Drop The Mic with Jason Hunt

Dani Dufresne is an Emmy-winning producer and founder of The Aux Co, bringing over a decade of experience cleaning up creative disasters for major brands. In this episode, we explore why beautiful, expensive productions often deliver empty results and how production expertise at the beginning—not the end—of creative development changes everything.Dani's journey from film school to becoming a fractional executive producer reveals a fundamental flaw in how agencies and brands approach creative: they develop the idea first, then figure out how to produce it. This backwards process leads to blown budgets, compromised creative, and campaigns that look stunning but deliver nothing.The Movie Poster Test: If you can't explain your brand message in one sentence, your creative has already failedWhy agencies fail: The fatal flaw of developing creative without production expertise in the roomAI's brutal exposure: How artificial intelligence revealed $25 million in wasted programmatic ad spend from Q2 aloneCommunity vs influencers: Why borrowing audiences through influencer marketing is dying, and authentic community building is the futureThe burnout trap: How being the "problem solver" trains clients to only call you when things breakCinematic storytelling trends: The rise of MOS (music-only) filmmaking and why vintage/Y2K aesthetics signal authenticityFractional production model: How The Aux Co embeds expertise into agency teams without the overheadSimplicity wins: Why attention spans demand one-sentence messaging, not 50-page decksTimestamps:00:00 – Film school journey & production company origins02:47 – Transition from film editing to production work03:32 – Discovering producer role through problem-solving06:24 – Film development to advertising pivot07:36 – Agency vs production company dynamics08:36 – Founding The Aux Co as fractional production team10:50 – Building trust through small wins approach11:32 – Early involvement prevents costly mistakes13:11 – Results-focused creative evaluation14:40 – Longer-form branded entertainment opportunity15:54 – Community building over influencer borrowing17:52 – AI enabling real human connection work18:24 – Programmatic ad waste analysis ($25M Q2)19:28 – Vintage/Y2K aesthetic as authenticity signal21:01 – AI for rapid ideation & creative iteration22:43 – Cinematic storytelling & MOS filmmaking trend26:28 – Simplicity as ultimate creative power29:41 – Attention span decline requiring simple messaging31:33 – Evolution of director vs agency creative roles34:22 – Fractional executive producer model breakdown37:12 – Managing burnout & client selectivity38:23 – Letting go of problem-only clients40:56 – Partner dynamics & production software ventureWe explore the dramatic shift from influencer marketing to community building, the role AI plays in exposing waste and enabling genuine human connection, and why the most powerful creative ideas pass the "movie poster test"—explainable in a single sentence.If your brand message takes more than one sentence to explain, you don't have a creative problem—you have a clarity problem. The best ideas are simple enough to fit on a movie poster, powerful enough to drive results, and honest enough to build real community. Stop developing creative in a vacuum and bring production expertise to the table from day one.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Drop The Mic and leave a review! New episodes drop weekly with insights from marketing leaders, agency owners, and creative experts transforming how brands connect in the AI era.

Cristian Ionescu is the creator of CatStats.ai, an AI-powered intelligence platform for affiliate networks. Before building his own SaaS, he deployed analytics systems for Samsung Europe and worked across automotive, telecommunications, and digital marketing. In this episode, we explore the harsh realities of AI's impact on experienced professionals, the "7-day startup" philosophy that gets products to market before competitors catch up, and how Netflix-style recommendation algorithms are being weaponized for affiliate marketing.🔑 Key Topics Covered:[03:45] From aerospace engineer to data analytics expert—Cristian's unconventional journey into discovering you can "program math"[06:20] Behind the scenes: Building analytics dashboards for Samsung Europe's phone launches and tracking retailer visibility across markets[11:15] The analytics blind spot: Why small businesses waste money on expensive marketing experiments instead of being strategically picky[15:40] The unglamorous truth: Why updating your Google Business Profile matters more than exotic marketing strategies[19:50] AI adoption paradox: Why fewer businesses are using AI in 2025 than 2024 (paralysis by analysis)[24:30] The ChatGPT M-dash problem: Why AI-generated ad copy loses to human copy in Meta A/B tests—and how to fix it[28:15] How LLMs are teaching us to write better: When to skip AI altogether and post authentically[31:40] Ross Simmonds' "Create Once, Distribute Forever" strategy: The hierarchy approach to repurposing long-form content[36:25] Why pre-planned content calendars kill authenticity (and what to do instead)[39:10] Inside CatStats.ai: How Netflix-style recommendation algorithms match affiliates with winning offers[45:20] The "7-Day Startup" philosophy: If you're not ashamed when you launch, you launched too late🔗 Connect with Cristian:CatStats.ai: https://catstats.aiInstagram: @affiliatedatainsider📲 Follow Jason Hunt:Instagram: @jayhuntofficialLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeakerWebsite: jayhunt.socialJoin Amplify Your Brand Community: https://www.skool.com/aybSubscribe to Drop the Mic for unfiltered conversations with founders, marketers, and tech leaders redefining the digital landscape.

