Creator Economy Live

Send us a textCreator Economy Live is back with Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan, and this week we’re joined by Jack Westercamp — one half of Breaking & Entering, the media duo the ad industry can’t stop obsessing over. From Georgina Cox vs. Sweaty Betty, to Timothée Chalamet’s viral parody marketing video, to Facebook’s new creator protection tools and TikTok’s AI slider, we’re breaking down the biggest creator economy stories of the week before diving into Jack’s rise, impact, and what’s next for B&E. Plus: our COW/BOW picks, the trends catching our eye, and all the must-know moments shaping the future of the creator space.

Send us a textWant these insights and more in person? Join us in Las Vegas, January 13 - 14 2026 for Creator Economy Live West and use code CELPOD20 at checkout!Episode 76 of Creator Economy Live dives deep into the future of content with Sean Atkins, CEO of Dhar Mann Studios and a veteran of MTV, HBO, Discovery, Jellysmack, Disney, and more. Sean shares why he shifted from traditional media to creator-driven companies, how DMS built its 125,000 sq. ft. production powerhouse in Los Angeles, and what purpose-driven storytelling looks like at scale.Keith and Brendan also unpack the week’s biggest creator economy headlines — from TikTok Shop’s staggering $19B quarter and Instagram’s new competitor insights, to Facebook Groups opening up and the rise of influencer requests at Make-A-Wish.You’ll learn: • Why creators now rival major studios in reach and cultural impact • What brands still misunderstand about YouTube sponsorships • How Sean structures priorities between content, community, and growth • What the business model looks like behind the world’s largest digital scripted studio • And the creator/brand picks of the week, including SoFi, Whoop, and rising creators shaking up the industryIf you’re building, scaling, or partnering in the creator economy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Send us a textMastercard’s Priceless campaign has stood the test of time — but how does a legacy brand stay culturally relevant in a world ruled by creators and constant change?This week, Keith and Brendan chat with Cheryl Guerin, EVP of Brand Strategy & Innovation at Mastercard, who’s been with the brand for more than two decades and knows what it takes to evolve without losing your core. Cheryl shares how Mastercard is embracing creator partnerships, why influencer marketing deserves more strategic attention, and what marketers can learn from Mastercard’s blend of innovation and consistency.You’ll also hear her take on cultural moments, creative risk-taking, and the brand’s cutting-edge Artist Accelerator Program.Before diving in, the hosts catch up on the latest creator economy headlines — including Adobe’s new AI tools, ShopMy’s massive valuation, and the first-ever academic center for the creator economy at Syracuse University.

Send us a textCreator Economy Live West is taking place 13 - 14 January 2026! Use code POD20 for 20% off your ticket price.Join Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan for another episode of Creator Economy Live as they sit down with Ashwinn Krishnaswamy — Brand Expert, Partner at Forge Design, and content creator known for his smart takes on branding and business across TikTok and Instagram. Ashwinn shares his journey from agency life to social stardom, how he balances brand partnerships with running Forge, and what he’s learned about building brands that truly resonate online. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Creator Economy Live, Keith and Brendan sit down with Tom Goodwin, author of Digital Darwinism and founder of All We Have Is Now, to explore the shifting balance between creativity and performance in modern marketing. Tom shares his take on how technology and creator culture are redefining the industry, why marketers lost sight of creativity, and what’s next for brands navigating the fast-changing landscape of content, AI, and consumer expectations.

Send us a textKeith and Brendan sit down for an iconic conversation with actress Jaimie Alexandar to discuss her journey from actress to creator, how she uses her social platforms to encourage positive change in her community, and how the depth within influencer marketing expands past sharing the latest lipstick.

Send us a textKeith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with Jennifer Brown, who has spent the past 6+ years leading influencer marketing and talent partnerships at fashion giant SHEIN. Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how SHEIN built one of the world’s most powerful creator-driven growth engines, the evolving role of short-form video, and how shopping behavior is shifting in a social-first era.

Send us a textFor our 70th episode milestone, we’re joined by long-time friend and branded content pioneer Zach Blume, Co-Founder of Portal A. From the early days of viral YouTube hits to partnering with Jimmy Kimmel’s Wheelhouse Entertainment, Zach has spent 15+ years at the intersection of tech, entertainment, and influencer marketing. We dive into the evolution of “viral,” the highs and lows of YouTube Rewind, and how branded content has matured into today’s creator-driven economy. Plus, we break down the latest news—from creator tours outselling expectations to whether Bilt’s “Roomies” is genius or a flop.

Send us a textLive from New York at Creator Economy Live, hosts Keith Bendes and Brendan Gahan sit down with Bodyarmor’s VP of Communications, Danielle Hughes, and Dude Perfect’s Chief Brand Officer, Chad Coleman, to unpack one of the most buzzed-about brand–creator collaborations in recent years. From limited-edition sports drink flavors to “always on” integrations, they reveal how this partnership started, evolved, and drove measurable results—plus the secrets to building a brand–creator collab that truly wins fans.

Sam Parr, co-host of My First Million and founder of Hampton, shares his journey from a college hot dog stand to fostering robust communities for creators. He dives into topics like the importance of authenticity in marketing, the challenges and triumphs of the newsletter landscape, and the evolving role of influencers in digital spaces. Parr highlights the strategies of standout creators like MrBeast, debates TikTok's uncertain future, and discusses the importance of community over traditional influencer tactics in today's creator economy.