From Startup to Wunderbrand

In this episode, we dive into the real digital divide — not just access to tools, but the confidence and capacity to use them. Roberto and Nicholas go deep on how small businesses, particularly in marginalised communities, can close the AI gap, scale their operations, and build generational wealth.Expect sharp commentary on:Why Roberto left government for entrepreneurshipHow tools like ChatGPT are levelling the playing fieldThe gritty truth about “full service” agencies in a fragmented worldWhether AI is taking jobs or creating themWhy listen?If you're building a business on the frontlines — without the luxury of Silicon Valley funding — this conversation is your blueprint. Real talk. Real strategy. Real impact.Call to Action:Edit your podcasts like a pro: https://get.descript.com/mrzy10nwivuqJoin me as a guest or start your podcast journey: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhneRoberto’s Projects:https://bravenagency.comhttps://smrts.coEmail: robert@bravenagency.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-martinez-360⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics:00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Getting confused with a reality TV star 03:00 – Why Roberto walked away from government 05:00 – From grief to grit: the personal story behind Braven Agency 07:00 – Small business vs unicorn startup mindsets 09:30 – Lifestyle businesses vs visionary growth 13:00 – Why build a full-service agency in 2025? 15:30 – AI workflows, operational savings, and global talent 18:30 – The digital divide isn't about access – it's about application 21:00 – Real-world AI example: logo design from 20 hours to 5 24:00 – How AI is creating jobs in small business (surprise!) 26:30 – Roberto’s open invitation to collaborate Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

She didn’t start out in writing. With roots in computer science and a pivot into business, Sarah discovered copywriting as the perfect blend of creativity and commerce. From $10 blog posts on Fiverr to hundreds of completed gigs, she's built a sustainable brand through consistency, experimentation, and serious craft.In this episode, we get into:What copywriting really is (and isn’t)How AI is helping (not replacing) real writersThe “Fiverr-as-practice” mentalityManaging content across TikTok, Instagram, Reddit and moreThe power of repurposing and storytelling across platformsEmail, Substack, and why she’s jumping on podcastsWhether you’re a marketer, solopreneur, or just trying to make sense of your content strategy, this episode offers a sharp take on how to survive (and thrive) in today’s attention economy.🔗 Edit your podcasts like a pro:https://get.descript.com/mrzy10nwivuq🎙️ Join me as a guest or start your podcast journey:https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhne🎯 Sarah Ashley’s Tools & Links:Services & Freebies: https://portalcopyco.comSocial: @portalcopyco00:00 – Introducing Sarah Ashley01:30 – What copywriting actually is03:00 – Her unexpected path from computer science to copy05:00 – Fiverr, classical music and building the craft07:00 – AI tools and how copywriters can stay relevant08:30 – Using Reddit, TikTok, and Snapchat as a creative10:30 – Multi-platform content strategy breakdown12:30 – Platform purpose: TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Reddit14:00 – Repurposing one blog into 6 pieces of content15:00 – Making email sexy again (sort of)16:00 – On Substack, podcasting, and finding new audiences18:00 – Who Sarah loves working with: practical dreamers Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we get into his data-backed findings on how men and women use time differently at work, why only 20% of your time is actually spent on your highest priorities (ouch), and how organisations are quietly burning out their teams without even realising it.We talk practical fixes, bad email habits, smarter meetings, and how measuring what matters can transform your team’s output. Oh, and we get poetic too — literally. Mark shares his quirky (and surprisingly powerful) book The Poetic Path to Getting More Done and even drops a goal-setting rhyme that’s better than your last TED Talk.If you’re a founder, manager, or just someone whose to-do list is longer than your week — this one’s for you.🛠️ Mark Ellwood’s Tools & Resources🔗 Website: https://getmoredone.com📖 Book: The Poetic Path to Getting More Done💡 Time tracking device: The TimeCorder00:00 Introduction: Meet Mark Elwood, Productivity Expert01:16 The Research: Women vs Men in Time Management02:17 The Power of Data-Driven Insights05:21 The 20% Problem: Time Spent on Top Priorities08:06 Common Mistakes in Corporate Time Management10:09 Training Managers: Essential Skills Under the Time Management Umbrella13:09 Meeting Management: Everyone's Responsibility13:44 Work Patterns: Short Bursts vs Long Duration15:24 Measuring What Matters: Tracking Time Effectively16:59 The Time Quarter Device: Anonymous and Effective18:56 The Poetic Path: Time Management Through Poetry19:43 SMART Goals in Verse23:21 Make Me A Poem: Interactive Poetry Creation25:41 