From producing unscripted shows with Gordon Ramsay and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to creating a viral real estate game that hit 2 million plays without spending a dollar on marketing, Doug Weitzbuch's journey reveals the power of authentic community-driven growth over manufactured virality.In this episode, Doug shares behind-the-scenes insights from 20 years in television production, his pivot to gaming, and the exact strategies that led to organic viral success through genuine storytelling and community building rather than paid advertising.🔑 Topics Covered:The Netflix "Buy My House" show development process and real estate market insightsHow one Business Insider article generated massive viral growth with zero paid promotionThe Barstool Sports organic feature that transformed everything overnightWhy authentic community-driven growth beats manufactured virality every timeYouTube Playables beta opportunity and strategic platform expansionBuilding engaged gaming communities versus chasing meaningless vanity metricsThe future of casual gaming and micro-content consumption trendsBehind-the-scenes stories from producing major network shows with A-list celebritiesTransitioning from established TV career to entrepreneurial app developmentStrategic PR outreach and media relationship building for organic growth🎯 Key Insights:How a Wordle obsession sparked the creation of Houzel (real estate Wordle)The naivety factor advantage when entering new industriesCelebrity authenticity: Dwayne Johnson vs Gordon Ramsay's on-set personasSmall team operations and strategic scaling decisionsBrand partnership opportunities in the gaming spaceCreator-to-mainstream media crossover trendsCasual gaming's potential for habit formation and daily engagement📺 Perfect for:Content creators, entrepreneurs, game developers, media professionals, and anyone interested in organic growth strategies, community building, and authentic audience development without relying on paid advertising.🎮 Featured Strategies:Calculated PR outreach for media coverageLeveraging viral content for strategic paid promotionReal estate agent lead magnet potential through gamingPlatform diversification with YouTube PlayablesCommunity-first approach to product developmentAuthentic storytelling for organic audience growth⏰ Episode Timestamps:00:00 – TV producer background (Gordon Ramsay, Duck Dynasty, JLo, The Rock)02:00 – Dwayne Johnson's authenticity & accessibility on set03:22 – Gordon Ramsay's controlled persona vs real personality04:25 – Team building & empowering freelance talent05:42 – Transition from TV producer to app creator06:32 – Wordle obsession sparking Houzel idea07:40 – "Buy My House" Netflix show real estate deep dive09:52 – Real estate Wordle concept development10:20 – Software development decision & naivety factor12:25 – "Stranded with My Mother-in-law" missed opportunity15:12 – Two million plays with zero marketing spend15:43 – Business Insider feature & calculated PR outreach19:11 – Manufacturing virality vs authentic content22:47 – Small team operations & future scaling needs24:20 – Brand partnership opportunities (Rocket Mortgage)24:46 – YouTube Playables beta launch25:18 – Real estate agent lead magnet potential27:17 – Barstool Sports organic podcast feature30:22 – Leveraging viral content for paid promotion34:28 – Creator-to-mainstream media crossover trend37:03 – Casual gaming's ritual-forming potential38:20 – Micro dramas trend & shrinking attention spansCheck out Housle: https://housle.house/📩 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Drop The Mic and leave a review to help other entrepreneurs discover proven strategies for building viral products and authentic communities.

Former Disney executive turned entrepreneur Vance Morris reveals the systematic approach that transformed his carpet cleaning business into a million-dollar operation and how any business owner can apply Disney's legendary customer experience principles to command premium prices and create lifelong client relationships.In this episode, Vance breaks down his famous $125K auto parts campaign, shares Disney's systematic approach to business operations, and reveals his proven "10-10-10" prospecting method that generates 73% response rates while competitors struggle with digital noise.🔑 Topics Covered:Disney's systematic approach to customer experience and why systems create business freedomThe complete breakdown of Vance's $1,000 investment that generated over $1 million in revenuePhysical mail strategies that cut through digital overwhelm and get real responsesThe "10-10-10" prospecting formula: 10 prospects, 10 touches, 10 weeks for consistent salesPower base marketing with relationship-building tactics that keep you top-of-mindHow to select and research high-value prospects using VAs and AI toolsCreative gatekeeper strategies and controversial content that generates engagementThe "50-mile famous" approach to dominating your local marketWhy customer retention beats acquisition and how to implement both systematically🎯 Perfect for:Entrepreneurs, business owners, agency leaders, and marketers who want to stop competing on price, build premium positioning, and create systematic approaches to client acquisition and retention.📈 Key Strategies Discussed:Systematic Magic™ framework for business operationsDisney bootcamp 10-step campaign sequenceNewsjacking techniques for timely engagementCandy bowl power base marketing systemPhysical mail vs. digital marketing integrationSales cycle management (30 days to 3+ years)⏰ Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Vance's Disney background & entrepreneurial journey02:58 – Disney's biggest business lesson: systems and processes04:40 – How systems create operational freedom06:51 – The legendary $125K auto parts campaign breakdown09:17 – Physical mail marketing strategies and persistence tactics13:19 – Creative approaches for getting past gatekeepers16:43 – Disney bootcamp 10-step campaign sequence revealed19:29 – The "10-10-10" prospect strategy explained22:36 – High-value prospect selection criteria and research methods25:19 – Delegating to VAs and using ChatGPT for prospect research28:26 – Understanding sales cycles: 30 days to 3 years30:14 – Standing out with controversial and engaging content31:24 – Newsjacking technique for timely market engagement36:11 – "50-mile famous" local business domination strategy37:32 – Power-based marketing with the candy bowl system40:52 – Customer retention vs. acquisition cost analysis43:04 – Staying top-of-mind without being pushy or annoyingConnect with Vance Morris:Website: https://www.deliverservicenow.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vance.morris.9/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/Connect with Jason Hunt:Website: https://jayhunt.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhuntofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhuntofficialJoin me on SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/ayb📩 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Drop The Mic and leave a review to help other entrepreneurs discover these proven strategies for building lasting client relationships and premium-priced businesses.

