
Beyond Influence
Beyond Influence is hosted by Kwame Appiah, a content creator and member of the Netflix show Love is Blind, and Scott Sutton, CEO of Later, a leading social media management and influencer marketing app with 500K+ users. We’re diving into the future of social and why influencer marketing is at the center of it all. Hear from the industry’s best creators & brand marketers about their personal and professional journeys. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the ins and outs of influencer marketing, including industry secrets and expert advice.Whether you’re a fan, an aspiring influencer, a social content creator, or run influencer campaigns for a brand — this podcast is for you.
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2025 • 48min
Episode 44: Vin Matano - Building in Public, Leading by Example
Vin Matano made his mark in tech sales—then turned his expertise into a personal brand that now powers his own business. As a leading B2B creator, Vin shares why LinkedIn is the most underrated platform, what the Cannes Lions festival revealed about the future of influencer marketing, and how creators can stay focused while building multiple income streams. Follow Vin on Instagram @vinmatano and LinkedIn @Vin Matano

Jun 5, 2025 • 58min
Episode 43: Justin Glaze - Betting on Community, Not Clout
Justin Glaze first rose to fame on season 17 of “The Bachelorette," but reality TV was just the launchpad. Since then, he’s carved out a space as a creator, artist, and now, founder of Love Potion—a canned espresso martini brand born from personal obsession. In this episode, Justin shares how he rebuilt his audience with intention, the value of losing followers to gain real connection, and why betting on yourself (and your tastebuds) is always worth it. Follow Justin on Instagram @justinglaze

May 21, 2025 • 56min
Episode 42: Coco Mocoe - Cracking the Code of Influence
Coco Mocoe, a content creator and marketing strategist with over 1.1 million TikTok followers, shares her journey from working at Famous Names to becoming a thought leader in the creator economy. She discusses how to capture brand attention and the realities of creator compensation. Coco emphasizes the need for authenticity and community engagement while exploring the dynamics of brand partnerships. She also reflects on seizing career opportunities and the shift towards meaningful engagement over mere complaints in today’s social media landscape.

May 7, 2025 • 47min
Episode 41: Chris Allen - Building a Brand, Living Unfiltered
Meet Chris Allen, startup founder and cast member of Netflix’s “Million Dollar Secret.” Before stepping into reality TV, Chris co-founded Osena, the world’s first zero-sugar spiked coconut water cocktail. Navigating the ultra-competitive beverage industry gave him a front-row seat to the mental and emotional challenges of chasing success—an experience that prepared him for the world of “Million Dollar Secret.”In this episode, Chris shares what reality TV taught him about quiet confidence, how he built resilience through the pressure of public competition, and why staying grounded matters most when you're building something that matters. Follow Chris on Instagram @callennd

Apr 23, 2025 • 59min
Episode 40: Nick Kosir - From Cloudy Skies to Viral Highs
From rapping forecasts to viral dance videos, Nick Kosir has built a career that blends entertainment with meteorology—and made waves far beyond the weather map. Known as “The Dancing Weatherman,” Nick’s creative content has earned him over 9 million TikTok followers and a spot in pop culture history, with a video featured in Lil Nas X’s opening at the 2019 MTV VMAs.In this episode, Nick shares how a social media requirement early in his career sparked his passion for content creation, the journey from rapping weather reports to national recognition, and how getting sober has reshaped his life and priorities. Plus, he turns the tables with some burning questions of his own about “Love is Blind.” Follow Nick on Instagram @nickkosir

Apr 9, 2025 • 58min
Episode 39: Maha Abouelenein - Beyond the Pitch
Maha Abouelenein is a personal branding expert, CEO of Digital and Savvy, and bestselling author of “7 Rules of Self-Reliance.” With three decades of experience, she’s advised major brands like Google, Netflix, and Careem and played a key role in Egypt’s largest IPO. Recognized as one of Dubai’s most influential women and a Forbes Power Woman of the Middle East, she’s a trailblazer in global communications.In this episode, Maha shares why trust is the most valuable currency in business, how to build authentic connections beyond the pitch, and the power of effective communication. Plus, she reveals the surprising networking advantages of events like the Super Bowl and why resilience—not circumstances—defines success.Follow Maha on Instagram @mahagaber

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 8min
Episode 38: Daniel and Taylor Hastings - Navigating Love and Fame Together
Meet Daniel and Taylor, the latest success story from Netflix’s “Love Is Blind.” Taylor, a GI nurse, and Daniel, a sales account executive, bonded over shared values, a love of Christmas, and a leap of faith—becoming the only couple to marry from their season. Now living in Minneapolis, they’re navigating newlywed life, sudden fame, and the balance between careers and social media influence.In this episode, Daniel and Taylor open up about life after reality TV, and how both of their mothers’ battles with cancer shaped their perspectives on health and resilience. They share why regular check-ups are a non-negotiable in their family—and how love, commitment, and perspective help them stay grounded in their new chapter.Follow Daniel and Taylor on Instagram @danielhastings_ and @t.haags

Mar 12, 2025 • 48min
Episode 37: Zaina Sesay - Strength, Reinvention, & Embracing the Unexpected
Meet Zaina, a content creator and entrepreneur with a passion for fitness, wellness, and self-care. She shares her journey of personal transformation, from building a thriving creator community to finding resilience after heartbreak.In this episode, Zaina opens up about her public breakup after season 3 of “The Ultimatum,” the power of releasing negative energy, and why tough moments often lead to what’s truly meant for us. Plus, she shares how Snapchat’s creator program became a game-changer for her career—and why it’s the best platform for new creators right now.Follow Zaina on Instagram @zayxclusive

Feb 26, 2025 • 51min
Episode 36: Yanina Oyarzo - Building a Brand with Love, Light, & Confidence
Meet Yanina Oyarzo, a Venezuelan-American powerhouse who's made her mark as a host, producer, brand consultant, and model. From partnering with global giants like Adidas and Uber to creating impactful content for women, Yanina's journey embodies the power of believing in yourself.In this episode, Yanina opens up about the art of resourcefulness, the importance of embracing your culture, and why stepping back to refuel is crucial for long-term success. Follow Yanina on Instagram @yanina_oyarzo

Feb 13, 2025 • 51min
Episode 35: Rudi Riekstins - Unlocking Authentic Power
Join us for a conversation with Rudi Riekstins, entrepreneur and transformational coach whose work has influenced leaders from startup founders to billionaire CEOs. Recognized as a top coach by Thrive Global and honored by Business Insider as a Top 20 Thought Leader in 2021, Rudi brings over two decades of expertise as co-founder of InPower University and the InPowered Life Podcast.In this episode, Rudi shares insights on how past challenges become bridges of connection, the journey of releasing unconscious fears, and why creating meaningful impact with a focused audience trumps surface-level reach. Follow Rudi on Instagram @rudiriekstins