Closing: Where to Find Mark and His Resources Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Rachel and Nicholas get real about what actually makes good marketing. From managing a “robot intern” (aka ChatGPT) to decoding what “engagement” really means, this episode strips away the fluff and gets to the guts of marketing strategy. You'll learn why “visionary” is a dangerous word, how tone of voice builds brand trust, and what metrics really matter (hint: it’s not likes).Whether you're a startup founder staring at your cringey website or a brand looking to scale without sounding like a brochure, Rachel’s practical wisdom and deadpan humour will get you unstuck fast.Website: https://boltfromthebluecopywriting.comEmail: hello@boltfromthebluecopywriting.com Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest: Dr. Christiane Schroeter – TEDx speaker, university professor, wellness coach, and author of the Petite Practice Method.Background: Christiane grew up in Germany, earned her PhD in the US, and now juggles being a successful academic, podcaster, author, and mum — all without burning out. She’s the real deal when it comes to high-achiever life… minus the breakdown.What this episode is about:Why do so many high achievers still feel stuck? What happens when you do everything "right" — and success still doesn’t show up the way you expected? In this conversation, we dig into the mindset traps, comparison loops, and resilience hacks that define (or destroy) high performers. Plus, how to use The Petite Practice Method to build momentum from small actions.Why listen?If you’ve ever chased a goal, faced rejection, or wondered “what’s next?” after hitting a big milestone — this one’s for you. Christiane shares real stories (including her TEDx journey), failures, and mental rewiring tools that every high achiever needs in their toolkit.“You just haven't found the right gallery for your art.”– Dr. Christiane Schroeter Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Through his proprietary “Blueprinting” methodology, Ian transforms vague business direction into clarity that drives real growth.In this episode, we unpack why most businesses don’t actually know what business they’re in — and how that confusion leaks into staff turnover, customer churn, and inconsistent growth. Ian shares how his seven-word purpose statements aren’t branding fluff — they’re powerful decision-making tools that guide strategy, hiring, marketing and even mergers.You’ll hear how a retail shelving company landed an $800K Best Buy deal simply by reframing what they do in two words. If you’re running a business, building a brand, or stuck in confusion — this one’s your wake-up call. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why listen: If you’re still “spray and pray” on Meta or Google, this is your crash course in fishing where the fish are—down to the car-lot, the competitor’s showroom, or the exact conference hall. Concrete tactics, real numbers, zero fluff.Guest links & product:GetGeofencing (location-based ads): getgeofencing.com.Timestamps & key topics00:00 – Navy crypt tech to geofencing pro: meet Chris Seminatore.01:00 – Moustache chat & the “Viking” beard energy.02:00 – Digital nomad life: Puerto Vallarta ↔ Los Angeles and running a seven-figure shop.03:00 – What geofencing really is (digital perimeter → device IDs → programmatic ads).04:00 – Bidding in ~100 ms and why competitor geofencing works.05:00 – Actual pricing: ~$850/100k display impressions; ~$1,600/100k video impressions.06:00 – Use cases: restaurants, real estate, attorneys, car dealers, plasma centres, gov-tech, trade shows.07:00 – From Gulf War tech to modern ads; US legality only ~10 years old.08:00 – Politics: target only the voters in-district and stop wasting spend.09:00 – OTT/CTV explained; addressable TV and granular reporting.10:30 – Why geofencing is still a niche (and a competitive advantage).11:30 – “Seven touches”: adding location to your channel mix.12:00 – Knowing your customer: the car-lot example and real buying intent.13:00 – Privacy, data, and what “relevant ads” actually means.14:00 – Global campaigns and geofencing WEF in Davos.15:00 – Military lessons for agency life: discipline, reverse-engineering goals, radical transparency.17:00 – Patton, problem-solving, and letting teams innovate.18:00 – Connect with Chris: getgeofencing.com. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode, we go deep into Mitchell’s journey from rock bottom — addiction, depression, debt, and divorce — to becoming a global top 1% podcaster and six-figure executive coach helping high-performing dads thrive at work and at home. If you’re a father, husband, or just someone who’s ever felt pulled between ambition and family, this one’s for you.We unpack how to live a life “worthy of imitation”, what resentment means in relationships, how autopilot is sabotaging your dreams, and why your legacy might not be what you think it is.