non-linear path to success

    12:36 CEO mindset

    20:46 Dragon’s Den

    26:15 Prepping & after the Den

    39:05 Power of vulnerability

    46:46 Franchising process

    56:34 Do what you love

    58:01 Benefits of franchising

    1:04:37 5k stroller walk

    1:06:37 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Jessica Sennet

    mightymom.ca

    Instagram: @mightymomjess, @mightymomtraining

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • A successful personal brand is the best business asset you can have, but trying to build one can leave you feeling like the Invisible Woman. You can post all the tips, tricks, hot takes and how-tos you want, but you won’t see a strong ROI if your personal brand is weak — it’s just not going to happen.

    If you’re sick of showing up online every week, posting a ton of high-value content, and getting crickets in return, this week’s episode of Marketing Sucks is for you. I dive deep into the nitty-gritty of building a strong and authentic personal brand that actually moves the needle. Listen now to learn what actually makes up your personal brand, how having a great one will supercharge your ‘like, know, trust’ factor, and what “providing value” really means.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    Why you shouldn’t be afraid to share more of your life onlineThe 3 biggest things that keep people from showing up online (and why you need to get over them)3 actionable steps to help you set the foundation for a killer personal brand

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Intro

    02:02 What is a personal brand?

    03:40 Sharing authentically

    05:13 The visible CEO effect

    07:21 Fear of judgment

    10:14 Defining your core message

    11:17 Identifying your audience

    11:55 Consistency, sharing & engaging

    13:57 Using your words

    15:22 Making time

    18:27 Your action item

    19:05 Outro

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Thinking about taking the plunge into paid ads? Wondering why your current campaign is falling flat? I got you. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Alvaro Berrios, founder of the digital marketing agency Alvaro Berrios Digital. As a leading expert in ad management, Alvaro helps his clients get mucho bang for their ad spend bucks.

    Tune in as we discuss ALL things paid ads — when to use them, how much to pay for them, how to know when you’re ready for your first campaign, and how to avoid unethical ad agencies. Along the way, Alvaro shares his wild trial-by-fire intro to the world of Google and Facebook Ads, his #1 piece of advice for setting the budget of your first ad run, and why he turns away a TON of potential customers. This conversation is a value-packed paid ads primer that ALL business owners can learn from — don’t miss it!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to know when you’re ready for paid ads — and two things to have in place FIRST The key components of a successful campaign (and the metrics you’ll want to track!)Your best-bet paid ads platform as a service-based business

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Alvaro Berrios is the founder of Alvaro Berrios Digital, a leading digital marketing agency. He's an expert in ad management across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube. Alvaro excels at creating strategies that boost audience engagement and drive sales.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    01:00 Meet Alvaro Berrios

    02:05 Alvaro’s intro to ads

    06:19 Prepping for paid ads

    09:42 Start slow & set a budget

    12:39 The right platform & mindset

    16:17 Ethics in marketing

    18:57 Successful campaign components

    24:08 Boosting v. actual ads

    28:10 When to hire an ads manager

    31:31 Unethical agencies

    32:58 Ad trends

    37:16 Lay the foundation

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Alvaro Berrios

    alvaroberrios.com/facebook-ads-rapid-launch

    Instagram: @imalvaroberrios

    YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCSmui7YHlQ0PepO1Y61s_QA

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Sick of sending out emails every week without getting a single response, click-through, or sale? Before you hurl your laptop out the window and give up on email altogether, let me say this: email marketing, if done correctly, can have an ROI of $36 for every $1 spent.

    Not only is email one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, it’s also one of the few channels that you can control. If Mark Zuckerberg decides to shut down Instagram tomorrow, there’s not a damn thing you can do about it… but you’ll always own your mailing list. So, let’s turn it into your biggest moneymaker.

    This value-packed episode of Marketing Sucks reveals the anatomy of a killer marketing email, from subject line to signature. Join me as I break down the biggest email do’s and don’ts so you can get the most bang for your marketing buck!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to find the right balance of storytelling and straight-up sales 3 things that a great marketing email will do and how to check those boxesHow to write attention-grabbing subject lines that aren’t click-bait (and the #1 thing to avoid in your intro)

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    02:11 Testing & email goals

    03:43 Subject line

    05:49 Email intro

    08:32 Email body

    11:18 Language & structure

    12:44 Call-to-action

    14:47 Formatting & aesthetic

    17:23 Footer, compliance & recap

    19:04 Your action item

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Turning lurkers into buyers takes a hell of a lot more than just a slick website or colour-coordinated Instagram grid these days. Bands that want to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond need to embrace a social-first mindset, which means rethinking social media’s role in your brand’s ecosystem, switching up how you connect with your audience, and knowing how to turn social feedback into marketing (and product development) gold.

