The Marketing Misfits

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, we break down why podcasting is becoming one of the most powerful trust-building tools in the age of AI and how brands can use it to stand out instead of blending into AI sameness. Our guest Eric Ryan went from LinkedIn Live to a cable TV show, built a 19-person podcast production team, and developed a framework for becoming “niche famous” so clients come to you. We dig into: • Why most podcasts die after 7 episodes • How to turn a podcast into a client-acquisition machine • Why you must be omnipresent to win in 2025 • How AI is destroying bad content and elevating real voices • The exact formats, lengths, and clip strategies that perform best • Why “don’t be gentle with your list” is the most important marketing advice you’ll hear • The truth about going viral on TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube Shorts • How to become niche-famous (not Joe Rogan famous) and still print money • The #1 thing that separates successful podcasters from quitters If you're building a personal brand, running an agency, launching a show, or trying to build authority online, this episode gives you the playbook. Timestamps 00:00 Why Eric Started a Podcast to Get Clients 01:52 Why Most Creators Fail at Email + Podcasting 03:10 Competing With the Entire Internet (Not Your Industry) 05:12 “Podcasting Makes You Famous” 07:44 Becoming Niche Famous 09:20 How Eric’s LinkedIn Show Led to Cable TV 12:52 Land High-Value Clients 15:31 Editing + Distribution 17:44 Authority vs. Views 21:40 Why TikTok Is Beating Every Platform 24:20 Holding Creators Back 26:10 Being Actually Interesting 28:30 Why Most Interviews Are Terrible 32:18 Building a Multi-Platform Content Engine 35:44 Consistency vs. Perfection 38:05 How Long Should a Podcast Really Be? 41:22 Cutting Content Into Clips That Actually Perform 44:58 Managing Expectations: What “Success” Really Looks Like 49:10 The Hidden Work Nobody Talks About 53:12 The One Strategy Eric Says Will Make You Stand Out 56:40 Should Everyone Start a Podcast in 2025? 59:02 Final Takeaway: Be Different or Be Invisible This episode is brought to you by: - Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/misfits - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfitsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kian Golzari, a sourcing and product development expert, dives into the intricacies of global supply chains and tariffs. He shares thrilling tales of sourcing 24k gold iPhones for football stars and reveals his insider tips for legally cutting costs on tariffs. Kian emphasizes the crucial 'China +1' manufacturing strategy and warns about common pitfalls that Kickstarter creators face. Plus, learn why entrepreneurs are flocking to Dubai for tax benefits and safety, making it a hotspot for innovative business ventures.

Join Marley Jaxx, a YouTube strategist and filmmaker known for her viral wedding ticket stunt, as she dives into the secrets of captivating videos. She reveals the power of hooks and open loops to retain viewers and shares her journey from dental hygienist to YouTube creator. Marley discusses her groundbreaking ticketed wedding event, highlighting community building and the importance of authenticity over perfection. Learn how to thrive amidst trolls and navigate the evolving landscape of online content!

Lutz Finger, an AI expert and Cornell faculty, dives into the rapid evolution of e-commerce and branding due to AI. He warns that relying on Amazon can lead brands to extinction and unveils 'Generative Engine Optimization' as the future of ranking in search results. Lutz discusses the pitfalls of AI-generated content and emphasizes the importance of building real human communities for marketing success. He also sheds light on the transformative impact of OpenAI’s partnership with Walmart and advises brands on essential strategies to remain competitive.

Mike Jackness, a former e-commerce titan and now the creator of Desert Degens, dives into his surprising transition to a YouTube gambling channel. He explains why he sold his Amazon brands, predicting future market challenges. Listeners learn about his innovative content strategy, including daily videos and engaging fans, particularly women over 50 who drive views. Jackness reveals how to effectively monetize through YouTube RPMs, merchandise, and sponsorships, while emphasizing the importance of owning your audience for sustainable growth.