👉 Don’t miss Mitchell’s free resource “The Connection Code” — 50 powerful questions to reignite emotional intimacy with your partner.Edit your podcasts like a pro:https://get.descript.com/mrzy10nwivuqJoin me as a guest or start your podcast journey:https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhne🔗 Guest Links:Free Gift – The Connection Code: https://dadnationcode.com/codePodcast: Dad NationInstagram: @mitchellosmondWebsite: dadnation.co00:00 – Introduction & Nicholas turns 4501:20 – Mitchell’s story: addiction, debt, divorce04:55 – The funeral moment that changed everything06:45 – Who Dad Nation is really for (hint: not just rock-bottom dads)07:45 – Autopilot, belief systems & the drift of life09:15 – Legacy, goals, and not being Churchill11:00 – The “gap vs gain” mindset trap13:15 – How to define your own version of success15:40 – Balancing ambition vs family without regret17:50 – The “automatic yes” filter20:15 – How resentment sneaks into relationships21:00 – Write your own eulogy (yes, really)22:45 – The 3-year life vision exercise24:15 – The power of visualisation & psycho-cybernetics25:00 – Mitchell’s free offer: The Connection Code Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From scripting space villains for Bruce Campbell to brand therapy for spiritual entrepreneurs, Hersh Rephun has had a wildly unconventional journey. In this punchy and thoughtful episode, Nicholas Kuhne sits down with the “holistic brand therapist” to explore how comedy, personal trauma, and truth-telling fuel the most powerful personal brands.If you're a founder, creative, or consultant who wants to be taken seriously without selling your soul, this episode hits hard in all the right ways. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mariana has filmed for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and spent five years as a senior producer at NBC. Today, she helps entrepreneurs build trust faster and accelerate sales with emotion-driven "brand videos" – not “branded” ads, but authentic stories that connect.We dive into her journey from global documentaries to digital marketing, the difference between passion and overcome stories, and why a single brand video is a "forever asset" that transforms cold audiences into believers. Mariana also shares her framework for storytelling that moves people, plus affordable ways founders can start today.If you want to pass the “instant trust test” and stop blending in, this episode is your guide.Find Mariana here:Website: https://brandmagnetic.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/brandmagneticCheat Sheet: https://brandmagnetic.com/cheatsheetPodcast: Empire Secrets of Digital Marketing⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Meet Mariana Henninger: Emmy winner & brand video strategist01:00 – From documentaries to entrepreneurship: the leap from NBC03:00 – Why personal storytelling beats features & funnels05:00 – The right (and wrong) reasons to start a business09:00 – Brand videos vs documentaries: finding your angle11:00 – Everyone has a story: passion vs overcome frameworks15:00 – Why brand videos aren’t ads (and how they build trust)16:30 – Where a brand video fits in the customer journey18:30 – 30 ways to use your brand video across platforms19:30 – The Brand Video Accelerator & resources for beginners21:00 – Empire Secrets podcast & final thoughts Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Nicholas talks with PR strategist and Forbes thought leader Liana Zavo about building trust through third‑party validation, the role of video in modern PR, why press releases aren’t a PR strategy, and how to repurpose earned media into months of content. We also cover her 21‑Day Personal Branding Challenge and Media Bootcamp.Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:00 Liana’s origin story 04:05 Going global & U.S. credibility 05:20 PR vs ads for trust 09:00 Social + AI changed PR 11:00 Press releases vs PR 13:10 The “Pink Book” 15:00 Practicing what you preach 16:30 21‑Day Challenge & BootcampFind out more rom Liana:https://zavomediapr.com/ Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robin Waite is the go-to coach for freelancers and service pros ready to ditch burnout and start scaling smarter. Founder of Fearless Business, Robin has coached over 1,000 clients globally from his base in Gloucestershire, UK. With clients in 26+ countries and appearances for brands like Google and Microsoft, he's all about pricing smart, positioning right, and getting paid what you're worth. Oh, and he's also a Guinness World Record holder and an ocean-cleaning charity partner.What’s in this episode?This one’s for the freelancers and founders who feel like they’re screaming into the void of social media. Robin breaks down "why shouting “Buy my stuff!” on every platform doesn’t work" – and what actually does. We dive into his fearless framework from the book Take Your Shot, including how to stop undercharging, get laser-focused on your niche, and take your business from frantic to flourishing.Nicholas and Robin go deep into:Why niching isn’t boring – it’s profitable.The 3-part framework for finding and reaching the right audience.Why hourly pricing is broken (and kind of unethical).And the surprising connection between identity and consistent lead flow.You’ll walk away with:Real, practical strategies to simplify your marketing, raise your prices with confidence, and stop wasting time on strategies that don’t convert.