Dana Hork is the founder of Beers With Friends and formerly lead social media marketing for Walmart. She discussed her model that's transforming how brands approach marketing campaigns. In this episode, we dive into her revolutionary 5-day sprint methodology that's helping brands move faster and execute smarter in today's crowded digital landscape.Dana brings years of experience leading social media at Walmart and Jet.com, where she built scalable content systems and managed viral moments like the famous Walmart Yodel Boy. Now she's channelling that expertise into an agile agency model that blends creativity, strategic insight, and AI tools to deliver breakthrough campaigns in record time.🔑 Topics Covered:The Beer Run Sprint model: 5-day campaign breakthroughs explainedReal case studies from Walmart to startup brandsAI tools and automation in agency operationsWhy curiosity and agility beat long-form planning cyclesBuilding brand systems that scale with speedFrom corporate social media to agency founder journeyThe future of productized agency services⏰ Key Timestamps:3:41 – Leading Social at Walmart10:03 – Viral Moment: Walmart Yodel Boy13:14 – Beer Run Sprint Model Explained16:44 – Dinner Deserves Dinner Case Study24:01 – AI & Automation in Agency Ops30:00 – Productizing Agency Services36:53 – Curiosity & Creativity in 2025🔗 Connect with Dana:Beers With Friends📩 Subscribe and leave a review to stay updated with new episodes every week!🎥 Full episode with timestamps available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.Connect with Jason Hunt:Website: https://jayhunt.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhuntofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhuntofficialSponsor: https://chatello.ai

Anthony Leung is a social media strategist and founder who's built his reputation on authentic storytelling in the digital age. In this episode, recorded live from London, Anthony breaks down why human connection is beating AI-generated content on LinkedIn and how to build trust in an automation-obsessed world.Anthony has worked with Fortune 500 companies and speaks internationally on social media strategy. He's the founder of his own social media consultancy and is widely recognized for his approach to humanizing brand communication in the AI era.Topics Covered:Why authentic storytelling is the new LinkedIn strategy that cuts through AI noiseThe Conan O'Brien approach to personal content on professional platformsHow AI makes mediocrity easy, but authenticity creates a competitive advantageSmart content repurposing strategies that maintain emotional contextThe risks of fully automated AI content and ghostwritten postsWhy founder-led brands build deeper trust than corporate accountsIntent over volume: posting less but engaging more meaningfullyConnect with Anthony:LinkedIn: Anthony LeungThe Big Question: Are you leaning too hard on automation, or are you showing up as you?📩 Subscribe and leave a review to stay updated with new episodes every week! Key Timestamps:00:05 – Live from London near O2 Arena01:08 – Toronto to London: Founder story03:41 – LinkedIn disruption with personal content05:39 – From automation to authenticity08:13 – Realness & imperfection in video content12:05 – Trust is the new currency19:06 – Posting less, engaging more28:13 – AI-assisted personal LinkedIn strategy33:45 – Founder-led brands build deeper trustConnect with Jason Hunt:Website: https://jayhunt.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhuntofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhuntofficialSponsor: https://chatello.ai