    When you’re hands-on and intentional in the way you show up and operate your business, you can consistently give your audience what they need from you — instead of just adding to the noise. Ready to sharpen your strategy, cut out the fluff, and become part of the conversation? This super-juicy episode of Marketing Sucks digs into the nitty-gritty of developing a social-first mindset that will help you see your best results in 2025!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    What consumers want to see and hear from you (and how to let ‘em have it)How and where to integrate social feedback into your overall marketing strategy 4 simple tips that will help you get started this week

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Intro

    01:36 Social-first mindset & being hands-on

    05:06 Your brand ecosystem & social insights

    08:33 What a social-first future will look like

    10:42 Listen more & break the silos

    12:21 Authenticity

    13:31 Think long-term

    14:28 Outro

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Your brand story is so much more than just a few paragraphs tucked away on your About page — it should guide your marketing strategy and shape the way you show up for your audience. Having a strong story helps you spark connections, build trust, and grow an engaged community that wants to work with YOU, specifically.

    As Senior Creative Director at Spin Master, my guest (and husband) Phil Ginther has helped shape the stories of big-name toy brands like Paw Patrol and Rubik’s Cube. This episode of Marketing Sucks revisits our most popular 2024 conversation, which covered some of the biggest brand copywriting FAQs. Tune in to learn Phil’s tried-and-tested tips for easy, consistent brand storytelling that connects, including a celeb-themed writing exercise that’ll help you master the tone of your brand voice by zeroing in on the three adjectives that best describe it!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    Easy ways to weave your story into your marketing (without making it about selling)How to lean into your brand’s pillars and stay in your lane What you can learn from the brands that are absolutely crushing it!

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Phil Ginther is a Creative Director & Copywriter with over 14 years experience. He’s currently a Senior Creative Director at Spin Master leading global brands such as Rubik’s Cube and Hatchimals, and spends most of his day at play.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Intro

    02:33 Meet Phil Ginther

    03:50 Phil’s business journey

    05:36 Leaving the daily grind

    07:44 Joining Spin Master

    10:35 “Know thyself & thy lane”

    12:33 Leaning into your pillars

    15:51 User-generated content

    17:03 Red Bull & Liquid Death

    19:29 Brand voice exercise

    24:30 Your action item

    27:24 Quick-fire questions

    28:27 Headphone story & outro

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • While the third Monday of January has been called the most depressing day of the year, the surrounding weeks can also wreak havoc on your mental health. Many of us feel sad, tired, and unmotivated after the holidays, and the stress of our current economy can make these symptoms feel even worse.

    Your mental health has a direct impact on the health of your business. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I’m joined by brilliant psychotherapist and mindset coach Natacha Pennycooke to talk about the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye on during the winter months — and the mental health strategies that can help you kick off the New Year with less overwhelm! Tune in to learn how Blue Monday outgrew its gimmicky origins, why January is a mental health danger zone, and how to get seriously proactive about self care.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to recognize the signs that you may suffer from seasonal affective disorderHow to reduce (or even prevent) poor mental health outcomes in the winterHow to forecast and prepare for the ebbs and flows of your mental health

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Natacha Pennycooke is a leader in workplace mental health, equity education, and psychological safety, a Mindset Coach, and an award-winning psychotherapist. With over 13 years of experience, she is CEO of Natacha Pennycooke Psychotherapy, a flourishing anti-oppressive, healing-focused, and trauma-informed private group practice.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Meet Natacha Pennycooke

    01:41 Blue Monday

    06:32 SAD & holiday stress

    09:55 Prevention & prediction tips

    16:17 Link between business & personal health

    19:45 Mental health as a moneymaker

    24:13 Investing in self care

    25:59 Activating states of rest

    29:59 7 types of rest & 5 closest people

    34:14 Check-ins & hell months

    37:37 Your action item

    38:42 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Natacha Pennycooke

    natachapennycooke.com

    theacceleratedleader.com

    Instagram: @natachapennycooke.therapy, @natachapennycooke.ceo

    We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power by Rachel Rodgers

    amazon.ca/We-Should-All-Be-Millionaires/dp/1400221625

    7 Types of Rest

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • We live in a world that glorifies hustle, where 12-hour workdays get high-fives and everyone competes to be the one doing the most. But when we’re constantly multitasking, we aren’t creating space for ourselves to literally just BE — and this inevitably leaves us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and burnt out. While rest may be seen as unproductive, mental downtime actually fuels us… and gives our creativity a major boost.

