Make Marketing Make Sense

Ashley Dela Cruz is an Operations Manager at W Hotels with years of experience in the hospitality industry. We sat down with Ashley to dive into what it takes to manage both luxury and standard hotel operations, the importance of communication, and how personalized service creates unforgettable guest experiences. From hosting high-profile clients like the Yankees to crafting bespoke cocktail menus, Ashley shares how operational excellence and creativity come together to elevate hospitality. We also explore the intersection of marketing and operations, highlighting how behind-the-scenes magic drives guest satisfaction and brand loyalty. Whether you're in hospitality or looking for inspiration on creating exceptional customer experiences, this conversation is packed with insights and stories that show why Ashley is a leader in her field. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Caegan Moore is an Entertainment & Lifestyle Talk Show Producer, Field Producer, and Creator at WWL-TV. As the Senior Producer of Great Day Louisiana, Caegan brings years of experience in helping brands and entrepreneurs shine on television. We dive into strategies for connecting with audiences through TV, from crafting compelling stories to creating visually engaging segments that resonate with viewers. We also discuss the importance of knowing your brand’s “why,” preparing professional visuals, and tailoring messages to fit different media platforms. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to elevate your marketing game or a business aiming to make an impact on TV, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Melissa Burbank is the founder of Sober Health Club and a marketing powerhouse. We sit down with Melissa to discuss how to build and maintain an engaged audience on social media, even before launching a product. She shares her insights on leveraging the “know, like, trust” cycle, the importance of organic engagement, and her proven strategy for waking up a cold audience. If you're looking to grow your community and make an impact, Melissa’s advice is essential listening. We also dive into her actionable “Hook, Retain, Reward” content framework and explore the three ways to grow an audience: building, buying, and borrowing. From creating valuable content to using collaborations and ads effectively, Melissa provides a roadmap for marketers and business owners who want to create meaningful connections. Don’t miss this packed conversation filled with practical tips to boost your social media game! Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Ayesha Shanel is the creator of the House of Shanel, a private online space dedicated to empowering women to embrace their highest divine feminine energy. She joins us to share her insights on building a brand, monetizing authentically, and creating a lasting impact through aligned strategies. Ayesha's journey from growing her personal practice to developing an evergreen system for her brand is both inspiring and packed with actionable advice. We discuss the importance of authenticity, building a connected community, and skipping outdated methods to focus on direct, meaningful engagement. Ayesha breaks down her process for turning followers into loyal customers, the role of gamification in audience engagement, and how automation can transform a brand. Tune in as we explore how to build a business that aligns with your values and creates lasting success. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Steve Tortorella is the Principal Architect at Studio Latofiume and brings a wealth of knowledge about the world of architecture and entrepreneurship. We dive into the role of an architect in guiding construction projects, ensuring public safety, and overseeing everything from project planning to collaboration with contractors. Steve sheds light on the unique challenges architects face, from managing project teams to creating instruction manuals that bring clients’ visions to life. Our conversation also explores Steve’s journey from corporate architecture to launching his own firm, where he shares practical insights on pricing, client acquisition, and lessons learned along the way. For anyone interested in starting a business or understanding the architecture field, Steve’s advice and perspective are invaluable. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Greer Stewart, Marketing Manager at Renaissance Publishing, joins us to explore the unique advantages of print advertising in today’s digital landscape. We dive into why print ads have a higher recall rate than digital and how publications like New Orleans Magazine, Acadiana Profile, and Louisiana Life continue to thrive. Greer breaks down how tangible, lifestyle-focused magazines provide a memorable, long-lasting experience that resonates with readers in ways digital ads often don’t. We also discuss the innovative ways Renaissance Publishing bridges print and digital worlds, offering local businesses diverse options, from traditional ads to social media campaigns and event sponsorships. If you're a business owner looking to reach New Orleans audiences effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed marketing decisions. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Casey Boshae is the founder of The Gentle Pit, an animal rescue-inspired brand dedicated to creating products that give back. We dive into her journey from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship, learning how she turned a personal passion for animal rescue into a thriving business. Casey shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, finding purpose, and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship while balancing self-discovery and business growth. Casey’s story highlights the power of aligning your business with what you love, doing the groundwork through market research, and focusing on personal development to push through mental barriers. She also discusses the importance of mentors and resources for self-improvement. Join us as we explore how The Gentle Pit continues to make a positive impact, and find out how Casey helps other entrepreneurs navigate the ups and downs of building a brand. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Kristen Dufauchard, CEO and Founder of aKrewe NOLA Consulting, joins us to break down the power of networking. As the leader of an impact-driven marketing agency, Kristen shares practical strategies to overcome networking fears, build genuine connections, and leverage the "ask and offer" approach for mutually beneficial relationships. From icebreaker tips to mindset shifts, Kristen offers advice on how anyone can feel more at ease and confident in networking spaces. Together, we dive into the importance of timely follow-ups, the art of personalizing conversations, and aKrewe’s quarterly events that foster connection, including pitch competitions and fun social activities like "Mingle Bingo." Kristen’s insights on practicing boldness and openness in networking can help you cultivate lasting connections that provide value for the long game. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Laila Bondi is the Executive Director of Global New Orleans, and she joins us to share her unique journey from public health to leading a nonprofit. We dive into her experience transitioning into leadership, the challenges of running a small nonprofit, and the importance of building strong community connections. Laila explains how collaboration and support from other leaders in the nonprofit space have been crucial to her success. We also discuss the power of a strong team, listening as a key leadership skill, and how Global New Orleans fosters international collaboration through professional exchange programs. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on nonprofit leadership and the importance of community-driven impact. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Josh Densen is the CEO of Next Chapter and an expert in leadership development. We dive into the importance of leadership as a skill, how it can be cultivated, and why every member of a team can and should step into leadership roles. Josh also shares insights on the challenges organizations face when promoting employees into leadership positions and how to navigate these transitions effectively. We also explore the role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership, the diversity of leadership styles, and why investing in leadership development can make a huge impact on an organization’s culture and performance. If you're interested in enhancing your leadership skills or understanding how to create better leaders in your business, this conversation is packed with valuable insights. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Alexander Bigbie is the Executive Director of Flyte, an organization dedicated to helping startups and small businesses get off the ground. We dive into essential business topics with Alexander, including financial preparation, managing personal finances, and building a solid foundation before starting a business. He shares practical advice on navigating criticism, overcoming obstacles, and creating a realistic plan for success. We also discuss valuable resources available for entrepreneurs, like mentorship programs, grants, and funding options. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, Alexander’s insights on staying adaptable and patient through the entrepreneurial journey are key takeaways in this conversation. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Lisa LaCour is the Founder and CEO of The Vault Collective, a business strategy and growth firm. We dive into the common mistakes businesses make when marketing their products, like focusing too much on themselves instead of their customers. Lisa shares insights on how to understand customer needs, define your target audience, and position your brand to stand out in crowded, commoditized markets. We also discuss go-to-market strategies, including the importance of creating a minimal viable product (MVP) and developing a clear, concise value proposition. Lisa introduces The Vault Collective’s two-week "Launchpad" program, designed to help businesses create a roadmap for bringing their products to market. If you're looking for practical tips on growing your business and building customer trust, this episode is for you! Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

David T. Baker is a writer and content manager at 504ward, an organization dedicated to supporting young professionals in New Orleans. We sit down with David to discuss the key strategies behind building engaging newsletters and promoting community events that drive real impact. From how 504ward taps into audience feedback to shape content, to the importance of consistency in event marketing, David shares insights into what makes 504ward's approach so effective. We also dive into how to create economic and social value through local events and the best timeline for promoting them. Whether you're looking to grow event attendance or better connect with your audience through newsletters and social media, David’s expertise offers actionable advice for marketers at any stage. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Chase Mattison is the co-founder of Feels, a corporate gifting platform that lets businesses give back through charitable donations instead of traditional material gifts. We sit down with Chase to talk about how Feels is revolutionizing corporate gifting by offering over 1.5 million charities for recipients to choose from. Chase shares how this zero-waste model helps companies create meaningful connections while making a positive impact, all while avoiding the waste of typical corporate gifts. We also dive into Chase’s entrepreneurial journey, from the early days of physical gifting cards to pivoting into the digital space with Feels. He shares valuable insights on the challenges of building a startup, learning from mistakes, and the importance of mentors. If you’re interested in how to bring social impact into your business’s gifting strategy, this episode is a must-listen! Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Melissa Hodgson is the Vice President of Gambel Communications and a strategic communication expert. We dive into the core elements of PR, marketing, and branding, exploring how businesses can use these tools together to achieve their goals. Melissa breaks down the importance of understanding your audience, crafting consistent messaging, and layering communication strategies for maximum impact. We also discuss the differences between PR, branding, and marketing, and how they work in tandem to build trust and recognition. Whether you're just starting your business or looking to improve your communication efforts, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Garick Giroir is a Creative Marketing Manager at OnPath, and he's here to dive into content marketing strategies that truly make a difference. We explore how businesses can develop and implement creative content that engages audiences, solves problems, and stands out in the market. Garick shares his expertise on building content that resonates, from understanding your audience to testing different strategies and knowing when to repurpose content for maximum reach. We also discuss the shift toward video content and why it's essential for capturing attention in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Whether you're a marketer looking to improve your strategy or a business owner trying to figure out where to start, this conversation with Garick is full of valuable insights that will help you level up your content game. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Sean Mulligan is the Program Manager at The Idea Village, and he joins us to dive into the Metronome program, which helps music industry entrepreneurs accelerate their business ideas. We explore how The Idea Village supports early-stage startups by providing mentorship, workshops, and even funding opportunities to drive economic growth in the region. Sean shares what makes the Metronome program unique, who it's for, and some of the success stories, like two DJs who launched an event discovery app. We also talk about what it takes to be accepted into the program and the importance of focusing on solving problems rather than just building solutions. If you're an entrepreneur in the music industry looking to scale your idea, this episode is packed with insights and tips on how to get involved with The Idea Village. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Becky Angle is the founder of Angled Marketing, and she joins us to break down how businesses can use social media to build awareness, drive engagement, and convert followers into customers. We dive into her insights on creating a consistent, high-quality content mix that includes educational posts, brand fun, and sales promotions—highlighting why 3-4 posts a week hit the sweet spot for engagement. Becky also shares her approach to using FOMO-driven content, especially through reels, to get people excited about products and services. We also talk about the power of email marketing and how to funnel leads from social media into targeted email campaigns. Becky gives practical advice on using automation tools like MailChimp and Klaviyo to keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them. If you're looking for actionable tips on turning social media followers into loyal customers, this conversation is for you. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Reyna Rivera is a marketing manager at Mullin, and she’s here to share insights on building a strong brand identity through core values and strategic content creation. We dive into how Reyna uses storytelling and transformation videos to connect with clients, maintaining consistency by following her company's "brand Bible," which includes their mission, vision, and brand colors. We also talk about the challenges and successes Reyna has faced, from expanding into industrial maintenance to enhancing organic SEO through press releases. She also highlights the importance of community, drawing support from her involvement with the American Marketing Association (AMA) to continue growing as a marketer. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/

Charique Richardson, founder of Digital Innovation Media Group, joins host Josh Owen to dive deep into how AI is transforming social media marketing. We explore the latest advancements in AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, discussing how they can simplify content creation, streamline analytics, and enhance social media strategy. Charique shares practical tips on personalizing content while avoiding over-reliance on AI, emphasizing that technology should assist rather than replace human creativity and decision-making. We also get into actionable advice for business owners looking to implement AI into their marketing efforts, from selecting the right tools to customizing them for better results. Plus, Charique offers insight into her work teaching AI in business and the importance of balancing automation with authenticity. Our show's host, Josh Owen, is the co-founder of Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video marketing company. With a solid foundation of over 5 years in guiding brands toward leveraging video content for business growth, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons in video marketing, and he continues to adapt and learn as the world evolves. Follow Comfy Stone Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/ Website: https://www.comfystone.com/