Ben Lund is a former Google Ads principal who managed major brand campaigns and now runs Rise Digital. In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts happening in digital marketing for 2025, from Google's strategic pivots to AI-powered client acquisition strategies that separate winning agencies from the rest.Ben brings insider perspective from his years at Google, Yahoo, and Monster, where he managed massive advertising budgets and witnessed platform evolution firsthand. Now as an agency owner, he's applying those insights to build sustainable growth systems and future-proof strategies that help agencies thrive in an AI-first marketing landscape.🔑 What We Cover:Inside insights from Google's advertising evolution and platform changesWhy SEO and AI integration are no longer optional for agenciesThe shift toward full-service offerings and what clients actually demandAdvanced AI prompting techniques for data analysis and strategyLinkedIn personal branding strategies that drive real business resultsHow to future-proof your agency in an AI-first marketing landscapeGoogle's scaling back of ads focus and what it means for marketersSEO strategies that get you found in ChatGPT and AI search tools🎯 Key Frameworks:The "Runway Strategy" for sustainable client growth and retentionSEO best practices for AI tool visibility (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.)Authentic LinkedIn content systems for founder-led brandsCommunity building approaches for lead nurturing at scaleThe "People Buy From People" principle in B2B salesPortfolio approach to agency service expansion⏰ Timestamps:00:04 – Intro: Jason Hunt & Ben from Google00:30 – Ben's Background: Google, Yahoo, Monster01:03 – Managing Major Brands at Google Ads01:58 – Leaving Google for Entrepreneurship03:29 – Growing Clients & Runway Strategy05:16 – Expanding Services: From Ads to SEO & Web06:57 – Full-Service Agency Benefits09:55 – Lead Generation & Google Ads for Rise10:59 – SEO + GPT Leads & ChatGPT Referrals12:00 – SEO Best Practices to Appear in AI Tools14:45 – Google Scaling Back Ads Focus16:09 – AI Marketing Tools Used at Rise18:05 – Using AI for Data Analysis & Significance20:00 – Prompting Right: Advanced AI Use Tips22:00 – Authentic LinkedIn Content Strategy23:30 – Founder-Led Personal Branding on LinkedIn25:00 – LinkedIn Comments Strategy for Reach26:49 – Avoiding Automation & Shadowban Risks28:10 – Personal Posts vs Business Content Impact29:46 – People Buy From People: Sales Principle33:25 – Building Community for Lead Nurturing34:03 – Future of Agencies in the AI Era36:25 – Agency Agility: Winning with Tools & AI37:00 – SEO Isn't Dead: Just Evolving38:02 – In-Person Events & Networking Strategy39:20 – Long Game of Sales Attribution40:11 – How to Contact Ben & Wrap Up🔗 Connect with Ben Lund:Rise DigitalBen's LinkedIn📩 Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring AI, storytelling, and the future of digital marketing.

John Gillham is the founder of Originality.AI, a leading platform for detecting AI-generated content. In this episode, we dive deep into how AI detection technology works, Google's shifting stance on AI content, and what the March 2024 spam update means for marketers and content creators navigating the AI revolution.John built and sold a successful content marketing agency before launching Originality.AI at the perfect moment—right as ChatGPT exploded onto the scene. His unique perspective as both a former agency owner and AI detection pioneer gives us insider insights into how the content landscape is evolving and what strategies actually work in 2025.🔑 Key Topics Covered:How Originality.AI detects AI-generated content with 96%+ accuracyGoogle's March 2024 spam update and mass de-indexing of AI-heavy sitesWhy hybrid content strategies (human + AI) are dominating SEOThe rise of AI Overviews and what it means for organic trafficWhy "humanizer" tools often fail and create more problemsPortfolio approach to business sustainability in seasonal marketsAI dependency concerns in education and copywriting🔍 Episode Highlights:Real data showing human copy outperforms AI in LinkedIn engagementHow Google's AI content policies keep shifting (and why that matters)The hidden SEO risks most agencies don't know about AI contentWhy omnichannel branding beats pure SEO plays in 2025Practical strategies for staying compliant while leveraging AI toolsTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & John's Background01:36 – From Content Agency to AI Detection Pioneer 06:27 – Perfect Timing: Launching with ChatGPT's Rise10:05 – Google's March 2024 Spam Update Breakdown13:15 – SEO's New Reality: Fewer Clicks, Higher Conversions22:44 – Inside Originality.AI's Detection Technology28:28 – Why AI "Humanizers" Often Backfire32:04 – Data: Human vs AI Content Performance35:06 – AI in Education: Detection vs Reality🔗 Connect with John Gillham:Originality.AI: https://originality.aiConnect with Jason Hunt:Website: https://jayhunt.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhuntofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhuntofficial📩 Subscribe and leave a review to stay ahead of the AI and marketing curve. New episodes drop every week!Have you tried using AI for your content? What's been your experience with authenticity vs efficiency? Let us know in the comments.

Wes Lemos is the co-founder of Roll Digital and Sales Connector, with strategies that power over 500 digital business websites. In this episode, we explore his journey from penny stock blogger to SaaS entrepreneur and uncover the real breakthrough tactics behind scalable business growth in the AI era.🔑 Topics Covered:Building resilient businesses through strategic partnerships and real-world experienceHow one SaaS idea exploded into thousands of paying clientsAI-powered LinkedIn prospecting that makes outreach personal againThe shift from sales copy to relational copy in B2B growthLead scoring with AI enrichment and automation strategiesWhy giving attention beats giving information in modern sales🎯 Key Insights:Sports parenting principles applied to coaching employeesThe $3M stock win that launched Stock ExposureBuilding team culture as a remote entrepreneurHigh-conversion LinkedIn openers that build trustUsing curiosity as a long-term business growth strategy⏰ Timestamps:0:00 – Sports Parenting & Life Lessons5:02 – Wes Lemos: Entrepreneurial Journey Begins8:00 – Lessons From Startup Failures15:22 – LinkedIn Prospecting Automation20:27 – Using AI to Personalize Outreach25:05 – Best Performing LinkedIn Openers30:07 – Relationship-Driven LinkedIn Strategy37:05 – My Proxy Box: Physical Product Launch🔗 Connect with Wes:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weslemosSales Connector: https://salesconnector.com/📩 Subscribe for weekly episodes packed with actionable growth strategies and raw conversations with industry leaders!Connect with Jason Hunt:Website: https://jayhunt.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialmediaspeaker/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayhuntofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayhuntofficial

Aarti Anand is an AI automation strategist and founder of KodenyxAI who helps overwhelmed business owners reclaim their time through intelligent systems. In this episode, we explore how to scale your business with purpose, integrate AI without losing the human touch, and build a freedom-first lifestyle rooted in faith.Aarti transitioned from pursuing a PhD to building an AI-driven business that prioritizes family time and purposeful growth. She's known for her "AI Readiness Score" framework and helping entrepreneurs automate workflows while maintaining authentic relationships with their audience.How AI and automation can reclaim your time without sacrificing qualityScaling your business while keeping family and faith as core prioritiesThe mindset shift required to move from hustle culture to systems-driven growthWhy small, engaged audiences outperform massive follower countsBuilding trust through valuable content in an AI-saturated marketThe "Five-Ways ICP Nurture Framework" for meaningful customer connectionsROI-guaranteed automation strategies that deliver tangible resultsWhy elevating employees beats replacing them with AITime Stamps:00:00 – Moving to Colorado & PhD Journey01:55 – Transferring Schools & Career Pivot03:16 – Open-Minded Mindset for Growth05:01 – Mindset Shift Before Entrepreneurship06:48 – Starting a Business in 202408:04 – Building Personal Brand from Scratch09:57 – Value of Small Engaged Audience10:46 – Power of Short-Form Video Reach11:53 – Escaping 9–5 for Freedom13:03 – Remembering Your "Why"14:01 – Family as Core Motivation16:11 – Building AI-Driven Business17:28 – Automating Manual Tasks with AI18:46 – Workflow Automation for Time Freedom20:38 – Elevating Employees, Not Replacing22:28 – Human Experience vs. Hustle Culture24:00 – Companies Winning with AI Adoption25:25 – 3 Must-Have AI Automations27:39 – Lead Nurturing Sequences with AI29:06 – Cutting Through Email Noise with Value31:01 – Cold Email Best Practices33:09 – Start AI with Tangible ROI34:54 – Building Trust Through Content36:03 – Five-Ways ICP Nurture Framework37:04 – 6–12 Month AI Trajectory Outlook38:26 – AI Strategy Starts with Audit39:41 – Offering ROI-Guaranteed Automation41:11 – AI Readiness Score for BusinessesResources:AI Readiness Score AssessmentAI Readiness WorkshopKodenyxAI Website: kodenyxai.comConnect with Jason:Website: jayhunt.socialInstagram: @jayhuntofficialTikTok: @jayhuntofficialLinkedIn: socialmediaspeakerFacebook: huntspeaksTwitter: @jayhuntofficial📩 Subscribe and leave a review to stay updated with new episodes every week!

Dave Burnett is the founder of AOK Marketing and author of From Bricks to Clicks. In this episode of Drop The Mic, Jason sits down with Dave to unpack how one massive SEO experiment—building 500 websites—turned a struggling promo business into a digital marketing powerhouse.From his dorm room startup days to landing major clients like Bacardi and Labatt, Dave shares the lessons learned through surviving the 2008 recession, scaling with smart SEO, and now embracing AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Sora to drive real business results.Jason and Dave dive deep into:🔍 The experiment that taught him SEO (and still works today)🤖 How AI tools are shaping the future of agency work📈 Whether SEO is really dead—or just evolving into AEO💡 Why brand identity still needs human creativity💥 Real advice for founders scaling in a fragmented digital worldWhether you're building a brand, running ads, or figuring out your AI stack, this episode is full of insights for marketers who want to grow faster without burning out.[00:00] – From Scarborough hustle to digital marketing[02:03] – Building a promo biz in a dorm room[06:18] – Surviving recessions with SEO[10:05] – Launching AOK Marketing[14:23] – Lessons from partnerships & pivots[19:01] – How AI is changing content & creativity[24:48] – Sora, Suno, Midjourney, and Dave’s AI toolkit[30:02] – Is SEO dead? Enter AEO[34:02] – Future of agencies in the AI era[38:11] – Where to find From Bricks to Clicks🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: @jayhuntofficial