    In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Francesca Brunsden, a Mindset and Human Design Alignment Coach who works with women who are sick and tired of the status quo, living on autopilot, and putting their needs last. We talk about how being a mom of three young kids during the pandemic led her to carve out a unique niche, how she helps her clients get the most out of their mornings, and what it means to be in a state of sacred serenity.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to make space for productive rest during the day (while still getting things done) The power of environment when it comes to mental wellbeingHow to visualize a more relaxing life, carve out that intention, and then take ACTION

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Francesca Brunsden is on a mission to help women guide themselves toward their goals while enjoying fulfillment in the day-to-day and practicing what it means to be relaxed in a world that promotes anxiousness. Through her group program and recently published journal, Diaries of a Relaxed Woman, she inspires women to find balance and joy. Francesca is an expat living in Toronto with her husband and three young children.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Meet Francesca Brunsden

    02:34 Francesca’s journey

    05:46 Pandemic pivot

    09:18 Sacred serenity

    12:04 Rest & productivity

    16:47 How to start a daily practice

    20:48 Morning ritual

    22:36 Power of environment

    26:19 Visualizing & setting boundaries

    31:57 Forgetting the “how” & taking action

    37:32 Your action item & outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Francesca Brunsden

    francescabrunsden.com

    Instagram: @francesca_brunsden

    Diary of a Relaxed Woman: A Daily Journal Practice

    amazon.ca/Diary-Relaxed-Woman-Journal-Practice/dp/B0DH3S3D6Q

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • Newsflash: “busy” is NOT the badge of honour people think it is. If you’re sick of the grind and want to stop overcomplicating EVERYTHING, this episode of Marketing Sucks is for you. My guest is the fabulous Erin Binns, a multi-million-dollar real estate mogul turned bad-ass business consultant who runs the brilliant workshop The Simplicity Shift.

    Our conversation explores the different ways we make things harder on ourselves for no reason — and how to break through the BS that keeps us stressed. Tune in to learn how to let go of the pesky perfectionism that keeps you doing more than you have to, navigate the gendered energies of task division, exercise more control over your calendar, and manage client expectations, so you can simplify your life and focus on what really matters.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    Why we need to reject martyrdom and start asking for the help we need The trick to giving constructive feedback without making it weird How to build genuinely incredible client relationships (and throw killer events!)

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Erin Binns helps service-based businesses and corporations simplify operations, elevate client experiences, and create more meaningful connections. Her signature workshop, The Simplicity Shift, empowers busy professionals to streamline their schedules, creating valuable space in their calendars to focus on what truly matters. She has a unique gift for turning ideas into actionable, successful projects. If you’ve been struggling to bring a vision to life, Erin will help you break through, transforming your ambitions into reality.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    01:40 Meet Erin Binns

    03:00 From hotel sales to consulting

    06:41 Speaking on stage

    08:55 “Busy as a badge of honour”

    11:54 Rejecting martyrdom

    15:51 Self-awareness & feedback

    17:41 The Simplicity Shift

    23:25 Setting expectations

    27:50 Prioritizing the right things

    29:59 Building client relationships

    34:14 Gather Society

    37:59 Hosting an outstanding event

    45:31 Your action item

    47:33 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Erin Binns

    erinbinns.com

    Instagram: @erinbinns

    Gather Society

    gathersociety.ca

    Simplicity Shift Checklist

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • While this episode of Marketing Sucks is dedicated to mompreneurs, it’s packed with expert tips that will help any entrepreneur reduce the overwhelm and find energetic balance in their business. My guest is Certified Health Coach and bestselling author Chernell Bartholomew. Since experiencing burnout 9 years ago, Chernell has been on a mission to shift the focus in health from vanity to intentional energy, so you can feel connected to yourself and not crash every day at 1 pm.

    Our conversation dives DEEP into energy management and stress reduction. Tune in as we get real about the expectations of mompreneurship, the rise of crappy wellness trends (and what ACTUALLY works), and how to change the internal stories that keep you stressed out and guilty.

    BONUS: Chernell delivers a fabulous guided energy session that will connect you to your body and leave you feeling more grounded!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How guilt builds up in the body (and how to start releasing it) The most valuable lesson that Chernell teaches clients — and how to implement itThe big a-ha! moment that led her to launch her business

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Chernell is a Certified Health Coach, award-winning Registered Massage Therapist, speaker, and two-time bestselling author. She is a wife, mom of 3, and the founder of the Energized Mom Method, her signature program where she moves moms and female entrepreneurs from burnout to next-level energy with ease.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    04:03 Meet Chernell Bartholomew

    07:06 Guided energy session

    10:30 Why she launched her business

    12:39 Releasing guilt & asking for help

    15:17 Energy management tips

    17:22 Changing the story

    22:07 Being intentional with time

    27:41 Diet trends

    32:30 Having more fun

    35:23 Crafting story

    38:56 Chernell’s evolution

    42:54 Tetris & knowing your power

    47:19 Putting woo-woo into action

    48:23 Your action item

    50:33 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Chernell Bartholomew

    vitalitymvmt.com/energized-mom-method

    Instagram: @chernell.energycoach

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • In an economy where huge corporations rake in record profits as everyday people struggle, shopping small and local wherever you can is the right move. In this episode of Marketing Sucks, I sit down with Megan Munro, owner of the incredible purpose-driven retail boutique Caribou Gifts. The cool thing about Caribou Gifts is that Megan sources most of her goods from small businesses owned by Canadians, women, and POC, so you can feel great about your shopping choices when picking up baskets of goodies.