🎯 Whether you're new to business or stuck in the feast-and-famine trap, this episode gives you the mindset and tactics to finally grow on your terms.🎧 Listen, learn, and stop leaving money on the table.Robin Waite’s links:📕 Take Your Shot – Get a signed copy: https://fearless.biz/tys🌍 Website: https://fearless.biz🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobinWaite📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinmwaite/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinwaite/⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & TOPICS00:00 – Introduction to Robin Waite and Fearless Business02:15 – Is it possible to coach globally from a small UK village?03:45 – The 3 market shifts that changed online business forever05:30 – Why most people are doing content marketing wrong06:30 – The real reason your marketing isn't working07:00 – Demographics, psychographics, and identity: a niche deep dive10:45 – How Robin built a brand around fearlessness12:15 – Why most “marketing experts” miss the point13:45 – Why your audience needs you to lead them15:20 – Frank Kern and the missing link in small business16:30 – Breaking down value-based pricing vs. hourly rates20:00 – Real-world website pricing examples that prove the point24:10 – Why niching isn't boring (and how to find joy in mastery)25:30 – Applying pricing models to service businesses (like dog grooming)28:00 – Why you need to know your numbers (and most people don’t)29:00 – Where to get Robin’s book and connect Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Marta breaks down how to build a personal brand before trying to sell one, the future of experience design, and why premium brands need to rethink loyalty and engagement. From luxury hotels to Gen Z expectations, this is a masterclass in innovation at the edge.💥 Whether you're a founder, strategist, or someone who simply wants to make work that matters — this one’s for you.🔗 Marta's links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-czaja-mc0502/⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction and Marta’s global background02:00 – Building your personal brand in innovation04:50 – Why lived experience matters more than just theory07:00 – Experience design vs customer journey09:15 – Innovating within premium and luxury brands12:40 – How to pitch bold ideas to traditional leadership14:10 – A dream client Marta would love to help16:00 – Missed opportunities in hotel loyalty and storytelling18:00 – The value of an art school mindset in strategy21:00 – Creativity, AI, and the future of ideas22:00 – Where to find Marta online Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With over 3,000 meetings booked across 30+ startups, Justin shares how he rebuilt his business from scratch without the safety net of a big brand. From inbox deliverability secrets to building scalable cold email systems using AI, he gives tactical advice that can generate results—even if you’re a solo founder.In this episode, we dive into his entrepreneurial journey, uncover common cold email mistakes, and explore the future of email marketing in an AI-powered world. Whether you’re getting started or struggling with delivery rates, this is your cold outreach playbook. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we rip into:How client pleasers accidentally kill profitWhat “authority” really means (hint: it's not shouting louder)How agency folk can stop grinding their teeth and start setting real boundariesIf you’re tired of over-servicing, getting walked over, or wondering why you’re broke despite being busy — this one’s for you.🎯 Core takeaway: Stop people pleasing. Start challenging. Become indispensable.👉 Includes: Chris’ free Authority Gap Assessment, stories from his coaching trenches, and a dead-practical framework for scoping conversations (I3 model).🎧 Listen if you want to:Stop being your client’s emotional support humanTrain your team to say no (without the drama)Charge what you're worth — and keep your sanity🎁 Call to Action:Edit your podcasts like a pro:https://get.descript.com/mrzy10nwivuqJoin me as a guest or start your podcast journey:https://www.joinpodmatch.com/nickkuhne🔗 Chris Marr’s Resources:Book: Become an Authoritative CoachWebsite: https://theauthoritativecoach.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchrisMarrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthoritativecoach00:00 – The tongue-twister intro & unrealistic client expectations01:28 – Why saying “yes” ruins teams02:19 – Chris' journey from agency work to coaching04:53 – Writing the book: why it had to happen07:38 – How to spot hidden people-pleasing11:00 – What it costs you: retention, profit, burnout14:48 – The yes-man death spiral18:28 – Chris’ 4-part coaching system20:04 – The I3 Model: Issue, Impact, Importance23:42 – Why client briefs should be rewritten by YOU24:41 – Where to find Chris & take the free Authority Gap assessment Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.