Geoff Woods is the author of The AI-Driven Leader and founder of the AI Leadership Collective. He joins Drop The Mic to unpack how AI is reshaping leadership, strategic thinking, and how we scale organizations. Formerly a key partner in The ONE Thing, Geoff shares how business leaders can use AI not just as a task assistant, but as a true thought partner.Jason and Geoff break down how leaders can train AI to help them think better, move faster, and focus on what really matters. From sales to decision-making to team management, Geoff explains how AI augments human potential—and why the best leaders in the next decade will be the ones who ask the right questions, not just the ones with the right answers.We dive into:🧠 The power of crafting strategic questions with AI🧰 Why every leader needs an “AI board of directors”📊 Using AI for planning, communication & real-world execution🔍 Frameworks for making AI work across people, strategy & tech⚙️ Why the future belongs to human-centric, AI-augmented leadersWhether you're a founder, executive, or team lead, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead smarter and scale faster in the AI age.[00:00] – From The ONE Thing to the AI era[03:50] – The power of better questions in leadership[05:30] – How AI becomes a strategic partner[08:45] – Using AI to think, not just execute[11:00] – Behind The AI-Driven Leader book[14:30] – The CRIT Framework explained[20:00] – Crisis to clarity: real-world AI use cases[22:00] – What an AI Board of Directors looks like[28:00] – AI-enhanced sales strategies: Whole Foods case study[30:00] – Avoiding creativity loss from AI overuse[33:00] – Future-proofing with strategic thinking[37:00] – Becoming the conductor of tech + teams[41:00] – Inside the AI Leadership Collective[43:30] – Where to get the book + prompts🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial📩 Newsletter: Subscribe for AI & strategy insights

Ryan Davis, founder of People First, joins Drop The Mic to unpack how AI is transforming not just marketing, but leadership, influence, and trust. From political campaigns to brand building, Ryan shares how artificial intelligence is changing how we communicate, connect, and convert in a world of digital overload.Jason and Ryan dive into how micro-influencers are outpacing mass followings, how AI is reshaping customer targeting and content creation, and why authenticity—not automation—will define the next era of digital strategy. This is a real look at what marketers, consultants, and creators need to do now to future-proof their brand in 2025.We dive into:🤖 AI-driven influencer strategy and what’s coming next🎯 Why micro-influencers are winning the attention game🧠 Human creativity vs. AI copy — what still matters most📢 How to balance authenticity, automation, and speed🔍 What a political campaign would look like if it launched today using AIWhether you're a brand leader, consultant, or creator, this episode will help you rethink how you show up and lead in an AI-first world.[00:00] – Intro: Drop the Mic with Jason Hunt[00:05] – Living in Guadalajara as a digital nomad[02:31] – From theater director to digital strategist[06:47] – Early political marketing + Howard Dean campaign[09:12] – The birth of internet influencers in politics[10:49] – What a 2025 AI-powered campaign would look like[12:05] – AI-generated ICPs and smarter targeting[13:42] – Why real content still beats AI output[16:01] – Emotion, storytelling, and human copywriting[18:00] – Reporting, measurement, and creative testing with AI[22:21] – Hyper-personalized marketing and influencer strategy[24:45] – Red flags in AI-generated engagement[27:40] – Micro-influencers: why authenticity scales[32:30] – How to avoid over-optimization[35:11] – Full-funnel influencer planning + creative[38:57] – Funnel-stage content and scalable creator assets[40:04] – Behind the scenes of the People First newsletter[41:26] – Ryan’s favorite digital trends & wrap-up🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial

Greg Kaiser has over 30 years in the corporate world—including time at Hershey—and now running his own consultancy, Greg shares lessons in management, delegation, time optimization, and how to think about AI from a leadership perspective.Jason and Greg dive into why most managers are spending time on the wrong things, how to stop micromanaging, and why meetings and communication are often a company’s real bottleneck—not the employees. Greg also shares how he's using AI as a research and decision-making tool, and why leaders shouldn't try to master it—but should know how to hire people who do.We dive into:🧠 The mindset shift from corporate exec to independent consultant📊 How to delegate better and stop being the bottleneck⏱️ Why time—not money—is your most valuable resource👥 The problem with meetings and how to fix communication instead🤖 How Greg is using AI in his consulting business todayWhether you're an executive, founder, or team lead, this episode is a crash course in managing smarter and leading more effectively.⏱️ Timestamps:[02:20] – Greg’s new venture: Management Mastery[04:50] – Greg’s corporate journey from mailroom to managing global ops at Hershey[09:20] – Why he left corporate after being told “you’ll never be COO”[12:55] – First client story: how Greg launched into consulting[15:15] – Why business owners need to stop doing everything themselves[17:30] – The cost of micromanagement and poor delegation[20:50] – How to help leaders identify time waste with “Know Thy Time”[23:10] – 80/20 rule and Return on Invested Time[25:15] – How to structure effective meetings in 2025[28:50] – What remote work changed about team communication[31:30] – The myth of multitasking & how to fix your focus[34:10] – How Greg uses AI for research and decision support[39:00] – Why AI works best when humans know how to prompt it[41:20] – Where to find Greg online and learn more about his work🔗 Connect & Support:🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficialSponsor: https://chatello.ai

