
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

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

Jan 30, 2025 • 53min
Episode 34: Bobby & Jasmine Johnson - Love, Growth, & The Undiet Method
Meet Bobby and Jasmine Johnson, whose fairy-tale romance blossomed on Love is Blind UK into a powerful partnership in life and business. Their journey from reality TV contestants to successful entrepreneurs showcases how authentic connections can transform into meaningful impact.In this episode, we explore their journey from reality TV to purposeful influence, as they share insights on building their wellness empire, 'The Undiet Method'. The couple opens up about maintaining relationship strength amid external pressures, developing consistent habits for success, and how their complementary strengths drive their coaching business. Discover how they've turned their love story into a platform for helping others achieve personal transformation across Europe and North America.Follow Bobby and Jasmine on Instagram @bobby_johnson & @thejaycee_

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Episode 33: Brett Brown - From Self-Taught Designer to Nike Innovator
This week, Brett Brown, a self-taught design genius and Nike's design director, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, to reality TV fame on 'Love is Blind.' He talks about trusting creative instincts and the transformative LinkedIn post that changed his life. Brett also dives into navigating self-discovery and brand identity, reflecting on the balance between personal goals and parenthood. Plus, he discusses the evolving landscape of financial management for creators, offering valuable insights for anyone in the game.

Jan 8, 2025 • 57min
Episode 32: Sara Pollack - How Pinterest Predicts Trends
Join us this week as we sit down with Sara Pollack, VP and Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Pinterest. With impressive career-spanning roles at Google, YouTube, and Pinterest, Sara has been at the forefront of social media’s evolution and its impact on society.In this episode, we dive into Sara’s journey from creative film executive to marketing leader at some of the world’s most influential companies. We dig into the story behind Pinterest Predicts, the platform’s data-driven trends report, and get an exclusive preview of what’s in store for 2025. Plus, Sara shares how Pinterest connects creators, brands, and audiences to fuel the creator economy. Follow Sara on LinkedIn @sarapollack

Dec 18, 2024 • 53min
Episode 31: Gabby Beckford - Packing Light, Living Large
Meet Gabby Beckford, a dynamic content creator who transformed her background in data quality engineering into a thriving social media career. With over 500k followers across her platforms and features in publications like the New York Times and National Geographic, Gabby is redefining what it means to be a modern creator.In this episode, we explore Gabby's remarkable journey from writing $10 blog posts to becoming the 2024 ADColor Creator of the Year. She shares insights on overcoming travel fears and building confidence through self-reassurance. Discover how Gabby leverages her unique blend of technical expertise and creative storytelling to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a life of adventure.Follow Gabby on Instagram @PacksLight
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.