    During this conversation, we discuss Megan’s journey from online-only to brick-and-mortar, map out her curation process, dig into why Q4 is such a crucial time for small business owners, and clear up some common misconceptions about small retail businesses (including the myth that they’re always more expensive)!

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    The mindset trick that helped Megan kickstart some major business growth spurts The impacts that shopping small and local can have on your wider communityHow to discover (and support) your new favourite small businesses

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Guest bio: Megan Munro is a results-oriented, experienced leader, team builder, and entrepreneur at heart. She is the founder, owner, and CEO of Caribou Gifts, a retail store offering customized and unique gifts and gift baskets for all ages. Megan infuses her values and experience into Caribou Gifts by prioritizing the customer experience and focusing on supplier diversity, ensuring that at least 75% of their suppliers are Canadian, 50% are women-owned, and 25% are minority-owned.

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Meet Megan Munro

    02:13 Launching Caribou Gifts

    03:54 Going brick-and-mortar

    07:32 Why support small businesses?

    11:53 Misconceptions about shopping small

    14:42 Curation process

    19:14 Customer experience

    23:20 Wholesale tips
    27:09 Supporting small businesses

    29:34 Your action item & outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    Megan Munro

    caribougifts.ca

    Instagram: @caribougifts

    Let's Get Your Products Sold with Heather Hird

    marketingsucks.buzzsprout.com/2296686/episodes/14638712-let-s-get-your-products-sold-with-heather-hird

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • It’s shockingly easy to miss the mark in your content and messaging. If you’re always triggering people’s FOMO, they’ll eventually stop paying attention. Lean too hard on your analytics, and you won’t create an emotional hook. The best marketing plan offers your audience a holistic experience - one that grabs attention no matter where they are in the customer journey. Because if you’re not meeting your audience where they’re at, you aren’t giving them what they need from you in order to feel good about pulling out their credit card.

    This short and sweet solo episode of Marketing Sucks is packed with juicy psychological insights that’ll help you make more sales without feeling sleazy. Listen now to discover the three key areas in the brain responsible for decision-making - and the science-backed marketing techniques that will help you appeal to each.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    How to layer different marketing messages to keep your sales steady over timeHow to balance storytelling with analytics and data-based selling How to trigger a sense of urgency while creating a feeling of safety

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:11 Intro

    01:49 Layering messages

    03:15 Neocortex

    04:47 Limbic system

    06:39 Reptilian brain

    08:43 Creating a holistic experience

    10:43 Your action item

    11:42 Outro

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency

  • “Going viral” is held up as a major accomplishment in the online world. With every post, we hope to grow our audience and thought leadership. But while getting new eyes on your content can be a big win, losing ALL control over your exposure and audience definitely has a downside. This became all too clear to me last month after one of my Reels went viral… and wound up pissing off a ton of men. Oops.

    Let’s be real - there are a lot of jerks out there quick to share their unwelcome opinions, and being attacked for a viral post isn’t pleasant. The endless notifications and negativity can be overwhelming, but there are things you can do to make it more manageable. Tune in as I share the fallout from my viral moment, how I reacted to it, and what the experience taught me.

    Marketing sucks. Let’s learn together. Hit play to discover:‌ ‌

    What you can do if your post is flooded with unwelcome comments and opinionsWhen to give yourself permission to stop engaging on your postHow to pick out (and block) the new followers you DON’T want

    Please rate, review, and subscribe!

    Timestamps:‌ ‌

    00:12 Intro

    00:53 The Reel

    05:13 The response

    07:28 Responding to comments

    08:43 Handling negativity

    10:51 Pruning your audience

    12:07 Value over virality

    13:17 Prepare for the unexpected & leverage the moment

    14:24 Outro

    Links mentioned:‌ ‌

    The infamous Reel

    instagram.com/reel/DBOPm3UJXku

    📱 Looking for content creation & social strategies that drive REAL results? Visit grindsocialmedia.com.

    🤝 Book your free discovery call: calendly.com/grindsocial/discoverycall

    Get social

    Instagram: @grindsocialmedia

    Facebook: facebook.com/GRINDSOCIALMEDIA

    📢 I’d love it if you’d share this episode and tag me!

    Podcasting support

    Production: theultimatecreative.com

    Show notes: copymagic.agency