Kasim Aslam is one of the most respected voices in performance marketing. He joins Drop The Mic to share how he scaled his agency to 200+ clients, exited for 8-figures, and why he believes AI and answer engine optimization (AEO) are the future of digital strategy.In this wide-ranging conversation, Kasim gets raw about his entrepreneurial failures, the dangers of chasing hype, and what really moves the needle when building a scalable, sellable marketing business. He also shares why traditional digital marketing is dying, why the quality of your people matters more than your tools, and how businesses can win by adopting a bottom-up AI strategy.We dive into:🚀 What it takes to sell an agency for 8 figures💸 Why private equity is targeting media buying businesses🧠 How AI-enabled executive assistants are transforming operations🔍 The rise of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and what comes after SEO🤖 Why most AI conversations ignore the real opportunity: empowered humansKasim brings fire, honesty, and real frameworks for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing digital world.Episode Timestamps:[01:30] – Building (and exiting) a top Google Ads agency[03:00] – 60 offers in 6 months: Why agency valuations spiked[05:20] – The Google Ads advantage and solving for traffic[09:40] – Post-exit identity shift and investing lessons[12:00] – AI as a bottom-up revolution, not top-down[15:10] – Why mediocre employees + AI = dangerous[18:45] – Kasim’s EA hiring strategy & human capital model[22:30] – What most agencies get wrong about AI adoption[25:40] – Why "Answer Engine Optimization" is the new SEO[29:30] – The future of nimble teams vs bloated orgs[32:15] – Paradigm shifts in training, culture & incentives[36:50] – Empowering team members to lead with AI[41:00] – Building businesses through delegation & ownership[43:30] – Kasim’s vision for owning the AEO category🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial

Omar Johnson is the former CMO of Beats by Dre and VP of Marketing at Apple—joins Drop The Mic to unpack the marketing playbooks that built billion-dollar brands and how he's now bringing those lessons into the world of AI.Jason and Omar dive deep into how science, storytelling, and consumer behavior drive real marketing results. Omar shares never-before-heard stories from building Beats into a cultural powerhouse and his bold mission to revolutionize advertising with AI through his company, Opus Intelligence.We dive into:🔥 How Beats used scarcity, storytelling & athlete marketing to dominate a category🧠 Omar’s marketing formula: intelligence, behavior, and emotional triggers⚙️ Mistakes founders make when building tech and how Omar learned the hard way🚀 The future of marketing and why AI is a creative unlock—not a replacement📈 How Opus Intelligence is disrupting traditional agencies with speed, scale, and relevanceThis episode is a masterclass in branding, marketing strategy, and adapting to tech-driven change.⏱️ Timestamps:[01:20] – How Omar went from mixtapes to Coca-Cola and Campbell’s[02:45] – Why brand marketing is more formulaic than you think[05:10] – How he got into Nike through an outsider program[08:00] – Early mistakes as a founder and lessons from tech product dev[11:45] – Big mistake: managing developers like marketers[15:00] – Omar’s marketing formula: behavior > demographics[19:10] – Behind the Beats strategy that scaled from $20M to $1.1B[21:30] – How he created new use cases for headphones through storytelling[25:00] – The Kobe Bryant strategy: scarcity + influencer seeding[27:15] – Becoming the "pre-game headphone of sports"[29:00] – Why Beats told stories other brands were afraid to tell[31:30] – From Apple to AI: the spark that led to Opus Intelligence[34:00] – Intelligence + NLP: Using behavioral data for better marketing[36:20] – How marketers can use AI to unlock higher-level thinking[42:00] – Omar’s crystal ball: the future of creative agencies[45:30] – Democratizing great marketing for small and medium businesses🔗 Connect & Support:🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficialSponsor: https://chatello.ai

Kris Rudeegraap, Co-Founder and CEO of Sendoso, joins Drop The Mic to break down how experiential marketing, personalized gifting, and AI-driven strategies are transforming sales and customer engagement.Kris shares real-world stories and proven strategies that help businesses cut through the noise, create memorable experiences, and leverage direct mail in a digital-first world. From gifting a rack of ribs to sending rubber chickens — Kris explains why human connections still win deals.We dive into:🎯 How to use gifting to stand out and close deals📈 The rise of AI in marketing and direct mail🎁 Why thoughtful experiences drive customer loyalty💡 The future of experiential marketing, including drone deliveryWhether you're in sales, marketing, or business development — this episode will inspire fresh ways to engage your audience and convert leads.Time Stamps:[02:30] - Experiential marketing stories: Helicopter rides & concerts[04:30] - The before, during, and after strategy for events[06:50] - Creating memorable booth experiences vs. being forgettable[08:50] - Kris explains Sendoso and how gifting changes sales[11:30] - Real-world examples: Real estate, enterprise sales, and client retention[13:00] - Why companies prefer Sendoso over Amazon for gifting[15:50] - The psychology of receiving physical gifts (reciprocity effect)[16:10] - Craziest gifts sent: Traeger grills, drones, and rubber chickens[17:30] - CRM integration and automating follow-ups after delivery[18:10] - How Sendoso and Kris’s team leverage AI in sales & marketing[20:30] - The truth about direct mail: Flat vs. dimensional mailers[22:20] - Using gifting in every stage of the marketing funnel[24:15] - Attribution, ROI, and why follow-up is everything[26:00] - AI’s future impact on direct mail and customer engagement[27:30] - Smart Gifting: How AI tailors messages and delivery[29:10] - Is drone delivery part of Sendoso’s future?[30:10] - Personal branding vs. business branding[30:50] - Sendoso’s global scale and Kris’s final thoughtsCONNECT & SUPPORT:🌐 Website: https://jayhunt.social🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficialSponsor: https://chatello.ai