Peter Kostandenou, a tech entrepreneur and founder of Mopro, shares his wild journey from flipping PlayStations to building AI-driven marketing tools. He discusses how his accidental TikTok fame as a sleeping DJ boosted his brand, alongside scaling Hostopia from $3M to $60M. Peter explains why real reviews are vital for local businesses, introduces the concept of Generative Engine Optimization for future SEO, and reveals strategies for managing online reputation. His insights into the evolving landscape of small business marketing and AI readiness are must-hears for entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Marketing Misfits, documentary filmmaker and storytelling expert Rain Bennett joins Norm Farrar and Kevin King to unpack why authentic storytelling is more valuable than ever. With AI flooding content channels, your voice and human emotion are what set your brand apart. Rain shares: - The power of short-form storytelling (and what a 6-second story actually looks like) - Why over-leveraging AI will make your brand blend in - How storytelling builds trust, connection, and conversions - Frameworks to write more compelling brand stories - Real examples from marketing, newsletters, and public speaking - The truth about AI-generated content and how to use it right Whether you're launching an e-commerce brand, growing your newsletter, building a personal brand, or pitching on stage , storytelling is the skill that cuts through the noise. ⚠️ Don’t let AI strip your voice away. Learn how to inject your story back into your content strategy today. 📘 Guest: Rain Bennett - Author of Six Second Stories - Host of The Storytelling Lab Podcast - Creator of award-winning documentaries Learn more: rainbennett.com 🎧 Listen. Learn. Misfit. Chapter 00:00 The Power of Storytelling in the AI Era 00:49 Introduction to Marketing Misfits 00:55 Kevin's College Football Anecdote 02:34 The Role of Storytelling in Marketing 03:13 Introducing Rain Bennett 04:55 Rain Bennett's Journey into Storytelling09:00 The Evolution of Documentary Filmmaking 11:13 The Importance of Human Touch in Storytelling 16:12 The Art of Engaging Storytelling 30:48 The Six-Second Story Concept 36:42 Brand Storytelling and Authenticity 38:04 Serial vs. Episodic Shows 38:20 The Art of Storytelling in Branding 39:46 The Importance of Origin Stories 40:33 Storytelling for the Audience 44:19 The Ice Cream Anecdote 46:54 Effective Storytelling Techniques 56:01 Engaging Your Audience with Stories 59:27 The Power of Practice This episode is brought to you by: - Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/misfits - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfitsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Is retail really dead? In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King sit down with three powerhouse guests who prove otherwise, Doug Harding from Wholesaleretaildistribution.com , Kirk Hyust from Turbo Trusser (a Shark Tank deal with Kevin O’Leary), and GC Brown, founder of UpCup Koffee, a fast-growing functional mushroom coffee brand. You’ll hear how these brands are cracking into Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, QVC, and big-box retail, even in a world dominated by Amazon. From the truth about what retailers actually want to surprising insights about shelf space, product packaging, and the growing role of AI in retail decisions, this episode is packed with must-know info. 🚨 You’ll learn: - Why 90% of purchases still happen offline - How Kevin O’Leary helped close a deal the same day it aired on Shark Tank - What mushroom coffee brands must do to survive retail - How a single $50K PR mistake nearly sunk a startup - The power of predictive buying and how AI is changing retail strategy forever - Why most Amazon sellers are NOT ready for retail—and how to fix that - How to actually build brand equity off Amazon The mindset shift every seller needs to go from ecom to retail Whether you’re an Amazon seller, brand owner, or product inventor looking to scale into physical stores, this episode is your wake-up call. Retail isn’t dead—it’s just evolved. 📍 Want to go from Amazon to big-box retail? Learn what works, what doesn’t, and who can actually help you get on shelves. Timestamps 00:00 Is Retail Dead? 01:43 Retail vs. E-commerce 03:14 Introducing the Guests 04:27 State of Retail Today 06:44 The Turbo Trusser Story 08:00 UPC Cup Coffee Journey 13:48 Marketing Strategies for Retail 24:47 Shark Tank Experience 35:07 Building an Audience 39:36 Social Media and Influencer Marketing 41:03 Financing Challenges for Small Brands 47:09 Kevin O'Leary's Involvement Post-Shark Tank 59:00 Retail Trends and AI 01:09:09 The Value of Patience in Business This episode is brought to you by: - Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/misfits - House of AMZ: Elevate your brand today at https://www.amazonseo.com/ - 8fig: Get 25% off 8fig off at https://8fig.co - Stack Influence: Use code MISFITS for 10% off at https://stackinfluence.com/ - Levanta: Get 20% off Levanta's gold plan and book your call today - https://get.levanta.io/misfitsHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Kim Dang, an entrepreneur known for her diverse ventures including a wrecking yard and the Chrome extension GroupConvert, shares her journey from e-commerce to SaaS. She talks about how she transformed repetitive Facebook group onboarding questions into a lucrative tool, and reveals her strategies for automating operations while traveling the world. With insights on community building, high-ticket funnels, and the significance of hiring integrators, Kim’s energetic storytelling inspires both seasoned entrepreneurs and newbies alike.

Join branding consultant Jesse Wroblewski, author of *Marketing for Supervillains*, as he uncovers the secrets behind breaking free from boring brands. Learn how to create iconic offers and emotional connections that resonate with consumers. Jesse discusses his 12 Differentiation Planets framework, revealing how brands like Liquid Death and Metallica's Blackened Whiskey use unique packaging and storytelling to stand out. Discover why less audience can mean more brand loyalty and how humor can lower barriers to engagement.