Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

Send us Fan Mail Beyond the Business Card: Strategic Networking with Mike Ryan | Coffee N5 In Episode 247 of Coffee N5, Lara Schmoisman chats with Mike Ryan, a true master of professional relationships and a veteran of the PR and marketing industry. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of professional relationship building, the critical importance of "showing up," and how Mike has successfully navigated the digital revolution from the days of hand-typed press releases to creating premium, high-tech unboxing experiences for global brands. Key Topics Covered: The Philosophy of Showing Up:Networking vs. Strategic Partnering:The Evolution of the Industry:The Art of the Unboxing Experience:Reputation as Your Only Contract: About Mike Ryan: Mike Ryan is a seasoned expert in networking and business development with nearly four decades of experience in the communications and fulfillment space. Known as a "Chief Networking Officer" in spirit, Mike has built his career on the principles of loyalty, adaptability, and the power of a handshake. He is a prominent figure in the beauty, fashion, and wellness circles and is the host of the podcast Minutes with Mike. 🔗 Stay Connected with The DARL: 📸 Instagram: / thedarlagency 👍 Facebook: / thedarlagency 💼 LinkedIn: / about 🐦 X: https://x.com/thedarlagency 🌐 Website: https://thedarl.com/ 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on marketing, branding, and career growth! #NetworkingSuccess #CoffeeN5Podcast #MikeRyan #BusinessStrategy #UnboxingExperience #BusinessEvolution #LaraSchmoisman #TheDarlAgency #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalGrowth Support the show

Send a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Sara Jensen—serial entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace—to explore hormone health, preventative wellness, chemical exposure, and the rise of community-driven commerce. We'll talk about: How 14 years of infertility reshaped Sara’s understanding of hormone healthThe hidden impact of hormone-disrupting chemicals in skincare, haircare, and home productsWhy “clean beauty” lacks a clear definition—and what real preventative wellness requiresThe power of simplifying routines to reduce overwhelm and drive complianceWhy detoxification should be gentle, daily, and sustainableFor more information, visit Sara's LinkedIn and Instagram Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge—physician, longevity researcher, co-founder of Beekman 1802, and co-author of Goat Wisdom—to explore the science of longevity, microbiome innovation, and why kindness is a powerful long-term business strategy. We'll talk about: Why extreme longevity is influenced more by optimism and social connection than by geneticsHow the “anti-aging” narrative became a fear-based marketing constructWhy longevity starts at birth—not at 40The science behind goat milk, skin pH, and microbiome balanceHow exosomes and oligosaccharides support skin ecosystem healthFor more information, visit Brent's LinkedIn and Instagram Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show Support the show

Send a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Bora Mutluoglu, co-founder of Reacher and Y Combinator alum, to break down the reality of social commerce. Using TikTok Shop as a case study, they explore automation, affiliate strategy, creator relationships, and how AI-generated content is reshaping sustainable growth. We'll talk about: Why the “easy sales” narrative around TikTok Shop is misleadingHow social commerce is maturing into a performance-driven ecosystemWhy automation tools don’t replace relationship building with creatorsThe myth of follower count and what actually drives visibility todayWhen large influencers make sense—and when they don’t For more information, visit Bora's LinkedIn and Instagram Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Amina AlTai—holistic business and career coach, proud immigrant, chronic illness advocate, host of the Amina Change Your Life podcast, and author of The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living—to explore the psychology of ambition. From burnout and hustle culture to core wounds, systemic pressure, and sustainable growth, this conversation reframes ambition as alignment, awareness, and purpose—not endless striving. We'll talk about: Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone functionThe myth of “just PR” and why siloed teams break brand momentumInfluencer ROI realities: affiliates, attribution, and what actually convertsLaunch events: when they work, when they don’t, and why most failPR + AI: authority, citations, and why human voice still mattersFor more information, visit Amina's LinkedIn and Instagram Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send a text In this episode of Coffee Nº5, I sit down with Jennifer Bickerton and Lauren Kahn, Co-Founders of Intersection PR, to unpack the real state of PR in 2026—without buzzwords and without nostalgia. PR is no longer about isolated placements or one-off moments. It’s about ecosystems. Marketing, digital, retail, Amazon, influencers, AI, and brand narrative now live in the same room whether brands like it or not. If one piece breaks, momentum breaks. We talk about what brands consistently misunderstand: influencer ROI, launch events that don’t move the needle, why “just PR” doesn’t exist anymore, and why communication across teams is now non-negotiable. We also dive into how AI is reshaping authority, discovery, and credibility—making long-term PR maintenance more important than ever. This episode is a grounded, honest look at PR as it actually works today—and why partnership, clarity, and integration matter more than hype. We'll talk about: Why PR in 2026 is an ecosystem—not a standalone functionThe myth of “just PR” and why siloed teams break brand momentumInfluencer ROI realities: affiliates, attribution, and what actually convertsLaunch events: when they work, when they don’t, and why most failPR + AI: authority, citations, and why human voice still matters For more information, visit Lauren's LinkedIn and Instagram and Jennifer's LinkedIn and Instagram Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, I sit down with Laura Meyer—Founder & CEO of Envision Horizons and former Amazon insider—to break down why Amazon isn’t “just another sales channel.” We unpack what actually drives revenue on Amazon, the biggest distractions brands fall for, and how to build a profitable, defensible Amazon strategy without burning cash or losing brand identity. We'll talk about: Why Amazon is not “just another channel,” but a full ecosystem with its own laws.The biggest distraction brands waste money on (hint: it’s the storefront).The truth about Amazon PPC, DSP, and knowing your point of diminishing returns.How AI can help Amazon creative—and where it risks killing brand identity.What causes suspensions, red flags, and “Amazon horror stories”—and how to manage them. LinkedInInstagram. Subscribe @laraschmoisman @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, I sit down with Kat, Founder of Ground AI, to dismantle the myth of the linear career. We go from Hollywood sets to building revenue engines, getting real about why the traditional funnel is broken and how to use data to build actual momentum—not just noise. We'll talk about: Why the "straight line" career is a myth—and a trap.The reality of the "Broken Funnel" and why you can't track ROI the old way.Why being an early adopter (like Kat on YouTube in 2006) pays off.The difference between AI hype and AI that actually drives revenue.Why retention beats ROAS every single time.Knowing when your brand is actually ready for automation (hint: you need a baseline).For more information, visit Kat Garcia's LinkedIn and Instagram. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show Support the show

Send us a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, I sit down with Allison McNamara, Founder and CEO of MARA Beauty, to explore the non-linear path from media to building a science-backed skincare brand. A grounded conversation about discipline, focus, and earning clarity over time. We'll talk about: Why non-linear careers often lead to stronger foundersBuilding a science-backed brand without shortcutsHow discipline shapes product and growth decisionsThe reality behind scaling and retail expansionWhy focus matters more than speedWhen brand clarity finally clicks For more information, visit Allison McNamara's LinkedIn and Instagram. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In this Coffee Nº5 episode, Lara Schmoisman sits down with Aaron Alpeter, founder of Izba, Sourcify, and Slotted, to break down the operational reality of scaling product-based businesses. From cash flow and supplier negotiations to packaging costs and operational flexibility, this episode explains why supply chain is a core growth driver—not a backend detail. We'll talk about: What supply chain really is—and why it directly impacts your ability to scaleWhy cash flow and unit economics matter more than fundraisingHow to negotiate with suppliers and use payment terms as a growth leverThe hidden costs of packaging, shipping, and storageWhy flexibility and strong relationships matter more than optimization For more information, visit Aaron Alpeter's LinkedIn and Instagram. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Laurel Mintz, Founder & GP of Fabric VC and CEO of Elevate My Brand, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to demystify venture capital for founders. From bootstrapping vs. raising money and what VCs really look for in pitch decks, to the truth about AI hype and why communication trumps clever branding—this episode breaks down how real funding decisions are made in today’s market. We'll talk about: Why most founders say they’ll bootstrap… until they realize you can’t scale without marketing—or money.What VCs see in thousands of pitch decks — and why short, simple decks win.Why founders must know their numbers — and why clever storytelling can’t replace financial clarity.The truth about the AI gold rush — most startups don’t actually have data or defensible AI.Why communication quality often determines whether she’ll write a check more than branding does. For more information, visit Laurel Mintz's LinkedIn and Instagram. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In the final Coffee Nº5 episode of the year, Lara Schmoisman breaks down the marketing ecosystem of 2026—an environment defined by AI clarity, human-led storytelling, micro-experts, privacy-first data practices, and integrated teams. This episode explains what it truly takes to operate, grow, and connect in a world where everything is interconnected. We'll talk about: The 2026 ecosystem: why everything in marketing is now interconnected—and why working in silos will break your growth.Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): clarity as the new currency for AI.AI agents as shoppers: what it means when software researches, compares, and negotiates for consumers.Responsible AI: why governance, rules, and human oversight will define how brands use technology.Content in 2026: real storytelling, crafted value, SEO-backed captions, and the end of shallow posting.The rise of micro-experts: why niche credibility beats mass follower counts.Privacy & first-party data: what owning your customer information really means.Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In this solo episode of Coffee Nº5, Lara Schmoisman cuts through the noise around SEO and breaks down what actually matters: technical performance, quality backlinks, and audience-driven keywords. She explains how SEO fuels organic growth, why structure matters more than shortcuts, and how brands can build long-term momentum in a world shaped by AI. A clear, strategic guide for marketers who want results—not gimmicks. We'll talk about: Why your website—not social media—is still the core of your digital ecosystem.The three parts of SEO: technical performance, backlinks, and keywords.The truth about technical SEO: structure, performance, pages, and the tech stack that supports conversions.Traffic vs. conversions: why most brands confuse them—and lose momentum.How AI has changed backlink strategy. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman shares why your website is the true heart of your business—and why ignoring its performance can cost you growth, visibility, and conversions. From SEO and site speed to tech stacks and maintenance, this Coffee Nº5 episode breaks down how your site connects every part of your marketing strategy, from paid media to AI readiness. We'll talk about: Your website is your brand’s heart—every transaction and touchpoint starts there.How a slow or poorly optimized website kills your paid ads, organic reach, and SEO.The hidden costs of “plugin overload”—and how to streamline for speed and stability.The myth of agency pricing: how the right team actually saves you money by doing it right the first time.The silent mistake: brands investing thousands in ads but zero in SEO—renting attention instead of owning it. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman breaks down why blogging is still one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing—and what happens when brands stop. From keyword strategy to AI-ready content, Lara reveals how organic traffic, SEO, and conversions are directly tied to consistent, strategic content creation. We'll talk about: What really happens when brands stop blogging: organic traffic drops, and sales follow.The 3 keyword types every brand needs: DNA, competitive, and trending.Why long-tail keywords are now the most strategic weapon in SEO and AI visibility.How to structure content so it ranks on Google and is readable by AI tools.The difference between filling a blog and creating content that solves real problems.The silent mistake: brands investing thousands in ads but zero in SEO—renting attention instead of owning it.Why chasing “viral tactics” without data leads to penalties, lost rankings, and zero scalability.What it means to make your website AI-ready—and why not doing it now is a liability. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman breaks down her IEMA system on Coffee Nº5, showing how integrated marketing—content that is Informative, Entertaining, Memorable, and Actionable—drives real growth. From SEO and AI to storytelling and strategy, Lara shares practical insights to make your content work harder and smarter. We'll talk about: Why dividing branding and growth is a mistake—and the power of integrated marketingThe IEMA system: Informative, Entertaining, Memorable, ActionableHow to make every piece of content work smarter, not just fill a feedWhy SEO and AI-readiness are table stakes in today’s marketing ecosystemHow to measure content effectively and avoid “doing things just to do them”Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Joanne Murphy, Senior Conference Producer at Kisaco Research, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to pull back the curtain on Beauty Connect LA—one of the industry’s most strategic gatherings for founders, investors, and innovators. From retail readiness and AI-powered insights to the evolution of “clinical credibility,” Joanne breaks down what’s really shaping the beauty ecosystem in 2025 and how connection drives every deal. We'll talk about: How Beauty Connect LA intentionally brings together founders, investors, retailers, and creators to drive real growth—not just visibilityWhy AI and e-commerce are reshaping beauty’s playbook, from distribution to dataThe “Retail Ready” mindset: what brands must have in place before pitching to Sephora, Ulta, or TargetHow today’s consumer demands efficacy, education, and evidence—and what that means for product storytellingWhy sponsors and tech partners need to teach, not just sell—and how connection fuels collaborationThe rise of social commerce and how founders are becoming their own media channelsBehind the scenes of Beauty Connect’s one-on-one meetings and how the right conversation can lead to real partnerships Visit the Beauty Connect website and register for your pass: https://www.kisacoresearch.com/events/beauty-connect-la-2025 Follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest event updates, reports, and more. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lalla Asmaa Alaoui, architect, luxury designer, and founder of AllMyAI, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to talk about the next frontier of AI—where emotional intelligence meets innovation. From building HorseHub, the world’s first AI-driven luxury equestrian brand, to launching a multi-agent platform that blends creativity and strategy, Lalla shares how she’s redefining collaboration between humans and machines. We'll talk about: The story behind AllMyAI—a multi-agent platform where AI collaborates with humans, not replaces themHow Lalla co-created HorseHub, the world’s first luxury equestrian brand built entirely with AIThe truth about SEO in the age of ChatGPT and Gemini—and why “searchable by AI” is the new frontierWhy emotional intelligence is the missing link in AI-driven creativityHow to structure content for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and get found by AI toolsWhy understanding your brand DNA is the foundation of any digital strategyHow creative agencies can leverage AI without losing the human touchLalla’s take on competition, data, and what it means to “stay ahead before they catch you” For more information, visit Lalla Asmaa Alaoui's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Hugh Forrest, transformative leader of SXSW and founder of Gather and Grow, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to share how a local music festival became a global hub for technology, culture, and creativity. From building community to reinventing live experiences, Hugh reveals what it takes to lead in the event industry—and what’s next for 2025 and beyond. We'll talk about: How Hugh Forrest grew SXSW from a local music event into a global cultural powerhouseLessons from 35 years of building one of the world’s most influential conferences and festivalsWhy scale can challenge community—and how SXSW kept connection at the centerThe evolution of events into experiences, and what today’s audiences really wantHow the “panel picker” gave SXSW its edge in fresh talent and diverse voicesHugh’s leadership philosophy: listening to community feedback, embracing pivots, and learning from failuresHugh’s new chapter with Gather and Grow—consulting for global organizations and teaching community-focused event strategy For more information, visit Hugh Forrest's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Bet Hannon, web accessibility expert and founder of AccessiCart, joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to break down what accessibility really means for websites, marketing, and global compliance. From ADA lawsuits to the EU Accessibility Act, Bet shares why inclusive design is not just about avoiding legal risks—it’s about unlocking a $500 billion consumer market. We'll talk about: How Bet pivoted from nonprofit management to leading a digital accessibility agencyWhat “accessibility” really means across websites, email, and social mediaWhy plugins and overlays don’t solve the problem—and can even make you a legal targetThe truth about color contrast, fonts, and design choices that impact usabilityWhat the EU Accessibility Act means for global brands (and why US businesses need to care)How accessibility drives both compliance and conversionWhy inclusive design is a competitive advantage, not a burden For more information, visit Bet Hannon's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show