Kevin Bulmer, founder of NSM Brand Media and the voice behind the No Schedule Man, joins Jason Hunt on Drop The Mic to unpack the power of storytelling, personal branding, and authentic connection in a noisy digital world.From his roots in radio to navigating the evolution of digital marketing, Kevin shares real-world insights on how entrepreneurs can amplify their brand story while balancing AI tools with human emotion. The episode dives into strategies for emotional marketing, the ROI of storytelling, and why your personal brand might be your most valuable asset in 2025.Whether you’re a marketer, small business owner, or creator, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways to help you connect, engage, and grow.00:32 – Why long intros kill engagement and podcasting lessons from radio04:50 – Kevin’s journey from radio to motorsports to marketing and speaking08:15 – Why personal branding matters more than ever in the AI era09:01 – Building authenticity: How to blend your story with your business13:34 – The real estate example: Mixing professional and personal content17:43 – Overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome with repetition20:09 – Instagram’s new “trial” content feature and testing content publicly27:38 – The importance of storytelling and crafting a brand story31:27 – Emotional connection vs. top-of-mind awareness in marketing35:21 – Is traditional media still a good investment?39:00 – The role of AI: Amplification tool or creativity killer?42:39 – Why storytelling and emotional connection will always win in marketing43:00 – Where to connect with Kevin Bulmer onlineSUPPORT AND CONNECT:Website: ⁠https://jayhunt.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial

Jonathan Mast is an AI strategist and digital marketing expert. He joins Drop The Mic to break down how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. With years of agency experience and a deep understanding of automation, Jonathan shares how businesses can use AI to enhance efficiency, improve content creation, and scale operations without losing the human touch.We dive into:🚀 How AI is streamlining agencies & helping businesses scale🧠 The balance between AI automation & human creativity📢 Why transparency matters in AI-powered customer interactions✍️ How businesses can train AI to match their unique brand voiceJonathan and Jason discuss the challenges of AI adoption, how agencies can future-proof their operations, and whether traditional marketing agencies are becoming dinosaurs. This episode is packed with insights for agency owners, marketers, and business leaders looking to navigate the AI revolution.Episode Timestamps:[02:30] - How AI is transforming digital marketing[06:50] - Real-world case study: How AI helped an agency scale[09:00] - Addressing AI skepticism & resistance to change[12:20] - Why AI won’t replace humans, but will reshape jobs[15:45] - The art of AI prompting: How to train AI to match your brand voice[19:30] - How AI is changing the search landscape & Google's stance on AI content[23:15] - The future of AI-powered customer interactions & chatbots[27:40] - The role of AI in email marketing automation[30:55] - Should agencies fear AI or embrace it?[35:10] - AI vs. DeepSeek: Comparing AI platforms for marketers[38:25] - The future of marketing agencies in an AI-dominated worldThis episode is a must-listen for agency owners, marketers, and business leaders looking to integrate AI without losing authenticity. Tune in now and learn how to future-proof your marketing strategy! 🚀SUPPORT AND CONNECT:Website: ⁠https://jayhunt.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial

Travis Stephenson is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold businesses, including a Messenger automation company, and now teaches entrepreneurs how to create scalable digital products. In this episode of Drop The Mic, Travis shares his insights on leveraging AI, building an audience from scratch, and why a business that doesn’t serve your lifestyle isn’t worth running. We dive deep into: The evolution of AI in marketing and business automation How Travis scaled and sold his company The power of email marketing and why newsletters are making a comeback How to create and sell digital products with his Paid Masterclass Method The future of AI-driven entrepreneurship If you're looking to scale your business, leverage AI, and create digital products that actually make an impact, this episode is for you. [00:00] - Introduction: Meet Travis Stephenson[02:30] - From CrossFit gym owner to digital entrepreneur[05:45] - Why Travis sold his Messenger automation company[10:15] - The shift from software CEO to digital product creator[15:30] - How AI is reshaping marketing and business operations[20:45] - The Paid Masterclass Method: How to package and sell knowledge[26:15] - Using AI to automate content creation and marketing[32:30] - The resurgence of newsletters and why big brands want them[38:45] - The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when launching digital products[44:00] - How to turn knowledge into revenue through community-driven learning[50:15] - Future predictions: AI’s impact on business over the next five years[55:00] - Where to connect with Travis and learn more This episode is packed with value for digital marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a scalable, AI-powered business. SUPPORT AND CONNECT: Website: ⁠https://jayhunt.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayhuntofficial