Why I Social

Chris Sully (@CSSully) is Marketing Manager at Funko. He's also the co-owner of Nerd FU. He is the host/co-host of multiple podcasts including Funko's Funkast. His journey to Funko (his number one job) is one that will inspire many to chase their dreams. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Chris on Twitter Connect With Chris on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Alesia Hendley (@TheSmoothFactor on Twitter) is an audio-visual operator and multi-media journalist. She is a co-host for the Social Slice (learn more at socialslice.io) and has a passion for technology (especially audio-visual). Alesia was also recommended to the podcast by alum Brad Parler. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter Connect With Amy on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Taking a break from the usual conversations taking place on Why I Social - this episode looks at the power of social media to do social good. It also calls back to the work of many of the alumni of the podcast who are doing good things and providing positive social influence to inform and educate others on important global conversations. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter Connect With Amy on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Amy Jauman is the Chief Learning Officer at the National Institute for Social Media. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor in business and marketing at St. Catherine University and owns Remotely Smart. She has extensive experience with instruction from early-childhood education to adult education. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Amy on Twitter Connect With Amy on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Rob Zaleski is a Digital Content Marketer at ShippingEasy in Austin. In addition, he's the host of a new podcast, Keep Marketing Weird. Previous experiences also include time as Marketing Manager for Marketing Profs and Content Marketing Associate for Main Street Hub. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Ryan on Twitter Connect With Ryan on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Ryan Farrell is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Purdue University. He has been working in marketing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is the also proud father of three children. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Ryan on Twitter Connect with Ryan on Instagram Connect With Ryan on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Tess Kaytmaz currently works at Cross Fit Virtuosity in Brooklyn and is one of the most passionate people I've had the pleasure of meeting through social media (and previous guests, members of #SMUN). She has a background in social media - which she most recently has used to take on the challenge of mental health awareness. She is also a photographer and you'll find her active on Instagram at username tess_michael. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Tess on Twitter Connect with Tess on Instagram Connect With Tess on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Casie Shimansky is an award-winning social media strategist for Cisco's talent brand team. She is a previous guest on the show and the first to return as an alum for a regular episode of the podcast. It's also possible you follow her dog on Instagram. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Katie on Twitter Connect With Katie on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Katie Santo is Web Training and Content Support Specialist at New York University. She has previously worked at Apple as an in-store guest/trainer expert. She joins the show with an engaging Twitter presence that is both educational and embraces pop culture. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Katie on Twitter Connect With Katie on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Welcome to the eighth episode of Why I Social Sessions - where we bring you short discussions focused on one singular topic. This is not your standard Why I Social episode where we learn about a guest - but instead - we focus on important topics impacting the social media space today. Today, on Why I Social Sessions, Chris discusses the addition of a bookmark feature to Twitter. On Episode 8 1. What is this feature and how do I use it? 2. What impact could this have on Twitter? Following the conversation: I'd encourage you to use the hashtag #WISSessions to share your thoughts on Twitter and Facebook. This Week's Question(s): Music for Why I Social Sessions is "Voice Over Under" by Kevin McCleod "Voice Over Under" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Willis Williams is Digital Strategist for Dealer Authority. Originally from the Bronx, Williams currently lives in upstate New York and is active in the community volunteering at the Woodstock Film Festival. He is also an ambassador for Hootsuite. [The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media (NISM). You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.] Hear his story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Willis on Twitter Connect With Willis on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest

Justin Gatewood (@lightjump) is Web, SharePoint and Cloud Systems Administrator at Victor Valley College. He served as a member of the United States Navy from 1990 through 1995 as a Cryptologic Technician receiving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He is the recipient of multiple awards professionally including the 2016 MetaHero Award for "Best In Business Process" - as well as multiple "Best of Track" awards at higher education conferences. Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does He Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Justin on Twitter Connect With Justin on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest The Why I Social Podcast is sponsored by the National Institute for Social Media. You can learn more about their programs at nismonline.org.

Before releasing the next episode of Why I Social - episode 152 - host Chris Barrows has a special announcement to make regarding the new sponsor of the podcast. As the podcast has shifted focus - with a mission to really showcase people who not only social - but have stories that can impact and educate listeners - "education" has become a key term for the podcast. With this in mind - Why I Social is proud to introduce it's new sponsor - the National Institute for Social Media.

Jessica Matthews is the Digital Media Director for the First Lady of New York City. Her previous experience includes the New York Times and New York University. She also interned at Google before beginning her full-time career as a social media and digital marketing professional. Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google or Spotify. Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Jessica on Twitter Connect With Jessica on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly episode sponsorship opportunities - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.

On this week's episode, our hosts discover Ikea's new line of products - pregnancy tests. Also, GoPro is more like "oh no". This week's Five Favorites: 1. Kodak announces its own cryptocurrency and watches stock price skyrocket [Verge - story by Shannon Liao] 2. Viacom snaps up influencer platform Whosay as it looks to bulk up branded content offering [The Drum - story by Rebecca Stewart] 3. Ikea Releases Ad That Doubles As A Pregnancy Test and Reveals Crib Discount [Independent - Story by Chelsea Ritschel] 4. GoPro cuts 200-300 jobs, largely impacting its drone division [Techcrunch - story by Matt Burns & Brian Heater] 5. Hot Topic: Hot Topic: News Feed FYI: Bringing People Together [Facebook Blog - Post by Adam Mosseri] Honorable Mention Stranger Things' David Harbour just made these yearbook pictures [Twitter Moments] DISHonorable Mention False Alarm in Hawaii Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week @kenyatta Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).

Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a digital leadership educator (josieahlquist.com), teacher and speaker. She has been in education since 2003 including 12 years working at the university level. She currently serves as Research Associate and Instructor at Florida State University and has been named the "Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology blog" by Ed Tech Magazine three times since 2013. Hear her story on this week's episode. And of course, Why Does She Social?! Share your thoughts on this week's episode with #WhyISocial Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or Google Follow at @WhyISocial. Connect with Josie on Twitter Connect With Josie on LinkedIn. If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly episode sponsorship opportunities - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.

On this week's episode, (spoiler) we somehow end up discussing our favorite fruits. Also, "Bright" really wasn't that bad and is "a lot better than Suicide Squad." This week's Five Favorites: 1. Iran blocks encrypted messaging apps amid nationwide protests [Verge - story by Russell Brandom] 2. Exclusive: Spotify files for its IPO [Axios - story by Dan Primack] 3. Netflix’s ‘Bright’ reached 11M viewers in its first three days, according to Nielsen [Techcrunch - story by Anthony Ha] 4. Facebook Just Created More Ad Inventory - Through Instagram [AdAge - story by George Slefo] 5. (Hot Topic) Logan Paul Honorable Mention FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s CES appearance has been canceled [Techcrunch] DISHonorable Mention Los Angeles Man Arrested for "swatting call" results in man's death Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week @Netflix Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).

On this week's episode, Amir and Chris look back at 2017 and poorly attempt to predict the future. We assume it's poorly because we haven't seen the future yet - so they could in-fact be prophets. Also, that dude who scheduled six dates in one night returns to the show - find out why! Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 28th This week's Five Favorites: 1. Apple Is Developing an EKG Heart Monitor for Its Smartwatch [Bloomberg - story by Alex Webb] 2. Twitter's Adding More Notification Types to Boost Awareness and Engagement [Social Media Today - story by Andrew Hutchinson] 3. Library of Congress Reins in Twitter Archives Project [Washington Times - story by Andrew Blake] 4. 10 Ways Tech Will Shape Your Life (for better or worse) [Washington Post - story by Geoffrey A. Fowler] 5. (Hot Topic) Amir and Chris' Top Social, Marketing and Technology Stories and Trends Honorable Mention(s) Bye Black bars [The Verge] DISHonorable Mention of the Year Guy Who Scheduled 6 Dates In One Night Was Kicked Out of Another Bar for Allegedly Hitting On All The Women Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week @chrissyteigen Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).

On this week's episode, host Chris Barrows (@CBarrows) goes off-the-cuff to take a look back at 2017, shares some of his favorite episodes (5, of course) and looks forward to 2018. Favorite Episodes include (in no particular order): Liz GrossJenn PatelMatt MarcinekDanny Vecchiarelli New episodes with great guests doing awesome things on social return in January! If you know someone who deserves their story told, let me know! Tweet me at @CBarrows or @WhyISocial using #WhyISocialGuest Interested in being a part of the Why I Social family? Why I Social is now accepting monthly - inquire at @WhyISocial@gmail.com for additional information.

On this week's episode, it's basically a holiday episode. Only, no holiday music - because of music rights and stuff. Or time. You decide the reason. Also, the truth is out there. Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, December 21st. This week's Five Favorites: 1. HQ Trivia’s founders are facing fundraising roadblocks after investors learned of alleged bad behavior [Recode - story by Kurt Wagner] 2. Forrester: YouTube is most popular social site for 12- to 17-year-olds [Social Media Today - story by David Kirkpatrick] 3. Apple confirms iPhones with older batteries will take hits in performance [The Verge - story by Tom Warren and Nick Statt] 4. Magic Leap finally unveils augmented reality goggles, says it’s shipping next year [The Verge - story by Adi Robertson] 5. (Hot Topic) Eric Schmidt to become technical advisor to Alphabet [ABC Blog] Honorable Mention(s) Instagram Testing Photos Posts to Multiple Accounts [Matt Navarra] DISHonorable Mention(s) Amazon Files for "AmazonTube" Trademark Five Favorites' Tweet(s) of The Week @Astrobull67 Use the hashtag #FiveFavorites to share YOUR favorite stories each and every week - and YOU may be included on the show (including our new tweet of the week feature).